BUSINESS

Why the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich Has Been on McDonald’s Menu for More Than 60 Years

The McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich was introduced as an alternative for Catholics avoiding meat on Fridays during Lent—and it almost lost its spot on the menu to a pineapple burger.

What 10 Major Retailers Initially Sold

Eddie Bauer didn’t always sell outdoor gear—and Kohl’s wasn’t always a department store. In some cases, these retailers have come a long way from their humble beginnings.

Dog and pony shows were once all the rage.

The Entertaining History of Dog and Pony Shows

When people talk about a dog and pony show today, they usually mean a flashy presentation or event that's all about appearances, with little real substance. But where does this phrase come from, and what's its history?

The spinning jenny was basically the spinning wheel 2.0.

How the Spinning Jenny Transformed Textiles and Led to Industrial Sabotage

Here's the story of why the spinning jenny was invented and how the spinning mule usurped it.

The 50 Best Pizzerias in America, According to Yelp

Looking for your next great slice of pizza? Listen to the experts.

Why Do I Have to Pay ATM Fees?

Paying to access your own money seems wrong, but it's how everyone from your bank to your local bar cashes in.

McDonald's has tried on dozens of slogans over the years.

14 Fast Food Slogans You Probably Forgot All About

From "Where's Herb?" to "We Speak Fish," these fast food slogans didn't withstand the test of time.

Thomas Edison, awaiting a ghostly phone call.

35 Lesser-Known Inventions of Famous Inventors

Henry Ford’s car made of soybeans and Thomas Edison’s ghost-detecting telephone are just two little-known creations of history’s most famous inventors.

The Cryptic Case of Ambrose Small, Missing Millionaire

In 1919, Canadian businessman Ambrose Small cashed a check for 1 million dollars. Hours later, he vanished.

Just try not to get the bottoms all wet.

A Brief History of JNCO Jeans

When were JNCO jeans popular and how did they come to be? Discover more about the history of these ultra wide-legged pants and why they were created in the first place.

Turner and Crawford once went head-to-head.

When Lana Turner Came for Joan Crawford's Crown as Queen of Hollywood

Glamour girl Lana Turner and gangster Mickey Cohen were both young and hungry. Each wanted to take over the Hollywood movie studios and the crime ridden streets of Los Angeles, but Lana and Mickey had two major obstacles standing in their way.

Retro Pepsi-Cola logos from the mid-20th century.

Pop Star: How Pepsi Got Its Name

Pepsi-Cola was named for two ingredients that it doesn't (and possibly never did) contain.

The origins of Taco Tuesday are surprisingly complicated.

The Surprisingly Contentious Origins of Taco Tuesday

The phrase “Taco Tuesday” has finally entered the public domain (unless you’re in New Jersey).

She's probably spent the last 20 minutes listening to the same fuzzy song on a loop.

Why Hold Music Is So Annoying

There are some psychological reasons why being put on hold is such a frustrating experience.

The Board Game Trial of the Century

After Ralph Anspach created an anti-monopoly game, he ended up in the middle of a controversial patent case with Parker Brothers over the history of ‘Monopoly’ itself.

An Edison phonograph exhibit with a talking doll in Paris, 1889.

Listen to Thomas Edison’s Eerie Talking Dolls Speak After More Than a Century of Silence

Modern technology has helped these dolls find their voices—and when they speak, it’s downright creepy.

Hopefully this kid washed his hands before returning to his fries.

Rough Play: The Dirty and Dangerous History of McDonald's PlayPlaces

Following a string of PR nightmares, McDonald's began quietly removing its PlayPlaces in the 2000s.

RIP: Fruit Stripe Gum Is Being Discontinued After More Than 50 Years

In a blow to lovers of gum with shockingly short flavor bursts, Fruit Stripe is set to bite the dust.

Sam's Club shoppers can now make a quick exit.

Exit Strategy: Sam's Club Will Stop Checking Your Receipt at the Door

The warehouse club is eliminating the indignity of getting stopped at the exit.

How to Use Your Own Cup for Starbucks Drive-Thru and Mobile Orders

You no longer have to order at the Starbucks counter in order to use your own cup.

Astronaut Kellie Gerardi conducts research aboard the Virgin Galactic spacecraft.

“Humanity’s Next Giant Leap”: Citizen Astronaut Kellie Gerardi Envisions the Future of Spaceflight

Bioastronautics researcher Kellie Gerardi envisions a future when space is open to all.

Meet Leatrice Eiseman: The Woman Who Chooses Pantone’s Color of the Year

The Pantone Color Institute’s global team of experts conducts color psychology research and discusses potential Color of the Year options year-round.

Hershey Kisses Christmas Commercial 2021

7 Classic Christmas Commercials Guaranteed to Fuel Your Holiday Nostalgia

Hershey's Kisses’s “Christmas Bells” is one of the longest-running Christmas commercials.

IKEA’s 10-Pound Meatball Belongs on Your Holiday Menu

Lingonberry jam and cream sauce are included, naturally.

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