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Why are so many pencils painted yellow? The answer traces back to a prizewinning pencil, luxury branding, and graphite imported from China.
Paul Anthony Jones|
Why do we mow lawns? The tradition dates back centuries, when neatly trimmed grass was a luxury reserved for Europe's wealthiest landowners.
Jane Alexander|
From former search engines to the not-so-easy way to get online, younger generations have no idea what we once dealt with.
Jane Alexander|
From dog teeth and snail shells to tea bricks and salt bars, these strange currencies show just how creative humans have been when it comes to money.
Nitya Rao|
Why do so many Americans work 9 to 5? The familiar schedule grew out of labor activism, federal law, and innovations introduced by Henry Ford.
Jenny Cohen|
From games to food, Americans believed there was good reason to avoid these things.
Jane Alexander|
What does "41" mean in slang? Here's how a seemingly random number became Gen Alpha and Gen Z's latest inside joke after 6-7.
Paul Anthony Jones|
The tradition of matching bridesmaid dresses has surprisingly dark origins involving superstition, mistaken identity, and protecting brides from harm.
Chris Wheatley|