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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
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Clip of the Week: September 22, 2021
On September 22, 2021 by ElyseAn amusing incident, in which Viscount Peel, the ex-Speaker, was the principal figure, took place the other afternoon in the part of the [House of Commons] which is specially reserved for visitors from another place. His Lordship forgetting for the moment that he was anything more than a distinguished stranger, was observed by the horror-stricken
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Clip of the Week: June 30, 2021
On June 30, 2021 by ElyseAt Willingdon, near Eastbourne, an inquest was held on the body of Edwin Mockett, who died suddenly after eating three cooked mussels. The medical evidence showed that irritant poisoning followed the eating, and a verdict of death from misadventure through mussel eating was returned. – The Western Mail, April 14, 1891 Some coroner’s career peaked
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Clip of the Week: June 2, 2021
On June 2, 2021 by ElyseA letter addressed in a peculiar manner has been correctly delivered by the Chesham postal officials. It was sent, without name, to a draper, and in addition to the words “Chesham, Bucks,” there was a sketched plan, with the words, “Narrow alley, with old houses, leading up steps, over railway, and to hill where view
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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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A Narrow Escape
On December 9, 2020 by ElyseDespite being a healthy, privileged resident of a highly industrialized nation, I’ve had a few close calls. I nearly strangled myself at birth with the umbilical cord—I’m still sorry about that, Mom. And then there was that time a glass coffee table spontaneously shattered a foot away from me. (It’s a thing.) Plus, who can
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5 Alternative Uses for Your Thanksgiving Turkey
On November 25, 2020 by ElyseSure, turkey tastes delicious when it’s sitting on your Thanksgiving plate or Zoom screen, doused in cranberry sauce—or cantaloupe, if you’re 10-year-old me. (I know, I was a weird child.) However, this holiday staple is good for so much more than a food coma and a week of leftovers. If 2020 hasn’t been strange enough
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Coming Soon to a Theater Near You: The Many Lives of Phoebe Hessel
On June 17, 2020 by ElyseSome lives were made for the silver screen. Phoebe Hessel (née Smith) is one of them. Spoiler alert: Her adventures as a British soldier in the 18th century took her to the West Indies and battlefields across Europe. However, her story doesn’t end there. After incomprehensible tragedy as a wife and mother, she went from