Category Archives: Misc.

The Snickers Candy Bar was Named After a Favorite Horse of Creator Frank Mars in 1930

snickers pie

Today I found out the Snickers candy bar was named after one of Frank Mars’ favorite horses. Frank Mars was the creator of the Snickers candy bar and founder of Mars, Inc, originally called Mar-O-Bar Co., which is currently the 6th largest privately held company in the world with annual sales of around 21 billion dollars.  The company is still […]

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Why Crackers Have Holes

saltine crackers

Today I found out why crackers have holes. Surprisingly, it turns out the holes are there for a reason, not just for decoration or for convenience in some manufacturing process, as one might expect.  In actuality, without these holes, crackers wouldn’t bake correctly.  These holes allow steam to escape during cooking.  This keeps the crackers flat, instead of rising a […]

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Why Men’s Bicycles Have a Horizontal Crossbar and Women’s Bicycles Typically Don’t

women's bikes vs men's bikes

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 men’s bikes, decreasing the chance of racking the guy if he slips off the pedals or the like.  However, there is actually a really good reason […]

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Origin of the Name of the Sport Cricket

Cricket

Today I found out the origin of the name of the sport Cricket. The name is originally thought to either have been derived from the Old French “criquet”, meaning “goal, post, or stick” or from the Middle Dutch “kricke”, meaning “stick” or “staff”.  The latter Middle Dutch derivation from “kricke” is generally considered more likely due to the strong medieval trade connections […]

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The Iconic “Live Long and Prosper” Hand Gesture Was Originally a Jewish Sign

Vulcan Salute

Today I found out the iconic “live long and prosper” hand gesture was originally a Jewish sign. The hand gesture itself is a slight modification of the Hebrew gesture forming the letter “Shin”, which represents the name “Shaddai” meaning “Almighty” (God).  This gesture is still used today by orthodox Jews of the Kohanim, which are priests descended from Ahron by […]

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How Maple Syrup is Made

Maple Syrup Bottles

Today I found out how to make maple syrup.  Ever find yourself sitting there enjoying a stack of pancakes dripping with melted butter and maple syrup (getting hungry aren’t you?) and find yourself wondering, “I wonder how maple syrup is made?” Ya me neither.  However, on the off chance you’re out of maple syrup and the apocalypse comes tomorrow and […]

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