Why Do People Of European Descent Have Last Names?
Names can sometimes be confusing. Dive into the ethnic origins of names -- first, last, middle -- and it's not unusual to come up with the question, "Why?"
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Who Invented The Traffic Light?
The traffic light is a staple of our everyday lives, but where did it come from and who actually invented it? This is the origin of the traffic light.
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Where Did The Phrase Slush Fund Come From?
"Slush" isn't exactly a thrilling word, especially in terms of streets and sidewalks toward the end of winter. But what does snowmelt have to do with money?
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How Do Historical Reenactors Get Their Uniforms?
One way to learn about the past is to recreate it -- do your best to step into a period. Historical reenactors take great care to be accurate.
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Why Are Liquid Stains Darker Along The Edges?
Ever wonder why liquid stains are darker along the edges than in the middle? Here is the science behind it.
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How TLC's No Scrubs Changed Popular Culture
Pop, R&B, and hip-hop trio TLC released their hit single "No Scrubs" in 1999, and it remains one of the group's most well-known songs to this day.
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Advice We Learned From U.S. Presidents That You Should Totally Avoid
Many past presidents have used the world stage to shell out advice. It is likely no surprise that not all advice given by U.S. presidents has been top notch.
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How The Printing Press Was First Invented
A lot of people think Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, but he was not the first to develop that technology.
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The Real Reason Coins Are Made With Ridges
Whether doubloons, or pieces of eight, or a simple silver dollar, coins and their designs are fascinating subjects. Why are they designed the way they are?
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The Real Reason So Many Countries End In -Stan
With countless international disputes involving place names, how the heck did we end up with so many "-stan" countries?
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Where Does The Phrase Pardon My French Come From?
The phrase "pardon my French" is often used to preface a curse word, but does it actually have roots in the French language? Here's where it comes from.
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Why Gummy Bears Were Invented
Gummy bears are a staple of our snack cabinet today, but where did they come from? Here's how and why our favorite gummy treat was first invented.
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David Byrne From Talking Heads Is Worth A Lot More Than You Think
David Byrne has enjoyed a pretty impressive career, but how much money has it earned him along the way?
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The Tragic Life And Death Of Mark Lanegan From Queens Of The Stone Age And Screaming Trees
Musician Mark Lanegan experienced tragic events in his life that began in his childhood years.
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The Crazy Real-Life Story Of The World's Largest Blue Diamond
Before it was cut, the Tereshchenko diamond was allegedly the largest blue diamond in the world. It was initially named after Mikhail Tershchenko.
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When Were Contact Lenses Invented?
In our delightfully modern age, it seems as though contact lenses are everywhere. But they came into being through generations of research and experimentation.
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Why Some Raspberry-Flavored Things Are Blue
If you've ever gone raspberry picking, you know that the fruits are not blue in the wild. So why is blue raspberry such a popular flavor for candy?
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The Truth About This Breathtaking Underground Salt Cathedral
When a mining operation is exhausted, usually the underground passageways are sealed off for safety. In Colombia, a salt mine is now a place of prayer.
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The History Of The Baltic Way They Didn't Teach You In School
The largest peaceful protest ever led to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. This is the history of the Baltic Way they didn't teach you in school.
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The Assassination Attempt Of Shirley Temple Explained
Shirley Temple lived a long and impressive life, however, she was once in very grave danger when she was just 10 years old.
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The Truth About Vladimir Putin's Daughters
Russia's a land of magic, and by far the largest landmass in the world. But within that giant land mass there exists the story of Vladimir Putin's daughters.
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Why Did Ukraine Used To Be Called The Ukraine?
One of the better bits of recent social awareness is that people have the right to choose how they'll be addressed. True for individuals, as well as nations.
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The Untold Truth Of Absalom
The Bible isn't a book; it's a collection of books, of many types of literature -- poetry, history. One of the stories told is of King David's son, Absalom.
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The History Of Elizabeth Taylor's Yellow Wedding Dress Explained
Wedding ceremonies are often filled with traditional gestures, symbols, words, even music. The clothing tends to be part of the ritual, too.
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How Vladimir Putin Went From Poor Kid To President
This is how Vladimir Putin went from poor kid to president, first going to law school then the KGB before finally making it to the Kremlin.
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Why Is Prescription Abbreviated With An Rx?
You may have noticed that pill bottles, prescription pads, and in some cases, the pharmacies themselves, have a symbol that is immediately recognizable.
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The Fascinating Story Of 19th Century Paleontologist Mary Anning
Mary Anning, who devoted most of her life to uncovering and preparing fossils, found some of the most astounding ancient creatures ever revealed in Britain.
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