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Here's a precursor to Singin' in the Rain. The caption reads, "The desolate, black day touched him no more than a summer shadow touches a sunlit sea, for his whole soul was afire with the golden blaze of his song." From Munsey's Magazine (1920).
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New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson prophesied Universal's Portofino Bay resort (1965):
However, he was behind the curve when it came to Disney's World Showcase (1990):
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Here's a precursor to crowdfunding, discovered by Jonathan Caws-Elwitt in Bill Nye's Cordwood (1887): Kansas.—Dear Sir: Not having enough room under our present arrangements, and wishing to make the Roller-Towel House the recognized head-quarters for traveling men, we desire to enlarge the building. Not having the money on hand to do so, we make the following proposition: If you will advance us $5, to be used for the above purpose, we will deduct that amount from your bill when stopping with us. We feel assured that the traveling men appreciate our efforts to give them first-class accommodations, and as the above amount will be deducted from your bill when stopping with us, we hope for a favorable reply. Should you not visit our town again the loan will be repaid in cash. J. Krash Towel, Proprietor Roller-Towel House.
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Here's a precursor to the expression, "Hey, four-eyes." From A String of Chinese Peach-Stones by William Arthur Cornaby, 1895.
Speaking of which, a fraternity exclusive to nerdy glasses-wearers might be called Iota Iota Iota Iota.
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Before the facile inspirational quotation craze, simple 'happy thoughts' sufficed. From Old Father Christmas by Lizzie Lawson (1888).
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Here's a precursor to Dorothy and Toto, eight years before the first Oz book was published, from Old Plaistow by John Spencer Curwen (1892).
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Original Content Copyright © 2025 by Craig Conley. All rights reserved.
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