Oh-I-Didn’t-Know-There-Was-A-Word-For-That

Toxic Positivity: The Sunny Side with a Shadow Sunshine and rainbows – that’s the image conjured by the popular “good vibes only” movement. See Good Vibes Only.  But what happens when positivity becomes an enforced façade, masking the complexities of human emotions? Enter toxic positivity, a seemingly well-intentioned approach that can actually be harmful. The Dismantling […]

The Sticky Situation: How the Post-it Note Was Discovered By Accident The ubiquitous Post-it note, a staple in offices and homes worldwide, boasts a surprisingly accidental origin story. Born from a scientific exploration gone awry, it’s a testament to the power of chance encounters and creative thinking. The Weak Link: Spencer Silver’s Accidental Adhesive The […]

April 1st brings with it a day of laughter, lighthearted tricks, and the occasional groan – April Fools’ Day! But why exactly do we celebrate this day of silliness? The true origins of April Fools’ Day remain shrouded in mystery, with several theories vying for explanation. New Year’s Day Confusion One popular theory points to […]

The Eureka moment, also known as the “Aha!” moment, is a human experience characterized by a sudden flash of insight or understanding. It’s that feeling when the solution to a puzzling problem suddenly becomes clear, or a new idea dawns on you with the force of a revelation. Eureka moments can be big or small, […]

Etterath: The Melancholy of Completion. In the wake of victory, after scaling mountains and finishing marathons, often lurks a curious melancholy – a void where jubilation should reside. That feeling is called Etterath. It is that bittersweet feeling of emptiness that follows a long-anticipated achievement. This bittersweet emotion encapsulates the relief of reaching a goal, […]

Kenopsia is the haunting quality of seeing a location typically full of people in a state of emptiness or abandonment. The word was coined by John Koenig, the creator of “The Dictionary Of Obscure Sorrows”. Have you ever walked through a bustling amusement park at dusk, the rides silent and shadows creeping across the Ferris […]

Holly and Ivy have become entwined with Christmas for a fascinating mix of reasons, from their symbolism to their practicality in harsh winter: Symbolism: Holly: Its spiky leaves are linked to Jesus’ crown of thorns, while the bright red berries represent His blood shed on the cross. Ivy: Its evergreen nature symbolizes eternal life and […]

The Origin of Black Friday Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, as retailers offer deep discounts on a variety of products. But where did Black Friday come from? The origin of Black Friday is somewhat murky, but there are […]

Did you know that ketchup was once used as a medicine? Tomato ketchup is a delicious condiment that we enjoy all over the world. We typically use it to add flavor to burgers, fries, and other foods. But did you know that ketchup was once used as a medicine? That’s right! In the early 1800s, […]

Microwaves: A Happy Accident Microwaves are more than just leftovers warmers. They’re surprisingly versatile kitchen allies. Of course, reheating food is their claim to fame, offering speedy and convenient meal prep. But their talents extend far beyond. Microwaves excel at cooking a variety of dishes. Fluffy baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, and even moist cakes are […]