Marla Mackoul

Joined: Sep 27, 2023

The Meditative Art of Hikaru Dorodango: How Japanese Schoolchildren Turn Mud Into Shiny Spheres

The Right Way to Pronounce ‘Gyro’

You deserve a bowl full of non-spoiled ice cream.

How Do You Know If Ice Cream Has Gone Bad?

What Are Those Weird Sleeves on California Gas Pumps?

They're so cute, but why are they there in the first place?

The Real Reason Why Weddings Have Flower Girls

Discover everything you need to know about flower girls, including the history behind why this wedding tradition got started in the first place.

Why Are the Metal Bars on Some Windows Curved?

Some old-fashioned window guards look like they have a potbelly. Discover the real reason why, as well as the history surrounding these unique grills.

Keeping the lights on in paradise gets pricey.

Which States Will Pay the Most—and the Least—for Electricity This Summer?

Some U.S. states, like Hawaii, may have to deal with higher electricity bills for summer 2025 than others.

Sorbet or Italian ice? You be the judge.

What Exactly Is Italian Ice—and Is It Even Italian?

Italian ice has a sorbet-like texture, but these frozen desserts really aren’t the same thing. So, where does this summer treat really come from—and more importantly, is it even from Italy in the first place?

Bottles are easy to recycle, but things get a little more confusing beyond that.

You Probably Aren’t Recycling These 3 Things Correctly—Here’s What To Do Instead

Recycling gets confusing sometimes, especially when it comes to certain items. Discover which recycling rules you may (or may not) be breaking here, plus the best practices to follow instead.

Depending on who you ask, it might be time to toss this part out of weddings, too.

The Unexpectedly Uncomfortable History of the Garter Toss Tradition

Though the origins of the garter toss tradition are strongly debated, there’s one thing most folks can agree with: it might be time for this controversial wedding ritual to get the heave-ho.

Where Does the Expression ‘Put Your Foot in Your Mouth’ Come From?

Made an awkward blunder in a conversation? You might have just put your foot in your mouth. Learn more about the history and origins surrounding this commonly used phrase here.