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5 Things You Didn't Know About Edgar Allan Poe

You’ve read Edgar Allan Poe’s terrifying stories. You can quote “The Raven.” How well do you know the writer’s quirky sense of humor and code-cracking abilities, though? Let’s take a look at five things you might not know about the acclaimed author, who was born 202 years ago today. 1. He Was the Original Balloon... READ ON

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill had one of the most immediately recognizable faces of the 20th century, and you probably know all about his triumphs as a statesman and orator. Let’s take a look at five things you may not know about him, including how his mom tried to bribe him to give up smoking. 1. He May Have Masterminded a UFO... READ ON

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Nolan Bushnell

His name may not ring any bells, but if you were born after 1970, chances are Nolan Bushnell had a hand in shaping your childhood. Let’s take a look at five things you might not know about this inventive... READ ON

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Maya Lin

Sculptor and architect Maya Lin is best known for her design of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Washington, D.C., but modern viewers may not know about her rise to prominence and the subsequent controversy. Let’s take a look at five interesting facts about the architect from Athens,... READ ON

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Henry Kissinger

© Bettmann/CORBIS You probably know Henry Kissinger as a Nobel Peace Prize winner and former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State. Let’s take a look at five things you might not know about the German-born political scientist and diplomat (pictured above with Pele in the Giants Stadium locker room before a New York Cosmos game in 1977). 1. Mao Tried to Give Him a Lot of Ladies In 1973 Kissinger was engaged in a discussion of trade with Mao Zedong when the chairman abruptly changed... READ ON

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Dave Brubeck

Legendary jazz musician Dave Brubeck may be approaching his 90th birthday, but he still occasionally sits down at his piano for a crowd. Let's take a look at five things you might not know about the Kennedy Center Honoree, jazz standards composer, and leader of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Image credit: Katie Falkenberg/The Washington Times 1. His College Degree Came With a Catch Brubeck enrolled at what's now University of the Pacific in 1938 with plans to study veterinary medicine. He eventually... READ ON

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Cher

Cher's done a little bit of everything. She's blown up the pop charts, hosted a hit variety show, and even won an Oscar. Let's take a look at five things you might not know about the woman who was born Cherilyn Sarkisian. 1. She Sang on More Famous Songs Than You Think Before she struck out as a solo artist and worked with Sonny Bono, both Sonny and Cher worked for Phil Spector. Bono later described his job as "a general flunky for Phillip." Both also sang backup vocals when Spector needed session... READ ON

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5 Things You Didn't Know About John Tyler

You know that John Tyler took over the presidency when William Henry Harrison died in 1841, but what else do you know about "Tyler Too"? Here are five things about our tenth president you might find interesting. 1. He Set Up Presidential Succession as We Know... READ ON

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Glenn "Pop" Warner

Football teams around the country are furiously training for the upcoming season, so this week let's take a look at five things you may not know about the man whose name has been synonymous with pigskin action for generations of boys, Glenn Scobey "Pop" Warner. 1. He Was Originally a... READ ON

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Ian Fleming

Ian Fleming is best known for his terrific series of twelve novels and two short story collections detailing the adventures of British spy James Bond, and he also wrote the children's classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Let's take a look at five things you might not know about the author. 1. He Had a Lot in Common with... READ ON