In the late 1800s, the United States was growing rapidly, and with it came a major problem: how could fresh meat, fruit, and other perishables be shipped over long distances without spoiling? Enter the ingenious concept of the refrigerator car, often called the “reefer car.” Now that’s my kind of ride. This creation transformed the food supply chain in America. Instead of relying on salted or smoked meats, grocers across the country could finally stock fresh cuts, giving people in remote towns the chance to enjoy the same tasty meals as those in booming cities.

The breakthrough came when inventors like J.B. Sutherland and businessmen such as Gustavus Swift developed railcars outfitted with insulated walls and compartments for ice. Swift famously refined the design in the late 1870s, allowing large blocks of ice to be placed at each end of the car, keeping meats cool for the entire journey. This innovation was game-changing: not only did it keep food fresh during the travel, but it also opened up new possibilities for expanding rail lines and revolutionized the meatpacking industry.

Before the “reefer car,” shipping livestock meant crowded trains full of live animals, which frequently arrived at their destination exhausted and in less-than-ideal condition. With refrigerated cars, the process shifted to butchering animals near the source and sending the meats to the markets—dramatically reducing waste and spoilage. It also paved the way for Americans to enjoy fruits and vegetables out of season, shaping diets and lifestyles nationwide. Today, we often take for granted the luxury of picking fresh produce that may come across the country, but it’s all thanks to the refrigerator car that made it all possible.

On January 16, 1945, with Allied forces closing in on Nazi Germany from all sides, Adolf Hitler made the decision to retreat into his underground shelter—famously known as the Führerbunker—in central Berlin. As Soviet troops advanced from the east and the Western Allies pushed in from the west, the once-powerful Third Reich was collapsing like a house of cards. Hitler’s move into the bunker was more than just a military strategy; it was a desperate attempt to maintain control and a final stand against the inevitable defeat looming on the horizon.

Built beneath the Reich Chancellery gardens, the Führerbunker was a complex network of cramped corridors, thick concrete walls, and fortified rooms designed to weather intense bombing. Despite the gloom of the dimly lit corridors, Hitler continued to issue orders, hold meetings with close officials, and even attempt to lift the morale of those around him. Rumor has it that the bunker had a surprisingly robust ventilation system and that furnishings brought an odd sense of normalcy to its occupants; they indulged in hot meals, daily briefings, and a flicker of hope that the tides of war might still turn in Germany’s favor.

Ultimately, this subterranean hideout turned into the setting for the dramatic final days of the Nazi regime. By April, the Red Army had effectively encircled Berlin, sealing Hitler’s fate within his bunker. While the rest of the city crumbled under relentless bombardment, Hitler hunkered down, refusing to leave. His time in the bunker was short-lived, as he and his wife Eva Braun committed suicide by taking arsenic pills just 3 months after arriving in the bunker.

Naked Olympics🏺
In the Ancient Olympics, athletes competed completely naked! This was a tribute to the gods and believed to promote physical purity. In fact, the word “gymnastics” comes from the Ancient Greek words: “gumnasía” meaning athletic training or exercise; and “gumnós” meaning naked. Now that’s an olympic sport!

Pig Execution 🐷
In 1386 France, a pig was put on trial for murdering a child. The pig attacked the child in the street which led to the child dying a few days later. It was arrested, given a court hearing, and found guilty of the crime. The pig was then executed by hanging!

Deathly Photo 📸
In the Victorian era, photographing the dead was a common practice. Families dressed their deceased loved ones in their finest clothes, posed them as if they were alive, and took photos as a way to preserve their memory.

Andrew Jackson’s Pet Parrot 🦜
Polly, was notorious for its colorful language. Legend has it, Polly cursed so much at Jackson’s funeral that it had to be removed, leaving attendees both shocked and amused