Every schoolchild knows there are 26 letters in the English alphabet. It seems self-evident that this fact must be as old as the language itself. Surprising as it may seem, as recently […]
The 27th Letter and Why it was Removed From the Alphabet
New Year Traditions around the World.
Originally posted on Nerdome:
If you do a little research you will come to know that be it the western or the eastern part of the world, New Year is celebrated with…
This Royal Custom Was a Real Slap in the Face
Who hasn’t heard of some unpopular government action and entertained a stray thought about slapping the person who was responsible? In ancient Babylon, that stray thought was actually encouraged to be acted […]
English is Hard, But Can Be Understood Through Tough Thorough Thought Though
Although English is not the hardest language to master (see this post for ten languages that are even harder), it frequently presents problems, even for its native speakers. Consider the problem with […]
The Weird, Wonderful Ways of the Nacirema People
In 1956 anthropologist Horace Miner reported his findings of a study of a strange, curious grooming techniques of a group of people from Nacirema, a territory between the Canadian Cree, the Yaqui […]
Forget Playing with Pigskin; This Sport Really Gets Your Goat
If basketball or hockey isn’t your thing, consider taking up the sport of buzkashi. Originating with the Turks and Mongols sometime between the 10th and 15th centuries, its name means “goat dragging.” […]
Shaking Hands Not Enough For You? Try Visiting These Places
In the United States people customarily greet each other with a handshake. A hug is acceptable among friends and family. Other cultures say, “Hello” in ways that might surprise those who are […]
Have Yourself a Happy Hogmanay
In northeastern Scotland a local custom is the annual swinging of the fireball. This involves local people making up ‘balls’ of chicken wire filled with old newspaper, sticks, rags, and other dry […]
Dressed for Success — or for Treason
Purple, the most expensive dye from Murex seashells, was reserved exclusively for Roman royalty. For anyone else to wear the color was treason. source
May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor
The word decimate comes from the Roman practice of lining up prisoners — particularly those guilty of desertion — and killing every tenth person. source
I Wonder What They Throw When You Turn 50
In Denmark, if, by the time you turn 25, you’re unmarried, you can expect your friends to ambush you with a cinnamon shower all day. That’s bad enough, but if you’re still […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 