Phil Connelly

1 week ago | ravallirepublic.com | Phil Connelly

This week, we're looking at the history of product names. Pepsi was originally called “Brad’s Drink” in 1893 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham. It was renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898, derived from dyspepsia (indigestion), which it was marketed to relieve. "Cola” was added to reflect its main flavoring. Häagen-Dazs was invented in the Bronx in 1960 by Reuben and Rose Mattus. The name is completely made up — it doesn’t mean anything in Danish or any language.

2 weeks ago | ravallirepublic.com | Phil Connelly

By the late 1600s, the 120,000 residents around Rome had long been the victims of frequent flooding from the Tiber River. Rather than correctly blaming the local floodplain topography, they instead blamed a serpentine monster they believed to slither around in the watery depths. Pope Clement X put Dutch engineer Cornelius Meyer in charge of a major civic project that aimed to protect the Via Flaminia (the major road used by pilgrims) against the flooding of the Tiber river.

3 weeks ago | ravallirepublic.com | Phil Connelly

You’re driving home alone late at night along a country road. Up ahead, you see a man who appears to be waving a red lantern. Being frightened, instead of stopping the car, you step on the gas, speeding past the strange man who was yelling something you couldn’t quite make out. With the feeling of dread subsiding, you press on. Suddenly, you feel this intense pain in your back. Not knowing what is happening, you continue on until you can no longer drive. Then, you see a man approaching.

1 month ago | ravallirepublic.com | Phil Connelly

The White House, one of the most famous buildings in the United States, is also said to be one of its most haunted. Over the centuries, presidents, first ladies, guests and staff members have reported strange occurrences, eerie sounds, and even ghostly apparitions. Some of the spirits tied to the White House are former residents, while others are mysterious figures from American history. The most frequently reported and famous ghost of the White House is Abraham Lincoln.

1 month ago | ravallirepublic.com | Phil Connelly

The introduction of potatoes to France in the late 16th century sparked significant resistance before becoming a staple of French cuisine. Originally brought to Europe from South America by Spanish explorers, the tuber faced widespread suspicion and disdain in France due to cultural, religious and practical concerns. This resistance was gradually overcome through scientific advocacy, clever marketing, and eventual culinary integration, paving the way for iconic dishes like French fries to emerge.