Years and Years of Popular Science and Popular Mechanics, Free and Online

In all their glorious beauty, well over a century of Popular Science and Popular Mechanics covers.  And all the pages following the covers, too. It always seemed like the covers were the main thing–blimps, subs, nuclear-powered trains, rotating houses, and all sorts of wonders that we would soon experience. Truly, these things make me wish… Continue reading Years and Years of Popular Science and Popular Mechanics, Free and Online

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True: Beverly Hilton Pocket Knife Surgery and Near-Resurrection of Harry “Parkyakarkus” Parke

Harry Parke and Lucille Ball Shortly Before Parke's Death

A comedian who delivers “the most hilarious speech of his career” in front of 1,000 fellow celebrities at The Beverly Hilton, then collapses.  An emcee who shouts for a doctor and “five physicians immediately run to the dais.”  And then–get this–they cut open his chest with a pocket knife.  And then–well, ya just gotta hear the… Continue reading True: Beverly Hilton Pocket Knife Surgery and Near-Resurrection of Harry “Parkyakarkus” Parke

Aerial Trolley: Burbank’s Monorail From 1910 is 100% Real

In 1906, a farmers J.W. and E.C. Fawkes formed the Aerial Trolley Company Co., Inc. and put a monorail-like trolley in their Burbank farm. Is this real-life steampunk?  I believe so.  I’m still trying to wrap my head around the utter coolness of even the company name, Aerial Trolley Company Co., Inc.  It’s like something… Continue reading Aerial Trolley: Burbank’s Monorail From 1910 is 100% Real