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Clip of the Week: November 16, 2022
On November 16, 2022 by ElyseIf you live in a country that celebrated Veterans/Armistice/Remembrance Day last week, it’s time for a pop quiz: What is the most appropriate way to commemorate the end of one of the deadliest conflicts in human history? I can see you looking at your neighbor’s paper—no cheating! When you’ve circled your answer, read on to
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Brussels Bonanza
On April 27, 2022 by ElyseDear readers, I have good news or bad news, depending on whether you read this blog for entertainment or out of obligation: Second Glance History is going on a semi-hiatus. Life has taken a surprising turn, and I was unexpectedly offered a position abroad. Can you guess where? Jumping through bureaucratic hoops and moving across
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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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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
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The Spy Who Came in from the Sea
On August 26, 2020 by Elyse[In 1892,] a young girl singer of bewitching beauty, destined to worldwide fame thereafter, made her debut at the Costanzi Opera House in Rome in “The Huguenots.” She was “billed” alongside the celebrated tenor, Marconi. Her name was Elena Teodorini. – The Daily News, August 17, 1918 Actually, it was Theodorini, but if that’s the