From the Archive

Wikimedia Commons, Library of Congress // Public Domain

Every U.S. patent was destroyed when a fire raged through the Patent Office in Washington in 1836—and it happened again 41 years later.

Study after study has found that taking breaks and caring for ourselves makes us better and more effective at what we do.

The title was made up as a way to avoid commenting on the marital status of a woman.

Presented by Guinness.

You could call someone stupid, or you could say he hasn't the sense to find his rear-end with both hands and a roadmap.

B&Q’s inventory of multicolored LED string lights is already down 90 percent.

How bona to vada your eek!

Presented by Guinness.

These chocolatiers are making finely crafted treats in your own backyard.

Spoiler alert! Sometimes TV shows shock their audiences with mind-blowing twists and surprises, but TV writers are often clever enough to foreshadow these events with very subtle references.

Presented by Allstate.

In her forties, she rededicated her life to working with the poor and very sick.

In 1854, thousands of New Yorkers watched an inventor appear to almost plummet to his death.

Presented by Guinness.

Go beyond the traditional turkey sandwich this year.

Raysonho via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Saccharin has been around for well over a century, but its history hasn't always gone down easy.

Some even played multiple characters on the show before making it big.

Presented by Allstate.

Conspiracy theories have abounded since that day, including ones surrounding an unknown woman wearing a head scarf.

Where does glitter come from? Why does it exist? And how in the name of all that is good can you get it off the upholstery?

Presented by Guinness.

Zines have roots in sci-fi, punk, and politics, learn a brief history about what used to be a form of counter-culture, now turned mainstream.

In November 1938, D.C.'s famous trees saw some fireworks.

The Time Every Patent in the U.S. Went Up in Smoke

7 (Free!) Ways to Give Yourself a Break During Finals

What Does 'Ms.' Stand For?

What Gives Stouts Their Dark Color?

9 Ways of Saying "Stupid" Across the United States

Stranger Things Mania Leads to Holiday Light Shortage at British Chain

Authors

A Brief History of Polari, Gay England’s Once-Secret Lingo

How Does a Half and Half Pour in Distinct Layers?

10 American Chocolate Companies You've Got to Try

10 Clever Moments of TV Foreshadowing You Might Have Missed

8 Smart Tips for Budgeting for Holiday Expenses

Why Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Daughter Might Become a Saint

The Publicity Stunt That Convinced People Elevators Were Safe

How Are Nitro Beers Different From Carbonated Ones?

10 Creative Recipes to Make With Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

The Sweet and Not-So-Sweet History of Saccharin

20 Future Stars Who Appeared on Gilmore Girls

11 Brilliant Ways to Holiday Shop Without Breaking the Bank

Who Was the Mysterious Babushka Lady at JFK’s Assassination?

15 Shimmering Questions About Glitter, Answered

What's the Difference Between an Ale and a Lager?

A Brief History of Zines

The Women Who Chained Themselves to D.C.'s Cherry Trees