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Who put the ‘patent’ in ‘patent leather’?

The coating protected items like boots and carriage parts from wear and tear—and looked luxurious while doing so. But who invented patent leather? And does that person actually hold a patent for it?

The scene might not linger, but the smell could.

Getting that campfire smoke smell out of your clothes isn’t as hard as it might seem, thanks to these tips and tricks.

The woman above is technically a maiko, or young geisha in training.

Japan’s geisha are experts in their field, but they’re often treated like tourist attractions. Learn why Kyoto officials have had to crack down on tourist photos.

You'll want to welcome these insects into your garden.

Don’t kill these insects—consider them your friends!

That $150 or $175 hold was no mistake—but you won’t actually be on the hook for all of it.

Craving something new in your mug? Try this banana bread latte recipe for a sweet start to your morning.

Want a food truck recommendation? Yelp has 100 of them.

Once a risky proposition, food trucks have become gourmet pit stops that can rival the fanciest eateries.

See if you can decipher this twisted tune.

Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?

Anchovies or sardines? We break down how these small fish differ in looks, taste, and popular preparation methods.

From the Vatican’s “Lesus” medal to Beanie Babies to the Civil War coins that declare “shoot him on the spoot.”

Remember Chuck E. Cheese? He’s back with arcades aimed at grown-ups featuring classic games, collectibles, and throwback vibes.

Only a lucky few get to see a view this gorgeous.

If city lights block the stars over your backyard, this map can help you hunt down the darkest skies for epic stargazing.

Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Eurythmics all turned down Live Aid.

From pop royalty to prog-rock gods, here are the household names who decided against showing up to the July 13, 1985 event.

In the late 1740s, the theologian John Wesley published ‘Primitive Physick, or, An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases.’ Can you guess what treatments he recommended?

The tool name that’s long been the laughingstock of adolescents has a perfectly sensible explanation.

Personal injury attorneys help keep up a system of legal checks and balances.

Injured and need help? Here's why you actually want a billboard lawyer—and why you really, really don't want a big settlement.

Mowing your lawn requires a little know-how.

Got a brittle, brown, sad lawn? You’re probably making one of these common mowing mistakes.

Swimming in lakes (or any wild water) has its risks. When in doubt, check local advisories and trust your senses. And if the water looks or smells off, you might have better luck sticking to land.

There‘s no need to settle for freezer-burned ice cream.

Ice cream season is here—make sure yours stays creamy with these easy tricks.

All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?

OCEARCH's map shows you what sharks are near (or more likely far from) you.

In 2009, the world was captivated by a little boy seemingly trapped in a runaway aircraft. As a new Netflix documentary reveals, the truth was a lot stranger.

America‘s favorites are looking pretty fruity.

What‘s the scoop on America‘s favorite ice cream flavors du jour? Find out here.

Are your old Beanie Babies worth serious cash? Here's how to tell.

Beanie Babies like the purple Princess Diana bear are sometimes listed for $900,000 on eBay. But how much money are the nostalgic toys really worth?

What Exactly Is Patent Leather—And Is It Actually Patented?

Clothes Smell Like Campfire Smoke? Here’s What To Do About It

Why You’re Not Allowed to Photograph Geisha in Japan

7 Creepy Crawlies You Want in Your Garden

The Simple Reason Why Gas Stations Put a Hold on Your Debit Card

Make the Viral Banana Bread Latte at Home With This Simple Recipe

The 20 Best Food Trucks in the U.S., According to Yelp

Tune Twist Quiz #49

Sardines vs. Anchovies: What‘s the Difference?

13 Things Made Collectible Thanks to Spelling Errors

Chuck E. Cheese Rolls Out Arcade Spin-Off Aimed at Nostalgic Millennials

Interactive Light Pollution Map Shows the Darkest Skies Near You

10 Artists Who Refused to Play Live Aid

Can You Guess How These 10 Diseases Were Treated in the 1700s?

Why Is It Called a “Ball Peen Hammer”?

12 Secrets of Personal Injury Attorneys

You’re Probably Mowing Your Lawn Wrong

Is It Actually Safe to Swim in Lakes?

These Simple Tricks Protect Ice Cream From Freezer Burn

What’s the Kennection? #174

Track Great White Sharks and More With This Interactive Map

Up in the Air: When ‘Balloon Boy’ Took Flight

10 of the Most Valuable Beanie Babies That Could Be Hiding in Your Attic