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...
Patriot Jebediah Trane and fellow colonials seeking independence from Britain must go up against neighbors loyal to the Crown of England in a historic battle
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...
The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a cherished holiday in the United States, marked by celebrations, fireworks, and patriotic fervor. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776, by the Continental Congress. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from the...
Father’s Day is a holiday celebrated every year on the third Sunday of June in honor of fathers and fatherhood. It is a day to express gratitude for all the love and sacrifices that fathers make for their children. It is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in many countries, including the United States,...
The Guinness Book of World Records is a reference book published annually, listing world records both of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. The brainchild of Sir Hugh Beaver, the book was co-founded by twin brothers Norris and Ross McWhirter in Fleet Street, London, in August 1955. The History Behind The Guinness...
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...
Mother’s Day is a holiday celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May in honor of mothers and motherhood. It is a day to express gratitude for all the love and sacrifices that mothers make for their children. Mother’s Day Ancient Origins The origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient times....
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...
The American Civil War was a devastating conflict that claimed the lives of over 600,000 soldiers. Of those who survived, many were wounded or lost limbs. These soldiers faced a long and difficult road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. Here’s What Happened to Amputee and Wounded Confederate and Union Soldiers After the Civil War...
The term “political correctness” originated in Marxist-Leninist vocabulary after the Russian Revolution of 1917. Its initial usage referred to adherence to the policies and principles of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, also known as the party line. The phrase was also used in the 1930s to describe dogmatic adherence to ideology in authoritarian...
The Easter Bunny has become a beloved symbol of Easter, often associated with Easter egg hunts and sweet treats. But where did this fluffy creature originate, and how did it become popularized? The Origins of the Easter Bunny The origins of the Easter Bunny can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions. The hare symbolized...
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...
April Fools’ Day is celebrated on April 1 each year. It is a day when people play practical jokes and hoaxes on each other. The jokes and their victims are called April fools. People playing April Fool jokes often expose their pranks by shouting “April fool(s)” at the unfortunate victim(s). Some newspapers, magazines, and other...
Alaska, America’s Gateway to the Arctic, was once Russian territory. But why did Russia sell it to the United States in 1867? And, why for so cheap? After all, its land surface area is approximately 665,400 square miles, which makes it the largest state in the United States, nearly two and a half times as...
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...
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