1. Fear of Tomatoes Believe it or not, tomatoes used to terrify people in Europe. In the 16th and 17th centuries, many thought the fruit was poisonous, partly because of its relation to the deadly nightshade plant. Wealthy Europeans even […]
1. Judas Iscariot Might Have Been Following Orders Judas Iscariot is one of the most infamous traitors in history, remembered for betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. But some scholars argue that Judas may have simply been doing what
1. Thanksgiving Turkey Thanksgiving wasn’t always centered on turkey. In fact, early celebrations included venison, seafood, and smaller birds like geese. Turkeys were chosen more out of convenience, since they were plentiful in America and big enough to feed an
1. Mercury Thermometers In the ’60s, just about every household had a little glass thermometer filled with shiny silver mercury. They were kept in medicine cabinets and used without a second thought. If one broke, parents might just sweep it
1. Potato Soup During the Great Depression, potato soup was a lifesaver for many families. Potatoes were cheap, filling, and easy to find, making them a go-to for stretching a small budget. People would simmer them with water or milk
1. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe In the mid-’90s, McDonald’s decided to branch out from its kid-friendly image with a burger aimed squarely at adults. The Arch Deluxe was marketed as a “sophisticated” option, complete with fancy mustard sauce and glossy ads
1. The Shrimp Treadmill Study Scientists at a U.S. university actually got government funding to see how shrimp handle exercise. Yes, someone hooked a tiny treadmill up in a tank and coaxed shrimp to “walk” on it to measure their
