Before the creation of synthetic plastics, patent leather was made by glazing animal hides with layers of resin-based varnish. The coating protected items like boots and carriage parts from wear and ...

The gas station doesn’t know how much fuel you’re going to buy when you pay at the pump. To make sure you have enough funds ...

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Japan’s geisha are experts in their field, but they’re often treated like tourist attractions. See why Kyoto officials have had to crack down on tourist photos.

Picture how you might react if a stranger started harassing you on public transportation. Most people would, in theory, imagine telling them off, calling for help, or even physically defending ...

Uncle Sam is an easily recognizable piece of wartime propaganda. And legend says he was based off a real person—though that may not actually be the case.

From pop royalty to prog-rock gods, here are the household names who decided against showing up to the pop cultural ...

The world’s oldest known hominin cancer. | Patrick Randolph-Quinney (UCLAN)/ CC BY-ND 4.0 The true origins of cancer may always be murky, but recent research has shown that it’s likely one of ...

The term ball peen hammer first saw print in 1874, when a mechanic’s dictionary referred to it as a “metal worker’s hammer ...

If city lights block the stars over your backyard, this map can help you hunt down the darkest skies for epic stargazing.

Remember Chuck E. Cheese? He’s back with arcades aimed at grown-ups featuring classic games, collectibles, and throwback ...

When we say something “sticks out like a store thumb,” we mean it’s conspicuous, obvious, or unusual (and typically not in a good way).