🛸 The Time We Almost Met Martians

Welcome back History Nerds,

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading some of the most random and funny history stories only available to you nerds. Here’s a random fact from this week in the year ‘69 you could share with someone:

Did you know the first episode of “Sesame Street” aired this week back in 1969 (Nov. 10)? A lot more happened than just that, make sure you strap in.

So, rip out a page from your history books and roll up a fat one because it’s time for a history lesson.

During Your History Lesson You’ll Learn About:

• Mariner 9: The Dusty Dawn of Planetary Exploration

• The Start of the Motorcycle Era

• Wendy's: From Fresh Beef to Fresh Tweets

• The Dawn Agreement: How WW1 Came to an End

No Signs Of Intelligent Life To Be Found…

On November 14, 1971, NASA’s Mariner 9 went where no spacecraft had gone before: the orbit of another planet. When it arrived, Mariner 9 probably expected fanfare, maybe a red-carpet welcome from some Martians, and at least a warm “hello” from intelligent extraterrestrials. Instead? It found dust. Lots and lots of dust. No life, no Martians—just a silent, red wasteland.

Mariner 9’s grand entrance was timed with the worst dust storm in recorded Mars history. For months, it had to circle Mars like a patient guest waiting for their host to clean up. And even when the dust finally settled, the grand reveal was a planet that was somehow still full of dust. And while Mariner 9 didn’t uncover intelligent life, it did find some seriously cool stuff, like Valles Marineris, the Martian canyon that’s so big it makes the Grand Canyon look like a kiddie pool.

Mariner 9 snapped over 7,000 photos, showing us volcanic landscapes, canyons, and dry riverbeds—all the stuff we humans need to imagine Mars as a wild sci-fi utopia. But actual intelligent life? Not a Martian peep. Humanity held its breath for any sign that we’re not alone, and Mars basically responded with: Keep dreaming, Earthlings.

Still, Mariner 9 was a pioneer. It became the first spacecraft to orbit another planet, a journey that sparked decades of exploration and imagination. And while it may not have spotted any aliens, it did pave the way for future missions that are still trying to find…anything, really. Fifty years later, the search continues for signs of life.

Riding into History: The Dawn of the Motorcycle Era

You might think the story of motorcycles starts with a bunch of leather-clad rebels, but it actually kicked off with a German engineer named Gottlieb Daimler and his buddy Wilhelm Maybach. Back in the 1880s, when the world was still figuring out the whole Industrial Revolution thing, these two were playing with gasoline engines. Their big moment came on November 10, 1885, when they introduced the Daimler Reitwagen in Cannstatt, Germany.

The Reitwagen had a 264cc single-cylinder engine, could hit speeds of about 7 mph, and was basically a loud, lumbering beast on two wheels. It was the first ever gas-powered vehicle to hit the streets, and while it wasn't exactly a hit with the public (it was noisy, unreliable, and could barely go the distance), it sparked the idea of personal motorized transport.

This wooden wonder didn’t sell very well, but it laid the groundwork for what would become the motorcycle industry. Daimler and Maybach's experiments with internal combustion engines didn't stop there; they went on to develop the first gasoline-powered car, and their patents set the stage for the automotive revolution. The Reitwagen was essentially the granddaddy of every motorcycle ripping down the highways today, symbolizing the era's newfound freedom and the relentless drive to innovate.

Meet Wendy: The Red-Haired Girl Who Ruled Fast Food Forever

Let’s take a tasty trip back to November 15, 1969, a date that’s just as iconic as the moon landing—or at least it should be, because it marked the grand opening of the very first Wendy’s in Columbus, Ohio. While everyone else was busy dancing the night away in bell-bottoms, Dave Thomas was getting ready to serve up fresh, never-frozen beef to hungry customers.

Dave named his fast-food venture after his daughter, Wendy, who had no idea that her name would soon become synonymous with delicious burgers and a social media presence that could roast your favorite celebrity. With a menu that promised quality and a commitment to fresh ingredients, Wendy’s quickly gained traction, appealing to burger lovers everywhere.

Fast forward to today, and Wendy's has expanded to over 6,500 locations worldwide. But let’s not forget the real reason they’ve captured our hearts: their incredible sense of humor on social media. Wendy’s Twitter account has turned into a playground of witty comebacks and lighthearted banter, showcasing more personality than many TV characters. Who knew fast food could come with a side of sass?

Take, for instance, the legendary saga of Carter Wilkerson. This brave soul had the audacity to tweet Wendy’s, asking how many retweets it would take for a year’s supply of chicken nuggets. Wendy’s response? “18 million.” What followed was a whirlwind of internet excitement, with Carter racking up over 3.4 million retweets. It was like watching the world unite for a noble cause—if that cause was fried chicken.

Wendy’s jumped into the fray, turning Carter’s viral moment into a showcase of their humor and brand spirit. They even sponsored his nugget quest, proving they know how to have fun while still taking their food seriously. After all, if your nuggets can create that much buzz, why not lean into it?

So, as we look back on that fateful November day in 1969, let’s raise a frosty cup to Wendy’s—where the burgers are fresh, the fries are crispy, and the tweets are pure gold. Here’s to a legacy of laughter and deliciousness that keeps us coming back for more.

When Diplomacy Met Insomnia: The Railway Carriage Scribble That Ended WWI

World War I, which began in July 1914 due to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, saw the Central Powers facing numerous defeats by the autumn of 1918. The subsequent political turmoil in Germany, including the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II on November 9, 1918, set the stage for peace negotiations. On November 10, an armistice was agreed upon in principle, setting the stage for the cessation of hostilities.

The armistice was agreed upon on November 10, but signing it took as long as deciding who gets the last slice of cake at a family gathering. It was finally put to paper at 5:10 AM on November 11, 1918, in a railway carriage, because where else would you end a world war but in a train compartment where everyone's a bit grumpy from lack of sleep?

It came into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Despite the impending peace, fighting continued right up to the last minute, with significant casualties reported even in those final hours. The terms of the armistice included the withdrawal of German forces from occupied territories and the surrender of military equipment.

The news of the armistice led to widespread celebrations across the globe, with people gathering in public spaces in major cities like London, New York, and Paris to celebrate the end of the conflict. However, the armistice was just the beginning of a long peace process; formal peace was not achieved until the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.

November 11, 1918, is recognized as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, an occasion dedicated to commemorating the fallen soldiers. Beyond marking the end of hostilities, this day reflects significant alterations in world politics and the reshaping of European geography, setting the scene for future conflicts. The silence at 11 AM stands as a symbol of our collective remembrance of the war's toll and a commitment to peace moving forward.