Where The Phrase Why The Long Face Might Have Originated
One of the challenges of learning a language is coming to understand, and use correctly, specific turns of phrase -- idioms, some of which are ancient.
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What Happened To The Shake Weight?
Inspired by the concept of dynamic inertia, the Shake Weight is shaped like a traditional dumbbell with weights on either end that attach to the handle.
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What Happened To Platform Shoes?
From ancient Greece to the disco floor, platform shoes have a history as big as they are. And, like their cork soles, have an amazing ability to bounce back.
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What Exactly Is A Scuttlebutt?
Today the word "scuttlebutt" is related to gossip or social information. However, the term's origin has its roots on the high seas and with thirsty sailors.
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The Mysterious Origins Of The Word Booze
As long as a language is still living -- developing, adding words, in use in speech and in writing -- it will borrow words, even phrases, from other languages.
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What We Know About The Medical Mystery Known As Havana Syndrome
A new kind of "attack" on U.S. foreign Service agents has been popping up. The alleged attacks are characterized by a highly-localized sonic phenomenon.
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Was Marquis De Sade Really So Sadistic?
It's not everyone who gets their name associated with a group of behaviors, but Marquis de Sade is one whose name echoes down through the ages.
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Who Invented The Laser Pointer?
It was a scientific achievement for the ages, built on decades of earlier work, some of it Nobel Prize-winning; now, it's a plaything for cats.
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How Did Nazi Germany's Enigma Machine Really Work?
Besides firepower and personnel, wars are sometimes won by those behind the lines who contribute analytical and scientific skills to seemingly immense problems.
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What Country Pays The Most For Gas?
No question but that Americans love their cars. A steep rise in gas prices reverberates throughout the country. But which country pays the most for gas?
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The Pagan Origin Of The Easter Bunny Explained
There are unique ways to celebrate various holidays. For many people, Easter means an abundance of sweet treats, including chocolate, delivered by -- a rabbit?
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What Really Happened During The Longest Indigenous Revolt In History
The Maya's decades-long indigenous revolt forever affected the history of Yucatán. Here's what really happened during the longest Indigenous revolt in history.
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The Truth About Caesar And Pompey's Relationship
In the most competitive society in history, one rivalry stands out: Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus. This is the truth about Caesar and Pompey's relationship.
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The Turbulent History Of Chechnya And Russia Explained
Russians and Chechens are commonly seen as enemies, but it appears they're working together. This is the turbulent history of Chechnya and Russia explained.
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Harald Hardrada: The King Whose Death Ended The Viking Age
Harald Hardrada was the last Viking king who personified the Viking Age. With his life documented by multiple poets, his death marked the end of the age.
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Valuable Paintings That Were Discovered At Goodwill
A small percentage of these bargain hunters, come across items they can resell for a profit. An even smaller percentage stumbles upon something invaluable.
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Where Was The First St. Patrick's Day Parade Held In The US?
Where -- and when -- the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in the US will likely surprise you.
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How Did We Get The Nickname Dick From Richard?
It's not unusual for a given name to be turned into a shorter nickname -- Sam from Samuel, for instance. Some nicknames, however, are less obvious.
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What Rights Do POWs Have?
While being a POW is never fun, at least POWs today, unlike in the past, are afforded rights as agreed to by most nations. What rights do POWs have?
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Was Julius Caesar Really Born By Cesarean Section?
Julius Caesar is widely credited for having given birth to the term cesarean section. However, digging into historic literature may reveal a different story.
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What Is The Origin Of The Phrase Smart Alec?
Common turns of phrase will often have deep historical roots that might have been forgotten with the passage of time. Consider the phrase "smart alec."
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What We Know About Vladimir Putin's Elite Bodyguards
With great power -- like the presidency of Russia -- comes not only great responsibility, but also great need for bodyguards -- lots and lots of bodyguards.
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These Artificial Sweeteners Were Made By Accident
Throughout history, there have been plenty of accidental inventions, from microwaves to X-rays to the Slinky. These artificial sweeteners were made by accident.
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Being A Garbage Collector Is More Deadly Than You Thought
The job surely isn't for the faint of heart but one self-described "garbage man "shares that the career could be long-lasting — but only if his body holds up.
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How Did Grandfather Clocks Get Their Name?
Timekeeping is a uniquely human activity. The advent of quartz and smart watches has changed it considerably, but there's still a place for a grandfather clock.
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The Real Reason Drive-Up ATMs Have Braille Buttons
As you pull up to a drive-thru ATM, at first glance it may be perplexing to see the buttons on the ATM have braille on them — but they're there for good reason.
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What Happened To MiniDiscs?
Mediums for recorded audio have changed a lot over the years, and each new generation tries to make up for the shortcomings of whatever came before it.
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