Friday the 13th is widely known for its association with bad luck and various superstitions. But, have you ever wondered about the origins of these beliefs? The fear of Friday the 13th has a specific term: paraskevidekatriaphobia. This term describes a particular type of triskaidekaphobia, which is the fear of the number 13. (There’s even...
A telephone party line was a local loop telephone circuit that was shared by multiple telephone service consumers. In other words, multiple homes or businesses would share a single telephone line. This was a common way to provide telephone service in the early days of telephony, when it was expensive to install individual lines. Party...
Streetcars were ubiquitous, operating in many cities across the globe. They were also once a common sight in cities across North America. They provided a convenient and affordable way to get around, and they helped to shape the development of many urban areas – connecting neighborhoods and fostering metropolitan development. However, by the middle of...
Have you ever wondered how old black-and-white photographs are restored and colorized? Well, it requires a very lengthy and technical process. When finished, these portraits of a world long since passed can give new meaning and provide a little more context. Here’s how it all works… How Old Black-and-White Photos Are Restored and Colorized Black...
What is considered the world’s first short story? Who wrote it and when? What are the origins of the format? What elements make up a short story? And, what are the main types of short stories? Geoffrey Chaucer’s early 14th-century ‘Canterbury Tales’ are widely regarded to be the first modern English literature collection of short...
“Have ‘X,’ Will Travel” is a timeless phrase that has left an indelible mark on popular culture, particularly in the United States. Originating from the mid-19th century, this expression has evolved and adapted through the years, finding its way into various mediums, including literature, film, television, and even modern-day colloquial language. The History of “Have...
Swimming, a popular recreational activity enjoyed by millions worldwide, has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is a refreshing escape from the summer heat, a competitive sport, and a form of exercise. However, swimming for recreation is a relatively recent development in human history. So, let’s explore the origins of swimming as a...
Contrary to popular belief, the very first photograph wasn’t taken by Thomas Edison. Actually, the first permanent photograph of a camera image was made in 1826 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce using a sliding wooden box camera made by Charles and Vincent Chevalier in Paris. Then, in the 1830s, English scientist William Henry Fox Talbot independently...
Summer break is a cherished time for students to unwind, relax, and have fun away from the daily rigors of the classroom. But have you ever wondered how summer break came to be? What were the reasons behind its creation, and how has it evolved over the years? In this article, we will explore the...
Tipping, the act of voluntarily giving a gratuity to a service provider, has become a standard practice in many countries around the world. From leaving a few coins on a restaurant table to giving a more substantial sum to a taxi driver, tipping has become an expected part of the service industry. But where did...
Spring break is a period of time when students take a break from their studies to relax and have fun. It is typically celebrated in the United States and Canada, and sometimes in other countries. Spring break dates vary depending on the school or university, but it is usually held in late March or early...
The English language is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 1.5 billion people using it as their first, second, or third language. However, despite its widespread use, the way the language is spoken can vary significantly depending on where you are in the world. One of the most noticeable...
The Irish legend of the Jack-O’-Lantern centers around a character named “Stingy Jack.” A man so cheap, he never paid for his own drinks (or, anyone else’s). When he crossed paths with the devil, his way out of trouble was to invite the deceiver to have a drink. But, when it came time to pay,...
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