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28

Sep

Aha Moment Maker: You Look Mauve-lous!

by Your friends at OIC on September 28, 2013

Chemist illustrating the accidental discovery of synthetic dye, an opportunity for readers to have their own aha moment

LONDON, 1856—Eighteen-year-old chemist William Henry Perkin was working on creating an artificial version of the malaria drug quinine, which was very much in demand for the expanding British colonies.

Instead, he managed to produce only a dark oily sludge that left indelible stains. As he examined the outcome of his failed experiment more closely, he noticed that the sludge turned fabrics a striking light purple color.  Read more...

 

Your Own Aha Moments

21

Sep

Aha Moment Maker: Famous Last Words

by Your friends at OIC on September 21, 2013

Cartoon parrot with illustration of Andrew Jackson, representing a story from his funeral, an opportunity for readers to have their own aha moment

NASHVILLE, 1845—The funeral of Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States, took an unexpected turn when his pet parrot had to be physically removed from the service due to its loud and incessant stream of obscenities. It was not known whether the swearing parrot was merely overcome with grief, or just doing what parrots are known to do. Those who knew Jackson best suspected the latter.

What’s the aha moment you see?

 

 Image © iStockphoto
 

Your Own Aha Moments

14

Sep

Aha Moment Maker: The Potato Chips Are Down

by Your friends at OIC on September 14, 2013

Angry chef illustrating the birth of the potato chip, an opportunity for readers to have their own aha moment

SARATOGA SPRINGS, 1853—Hotel chef George Crum was just trying to get through another dinner service at Moon’s Lake House. But a cranky guest kept sending back plate after plate of Crum’s fried potatoes, insisting that they were too thick, too soggy, and too bland. As an insult, the chef sliced the next batch paper-thin, fried them until they were brittle, and purposely over-salted.  Read more...

 

Your Own Aha Moments

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