Yuan Longping Developed The Rice That Fed Millions
Yuan Longping, born today in 1930, was known as the Father of Hybrid Rice, and his work saved countless people from famine and starvation. Here's more of his story.
The Popsicle Was Invented By An 11 Year Old Who Forgot To Clean Up After Himself
It's National Cherry Popsicle Day, so obviously, we have to tell the story of the popsicle, and Frank Epperson, the 11 year old you invented it.
How A Statue In Lucille Ball’s Honor Became Known As “Scary Lucy”
Today in 2016, Celeron, New York unveiled and dedicated a statue of its most famous resident, TV legend Lucille Ball. It took the place of a different statue from 2009 that had been nicknamed "Scary Lucy."
Agnes B. Marshall, The First “Queen” Of Ice Cream
It's National Ice Cream Day, so it's a good day to tell the story of Agnes B. Marshall. The "Queen of Ices" helped make this frozen treat the icon that it is today.
Benny Benson, The 13 Year Old Who Designed Alaska’s Flag
Today in 1929, the then-territory of Alaska flew its flag for the first time. That flag, which is still used today, was designed by a 13 year old of Aleutian descent, Benny Benson.
How Sliced Bread Became The Greatest Thing Since Itself
Today in 1928, the Chillicothe Baking Company in Missouri began publicly selling something new: bread that had been sliced by a multi-bladed machine, and the world gained a new way to measure greatness.
Pretzels Have Been Twisting Their Way Into Our Hearts For Over A Millennium
It's National Pretzel Day, so of course we're going to take a deep dive into the history of this near-perfect snack.
A “Mammoth Loaf” Once Turned The U.S. Senate Chamber Into A Big Bread Box
Today in 1804, the US Senate held a party featuring something called the “Mammoth Loaf.” To explain, we have to first tell you about Thomas Jefferson, an enormous block of cheese and an archeology project. Plus: a very cold town in Siberia has some very cool music, thanks to spring ice drums.
How The Cheese Curl Was Invented (Partly By Accident)
It was today in 1932 that the makers of the cheese curl (or one of them, there are several origin stories) applied for a patent for their creation. Only their creation was supposed to be something entirely different.
What Kool-Aid Was Like Before Kool-Aid Man Started Busting Through Walls
Today is the birthday of Edwin Perkins, who invented a sweet drink known the world over as Kool-Aid. It's the only drink with a mascot that can smash through walls and shout "OH YEAH!"