On the Lam: Breakout Night at the Museum
Tracing the origin of the phrase ‘on the lam’ is tricky. But we get a sense of it’s roots via Babylon, Victorian children and Prohibition era gangsters.
Don’t be Singing the GI Blues: How US Troops Got Their Name
Militaries have many nicknames for their troops, but none are as pervasive as G.I. in the United States. How did US troops get their name?
Navajo Skinwalkers: The Terrifying Beast That Cannot Be Named
The first rule about Skinwalkers in Navajo culture is don’t talk about Skinwalkers. Regardless, the story holds a fascination for many non-Native Americans.
What Do You Call a Group of Crows?
A murder of crows. The collective term is not endearing. So why? Thank medieval hunting tradition and the expansion of the English language.
The Worlds Oldest Demon: The Night-Mare of Sleep Paralysis
The sleep paralysis demon has haunted us for millennia. More recently, science has overcome entrenched supernatural explanations for the devil of dreams.
Camazotz: Bat to the Bone, Arbiter of Justice or Pure Myth?
Everyone’s heard of Batman. How about a bat god? Camazotz was a Mayan deity associated with death and sacrifice whose name translates as “death bat.”
When Were Condoms Invented? A Revealing History
The history of the condom has not always been associated with comfort. We’ve tried linen, tortoise-shell (yes really), and latex. What does the future hold?
Ferric Fantasies: The Strange Saga of Popeye, Spinach and Strength
Popeye and spinach have fueled a great deal of nutritional nonsense. One thing is sure, spinach is good for you, but not as much as you first thought.
The Return of Ikebana: The Ancient Art of Japanese Flower Arranging
Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging is making a comeback. Read about the symbolism and culture behind these living sculptures.
Exploring the Myth: Why is There a Worm in Tequila?
Why is there a worm in Tequila? Or is there? Who would even consider a drink with a worm in it and how and why did it get there? Find out all the answers
Lulu Hashimoto: The Living Doll Conquering the Catwalk
Meet Lulu Hashimoto, the doll who won a human beauty pageant and developed a huge following as a fashion model and human-like character
The Cheongsam: Chinese Cultural Attire or High Fashion?
The Cheongsam, the epitome of femininity in China was once made to hide the body. Read the fascinating history of the origins of the traditional garment.
The Doubtful History of “Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire”
The only certainty regarding the origin of the phrase “Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire” is a mystery and, ironically, mistruths and lies.
Habu Sake: The Cruelly Produced Snake Wine
Habu Sake, also known as Habsuhu or Okinawan snake wine, remains popular in Asia despite using barbaric production methods.
The Hobo Code: The Secret System for Itinerant Workers
The Hobo Code was a series of simple drawings—not unlike emojis today—that conveyed to other hobos vital information such as whether a place was hospitable to them or not.
The History Behind the Pan African Flag
The Pan African Flag was founded by Marcus Garvey over a century ago to unite Africans and people of African descent. It’s still a strong symbol today.
Wilkins Coffee Commercials and the Muppets You Never Knew
You’ve heard of The Muppets. But have you heard of Wilkins and Wontkins? These two early Muppets characters featured in commercials for Wilkins Coffee in the 1950s.
What Is a Weeb or Weeaboo?
A weeb, or weeaboo, is a Japanophile: someone who appreciates and loves Japanese culture, its people and history. The previous term, “Wapanese,” is now considered derogatory.
