History Schmistory, June 29: A Midsummer Nightmare
Sunday, June 29, 2025
1613Â –Â Shakespeare’s Globe Theater burned down. That light through the yonder window breaking? It was a fire. And while all that glistens may not be gold, all that is red and hot is most likely going to burn down a building.
“Globe Theatre, circa 1616” – Detail from van Visscher’s original panorama, circa 1616.
History Schmistory: When In Rome
Saturday, June 28, 2025
“When in Rome do as the Romans do†is a commonly used idiom. An example of its use in a conversation would go something like this:
Person #1: “I refuse to try that sushi!â€
Person #2: “C’mon, try it! When in Rome do as the Romans do.†which means, when in a new place behave like they do.
We may understand the meaning of the saying but do we know the origin of it? Well, it all started back in the 16th century when Saint Ambrose, bishop of Milan gave some good advice to Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo. Saint Augustine had asked Saint Ambrose if they should fast on Saturdays, like the Romans did. Ambrose replied by saying, “When I am here, I do not fast on Saturday; when I am in Rome, I fast on Saturday.†Of course he said this in Latin but that’s beside the point. Eventually this turned into the phrase that we know today. So when in Rome, fare come i romani!
History Schmistory, June 28: The Tomato Playing Ketch-up!
Saturday, June 28, 2025
1820Â –Â The tomato was proven to be non-poisonous. Thank goodness for that…our most important foods (pizza, spaghetti, burgers) would never have been the same!
Way to go tomatoes!
“Jumping tomato” by Gabi Greve /CC BY
History Schmistory: June 27. Ka-ching
Friday, June 27, 2025
‘Waiting in line… what the Brits do best!”
“Cash point” by Mat Hyde / CC BY
History Schmistory, June 27: Halt Your Horses!
Friday, June 27, 2025
1652Â –Â New Amsterdam (now NYC) passed the 1st speed limit law in the U.S.A. Probably to prevent all the horse & carriage races that were taking place.
Woah! Slow it down, speed demon!
History Schmistory: June 26. Quite a ride for twenty-five cents!
Thursday, June 26, 2025
1927: the Cyclone; arguably the father of the modern roller-coaster, opens at Coney Island to much fanfare and vomit.
“Cyclone in Fog,” by Missy S / CC BY
History Schmistory, June 26: The Cavity Catastrophe
Thursday, June 26, 2025
1498Â –Â The toothbrush was invented. Interestingly, people started to tell more secrets.
Hush if you don’t brush!
History Schmistory: June 24. Dance Fever.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
1374: The town of Aachen, Germany experiences a massive outbreak of St. John’s Dance, aka the Dancing Plague, a mass psychogenic illness (MPI) of the 14th – 17th centuries that actually caused large groups of people to dance uncontrollably until they passed out. Â Many can still be found at a Phish concert near you.
History Schmistory: June 25. Custer Bites the Bighorn.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
1876: the ill-fated Battle of Little Bighorn culminates in the death of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. Gary Larson said it best:
History Schmistory, June 25: There’s Hope for a Magical Pope!
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
253Â –Â St. Lucius I began his reign as Catholic Pope. This was before he fell in love with the dark arts & started working for Voldem…I mean, You-Know-Who!
What do you mean I can’t bring my wand to church?
