During U.S. Prohibition (1920–1933), the tiny French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, near Newfoundland, became a major smuggling hub. Their “wet” status as French territories allowed them to legally import alcohol, which was then smuggled to the U.S. via rumrunners.

On January 23, 1968, North Korea captured the USS Pueblo, a lightly armed U.S. Navy intelligence vessel, patrolling international waters near the Korean Peninsula. The ship and its 83-member crew, caught by surprise, had minimal defenses. One sailor was killed in the attack, and the remaining crew was taken prisoner.

Crinkle crankle walls, also known as serpentine walls, are distinctive wavy brick walls found in England, particularly in Suffolk. These walls feature alternating curves, creating a visually striking and efficient design.

In late July 1985, the New Orleans Recreation Department hosted a party at one of its pools to celebrate a successful summer without any drowning incidents. Approximately 200 people attended, over half of whom were certified lifeguards. Four lifeguards were on duty during the event.

In the 1920s, Radithor was marketed as a health tonic by William J. A. Bailey, a Harvard dropout. The drink contained radium dissolved in water and was claimed to cure ailments like arthritis, impotence, and fatigue. It was advertised as a rejuvenating elixir.

Born in Liège in 1579, Helena Antonia began growing facial hair at the age of nine, likely due to hirsutism. At a loss for what to do, her parents gave her to Ernest of Bavaria, Prince-Bishop of Liège, who later sent her to the Austrian court of Charles II.

During World War II, concerns about chemical attacks prompted the U.S. to design gas masks for civilians. Among them was a gas mask designed for children, featuring the face of Mickey Mouse to make the device less frightening and more appealing.

Vine was founded in June 2012 by Dom Hofmann, Rus Yusupov, and Colin Kroll. Acquired by Twitter for $30 million, it launched its app in January 2013. The platform allowed users to share 6-second looping videos, revolutionizing short-form content creation.

Frank Anson Richards, born February 20, 1887, in Minneapolis, Kansas, turned his remarkable pain tolerance into a unique vaudeville career. A World War I veteran, Richards became famous for his ability to endure incredible blows to his abdomen.

On February 25, 1942, Los Angeles awoke to sirens and anti-aircraft fire as radar detected an unidentified object heading toward the city. Anti-aircraft batteries fired over 1,400 rounds, creating a spectacular display of tracer bullets. Residents braced for an air attack.