1

Young inventor

Image: Randy Fath

Although we all know that Edison was an inventor -and one of the best- very few know that his passion was already loudly expressed at the young age of 10.

At that age, while other children were naturally playing ball in the park, Edison was already interested in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and electricity. At 12, he set up his first laboratory in the basement of his parents' house, where he began to do his first experiments! Some stories claim that explosions in the basement were more frequent than their parents would have liked.

2

Self-taught

Image: Nicola Tolin

Edison's educational path was very different from the one many of us probably had. In fact, Edison had almost no formal education.

Thomas Edison attended school for only a few months. Due to some hearing problems he developed as a child, his mother decided to homeschool him, teaching and encouraging him, which awakened his impressive curiosity and appetite for knowledge.

By the time he was a preteen, he was already an autodidact. This fact was crucial on his way to becoming one of our country's most important inventors.

3

Young entrepreneur

Image: Jingda Chen

The young Edison was not only curious and intelligent; he was also an entrepreneur.

When he was just a boy of 12, he sold snacks, candy, cigars, magazines, and newspapers on the Grand Trunk Railroad. From that age, he displayed a determined character, which enabled him to raise money for his experiments.

But his ambition was so strong that he started his own newspaper, the Grand Trunk Herald. That's right! Little Edison assembled and printed his newspaper and sold it to passengers and people who frequented the train stations.

4

Hero

Image: Sugden Guy sugden

Did you know that Edison was also a hero? That's right!

In fact, we could say that his act of heroism as a teenager was the event that started his great career. By the age of 15, Edison was working and traveling on the Grand Trunk Railroad, where he became close to a station master and telegraph officer. One day, Edison spotted the station master's two-year-old son playing on the tracks as a train sped toward him. Without hesitation, he jumped and rescued the child.

The boy's father was so grateful that he offered to teach Edison how to use the telegraph system. And what do you think? He accepted immediately!

5

Marriages

Image: Fernando @cferdophotography

Between labs and experiments, Thomas Edison also had time for love.

Thomas Alva Edison married twice in his life. His first wife was Mary Stilwell Edison, whom he married in 1871. Mary and Thomas had three children. Sadly, she passed away in 1884 after 13 years of marriage.

His second marriage was in 1886 to Mina Miller Edison. With her, Edison had three more children. As it couldn't be otherwise, it's said that Edison asked Mina to marry him in a rather peculiar way: he proposed using Morse code!

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His children's nicknames

Image: Sandie Clarke

Thomas Edison's creativity was evident in everything he did, and there's an anecdote that exemplifies this perfectly.

The inventor's passion and humor blended and resulted in fun and loving nicknames for his first two children. As we told you, by 1876, Edison already had two children from his first marriage. They were Marion and Thomas Jr., whom Edison called "Dot" and "Dash," respectively. Yes, you got it: it was a reference to Morse code!

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First phonograph recording

Image: Call Me Fred

As you probably know, in 1877, Thomas Edison introduced the phonograph. It was the first device capable of recording and reproducing sound!

As a result of his experiments, this device completely changed the history of communication. But what did the first recording made with the phonograph say?

Edison made a cute choice for his first recording: a recitation of the beloved nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb." That was the first time in history that anyone heard a previously recorded voice!

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His work team

Image: The National Library of Norway

It seems that Edison had a tendency for affectionate nicknames and monikers.

Edison didn't reserve nicknames just for his children; he also gave them to the members of his large staff. Many people worked in Edison's famous laboratory at Menlo Park, which he referred to as his "invention factory." Engineers, scientists, technicians, and people with different kinds of expertise gathered there to help make the great inventor's ideas possible. Edison affectionately referred to them as his "muckers," a nickname that shows not only his sense of humor but also his strong team spirit.

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His health

Image: Dan Meyers

One of the best-known aspects of Edison's health was his hearing loss when he was very young. Contrary to what one might think, Edison stated that this fact didn't negatively affect his career development. In fact, he believed it helped him focus and dedicate more time to his inventions and discoveries.

However, as an adult, he developed some other health problems. Some sources suggest that Edison's habits, including long hours in the lab and a poor diet, contributed to health issues like heart problems and diabetes.

10

His last words

Image: Jonathan Borba

Edison's life was full of adventures, discoveries, love, and many other things. The American inventor didn't abandon his creativity even when it was time for him to leave this world.

It's said that, at the age of 84 on his deathbed, Thomas Edison looked at his wife, Mina, and uttered the words, "It's very beautiful over there."

While it's difficult to make a unique interpretation of these nice and calm words, their poetic and inspirational character is undeniable.

1

Corn Flakes

Image: Sten Ritterfeld

Who hasn't started their day with a bowl of Corn Flakes at least once? While Corn Flakes weren't exactly the first packaged cold cereal product sold in America, they are undoubtedly the most iconic. As early as 1902, William Keith Kellogg began mass production of his first cereal after proving its efficacy and popularity with patients at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, where he worked alongside his prestigious doctor brother.

The Kellogg brothers were focused on offering a healthier alternative to the traditional pork-and-beef heavy English-style breakfasts that most Americans were eating at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, they developed a process that allowed them to transform thin slices of cereal into small toasted flakes of wheat or corn. Since then, Corn Flakes, combined with fresh milk, have been one of the most popular breakfasts among Americans, young and old.

2

Cheerios

Image: Deena Englard

Did you know that a one-ounce serving of Cheerios contains nearly 250 individual "O's."? Crazy, right? Introduced in 1941 by the American company General Mills, Cheerios is one of the first oat-based ready-to-eat cereals and remains one of the most widely consumed in the United States.

Back in the 1930s, General Mills engineers tested more than 500 formulas and experimented with 10 different shapes and sizes before perfecting the now-iconic "O." They finally came up with the delicious cereal that offers the nutrients of 4 cereals: oats, corn, wheat, and rice. Today, there are about 20 different flavors of Cheerios available in the U.S., including Honey Nut, Chocolate, and Apple Cinnamon. Which one is your favorite?

3

Rice Krispies

Image: Lisa Fotios

Kellogg’s is one of the most influential breakfast cereal companies in the United States and the world, and we have them to thank not only for Corn Flakes but also for our beloved Rice Krispies. This breakfast cereal made from crispy rice first appeared on the shelves in 1928. It was revolutionary at the time because the company used a new patented process called "oven-popping" to manufacture them.

Rice Krispies’ success may have been due to its claim that the cereal would remain floating even after 2 hours in milk. The brand's classic slogan honoring this unique quality—"Snap! Crackle! Pop!"—was introduced around 1939 and is still used on packaging today. For decades, Rice Krispies has been one of the most popular cereals among consumers, so much so that even the Rolling Stones recorded a short song for a television commercial promoting the brand in 1964. Do you remember the catchy tune?

4

Cap'n Crunch

Image: Samantha Gades

Cap'n Crunch cereal, a combination of corn and oats, was developed in the early 1960s by Pamela Low, a flavorist who was inspired by a brown sugar and buttered rice recipe from her grandmother. Since its debut, additional flavors have been introduced, including Berries, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate.

But did you know that Cap'n Crunch’s full name is Horatio Magellan Crunch ? The iconic cartoon mascot was developed for the Quaker Oats Company by Allan Burns, a screenwriter and television producer who later co-created popular shows like The Munsters and The Mary Tyler Moore Show . Since its introduction in 1963, the late 18th-century naval captain, born on Crunch Island—a magical land in the Sea of Milk—has won the hearts (and bowls) of countless consumers across America.

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Trix

Image: Sascha Bosshard

General Mills introduced Trix in 1954 as the first fruit-flavored cereal. Initially, it wasn’t marketed exclusively for kids, but because of the bright colors, it soon became a favorite among the little ones. When Trix was first launched, it featured round cereal balls in three flavors: "Raspberry Red," "Orange Orange," and "Lemony Yellow." It wasn't until 1991 that Trix became the first fruit-shaped breakfast cereal.

But as with other brands on this list, Trix is best remembered for its mascot rather than the cereal itself. In fact, the Trix Rabbit is one of the single longest-running ad campaigns in television history. Since the 1960s, the brand has kept the same character, the same slogan—"Trix are for kids!"—and the same storyline: the rabbit’s endlessly thwarted attempts to steal a box of cereal.

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Frosted Flakes

Image: Engin Akyurt

If we talk about the sweetest cereals on the market, we cannot fail to mention Frosted Flakes. The concept and technology of a "frosted" cereal was developed in 1939 by Jim Rex, a salesman from Philadelphia who unfortunately didn’t have much success with his product Ranger Joe Wheat Honnies. The idea, though, was soon adopted by the breakfast cereal industry, and by 1952, Kellogg introduced Sugar Frosted Flakes to its lineup.

That same year, Kellogg launched a campaign featuring Tony the Tiger, Frosted Flakes’ famous mascot, who proudly declared, "Sugar Frosted Flakes are Grrr-reat! The slogan and the character became so popular in the United States that it's probably more quintessential than the cereal itself.

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Lucky Charms

Image: Céline Druguet

The mini marshmallows found in Lucky Charms, whose technical and copyrighted name is Marbits , were invented, along with the cereal, by General Mills product developer John Holahan in 1963. One morning, he cut up a few orange marshmallow Circus Peanuts, mixed them into a bowl of Cheerios, and was delighted with the result. The rest, as they say, is history.

Lucky Charms is inspired by Irish culture. Its mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun debuted on St. Patrick's Day in 1964. The successful combination of this endearing character, delicious shaped oat pieces, and colorful little marshmallows was quickly embraced by children around the world. Tasty, crunchy, and fun, this cereal has undeniably revolutionized American breakfasts forever.

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Froot Loops

Image: Yusuf Timur Çelik

Toucan Sam has been a part of our lives for more than 60 years now. Kellogg’s iconic mascot—a blue, anthropomorphic toucan with the ability to smell Froot Loops from great distances—was introduced alongside the O-shaped cereal in 1963.

Froot Loops were developed after Kellogg attempted to displace General Mills' Cheerios from the market. The idea of introducing fruity flavors proved to be a success, even though, years later, the company admitted that the different colors did not correspond to unique fruit flavors. In recent years, Froot Loops have faced criticism for their use of artificial colorings and high sugar content. Yet, they still have plenty of fans and they remain one of the best-selling cereal brands in America.

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Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Image: Francisco Jacquier

Another popular breakfast cereal created by General Mills is Cinnamon Toast Crunch. In fact, the company sells over 100 million boxes a year of this brand alone, putting it just behind Cheerios and Frosted Flakes in sales. How about you—do you have a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch waiting in your pantry?

These delicious little squares of whole wheat and rice, topped with cinnamon and sugar, were first launched in 1984 and were an instant hit. And it makes sense, given that, in a way, they were invented by a child. Cinnamon Toast Crunch was developed by General Mills scientists and product managers after an unnamed child suggested the idea of a cinnamon toast-flavored cereal during a radio contest. Since then, it has remained one of America's favorite cereals and we don't expect its popularity to wane any time soon.

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Life

Image: Binyamin Mellish

More than 60 years after its creation, Life remains one of the top 10 best-selling cereal brands in the United States. Introduced on the market in 1961 by the Quaker Oats Company under the slogan "The most useful protein ever in a ready-to-eat cereal," Life is a multigrain cereal enjoyed by millions of family households across the country.

Like its competitor Trix, Life has also made history in marketing and advertising. A famous Life commercial featuring Little Mikey, a hard-to-please four-year-old boy, aired nationally from 1972 to 1984, making it the longest-running commercial in television history . Have you seen it? We bet you have!

1

Snowball fights

Image: Arina Krasnikova

It may sound like the premise for a coming-of-age comedy film, but it’s absolutely true: in Wausau, Wisconsin, throwing a snowball is technically against the law. The city once grouped snowballs in the same category as "stones and missiles," as if every kid with a pair of mittens were a potential threat to public safety. Of course, local police don’t patrol sledding hills looking for offenders anymore. The rule mostly lives on as a charming reminder that even winter fun can end up in the law books.

2

Camel hunting

Image: Shaun Danny

Camels in Arizona? Well, technically. Back in the mid-1800s, t he U.S. Army brought camels to the Southwest, hoping their strength and stamina would make them the perfect means for desert transport. The experiment didn’t last—soldiers preferred their mules—but the camels did, wandering off into the wild. To protect the survivors, the State of Arizona outlawed camel hunting, a law that still stands today. So if you ever spot one, grab your camera, not your hunting license!

3

Texting while walking

Image: Elizabeth Woolner

Crossing the street with your eyes glued to your phone is the 21st century’s twist on jaywalking. In Honolulu, Hawaii, that nasty habit can cost you up to $99, thanks to a local ordinance meant to curb "distracted walking." Officials say it’s about protecting pedestrians from accidents; residents jokingly call it "the eyes-up law." Whether you see it as common sense or overreach, the rule makes one thing clear: the text, meme, or emoji can wait until you’re safely on the other side.

4

Apple pie must come with ice cream

Image: Patrick Fore

Here’s a rule everyone can get behind. Vermont, proud home of rolling orchards and autumn harvests, officially crowned apple pie as its state dessert. But lawmakers didn’t stop there; they added a charming twist, recommending that each slice be served "in good faith" with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a piece of sharp cheddar, or a glass of cold milk. It’s less a regulation and more a warm invitation to enjoy a simple American treat. Yes, the law can sometimes be fun and downright delicious!

5

Bear wrestling

Image: Florian Schindler

Believe it or not, there was a time when people thought wrestling a bear was a good idea. Traveling shows and roadside attractions once featured men squaring off against hulking bruins for cheers and pocket change. Eventually, Alabama decided it was a spectacle best to leave it in the past. In 1996, the state officially banned bear wrestling, making it illegal to train, promote, or even sell tickets to such events. Today, the law stands as a small but noble victory for animal welfare. As for the bears? They walked away undefeated, every single one of them.

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Password sharing

Image: cottonbro studio

Before Netflix made it official, Tennessee was already ahead of the curve. Back in 2011, the state passed a law making it illegal to share passwords for paid streaming services. The rule was originally meant to stop hackers from selling stolen logins, but it ended up being a cautionary tale for the streaming wars to come. Technically, lending your password to a friend could cost you $2,500 and even land you a year in jail. What once seemed overcautious now feels oddly prophetic, almost like Tennessee read the fine print of the future.

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Dueling

Image: Leon Kohle

If you’ve ever challenged someone to a duel—yes, the kind with pistols and a handshake at dawn—you can forget about running for office in West Virginia. The state’s constitution, written in the 1800s, includes a clause that permanently bars any duelist from holding public office. The idea was to keep gentlemen of "honor" from turning government into a shooting gallery. More than a century later, the law remains untouched, a relic of a time when reputations were defended at ten paces.

8

Roller-skating

Image: Harrison Haines

Can you imagine roller-skating being banned in your town? Back in the 1930s in Biddeford, Maine, sidewalks were sacred ground for Sunday strolls, not racetracks for daredevils on wheels. So, the city downright prohibited skating and biking on sidewalks. Believe it or not, the rule, established in a slower era when the biggest traffic hazard downtown wasn’t a speeding car, but a kid on skates, still lingers in the city code today.

9

Fishing with your hands

Image: Patti Black

Think you’re tough enough to catch a catfish with your bare hands? In Indiana, that risky stunt—known as "noodling"—will earn you more than bragging rights; it could get you fined. The practice involves reaching into murky holes and hoping the fish bites, but lawmakers decided it was safer for everyone if they didn’t. The ban protects catfish during breeding season and probably saves a few bold fishermen’s lives. So, if you’re visiting Indiana and are feeling adventurous, bring a rod instead!

10

Confetti

Image: jameson wu

Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, bursts with color, music, and flying beads, but there’s one thing you won’t see floating in the air: confetti or silly string. The city banned both to keep its historic streets clean after the celebrations. The rule might sound like a party pooper, but locals don’t mind. They’ve turned cleanup into an art form, celebrating with floats, jazz bands, and smiles instead of streamers. After all, the joy of Mardi Gras isn’t in what you toss but in the rhythm, the laughter, and the sparkle that doesn’t need sweeping up.