Historical Outbursts

Martha Mansfield is largely forgotten in all but dedicated silent film circles, but her quick rise to stardom and tragic death make hers a story worth remembering.

Not many screen performers can boast a career of 101 years, but that's the case with MGM's Leo the Lion. Learn the history of film's most enduring screen presence, from the silent era to the present. Along the way I'll separate the rumors from the reality—and as usual, the reality is far more intriguing.

Pop culture references abound that describe the practice of drinking champagne from a woman's shoe. Where does this idea come from? Who did it first, and why? Hint: it's not the story you'll read on Wikipedia.    

Hot dogs became popular at the turn of the century, but baseball had already been around for decades. What were people eating at games in baseball's early days?

Coming in May: freelance writer Kelly Robinson shares the stories she finds while researching other stories, illuminating history at its weirdest and most wonderful.