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Insights in Iceland
On August 9, 2023 by ElyseAnother Wednesday, another post coming to you from a random corner of the world. You could be forgiven for thinking Second Glance History has turned into a travel blog. I promise we’ll resume our regularly scheduled programming of poison-detecting guinea pigs and singing dogs soon. But for today, join me in discovering how much more there
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Clip of the Week: July 12, 2023
On July 12, 2023 by ElyseForget hats, sunglasses and knee watches—the summer accessory you didn’t know you need is a poison-detecting guinea pig carrying case: Travellers through America are advised to carry guinea pigs with them to test the quality of any liquor offered them. The animal should be allowed to lap up a few drops of the fluid and
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Clip of the Week: November 30, 2022
On November 30, 2022 by ElyseWhat do you drink when it’s too cold for sangria but too early in the year to break out the eggnog? Vegetables not only contain stimulants but are capable of producing an intoxicating influence on those who depend on them exclusively for food, according to an investigator. He cites a case in which some young
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Eggnog Eggcess
On April 13, 2022 by ElyseAh, the sweet signs of spring: birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and eggnog consumption is soaring. As we learned last year, with this boozy beverage in hand, your Easter celebrations can be just as merry as your Christmas festivities. Sadly, no matter what time of year you indulge, there’s always somebody out there trying
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The Good Samaritan
On January 5, 2022 by ElyseHere at Second Glance History, I’m starting the year off with a celebration of strangers who help those in need—most especially an angelic lady named Ali, who was in the right place at the right time to rescue a certain silly blogger who got in over her head in the Pacific Ocean last month. As
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Madame Palatine’s Burn Book, Part 2
On September 15, 2021 by ElyseBonjour! If you haven’t yet read Part 1, start there for the full scoop on Liselotte and her clique. Last time, we patiently listened, er, read as Madame Palatine, aka Liselotte, vented in her 18th-century correspondence about her daddy issues, disobedient son and cringeworthy views on women in power. With all those grudges, how did
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Elephants Gone Wild, Part 1
On June 23, 2021 by ElyseYou may have heard of—or even be having—a hot vax summer, but what about a hot trunk summer? In the summer of ’69, er, 1904, one elephant cut loose and shook his booty off the coast of Coney Island. His hijinks aren’t available on pay-per-view, but we have the next best thing: detailed newspaper accounts.
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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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New Christmas Traditions
On December 23, 2020 by ElyseFrom alternative Fourth of July plans to innovative uses for your Thanksgiving leftovers, Second Glance History has made a habit of looking backwards for holiday inspiration. As this very strange year comes to an end—not a moment too soon—my gift to you is suggestions for celebrating Christmas, too. Whether you want to try out some