1. Birthday Spankings It sounds like something out of a comedy sketch now, but back in the ’60s, getting spanked on your birthday was just part of the fun. One for each year you were turning—plus a “pinch to grow […]

1. Carpeted Bathrooms If you grew up in certain parts of the U.S., you probably remember this one: wall-to-wall carpeting in the bathroom. It felt cozy underfoot, sure, but looking back, it’s a little wild to think we covered the

1. Jell-O Salad Jell-O salad is a quirky and colorful dish that often makes an appearance at American gatherings. It’s not a salad in the traditional sense, but it’s a mix of fruit, vegetables, marshmallows, and, of course, gelatin. To

1. Barbie Became a Fierce Warrior in Japan Barbie might be the epitome of American glamour and girly dreams, but when she crossed over to Japan, she traded in her Malibu lifestyle for something a lot more traditional—and fierce. Japanese

1. Kabaddi – India If you grew up in India, Kabaddi might have been your go-to schoolyard game, and it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a full-body game that mixes tag with wrestling, where one player charges into

1. Friends and the Fat Monica Flashbacks We all loved Friends, but the “Fat Monica” flashbacks haven’t aged well. Throughout the series, Monica’s past weight was constantly used as the butt of jokes, with exaggerated costumes and clumsy behavior played

1. Japan’s Natto and Rice If you’ve never heard of natto, it’s a sticky, fermented soybean dish that’s beloved in Japan—and a bit shocking to the uninitiated. With its strong smell, slimy texture, and stringy appearance, it’s safe to say