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The Underwear Thief
On May 12, 2021 by ElyseIn 1921, somebody took Second Glance History’s guide to pickpocketing a little too far: For several months past, the city of Baltimore, Md., has been the “vantage point”, from which a dangerous and desperate hotel crook and accomplished thief has operated in several of the leading hotels. . . At these various hotels, the man
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How to Get Vaccinated
On April 28, 2021 by ElyseBy the time you read this, I expect to be shivering under a pile of blankets and sipping chicken noodle soup with a fever, chills, aches and a sore arm to boot. Happy Second Bill Gates’ Microchip Installation Day to me! I intend to celebrate in two weeks by running around and licking every doorknob
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On This Day
On April 14, 2021 by ElyseDog detectives. Petrified preachers. Horrid husbands. Bashful brides. No, this is not my sad attempt at transitioning from blogging to poetry. Rather, these were the headlines on the April 14ths of years gone by. I don’t know about you, but I could use a break from today’s pandemics and politics. Scroll down to catch up
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Easter Eggnog and Passover Potables
On March 31, 2021 by ElyseNew holidays, new opportunities to revive the wholesome traditions of yesteryear. . . or count our lucky stars we’re celebrating on Zoom this year: This is an Easter reminiscence: A downtown family, wishing to celebrate the day by appropriate libations of eggnog, sat about preparing a large bowl of that seductive beverage, from time immemorial
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The Hapsburg Anastasia, Part 3
On March 17, 2021 by ElyseSpoiler alert: Don’t ruin the ending! Read Part 1 and Part 2 first. Read in your best announcer voice: Last time on “The Hapsburg Anastasia,” Alma eloped with 22-year-old Yale University student and coal-and-steel heir Donald Andrews. Buoyed by love and presumably, lots of money, they fled to London to escape his disapproving parents. If
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The Hapsburg Anastasia, Part 2
On March 3, 2021 by ElyseWelcome! If you haven’t yet read Part 1, please don’t spoil the story for yourself—start there! When we last left our heroine, Alma Vetsera had failed to break her boyfriend out of an asylum, but at least she’d kicked her first husband to the curb. Alma made the most out of her newfound freedom—it helped
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The Hapsburg Anastasia, Part 1
On February 17, 2021 by ElyseRemember Second Glance History’s friend Crown Prince Rudolf, heir apparent to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire? Conspiracy theorists claim that despite what the history books say, the Hapsburg prince didn’t die on January 30, 1889 in a murder-suicide with Baroness Mary Vetsera, his 17-year-old mistress. In fact, they say he left that hunting lodge
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5 More Times Love Conquered All
On February 3, 2021 by ElyseWho doesn’t love a good love story at this time of year? If you couldn’t get enough of last year’s unpronounceable surnames and coffin-themed pickup lines, you’re in luck. As an early Valentine’s Day present, Second Glance History is bringing you a new assortment of chocolates, er, stories with unexpected fillings. Whether you’re googly-eyed over
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Beginner’s Guide to Pickpocketing
On January 20, 2021 by ElyseFrom breaking your lease and traveling for free to becoming a juvenile delinquent, Second Glance History is all about helping you use history to make good life choices. Today, I’m pleased to present yet another guide to antisocial behavior: Pickpocketing 101. Pencils out—but best keep your wallets hidden away. Wear a fashionable hat. On arriving