Carl Pettit
10 Unusual Global Christmas Traditions
Snow falls from the sky, shops sell their Christmas wares, and the sweet fragrance of gingerbread houses fill the air—'tis the season! In the United States, there are plenty of Christmas traditions around to keep everyone happy. Gift giving, holiday meals and ornament-covered trees are in abundance everywhere.
What Is a Garland and Why Do We Use It at Christmas?
Christmastime means garlands, garlands all over the place. When you see them hanging about shopping malls and your neighbors’ houses, you know the holiday season has arrived. As widespread as these decorative wreaths of flowers, leaves and twigs are, most people don’t really know why they’re associated with Christmas.
When Did Mrs. Claus Get Introduced?
Santa Claus, that jolly fellow who races across the sky in his reindeer-pulled sleigh on Christmas Eve after judging who has been naughty or nice, needs no introduction. But his wife is another matter.
What’s the Real Story Behind the History of the Microwave Oven? [VIDEO]
The microwave oven is a wonderful time saver. When you want to defrost a chicken, warm up a bowl of soup, pop some popcorn or cook an instant burrito, you can’t beat microwave technology.
Who invented Sunglasses? The Answer May Surprise You
When you’re out in the bright sun, and you want to have some fun without squinting for hours on end, you need a pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes.
The Real Story Behind the Phrase ‘Lame Duck’
When you think of the phrase ‘lame duck,’ you might picture a poor duck walking around with a plaster cast on one of its legs, or webbed feat. While that’s a striking image, it isn’t the right one.
10 of the Strangest Hotels on the Planet
Sometimes a bed is just a bed. It’s simply a place to lay your head down for a good night’s sleep. But sometimes a bed, and the room it happens to be in, is an amazing work of art, located in a bizarre place full of fascinating sights. Most of us have stayed in hotels during our life, some better than others, but how many people can say they’ve slept in an underwater hotel, or one built out of ice
10 American Olympic Heroes Who Became Legends
With the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games coming up soon, we thought we’d take a glimpse at some of the American superstars who have claimed Olympic glory in the past.
10 of the Most Incredible Beaches in North America
North America is full of amazing beaches. It doesn’t matter if you want to climb, swim, surf, laze about in the sun, or simply take a relaxing stroll along the sand and rocks.
Finland Crowns a New ‘Wife-Carrying’ Champion
Ah, leave it to the Finns and their bizarre contests to make you scratch your head in wonder. This Northern European country, which is home to the Air Guitar World Championship, the Mosquito Swatting Championships and the Swamp Soccer Championships (just to name a few), is also the proud creator of the Wife Carrying World Championships.
10 Amazing Family Summer Camping Sites to Help You Love the Great Outdoors Even More
When the weather is good, and the sun is out, it’s time to start thinking about taking the family out into the American wilderness. For those of you who really want to explore the outdoors, here are some of the best campsites around, spread across the country.
Why Do Mice Love to Bite Their Way Into Your House?
Some people think mice are cute, while others think they are dirty and disgusting, or even terrifying. No matter what camp you fall into, you might like to know a little bit more about just how these diminutive creatures always seem to find a way inside your house.