Mark Juddery

Mark Juddery

@markjuddery
Mark Juddery is a Australian writer and journalist who, having worked for some prestigious journals in the past, has been allowed to add "historian" to his job title (which sounds pretty important). He's also written prize-winning screenplays, comedy sketches, and numerous articles for magazines like mental_floss. His latest book, Overrated: The 50 Most Overhyped Things in History, is published by Penguin Books. He is currently working on a book about the last days of silent cinema. You can follow his blog at markjuddery.com or tweet him @markjuddery.

articles

The Rugby Rivalry that Brought New Zealand to the Brink of Civil War

Ed note: This post has been sponsored by the Warner Brother's film Invictus, out on DVD and Blu-ray on May 18th. Be sure to keep an eye out for more rugby stories, and our big DVD give-away later this week! Rugby has been a unifying force for the Maori and the Pakeha (New Zealanders of European descent) ever since the sport arrived in the country in 1870. The national team, the All Blacks, has always had a roster filled with Maori and Pakeha players—but then South Africa's... READ ON

lists

6 Big Events That Were Upstaged

Here are some major events that passed under the radar because, on the same day, something even greater (or at least, more noticeable) was happening. In some cases, the event might not have grabbed our attention anyway, but has proven its worth in hindsight. 1. August 5, 1914: Introducing"¦ Traffic... READ ON

lists

5 Ways Doctor Who Made a Difference

1. The Theme Song Many TV shows have had memorable theme songs, but few were as innovative as the eerie Doctor Who theme. Composed by Ron Grainer (who also wrote the themes for such classic 1960s shows as Steptoe and Son and The Prisoner), it was arranged and mixed by Delia Derbyshire at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. The Workshop pioneered electronic music in Britain, and Derbyshire's arrangement (using electronic oscillators, tape loops and reverse tape effects) was unlike anything ever heard... READ ON

lists

6 Great Christmas Comic Book Adventures

You can't forget the great Christmas songs, movies and television specials. But what of the wonderful, heart-warming Christmases you spent with Archie, Richie Rich, Mickey Mouse and Little Lulu? Even super-heroes sometimes take a break from clobbering super-villains at Christmas. Here are some of the classic holiday stories that have made their way into the comics over the years. 1. Superman's Christmas Adventure... READ ON

articles

How Superman Defeated the Ku Klux Klan

In the 1940s, The Adventures of Superman was a radio sensation. Kids across the country huddled around their sets as the Man of Steel leapt off the page and over the airwaves. Although Superman had been fighting crime in print since 1938, the weekly audio episodes fleshed out his storyline even further. It was on the radio that Superman first faced kryptonite, met Daily Planet reporter Jimmy Olsen, and became associated with "truth, justice, and the American way." So, it's no wonder that... READ ON

lists

7 Great Misconceptions About Australia

As an Australian, I'm greeted with open arms whenever I go overseas. It's great to be liked"¦ but though I hate to admit it, there are a few things people get wrong about us. I'm afraid I don't have a pet kangaroo, I don't live on a wide-open Outback farm, I don't eat copious amounts of Vegemite, and I don't greet everyone by saying "G'day, mate." Some Aussies do those things, I'll admit, but most of us don't. While... READ ON

articles

7 Movie Stars Who Really Were Heroes

For over a century, movie stars have brought countless screen heroes to life "“ but of course, there has usually been a slight gap between the actors and the heroes they played. Yes, we know that a third of Angelina Jolie's income goes to charity, that Sean Penn took a canoe to help Hurricane Katrina victims, and that Tom Cruise once stopped to help a hit-and-run victim and paid her hospital bills. Nonetheless, most famous actors have been normal people like everyone else. But just so you... READ ON

articles

How One Man Saved Bulgaria's Jews

World War II Bulgaria didn't have a Schindler, and it didn't have a list. It had a white-bearded mystic named Peter Deunov and an entire nation standing behind him. Together, they saved Bulgaria's 48,000 Jews from the Holocaust. Bulgaria wasn't in the best position during the Second World War. Fenced in by the Soviet Union on one side and Europe on the other, it was forced into the middle of the action. That's why it's all the more impressive that Bulgaria is... READ ON

lists

8 Intriguing Pairs (and Trios) Who Died on the Same Day

"Death comes in threes" is a popular maxim. In the world of fame and celebrity, however, it seems that death usually comes in twos. Some unusual duos have died on the same day: Mahatma Gandhi and Orville Wright, Jayne Mansfield and Primo Carnera, Luis Bunuel and David Niven. A few months ago, I looked at some uncanny celebrity birth twins. Here are some of those who were linked by death. 1. John Adams & Thomas Jefferson (July 4,... READ ON

lists

7 Actors Who Made a Difference

Many famous actors aren't satisfied with their stardom, and they want to do something more. Over the years, a handful of actors have truly made a difference in the world "“ and in some cases, they did so in ways that you wouldn't expect. From inventors to troublesome mistresses to Kevin Bacon, here are seven examples. 1. Lola Montez "“ She Ended an... READ ON

Pages

Subscribe to Author Articles