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The Tumultuous History of Tinsel
You probably know that tinsel is the shiny, silvery stuff that hangs off Christmas trees, but what is it made of exactly? To answer that, we have to look at the decoration's complicated history.
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When Disco Demolition Night Nearly Demolished Chicago's Comiskey Park
In July 1979, the struggling Chicago White Sox offered cheap admission to anyone bringing in a disco record to destroy. The promotion would prove to be catastrophic.
U.S. Postal Service Issues 'Healing' Stamp to Help Americans Struggling With PTSD
The United States Postal Service's new 'Healing PTSD' stamp sells for 65 cents, 10 cents over a regularly-priced stamp. The proceeds will go toward funding assistance for those afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Star Wars Fan Re-Edits The Mandalorian Into a 1980s Sitcom
At its heart, 'The Mandalorian' is really a show about an overworked dad learning to bond with his small green son. A new fan edit gives the Star Wars series the sitcom treatment it deserves.
How to Keep a Cat Out of Your Christmas Tree
If you have a cat at home, you'll need to follow these tips for setting up a cat-friendly Christmas tree for the holidays.
Someone Calculated the Total Damage The Wet Bandits Caused in Home Alone
Kevin McCallister, mad genius though he is, was not thinking about property values during the Christmas holiday he spent alone at home.
8 of the Most Valuable Hess Trucks
Every holiday season, Hess rolls out a new collectible Hess truck. Take a look at some of the rarest and most valuable Hess truck models that might be idling in your storage area.
Your Smart TV Is Vulnerable to Hackers, According to the FBI
Before you decide to just return your smart TV altogether, beef up your cybersecurity with tips from the FBI.
What’s the Difference Between Crocheting and Knitting?
For one, dropping a stitch while knitting will probably upset you more than dropping one while crocheting.
2000-Year-Old Roman Tweezers and Metal Ear Swab Discovered in UK
At the site of the new Springhead Bridge in the UK, workers stumbled upon what appears to be tweezers and an ear cleaner dating back to the Roman Empire 2000 years ago.
Relax: Fears of a French Fry Shortage Are Probably Overblown
Inhospitable weather has cut into potato harvests in Idaho and Canada, but consumers should still be able to get their French fry fix.
It’s National Cookie Day! Here’s Where to Score Some Free Treats
Wednesday, December 4, is National Cookie Day. Here are the participating chains handing out free cookies to customers.
License to Bird: Meet the Real James Bond
On January 4, 1900, a child was born in Philadelphia. His name was Bond. James Bond. He would grow up to become an ornithologist, and lived a fairly quiet, normal life—until someone borrowed his name.
Beyond Queen Elizabeth: 10 Fantastic Shows to Stream After The Crown
If you’ve already torn through the latest season of 'The Crown' and are looking to watch something else that’s historical, royal, or just vaguely British, give one of these shows a try.
Flamingo Yoga Is on the Itinerary at This Bahamas Resort
Pink flamingos mingle with guests during yoga sessions at the Baha Mar Resort, lending a helping beak when necessary.
10 Vintage Holiday Party Tips from Old Etiquette Manuals
Stumped for holiday party decorating ideas? Scrambling for a thrilling centerpiece that you can light on fire? Look no further than these 10 tips from old-timey etiquette manuals.
The Ingenious Reason Medieval Castle Staircases Were Built Clockwise
It was a pretty clever defense strategy in the Middle Ages—that is, as long as you weren’t left-handed.
25 Gift Cards That Give You—and Your Recipient—the Best Bang for Your Buck
From highest ratings to highest discounts, these gift cards are your best bet for hard-to-please recipients.
Chuck E. Cheese’s Retired Animatronics Find New Life at Illinois Museum
The musical robots that haunted your childhood birthday parties are being phased out of Chuck E. Cheese, but soon a handful of them will be on display at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois.
New Cross-Bred Cosmic Crisp Apples Can Stay Fresh for Up to a Year
The unbelievably crisp, firm new apple on the market is—fittingly—the offspring of a honeycrisp apple.
Hotel in Japan Is Offering Rooms for $1 Per Night—If You Agree to Livestream Your Stay
If you aren't too protective of your privacy, you can save money by staying at the Asahi Ryokan in Fukuoka, Japan. Nearly everything you do in the hotel's $1 room is livestreamed to YouTube.
25 Offbeat Holidays You Can Celebrate in December
Whether you're a holiday fanatic who wants even more reason to celebrate the month or a Scrooge with a burning desire to buck tradition, we've got plenty of offbeat observances to put on your December calendar.
The Reason Queen Elizabeth II Demands Her Ice Cubes Be Round
The Queen apparently likes her drink of choice—gin mixed with Dubonnet—to be served on perfectly round rocks.
What’s the Difference Between Soup and Stew?
Two small but significant differences set your vegetable beef stew apart from your mom’s vegetable beef soup.