Monthly Archives: September 2010 »
Where the Words “Geek” and “Nerd” Came From
Today I found out where the words “geek” and “nerd” came from. The first documented case of “geek” dates all the way back to 1916. At the time, the term was used to describe
Read More »
Why Men’s Bicycles Have a Horizontal Crossbar and Women’s Bicycles Typically Don’t
Today I found out why men’s bikes have a horizontal crossbar and women’s bikes typically don’t. It would seem that having a slanted crossbar like on women’s bikes would make much more sense for
Read More »
What Causes Ice Cream Headaches
Today I found out what causes ice cream headaches. While many theories on what exactly causes ice cream headaches or “brain freezes” have existed for some time, it has only been very recently that
Read More »
It is Not Possible to Swallow Your Tongue
Myth: It is possible to swallow your tongue. Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to swallow your tongue. Well, unless of course if you cut it off and then swallowed it… In
Read More »
The Origins of Wedding Rings And Why They’re Worn On The 4th Finger Of The Left Hand
This post is sponsored by DanforthDiamond.com, providing discount engagement rings and wedding rings online for up to 40% off of retail. Today I found out the history and symbolism behind the tradition of wearing
Read More »
What a Watt Is
Note: This is a guest article contributed by Suparna Kadam, co-founder of GreenRay, Inc. (bio at the bottom) If you’re interested in contributing to TIFO click here to read our article submission guidelines. Today I found
Read More »
A Shrimp Is One Of The Loudest Animals On The Planet
Today I found out that a tiny shrimp known as the Snapping Shrimp or Pistol Shrimp, is on one of the loudest creatures in the World. This tiny shrimp species (Alpheus heterochaelis) belonging to
Read More »
The History of French Fries
Today I found out about the history of French fries. Exactly who introduced these golden strips of goodness to the world isn’t entirely know. Among the various theories, it’s generally accepted that the French
Read More »
What Those Nasty White Chunks That Sometimes Come From Your Throat Are
Today I found out what those foul smelling, small, white-ish, chunks that you can sometimes feel at the back of your throat when you swallow are. They’re called Tonsilloliths or Tonsil Stones. Although most
Read More »
Where the Word “Plastic” Came From
Note: This is a guest article contributed by plastics engineer and owner of Polymeric Life, Noah. If you’re interested in contributing to TIFO click here to read our article submission guidelines. Today I found
Read More »
