Wednesday, August 19, 2026 — National Potato Day

A minister passed the test that was supposed to prove his innocence. It didn’t save him.

Today we explore a disturbing moment from the Salem witch trials, discover how a wooden warship became “Old Ironsides,” and follow homemade cars down a hill at the first All-American Soap Box Derby.

Along the way, we celebrate the birthday of Gene Roddenberry, the pilot, police officer, and writer who imagined humanity traveling among the stars.

When reality contradicts what we expect, the surprise matters only if we are willing to notice it.