About.com 20th Century History

10 Ironic Ads From History

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:50:37 +0000

Looking back through old advertising can be like taking a stroll through history. One might come across an ad for one of your favorite childhood games or see the prices and styles of clothing from our grandparents' days. The Consumerist online has collected ten advertisements that when viewed today seem a bit ironic. For example, the list includes an ad for lead paint for your home, a bottle of heroin from Bayer, and Asbestos in the World Trade Center. This is a must see list of ten ironic ads from history.

Remains of Two Vietnam War Soldiers Returned to U.S.

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:03:21 +0000

The remains of two American soldiers killed during the Vietnam War have been returned to the United States for identification. The U.S. and Vietnam have been working together to search for missing soldiers since the 1980s and while the remains of 642 soldiers have been returned, there remain 1,335 servicemen unaccounted for in Vietnam.

UK Considered Poison Gas Attack on Japan

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:43:30 +0000

In 1944, the United Kingdom considered a chemical weapons attack on Tokyo in a effort to win the war. Two types of gas, phosgene and mustard gas, were considered for the attack. Also, which season the gas should be dropped was discussed. This was all considered despite the fact that Geneva Protocol prohibited the use of poisonous gasses in 1925.

Ponzi Scheme Financed 9/11 Monument

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:30:30 +0000

A monument in honor of September 11th firefighters at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland was financed through a complicated Ponzi scheme. The end result is that the statue will be sold in order to re-pay inventors and the artist. Read the AP story for the details on the scheme.

Barcode Turns 35

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:53:45 +0000

The first item sold after being scanned with a UPC barcode was a 10-pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit Gum. The sale occurred at 8:01 a.m. on June 26, 1974 at the Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio. The gum is now on display at the Smithsonian American History Museum in Washington D.C. Want more fun history facts?

Was an Asteroid or Comet Responsible for the Mysterious Explosion in Siberia?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:21:38 +0000

.At 7:14 a.m. on June 30, 1908, a giant explosion shook central Siberia. The explosion, called the Tunguska Event, caused a magnitude 5.0 earthquake and leveled 80 million trees. Over the decades, researchers have considered either an asteroid or a comet was responsible for the devastation. This week, Space.com has announced new evidence that points to a comet. Strangely, this new evidence was found during Space Shuttle launches. Learn more about this fascinating theory from the Space.com article.

Gorbachev Sings for Charity

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:07:53 +0000

At a private gala in London, Mikhail Gorbachev, the last General Secretary of the Soviet Union, sold a CD of him singing seven romantic ballads to his late wife, Raisa. The sale of the CD was to raise money for the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation, an organization that helps fight childhood cancer. The CD sold for $164,940.

Cut Down Hitler's Tree?

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:22:59 +0000

Officials in the Polish town of Jaslo have a dilemma. They would like to cut down a 40-foot oak tree standing in a location where a planned roundabout would improve road safety. However, many in the town would like to save the tree. The tree apparently was brought to the town in 1942 as a gift from Adolf Hitler on Hitler's birthday. Two years later, the Nazis nearly razed the entire town. Many in the town wonder why they should bother keeping a tree with such a horrible history; while others say the tree is innocent of any crimes.

Iconic Einstein Picture Sold

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:22:15 +0000

We've all seen it. It adorns T-shirts, mugs, and posters. It is that rare image of famous scientist Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out at the photographer. This particular copy of that famous photograph was a gift from Einstein to journalist Howard K. Smith. Einstein had autographed the picture and included the note: �This gesture you will like, because it is aimed at all of humanity. A civilian can afford to do what no diplomat would dare. Your loyal and grateful listener, A. Einstein '53.� At auction last week, this picture sold for $74,324.

Britain's Secret War Book Released

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:07:54 +0000

For decades, Britain maintained a secret War Book that detailed plans about what the government should do in a nuclear attack. Created during the Cold War, the book included different scenarios and mock news reports. The War Book recommended, in case of nuclear attack, dividing the country into 12 sections, removing national treasures from London, and establishing a new, wartime justice system. Find out more about Britain's War Book from The Telegraph's article.