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Christmas Don’ts
On December 25, 2024 by Elyse♪ You better watch out,You better not cry,Better not pout,I’m telling you why:History is coming to town. ♪ These days, it’s not hard to make Santa’s “nice list,” especially with a spy, er, elf always looking over your shoulder. But in centuries past, the holiday season could bring worse fates than coal in your stocking.
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Clip of the Week: December 11, 2024
On December 11, 2024 by ElyseIs this bad customer service or the customer from hell? You decide: A traveller in the Lake district who found himself stranded owing to a mishap at 5.45 one morning went to an hotel and rang the bell. No one opened the door, and, though he rang again and again, he was unable to gain
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Everything You Never Wanted to Know about Ghosts
On October 30, 2024 by Elyse‘Tis the season for ghost stories, out-of-work spirits and erm, haunted gates. But what do we really know about ghosts, other than they’re friendly, can be trapped in glorified vacuum cleaners and occasionally dance with their still-living partners? Ghosts like their pints as much as the rest of us. All ghosts, according to the [Encyclopedia
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Clip of the Week: December 28, 2022
On December 28, 2022 by ElyseFirst, they banned dancing (multiple times). Then, they banned alcohol and hat ticklers. Now, not even kissing is allowed?!? It is an annual custom to hold a “social” on Boxing Night. This year the new minister, the Rev. Moffatt Gautrey, decided that the kissing game which had formerly been allowed at the social should not
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Clip of the Week: October 19, 2022
On October 19, 2022 by ElyseA duel for the ages: Armed with only a bicycle and an umbrella, two arrogant politicians face off. Who will win? It seems that cycling has become very popular with some of our younger legislators, and certain of them have got into the habit of coming down to the House [of Commons] on their machines
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Clip of the Week: September 21, 2022
On September 21, 2022 by ElyseKevin Bacon—er, Ren McCormack—might have a thing or two to say about this: No new dances will be introduced during 1931, according to the decision of the dance hall managers’ official board of control of ballroom dancing, London. Santos Casani, a leading manager has announced that he is concentrating on popularizing the waltz tango, and
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Clip of the Week: June 1, 2022
On June 1, 2022 by ElyseProduct placement doesn’t get any better than this: The following incident took place recently in the Parish Church of a well-known Lancashire town, where a mother had taken her baby to be christened. “What name do you select [for] your child,” asked the Vicar. “Venos,” was the answer. “Venus! But this is not a suitable
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5 Times Love Didn’t Conquer All
On February 16, 2022 by ElyseHere at Second Glance History, it’s tradition at this time of year to share stories of love overcoming insurmountable obstacles, again and again. But in the immortal words of Patty Smyth and Don Henley, sometimes, love just ain’t enough. I’m not alone in having learned that the hard way. Patty and Don may not have
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The Importance of Being Clothed
On October 13, 2021 by ElyseWhile it’s important to be earnest, we all know what happened when the emperor ordered new clothes. Priorities, people. On a scale of embarrassment, getting caught with your pants down is right up there with failing gym class, wearing a hat in Parliament and getting your hair stuck in flypaper. What’s even worse, however, is