Some threads are meant to be pulled. Here, I trace the bizarre, the forgotten, and the fascinating lines of history, science, and culture. Consider this your official invitation to fall down a rabbit hole. I’ve already checked; they’re infinitely deep.
A dramatic account of Edison’s DC vs. Tesla’s AC, featuring PR stunts, animal electrocutions, and the ultimate triumph of alternating current in the electrifying War of the Currents.
From ancient Egyptian holy water dispensers to Japan’s bewildering array of goods, trace the 2,000-year history of vending machines. An exploration of automated commerce and human ingenuity.
Explore the baffling rise of Stanley cups as social symbols, fueled by TikTok influencers, limited editions, and the psychology of collecting—revealing how a simple mug became a cultural phenomenon.
Unravel the quirky history of Lorem Ipsum, from Cicero’s philosophical musings to its enduring, nonsensical reign in design. A linguistic detective story for the digital age.
Charles Douglass’s ‘Laff Box’ birthed the TV laugh track. I delve into its psychological impact, its golden age, and why this phantom laughter eventually became a punchline itself.
From aristocratic displays to suburban conformity, discover the bizarre history and environmental cost of the perfect, utterly useless lawn. It’s a green lie we’ve all bought into.
The electric blue, mysteriously fruity flavor that conquered our taste buds. Let’s dive into the deliciously fake origins of blue raspberry and why we’re obsessed.