#no idea why and i remember they showed balkan with the gun

[digital-arts-etc]

Eye-Opening Historical Snapshots No One Was Shown In Class

Sarah Schuman

History class was often a bunch of boring facts and dates, not to mention names without faces. But maybe the subject never was boring at all. We've tracked down some of the most fascinating snapshots from the olden days as well as more recent times, and they are truly remarkable. Take a look at these pictures and get some insight into the folks that lived before us. They probably failed to mention these historical events in class, but they're absolutely fascinating.

Ever Wondered Where the Great Wall of China Ends?

We bet you thought the Great Wall of China was one long barrier. But no! It is actually series of fortifications. Several walls were built over centuries and united under Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, around 200 BC. Why? Well, a variety of reasons, like protection against invading groups, border controls, and a way to stop and tax goods transported on the Silk Road. It's an impressive brick project, but eventually, it does end. Where exactly does that happen?

3,889 miles of actual wall end right here, at the edge of the Bohai Gulf. This spot is called Shanhai Pass, also nicknamed "Old Dragon's Head". Unsurprisingly, it is a popular tourist destination.

This Is What A Test of a Super Conductor Looked Like in 1901

Nikola Tesla might sound like a familiar guy: He's the man that inspired Elon Musk's car brand name. A pioneer in electrical tech, his place in science history is secure: The man had 3304 patents in his lifetime! Here he sits, reading in his Colorado Springs laboratory testing his latest contraption. It looks totally futuristic. But sometimes, his ideas remained a theory. One of his more outlandish concepts included the Thought Camera. But what was that all about?

Dickenson V. Alley / Wellcome Images / Wikimedia Commons

Tesla explained: “I became convinced that a definite image formed in thought must, by reflex action, produce a corresponding image on the retina, which might possibly be read by suitable apparatus.” So far, no one has managed the task. But some say social media is getting close in its own way.

A WWI Bulgarian Soldier Giving His Best Battle Cry in 1916

WWI was a long time ago, and few of us really remember the stakes and grudges. Ever wondered what Bulgaria was up to during the great fight of this time? When the conflict began in July 1914, Bulgaria was still recovering from the effects of the Balkan Wars. For this reason, they initially declared neutrality. But as their allies got more deeply involved, they did throw in their hat just a year later. How could they not?

Here, a Bulgarian soldier screams at the camera, presumably practicing his battle cry. He would fight in the trench with machine guns and grenades. These new, modern weapons produced such gruesome effects that plastic surgery became a new field of medicine.

We Are Touched by These 2,800 Year-Old Lovers

The "Hasanlu lovers" are a famous archeological find that amazed professionals in the field. It was determined that the pair died around 800 B.C. in Iran when a hostile force invaded their town. In their last moments, they appear to be hugging or kissing. For millennia, they stayed that way until their discovery in 1972. But despite the way things look, modern analysis shows they may not have been a couple.

The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeologyand Anthropology

Dating the skeletons showed that one is around 20, and one is around 30. Both are male and seem to have no diseases. Just two healthy guys in their prime, and possibly related. We don't know for sure. But it is interesting to imagine their story!

This Underwater Detonation of a Nuclear Bomb Looks Out Of This World

Once upon a time, the U.S.government just wanted to see what could happen to submarines, should a nuclear war break out. The Baker Test was the first underwater nuclear explosion ever conducted. The massive explosion resulted in a cloud that rose up like a mushroom in the sky. The base surge created a 500-foot high wall of radioactive spray and mist, which wasn't exactly refreshing. What happened to life in the area?

United States Department of Defense / Victorrocha / Wikimedia Commons

According to the official military report at the time: "All of the pigs and most of the rats on the ships died either from the blast or from radiation exposure. Of the 57 target vessels, eight either sunk or capsized as a direct result of the explosion...Most of the surviving vessels had to be subsequently sunk as too hot to handle."

This Is How They Cut Down a Giant Redwood by Hand

Today, it is illegal to cut down a redwood tree. These giant plants in Californiaare an unbelievable sight in person, and regularly attract tourists just to witness their size. But people during frontier times had other sensibilities. They needed a constant supply of wood to build houses and keep fires burning. When they saw these gigantic trees, it must have seemed like a dream come true! Redwoods can grow up to 240 feet high with a 15-foot diameter.

Mendocino Model Railroad and Historical Society

In this picture, an old-time logger poses next to a massive Redwood that's being cut down. Today, most are gone: Only 5% are still standing. Seriously, 95% were cut down since the 1850s. What a sad fact!

The First American Robot, Steam Man

Some people fear that killer robots may come to get us all one day. But what about their ancient ancestors? Way back in the 1860s, Zadoc Dederick was a young machinist with curiosity and free time. Along with his buddy Isaac Grass, he invented the first American robot. Combining a steam carriage with a metal man figure, the pair exhibited the invention and inspired crowds around the country in Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, and St. Louis.

Zadoc P. Dederick / New YorkPublic Library / Wikimedia Commons

In 1868, Zadoc and Isaac got a patent for their robot. Still, the concept led to more walking machines over the coming years. It even inspired dime novels, like The Steam Man of the Prairies by Edward S. Ellis.

These Gentlemen Are Testing a Bulletproof Vest in 1923

For police and soldiers in the line of duty, the bulletproof vest was a critical invention. It's fairly new, as a product of the 1920s. Thanks to the Protective Garment Corporation of New York, service members were able to wear a revolutionary lightweight vest. The idea probably sounded too good to be true, which is why they did this demo in the middle of DC. These salesmen are going to an extreme!

National Photo Company/Library of Congress / Wikimedia Commons

The men happened to be the inventors, and they clearly trusted their own product. It all came just in time, too: With the onset of the great depression and prohibition, police had to deal with all kinds of armed gangsters. Finally, they had a little protection!

That Time Boston Had a Deadly Explosion of Two Million Gallons of Molasses in 1919

It sounds like something straight out of Willy Wonka, but it really happened: In one cold Boston winter in 1919, two million gallons of molasses exploded from a tank at the port. It resulted in 15 ft-high waves that raced through the city at 35 miles per hour. The sweet syrup destroyed everything in its path, killing 21 people and injuring 150 others. It almost swept a train off the tracks and toppled electric poles. Live wires hissed everywhere. It knocked buildings down, too!

Boston Public Library / Wikimedia Commons

Why was there so much molasses oozing around? Apparently, it was the main sweetener at the time. Not only that but it could be made into a type of alcohol used for manufacturing munitions. A sticky situation, indeed!

Rwanda Had Pretty Hip Hairstyles 100 Years Ago

We often think that the style of yesteryear was old-fashioned. But sometimes, it can be downright futuristic! Take this traditional hairdo from Rwanda. It's called the Amasunzu, popular 100 years ago. This was the way that tribe members explained their social status. Those who didn't have this ultra-shaped style were looked on with suspicion. But at some point, it went out of fashion. Today there is a bit of nostalgia, and some are trying to being it back.

At its peak, Rwandans wore around 30 different styles. It could communicate that you were a warrior or a virgin, for example. Married women had their own look, too. Overall, it seems to have been an important language through hair.

This Is the Big Moment When They Opened King Tut’s Tomb

In 1333 BC, King Tutankhamun was just nine years old when he became both a ruler and god for ancient Egypt. He died young, and no one really knew what became of his body. The discovery of his burial place was super exciting in 1922 when British Egyptologist Howard Carter and his team excavated the Valley of the Kings. There was a constant problem in Egyptology: Thieves kept robbing mummies of their gold and jewels. Would they find a stripped tomb here, too?

Harry Burton / Wikimedia Commons

King Tut was mummified and buried with artwork and treasures. But since his tomb was in the desert, the sand shifted around and buried the site over time. Hidden for 3,000 years untouched, Carter's team found it all!

Imagine Keeping This Giant Squid in Your Bathtub in 1873

Man was sure there were sea monsters for hundreds of years. Sailors told tales too bold to believe, but science would validate them one day. Here was one such moment: In 1873, Candian naturalist Moses Harvey collected the first intact specimen of a giant squid. Fishermen found it in Portugal Cove, Newfoundland. When Mo heard about their novel catch, he knew he needed to get his hands on its tentacles.

Unknown Author / Wikimedia Commons

He paid them $10, which is the equivalent of about $200 today. What did he do with the 27-foot creature? Why, he used his bathtub for safekeeping. At the time, there was no other option at short notice.

Al Capone Opened a Free Soup Kitchen During the Great Depression

Legendary gangster Al Capone made a fortune during prohibition by bootlegging liquor and bringing it to the black market. The people viewed him as a bit of a hero, in a way. Sure, he murdered, extorted, and intimidated his way to riches. But there was a lot of demand for the freedom to drink, and he helped tremendously. Some of the admiration for Capone is also due to his generosity during the great depression.

National Archives at College Park/ Wikimedia Commons

Al Capone’s soup kitchen served breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On a given day, 5,000 men, women, and children might eat free of charge at this charity. Undoubtedly, it was great street cred for the gangster.

The Bomb Known as 'Fat Man' Killed Millions in an Instant

WWII was the first time atomic weapons were used to kill thousands of human beings. In an instant, whole cities in Japan were destroyed. But the bomb itself doesn't look so intimidating. Here, we see 'Fat Man'. This was the second bomb of the series, detonated over Nagasakiin 1945. The specs are pretty technical, but it's worth noting that this deadly device weighed a whopping 10,800 pounds. Very fat, indeed!

U.S.Department of Defense / Wikimedia Commons

The debate over the morality of such weapons continues to this day. Some say it saved lives, in the long run. Others say it was evil on a mass scale. Truthfully, even many physicists involved in the project felt guilt over the war technology. To this very day, no one has used it since.

This is How George Washington Was Carved Into Mount Rushmore

At present, tourism is South Dakota's second-largest industry. The biggest attraction in the state has got to be Mount Rushmore, with more than 2 million visitors a year. Americans love the majestic sight of four major presidents carved into a mountain. It's a tech and art marvel, and we wonder how they got it done in the old days. Perhaps this picture of George Washington's half-finished face will give us a clue!

Rise Studio, Rapid City, S. Dak./Library of Congress / Wikimedia Commons

The 60-foot memorial took 14 years to complete. Real people carved it by hand from 1927 to 1941, blasting stone away and shaping it into the faces of Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln alongside George.

Little Samuel Reshevsky Defeated These Adult Chess Masters

Samuel Reshevsky is still in the history books as one of the greatest American chess players. He was a seven-time U.S. champion and made it to the top of world challenges. In his prime, he defeated seven other world champions, including Bobby Fischer. And it all started very early for this genius: Check out little Samuel at age 8, right here. Without breaking a sweat, he is beating several chess masters at an event in France in 1920.

Kadel & Herbert / Wikimedia Commons

We may not all be interested in chess, but it's impossible to deny that it is a tough game. Out of 7 billion people in the world today, around 1500 rank as grandmasters. It's pretty impressive that Sam qualified in elementary school!

The Original Mickey Mouse Was Pretty Horrifying

Walt Disney was a clever man, and his empire lives on well beyond his lifetime. His classic character Mickey Mouse is one of the most lovable characters around in the cartoon world. His cute little face has provided entertainment for generations of children. But a hundred years ago, the prototype was actually kind of disgusting. Look at this early Mickey, and be honest: Would you allow this scary thing around youngsters?

ScaryPictures / Reddit

Once his ears got rounder and his base was made shorter, Walt had the modern Mickey. We think the original had a disturbing design. But the kids in this old photo seem to be enjoying him, anyway!

How Did This Mormon Girl Get This Distinctive Tattoo?

Back on the frontier, there were constant conflicts between settlers and Indians. Competing for resources and lacking a common language, this is not terribly surprising. But some may not know that there were occasional kidnappings during raids. Olive Oatman here was a young Mormon girl when she was taken away from her family and made into a slave. Her entire family was killed, except for her sister who joined her in slavery.

Benjamin F. Powelson / Wikimedia Commons

Olive was later traded to another tribe that wore these tattoos. As she became part of the group, it appears they gave her one, too. Despite having chances to escape, Olive stayed with them for years. When she was finally rescued, she claimed the tattoo marked her as a slave. Historians are not sure that was true, however.

The Eiffel Tower Construction Happened in Stages

The Eiffel Toweris an iron monument on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. Engineer Gustave Eiffel commissioned his company to design the tower for the 1889 World's Fair. It was intended to be a grand entrance for guests. We say he succeeded! After the fair, it was too iconic to take down. To this very day, it's synonymous with Parisitself: Every year, nearly 7 million people visit.

Unknown Author / Wikimedia Commons

The Eiffel Toweris 1,063 feet tall, and it took more than two years to construct. Here it is, halfway through the building process. Even half of it is pretty elegant!

The First American Spacewalk Took Place in 1965

By the 1960s, Americans had shot many things into space. But a human had not yet dangled in those harsh conditions, and NASA wanted to give that a try. In 1965, Ed White impressed the world as the first American to walk in space. He went outside the safety of the Gemini capsule and met the cosmos firsthand. This was historic, and Ed truly went where no man had gone before. What were his observations up there?

NASA / James McDivitt / Wikimedia Commons

Ed reported: "This is the greatest experience, it's just tremendous. Right now I'm standing on my head and I'm looking right down, and it looks like we're coming up on the coast of California. There is absolutely no disorientation associated with it."

The Aftermath of Bonnie and Clyde’s Death Was Grim

Times were tough during the great depression, to be sure. Some people ate potato soup. Others decided to embark on a life of crime. We've all heard of lovers Bonnie and Clyde. Their real names were Bonnie Elizabeth Parker and Clyde Chestnut Barrow. And they're not just a legend: The pair was responsible for at least 13 murders and numerous bank, shop, and funeral home robberies. That spree didn't end well, as seen here.

​Unknown Author / Wikimedia Commons

Bonnie was eating a bologna sandwich while her boyfriend drove on a rural road. He cruised right into a trap where Texas rangers were waiting for them. 167 bullets were fired into their vehicle in less than 20 seconds, killing them both. Behold, the aftermath!

The HooverDam Construction Was a Magnificent Sight to See

The Hoover Dam was one of the most important construction achievements of its time. At its completion in 1935, FDR marveled: "We are here to celebrate the completion of the greatest dam in the world, rising 726 feet above the bedrock of the river and altering the geography of a whole region: we are here to see the creation of the largest artificial lake in the world-115 miles long, holding enough water, for example, to cover the whole State of Connecticut to a depth of ten feet."

Bureau of Reclamation Photographer / Wikimedia Commons

He continued: "We are here to see nearing completion a powerhouse which will contain the largest generators and turbines yet installed in this country, machinery that can continuously supply nearly two million horsepower of electric energy." An impressive feat indeed.

This Rotor Ride at Coney IslandWas the Wildest Thing to Do in the 1950s

Amusement parks are full of rollercoasters and water rides, these days. But one of the quirkiest rides around used to be the Rotor Ride, a carrousel that created a centrifugal force that caused you to stick to the wall. During the '50s and '60s, it was exhibited at European fairs and made it to Coney Island in New York. People couldn't get enough of it: The floor would disappear, and you would be suspended. How novel!

Today, this ride does still exist. You may have tried the updated version, the Gravitron. But just imagine the thrill back in the day. It was the definition of futuristic, surely.

NASA Prepped for the Apollo Moon Landing With This Low-Tech Simulator

How can you prepare to go to the moon if you've never been there before? NASA was faced with this challenge when it decided technology was ready to send a man to the chunk of cheese in the sky. But they had some concerns that astronauts would be unprepared. Obviously, they needed a simulator. Here it is! Did you expect it to be a little more advanced? Well, too bad. NASA

Various screens were set up to show how light would reflect off the surface of the moon at different altitudes. The machine looked just like the cockpit users would ride in with colleagues. Scientists anticipated harsh light and glare in the weird conditions of space. Looking back, this was perfectly effective prep.

This Man Poured Acid in the Pool When Black People Tried to Swim in the ‘60s

Believe it or not, there was a time in Americawhen blacks and whites were not allowed to go to the same schools or use the same drinking fountains. And swimming pools? Well, that was totally out of the question. Eventually, people rebelled. It was too insulting to continue, and protestors of both colors jumped into this motel pool in Florida. The whites who had paid for rooms invited the blacks as their formal guests. But the manager poured acid into the water!

This swim-in was actually planned by Martin Luther King Jr. himself. And the acid stunt didn't really work. There was way too much water diluting it. Perhaps he just wanted to scare everyone. But the photo went viral, and really didn't help his cause.

Don’t Be Scared of the 1920s Electric Permanent Wave Machine

In the early part of the 20th century, a revolutionary hair machine was brought to market by Nestle, before they just became the chocolate people. In only 12 hours, you could be a brand new lady! They advertised it as follows, in 1908: “Nestle’s Improved Permanent Hair Wave means the imparting to the straightest and lankest hair & wave, which in texture, character, desirability, and appearance cannot be distinguished from the natural grown wavy hair.”

The hot device combined with chemicals produced some cool coiffes if you were willing to wait it out. Occasionally though, there were burn victims. Regardless, Mr. Nestle made the equivalent of around $44 million today with this beauty device. Thankfully, it has been replaced with plain old perms!

Elvis Being Sworn Into the Army

Sure, he could have gotten out of serious service. The army said he could just play concerts for the troops. But American singer Elvis Presley was a patriot, and he decided to enlist like all the other guys his age during the time when the Vietnam war began. In 1958, he became a regular soldier despite being the most popular entertainer on the planet. According to the king: "The army teaches boys to think like men."

Elvis received both basic and advanced military training and ended up at a base in Germany. Back home, he had both fans and critics. Some thought his entertainment was too vulgar. But when he came back as a veteran, Elvis had new respect from all sides!

British Anthropologists Found The Happiest Man in Chinain 1901

When photography was first invented, people were not sure exactly how to pose. Westerners decided that being serious was the best kind o portrait, and old photos rarely show a smile. But when a British traveler brought a camera to China for the first time, such notions didn't exist yet. The Chinese didn't know it was such a serious affair. Look at this man happily eating his noodles! He's a real goofball, we will say that.

American Museum of Natural History / Wikimedia Commons

At this point, the identity of this subject has been lost. But it's interesting to see the real emotions of the people from the past, in a rare situation where they didn't know smiling was forbidden.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Already Bodybuilding at Age 16

According to legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger: “Not many people understand what a pump is. It must be experienced to be understood. It is the greatest feeling that I get. I search for this pump because it means that that my muscles will grow when I get it. I get a pump when the blood is running into my muscles. They become really tight with blood. Like the skin is going to explode any minute. It’s like someone putting air in my muscles. It blows up. It feels fantastic.”

That's all pretty intense, we must admit. But Arnoldwas into the sport since he was a teen. One day he would become Mr. Universe himself. Look at him posing as a 16-year-old, here!

Say Hello to the Head of the Statue of Liberty in 1885

Sure, The Statue of Liberty is an enormous neoclassical sculpture. She sits on Liberty Island at the New York Harbor. And she has lots of fans, too. But what did she look like, at the beginning? Here, we can see her before she was fully assembled. This face hasn't been attached yet, and a few ladies are admitting her in copper. She wasn't always green, of course. That's just what happens to the metal over time. Just like a penny!

Unknown Author / Wikimedia Commons

France gifted her to new ally America in 1886. She was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and became an icon of freedom that generations of immigrants have seen upon arrival. Merci, Fred!

The Is First Known Photo of Abraham Lincoln

This is a man who once said: “My father taught me to work, but not to love it. I never did like to work, and I don't deny it. I'd rather read, tell stories, crack jokes, talk, laugh — anything but work.” But do we believe it? First of all, he looks quite serious. Second of all, this is honest Abe Lincoln, 16th president of the United States.

Nicholas H. Shepherd/Library of Congress / Wikimedia Commons

The president who taught himself law out of a book he found in the trash, who freed the slaves, and kept the union united is quite young here. It's fascinating to see what he looked like before that bushy beard. We like what we see!

Mister Rogers Did This Outrageous Thing for a Reason

François Clemmons was the actor who played Officer Clemmons on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. He had one of the first recurring black roles on kids' TV, but Fred Rogers was not content to keep things the way they were. In 1968, he invited his pal to sit with him at a kiddie pool. They took off their shoes and dipped their feet in the water. Then, they shared a towel. Why was this significant?

John Beale / Focus Features

Well, it was illegal to do this in a real public pool at the time. Mister Rogers wanted to make a statement to his young viewers about the issue. The episode stands out as one of the most notable ways the color barrier was broken on TV at the time.

Margaret Gorman Was the First Miss America in 1921

In 1921, an American icon was born on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. Margaret Gorman was crowned the First Miss America and started a tradition we still enjoy today. According to the organization: "Miss America is more than a title, it’s a movement of empowering young women everywhere to dream big, to insist that their voices be heard and to inspire change in the world around them. Of course, Miss America wears a crown—she rules."

After answering all kinds of tricky questions, Margaret proved she had both inner and outer beauty. She won a 3-foot golden mermaid trophy as the grand prize. Today, the prize has improved a lot. The winner gets a $50,000 scholarship!

The First Underwater Photograph Was Taken in 1899

The first underwater portrait is a little blurry, we must admit. But it's still interesting to see what people were able to produce in 1899. The man in the picture is Emil Racoviță, a Romanian biologist and oceanographer. It took the photographer about 30 minutes to capture the image because he had to wait for the right amount of light down there. We certainly see how that might be a challenge with a vintage camera!

Since that first, underwater photography has improved considerably. Vibrant images of fish and coral have probably been your screensaver, at some point. No big deal! Even if we can't make it out to a reef ourselves, it is now pretty easy to feel like we are there.

These Are Blind British WWI Veterans in Their First Ever Walk Event

After WWI, there were plenty of funerals. But the surviving soldiers were often terribly maimed, and sometimes blind. Blind Veterans UK still holds an annual walk for soldiers who are blind, which started after the first world war in 1922. The organization explains: "For our early blind veterans learning to walk independently was a crucial stage in their rehabilitation after losing their sight. In addition to the obvious value of not needing a sighted person to accompany them everywhere, confidence in walking on their own also helped maintain their fitness."

Blind Veterans UK

Here, we can see British vets on their first walk, which took place from London to Brighton. This was an impressive distance of 52 miles. Eight men finished the race alongside sighted partners, starting an important patriotic tradition.

This 1890 Photo Might Be the First-Ever Image of a Surfer

We might think of surfing as a modern water sport, but that is certainly not true. As it turns out, surfing has been a part of Hawaiian culture for at least 1,000 years. During ancient times, leaders and royals were given the best surfing spots and used boards made of local Koa wood. Their boards were 24 feet long. The common people would surf too, on 12-foot boards.

It's fascinating stuff. But since that all took place long ago, people don't know the rich history. Starting in 1890, we do have this photo. All we can say is this guy is ripped!

Danish Arctic Explorer Peter Freuchen and His Wife Are a Spectacle

Giant Danish Arctic explorer Peter Freuchen led a remarkable life exploring the most northern places on our planet. On his expedition to Greenland, he discovered the Inuit culture and ended up living there for 15 years. 800 miles from the North Pole, he traded and married an Inuit woman. He hunted polar bears. He experienced three months of darkness and encountered native cannibalism. And he documented all of this for Western audiences to study.

Sadly, his Inuit wife died. But he got married again, which wasn't hard. Ladies love tall, adventurous men and 6-foot-7-inch Peter found a wife named Dagmar, seen here in 1947. After all his travels, the two settled in NYC. Their size difference is remarkable, isn't it?

1920s Gals Worked Out on This Early Treadmill

Fitness is a big deal, these days, Some of us like to go jogging. Others like to lift weights. For those who want something in between, there is always the treadmill. The earliest version is actually quite old, with U.S. records showing a patent was issued in 1913. Back then, it was called a training machine, but the rotating belt and moving flor were all recognizable as a concept. Look at these vintage ladies go!

Today, these machines have become much more advanced. Most have fancy settings to choose different programs to vary the speed. Medical facilities and gyms alike use treadmills. Even Olympic training centers and NASA use them!

The Real Models Once Posed in Front of Their Iconic Portrait

We all recognize “American Gothic” when we see it. The Grant Wood painting is surely the most iconic portrait ever done of a farmer and his wife. It's quintessential Americanafor sure. The suit jacket, the pitchfork, the overalls: It's all there. The question is, were these people real? If you ever had doubts, we're here to put those questions to rest. Here, the real subjects pose in front of the art so a photographer can snap the double image.

In real life, they look less rural. Maybe that's because the woman is the painter's sister, Nan. The man is his family's dentist, Dr. Byron McKeeby. Why, they're just a bunch of city slickers, after all!

Young Winston Churchill Looks Totally Dapper

This fellow once said: “You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.” Was this young man really that wise? Maybe not yet. But one day, he would become an inspirational figure with plenty of saying just like that one. This is a photograph of a very young Winston Churchill, dressed in his army uniform. The wartime prime minister had his handsome years, it turns out!

Imperial War Museums/ Wikimedia Commons

Here in 1895, his destiny has not yet been realized. He is merely 2nd Lieutenant Winston Churchill, serving the queen. Decades later, he would help change the course of the world.

https://en.247mirror.com/historical-snapshots-no-shown-class?utm_source=twitter2&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=create&ly=native_one&mbid=lr1j58mpbi&twclid=11500863881727684608

[0ut-of-my-head]

Don’t know if I made that clear.

[weavingwordsblr-blog]

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓥𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽

－ ᴀ ꜱʜᴏʀᴛ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ʙʏ ᴋʏʟᴀᴄʜᴇʟ ᴍᴀɴᴀʟᴏᴛᴏ

03 AUGUST, 1968

22 B, MELBOURNE ST., SAN LORENZO, UNITED KINGDOM

IN AN APARTMENT, a 51-year-old offbeat man hit the buttons hard off the typewriter. His room stench with old papers, burnt grass piping hot off a pot, and grossly familiar smell of a slum. It’s like an everyday yearning and eagerness that tries to burst out of his chest. He’s typing it as vigorous and brisk as his senses---evidently plastered on his face which makes him look like a madcap. Ideas flowing out of his mouth as his eyes focused with great enthusiasm evident with his gritted teeth, churning it with lust and insanity, he proclaims:

I am certain, definitely, indisputably, indeed mad. That’s what society describes my wholeness, my being, Alas! just to protect their claims, I acted like one. A hideous wretch! It was because of my heart! It was beating its evilness inside me and I couldn’t stop it. Sometimes, my sanity drives me crazy, that it wants to feign my atrocious beating heart so my hand could be planted inside to rip it off with antagonism. I thought of doing that but I don’t know why my chest felt so hard and tight. And these stitches around my chest wouldn’t go off. What should I do? Even Google couldn’t help me. What a scornful, impudent, hypocritical reality this world has! Hearken! and carefully observe how calmly it was written. I will show you the reality of a madman who had “heard all things in heaven and earth”.

It was not impossible to hear a loquacious old hag babbled---I was very much certain!---when you’re paralyzed on a grave-bed, which I believe was covered with a white mattress as a cloak for my courage! I couldn’t open my eyes, but my senses were as sharp as the needle I felt entering my system. Lackadaisical---my head was banging, my world’s swinging, what am I? Of course, I was just an 18-year-old boy who knows no name, even his’. Wait, my question was “What am I?” Oh, hearken! I’m a person who knows nothing but to write, so I must stop bamboozling you, people. I’ve gone through a surgery, Mamamia said my heart was weak. I didn’t believe her, of course!, I know my heart; but the idea conceived, and it haunted me, day and night, until one day, my heart shrank and so my breathing. Of course, it was tiring because I couldn’t breathe, and then the time I opened my eyes, I was catching my breath. That was not because of 36 hours of an oblivious life, it’s because of my heart that started beating so hard and fast I couldn’t catch it.

I had to look my chest at a mirror on our way to our new home. We were moving at a slum; Mamammia became so poor she traded her body, and soul, and even organs to bevy. I’ve realized that these stitches caused Mamamia and me such trouble. She offered herself to people, and I having these thoughts, which made me peculiar. What could I do, I started seeing things that’s not visible to the eye of the majority: unicorns, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory---only difference was that they’re a Wrong Turn characters with maggots drowning themselves with mud---it made me truly nervous---dreadfully, yes!, nervous I had been was when I realize I was losing my sanity. There I started talking to my papers and pen---jotting it down, so my ideas wouldn’t flow out of my mouth but on the papers.

One day, Mamamia talked to me, I was just 23, she said I killed someone and saw how horrendous it was. She caught me wandering alone under the bridge, caught an old man and hit him with a spare metal lying on the ground. There, I committed an impulsive and hideous act towards the person I even haven’t met. She was bewildered and asked me why. I told her it was my mind that says so and so did my running heart. I didn’t mean to kill him but I was just chasing my heart else I wouldn’t catch my breath! “You’re mad!” was all I heard as I saw her cry hysterically inside as she reposed outside. “Quit! Shh!”, I want Mamamia to stop her grief for the old man I killed-No! the old man didn’t do harm, my heart said I loved him, Yes!-my heart wanted his life, so I took it, my heart had an attraction to that old man. And so my mind told me to find him, my heartbeat in jubilant; I ran from where I saw him, there were police officers encircling his body. Discourteous! plump and suave officers girding my friend; I walked down to talk to his dismembered and balkanized heart whilst these officers gawp at me---I smiled, feared nothing. Suspicious, I’ve been interrogated, under the bridge, beside his body, and told them I was looking for a heart. Shocked and convinced, they brought out their handcuffs and led me to their truck. Mamamia came screaming, holding a knife with blood dripping from it. “Bugger off or you’re next!”. They let go of me and alerted themselves, pointing their gun against Mamamia; they left, absquatulate. Why, Mamamia? Why did you do that---did you surrender yourself to protect me? Did I cause you trouble again so you took this as an opportunity to get rid of me? Why?

I was wandering alone, looking for a nepenthe, and yonder waits for dawn. Knackered, I didn’t realized time prate so fast, snarf! I was starving for how many days I don’t know. I opened the door with a light heart, there I saw a newspaper in front of our slump, and on the headline with a big letter Oh! so big, my Mamamia’s name was on it. Tho, I’m not sure if that’s her name for I remember nothing about names and---a picture of her was printed beside it. There was a name of a man, it said he was a 71 years old ex-convict---released three days ago. He was also accused of murder---dismembering his victim’s body--haha! they believe he has some mental illness or what, also--just like me. Why do they always accuse us?---we only believe what lies in front of us-truth! Reality! I thought of searching his past life for my heart bounce with joy. It talked like it had known this person since then, its enthusiastic behavior made me breathe barely, just barely. So, a donkey’s years of hunting for its prey began.

Twenty-eight years have passed and this donkey got abundant of information about the old man I killed in the past. Starting from scratch, it was almost impossible for a man like me to look for clues as tiny as a microscopic organism. But this old hangdog didn’t give up because even a sibylline creature couldn’t pass through me and my friends. Paralogize! and watch it with your own eyes how I decipher this notion with my friends! You couldn’t see them? Yes! They lived inside my head, hah!

It was true, certainly! that he killed an old man, for that man has an eye of a vulture. I couldn’t believe the police officers knew about that, they said three of them visited him and were even offered seats for some talks. They were so convinced and was about to leave until they saw him writhe, with both hands on his head covering his ears, threw his head back and forth as if looking for something, and talked excessively to them. He looked like a complete madman they said. He was confined in a Psychiatric hospital and there compensated his violent and demoniac act---I knew it! Everything was clear! Mamammia doesn’t want me to go there, because she knew I don’t deserve it. Unlike him! because it’s not the first time he went berserk---trifles! I don’t have time for that. What’s necessary for today’s journal was that I’ve found out that that incident happened 33 years ago. And 33 years ago, I’ve gone through heart surgery. The doctor who happened to operate me gone berserk too! What?! The heart---it’s evil. The doctor who sets an eye to that heart bought it and took care of it. For he believes it posses a magical, legend, wonderful, and mystical power---which was true! I’m alive! for 125 years, it’s still beating. And that made me feel terrified that I couldn't even go to sleep. My heart spoke to me---atrocious!---I’ve never had a heart like this before. I don’t know what to do, no, I knew it! Help me!

As the madman continuous batting on his typewriter, mouth drooling with enthusiasm, and eyes beating its last sight, a feeling of eerie arose. He had learned that his heart was from his victims’ victim’s heart, and for 33 years he possesses the spirit of peculiarity. Because of that, they call him a madman, an old, bald, skinny and a nasty sludge with nescience---wait “Someone’s watching. No---it’s the eye of the vulture---quick! and write! Your heart is about to explode!” In the midst of the night, all you can hear is his fast and brutal treat to his friend---he’s following his heartbeat! I knew it! That’s why people knew nothing about my stories. I write no not because of money, or for some entertainment, but a warring warning. Wait, why? You ask why? It’s because of this!

As he writes this story, he carved the name Cion under his finished product. His story screams for mercy: help me from my villain's heart!

- Nicholas

[pokemonfreak387]

Winter Break (Redone) Chapter 10 (Friskriel Fanfic)

Notes: A little shorter than what I’ve been writing recently, but there wasn’t a lot I had planned for this chapter. Thanks to @thunders29 for helping me proofread and being a supportive friend.

Chapter Summary: Frisk and Asriel talk about last night, as well as his parents. The couple then have another talk about a past friend. 2395 words.

Chapter 10 We Need to Talk

This was it. This was the moment Frisk and Asriel had been waiting for. No turning back now. They stepped out from backstage and walked to the podium, greeted with applause from the crowd. They both waved, and once the crowd calmed down, Frisk cleared their throat and began speaking.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, and Non-Binaries, thank you for coming here today.” They began. “Today I would like to talk about the laws regarding relationships between monsters and humans. For over five years, monster-human relations have brought so many wonderful things to the entire world, however in spite of all this, tetraphobia continues to grow.”

The audience murmured a bit, some murmurs of approval, and others of disgust. When they settled down, Frisk continued.

“It is because of this that I wish to talk to you about passing and supporting another law to help bring more peace to this country. Granted, it will have to start here in Ebott and Olympia, but eventually we hope to make it a passed law in the entire United States, and eventually the world. That law I would like to talk to is one, once again, involving human-monster relations, specifically romantic and sexual relatio-”

A loud sound rang out and Asriel froze. Time seemed to stop, even though he could clearly see people moving in front of him. They seemed to be in a panic. He looked over to the side, but instead of finding Frisk beside him, all he saw was a puddle of blood at the podium, Frisk’s signature sweater floating on it. Confused, Asriel began looking around for them, and that’s when they saw a shadowy figure holding something shining. Upon further inspection, Asriel saw it was a gun, and that’s when it clicked. Before he could do anything else, another gunshot rang out, and it all went black.

---

Asriel awoke with a loud gasp, fear clutching his soul and showing no signs of receding. As he panted hard, he looked around, expecting to see the same puddle of blood he saw in his dream. Thankfully, all he saw was his bed underneath to him, as well as his desk, his computer and sewing supplies on top of it.

Once he calmed down from the shock of his nightmare, Asriel cradled his head as a sharp pain coursed through it. Hell, his whole body felt like shit. He tried to remember what exactly caused this to happen, but he just couldn’t. Instead, his body reminded him just how close he was to making a mess on his bed if he didn’t start moving.

Despite his body’s protests, Asriel dashed to the bathroom and opened the toilet bowl just in time. His whole body convulsed as it ejected whatever he had yet to absorb into the ceramic bowl, which wasn’t much. This lead to the vomit being mostly stomach acids and leftover chunks of who knows what. Suffice to say, it wasn’t a pretty sight.

This went on for a few minutes until all that was left for Asriel to cough up was mucus. He flushed the toilet one last time and slumped against it, panting. His whole body felt weak and exhausted, even though he just woke up. Ignoring his headache, he tried to remember just what had happened last night. It wasn’t a fun night, he knew that. He also knew he went into the kitchen, got food, then met Mettaton and then…

“Asriel?” Called a voice outside the bathroom. The teen looked up, fear suddenly gripping his chest.

Oh shit I got drunk! Asriel remembered. He hoped he didn’t do anything bad while he was in that state, but he just couldn’t remember. Slowly, he got up and walked out of the bathroom to find Frisk right in the loft. They were still in their pajamas, their hair a mess, and their eyes droopier than usual. When they saw Asriel, he expected their eyes to be filled with that glint of joy they usually had. However, the spark didn’t appear. Instead, a glossy look came over them, as if they were crying. Asriel walked up to hug them, but they immediately backed away.

“Frisk, what’s wrong?” Asriel asked. “It’s m-”

“Why?” Frisk responded quietly.

“What?”

They then exploded with emotion. “Why did you do that? Why did you get drunk and try to hit on me? What were you thinking? I thought you knew what was at stake here!”

Asriel was stunned, his headache pounding now as he heard the distraught words from the crying human. Turns out he did do something bad, in fact he did the worst thing he could’ve ever done. He didn’t know what to do, and instead he slumped against the wall and began to sob as well.

The two continued to cry agonizing sounds of regret for a while. It was Frisk who stopped first and took action, slowly walking up to Asriel and hugging him tightly. Asriel slowly returned it, sobbing into Frisk’s shoulder now. He gripped them as if they were being taken away from him, making them barely able to breathe. He kept whispering “I’m sorry,” in their ear.

“C’mon Asriel.” Frisk whispered. “We need to talk.”

Asriel sniffed and nodded. The couple stood up and walked into Frisk’s room, settling in a cuddle on the bed. They waited a few more minutes for Asriel to get the rest of his emotions out of his system before Frisk spoke up again.

“I guess my first question is… Why?”

Asriel looked at them confused, but slowly realized what they meant and cleared his throat.

“I-I guess… Because you were swarmed by so many other people, I got a little jealous and lonely. I tried to find John and Dave so they could distract me, but they went off to some other room to do… Probably each other.”

Frisk gave a small chuckle. “Why were you jealous?”

“I… I-I don’t know. I guess I’m just really clingy. Like, I don’t want you to leave me ever. Does that make sense?”

Frisk sighed and nodded, lightly scratching one of Asriel’s ears. “Yes, I get that. But I promise you, I’m not going to leave you. I’m your datemate, and you’re my boyfriend. We’re going to keep it that way.”

Asriel let out some satisfactory bleats under his breath from Frisk’s affection. “Th-thanks. That’s very comforting. I-I know I shouldn’t have done that, but my emotions got the best of me.”

“Speaking of getting the best of you,” Frisk inquired. “How many drinks did you have exactly?”

“Uh, I think Mettaton gave me… One?”

Frisk let out a scoff. “One? How the hell did a big boss monster like you get drunk after one drink? I don’t even think Grillby had Balkan 176 there.”

Asriel became thoughtful for a moment. “I guess… Because we’re mostly made of magic, we get drunk a lot faster? That would explain how Mettaton got drunk so quick after his speech.”

“Wait, Mettaton got drunk? How? Isn’t he an artificial robot?”

“Well he does have a natural monster soul, we can’t forget that.”

Frisk scoffed again. “That still doesn’t explain how he got drunk.”

Asriel let out a chuckle. “Yeah, it doesn’t. Who knows?” He then turned to Frisk and gave them a kiss on the top of their head. “Frisk, I really am sorry about last night. I know that’s not going to fix the dent I put into our operations, but I at least want to fix the dent it put into our relationship.”

Frisk sighed and leaned into the monster. “While I’m still pissed at how this is going to affect us politically, I accept your apology. Just, please find another way to deal with your sorrow that isn’t alcohol or drugs.”

“Oh! What if we got one of those body-sized pillows and had a picture of you printed on it!”

Frisk blushed heavily and tossed a playful punch at Asriel. “No! There’s no way we’re doing that!” Even in their now flustered state, they couldn’t help but laugh at the idea. They could just imagine Asriel trying to make out with the object, which just made them laugh harder.

The couple’s laughter was interrupted by a low growl coming from Asriel. “Oh right, after today’s episode, my body probably would like refilling.”

Frisk scrunched their eyebrows together. “I don’t get it, I thought you guys just absorbed food like magic or something. How could you vomit or have your stomach growl?”

Asriel shrugged. “Beats me. That’s a question for Alphys. Anyways, I guess as another apology, I’ll go make us some breakfast?”

Frisk nodded and gave the monster a hug. “That would be lovely. See you downstairs in a bit Azzy.”

Asriel returned the hug, giving a kiss on Frisk’s cheek as well. “See you Frisky. Love you.”

---

While the encounter with Frisk that morning had quite a pleasant ending, it didn’t last long as the very unpleasant beginning of the encounter with Asriel’s parents ensued. While he was frying up some eggs for him and Frisk, he was called to attention by a stern throat clearing, causing him to freeze. He slowly turned around, and sure enough, the two big boss monster parents stood.

“Asriel Cardinal Dreemurr,” Toriel began. “What in the name of monster kind were you thinking? Not only did you get drunk five years under age, you tried to non-consensually procreate with Frisk! In public of all things! What do you have to say for yourself?”

Asriel was taken aback by his mother’s anger, tears already threatening to spill again. He looked at his father for help, who replied with a sigh.

“Your mother’s right son.” He said. “It was a very foolish thing you did last night. It may very well threaten our political standing. However, I do hope you’ve learned your lesson and will never do it again.”

“Y-yes dad, mom.” Asriel stammered out. “I-I’m sorry.”

Asgore gave a soft smile, but Toriel’s eyes were still ablaze and expression stern. “Sorry or not, I believe this still calls for some punishment. You are grounded from going out with Frisk, or doing anything… Frisky with Frisk, alright? For one week.”

Asriel’s teen side wanted to argue, as well as his libido. But thankfully his conscience knew better than to argue with his mother, especially after last night. He nodded and accepted the punishment, turning back to his eggs to make sure they didn’t get burnt.

---

“While I don’t blame her for doing so, I kind of feel attacked myself.” Frisk commented as they sat in Asriel’s room. They had just gotten word of Asriel’s punishment and they felt it was a little unfair. Not only was Asriel being denied sexual relief, but so was Frisk. It was going to be a rough week, especially since Asgore recommended Asriel’s door be open. With their new pastime being unavailable to them, Frisk instead resorted to just watching Asriel as he worked on his sewing machine.

It was quite an interesting show. Frisk expected Asriel’s fingers to be clumsy, or his claws to get stuck in the threads. Instead, everything flowed smoothly. The machine was also surprisingly quiet as it thread the two fabric pieces together, pushed slowly by Asriel’s paws. Frisk was so entranced by watching their boyfriend sew, they didn’t even know he was done with what he was working on until he called to them.

“Hey Frisk, you ok?”

Frisk blinked and shook their head. They then looked to Asriel. In his hands hung a sweater, much like his favorite one, with green as its main color and two yellow stripes. Frisk didn’t quite understand why he would make a second one of his sweaters, especially since he already had one. Not to mention this one didn’t seem like it would fit him.

“It looks lovely Asriel.” Frisk remarked. “But why did you make it a girl’s sweater?”

Asriel gave a confused look and looked at the shirt again. He then realized exactly what Frisk meant and gasped. “Oh shit.” He began to cry again.

“Asriel, it’s no big deal really.” Frisk tried reassuring him. “You can just start a new one. You have plenty of fabric.”

“It’s… It’s not that. It’s someone else.”

That’s when it clicked. He must’ve been thinking about Chara again, Frisk thought. And as if he could read their thoughts, he spoke again.

“After breakfast, I began thinking about how Chara would’ve reacted to me drinking. Would they have just laughed it off, or would they have lectured me much like mom did? Either way, I think I would’ve liked to have them lecture me than mom.”

Frisk stood up and moved over to Asriel, giving him a hug. “You must miss them a lot.”

“A lot doesn’t even cover it. They were my best friend. No, they were more than that.” He rubbed his eyes and looked at Frisk. “You would’ve liked them. Though their tendencies were more violent, I have no doubt you would’ve loved them the way I did.”

Well he wasn’t wrong there. Frisk thought back to the time they were underground, when they first heard that more feminine voice. It was true Frisk didn’t really condone their violent tendencies, but even they had morals. After all, it was Frisk who chose to kill everyone at first, not them. Frisk shook their head to clear their thoughts. Now wasn’t the time to tell him. Someday, but not now. Instead, they walked into their room and came back to Asriel’s with their DS in hand.

“C’mon,” They offered. “Let’s not worry about that now and let’s play a bit of Pokemon, eh?”

Asriel rubbed his eyes one last time and chuckled. “Yeah, sure. I got a new team to fight you this time too.”

“It wouldn’t be your one with your shiny Toxapex, would it?”

“How did you know about that?” Asriel exclaimed, leading to Frisk laughing.

“Blame Alphys.”

Asriel grumbled something, picking up his DS from the side of his bed and turning it on. In spite of this, he was still glad Frisk still hung out with him even if he did fuck up last night. He had a feeling it was going to be a great year. And it was, but there were several obstacles that him and Frisk would both have to go through first.