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Misconceptions

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From dog teeth and snail shells to tea bricks and salt bars, these strange currencies show just how creative humans have been when it comes to money.
Nitya Rao|
Why do so many Americans work 9 to 5? The familiar schedule grew out of labor activism, federal law, and innovations introduced by Henry Ford.
Jenny Cohen|
From games to food, Americans believed there was good reason to avoid these things.
Jane Alexander|
From a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic to a heavily guarded tribal territory in the Indian Ocean, here are five islands strictly forbidden to visitors—and why.
Nitya Rao|
The tradition of matching bridesmaid dresses has surprisingly dark origins involving superstition, mistaken identity, and protecting brides from harm.
Chris Wheatley|
From world geography to word origins, we’ve rounded up the best 'Jeopardy!' trivia questions. Brush up on your facts and see how you’d fare on the big stage.
Nitya Rao|
Ever wonder why your dime and quarter have tiny ridges on the edge? It’s not just for grip—it’s a genius invention from the 1600s that saved the world’s currency from thieves.
Matt Soniak, Nitya Rao|
Loathed for her extravagance, the former French queen's final words showed a different side to her character.
Eden Gordon|