On August 4 in history, Anne Frank was arrested, Billboard launched the Hot 100, the U.S. Coast Guard traces its origins to the Revenue Cutter Service, and Grand Rapids elected its first female mayor. (READ MORE)
Scott Winters
I’ve always been the kind of person who notices the things other people overlook — strange roadside attractions, forgotten pieces of history, unusual places, odd trends, and the little things in everyday life that make you stop and say, “Wait... when did that become normal?”
That curiosity is really what this blog is all about.
I’m especially drawn to the stories hiding in plain sight: a forgotten piece of Michigan history, a roadside attraction you’d never know was there, an old building with a story behind it, or some completely ordinary part of modern life that suddenly seems ridiculous when you think about it for more than five seconds.
Some days you’ll find a fascinating history story here. Other days I may take you along on a road trip, dig into something weird from Michigan’s past, share an interesting discovery, or simply rant about something in modern life that makes absolutely no sense.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I just enjoy asking the questions, digging around for the stories, and sharing the interesting things I find along the way.
My goal is simple:
Keep looking. Keep learning. And keep things interesting.
August 3, 1977: Tandy TRS-80 Introduced
Do you remember your first home computer? On August 3rd, 1977, the Tandy Corporation introduced the world to the TRS-80. It was was on the world’s first mass produced personal computer. (READ MORE)
August 3 in History: Columbus Sets Sail, the NBA Is Formed, and USS Nautilus Reaches the North Pole
On August 3 in history, Christopher Columbus began his famous voyage, the NBA was formed, USS Nautilus crossed beneath the North Pole, and NASA launched the Messenger spacecraft. (READ MORE)
August 2 in History: The Declaration of Independence Is Signed, Calvin Coolidge Becomes President, and Iraq Invades Kuwait
On August 2 in history, the Declaration of Independence was formally signed, Calvin Coolidge became president, Iraq invaded Kuwait, and John F. Kennedy rescued his PT-109 crew. (READ MORE)
August 1, 1981: MTV Debuted in the U.S.
Oh how our world as a teen back in the 80’s changed once we could tune into MTV and actually watch videos of our favorite songs. On August 1st, 1981, MTV began broadcasting in the United States. (READ MORE)
August 1 in History: MTV Debuts, Spider-Man Swings into Comics, and Colorado Joins the Union
On August 1 in history, MTV debuted, Spider-Man first appeared in Marvel Comics, Colorado became a state, and the I-35W bridge collapsed in Minneapolis. (READ MORE)
July 31 in History: The First U.S. Patent Is Issued, Apollo 15 Drives on the Moon, and the Game Boy Arrives in America
On July 31 in history, the first U.S. patent was issued, Apollo 15 astronauts drove the Lunar Roving Vehicle, the Game Boy launched in America, and Michael Phelps set an Olympic record. (READ MORE)