Carl Pettit
A Look at How the Rest of the World Celebrates Christmas
Christmas traditions around the world can be quite different from what we’re used to at home.
10 Unusual Global Christmas Traditions: Goats, Krampus, Pooping Logs and More
Snow falls from the sky, shops sell their Christmas wares, and the sweet fragrance of gingerbread houses fill the air—'tis the season! In the United States, there are plenty of Christmas traditions around to keep everyone happy. Gift giving, holiday meals and ornament-covered trees are in abundance everywhere.
What Is the Origin of Santa Claus?
The Santa Claus the world knows—the “Coca Cola” Santa Claus decked out in red and white—is synonymous with Christmas, flying red-nosed reindeer, a big jolly laugh, and lots and lots of presents. Tales of old Saint Nick have spread across the planet and worked their way into numerous cultures. But do you know how the story of the fat man in the red suit first got started?
Why Do Candy Canes Look Like That?
Candy canes have been around for hundreds of years, but they haven't always had that easily identifiable hooked shape. They also weren't red at all.
10 Amazing Whitewater Rafting Trips in North America
North America is an incredible place, with wonderful landscapes full of remarkable rivers. You can hit the rapids full on, crashing through walls of water, or else take a more leisurely float down a long stretch of river, which will let you gaze upon some truly stunning scenery.
How to Identify a Liar – Last Man Standing
Last Man Standing are articles intended to help the average guy prepare for some of life’s oddest events. It’s just advice. It’s better than being clueless.
Shakespeare famously wrote, “All the world’s a stage.” This means different things to different people, but what’s clear from this statement is that an awful lot of acting is going on in the world. Unfortunately, some people let the ‘acti
The Real Story Behind the Phrase ‘Break a Leg’
When you tell someone to “break a leg,” you’re not referring to the literal sense, unless you secretly get the utmost satisfaction over watching that person fail. Breaking a leg hurts a lot, which makes it all the more curious as to why this particular phrase became associated with wishing someone good luck.
What’s the Real Story Behind April Fool’s Day?
It’s that time of year again, when you have to watch out for tricksters. April Fool’s Day is the perfect excuse for any prankster in your immediate area to practice his or her craft.
So, what’s the real story behind the origins of this, um, ‘holiday?’ Well, it’s no joke — there are many possible explanations.
How to Use Your Dog to Meet Women — Last Man Standing
Last Man Standing are articles intended to help the average guy prepare for some of life’s oddest events. It’s just advice. It’s better than being clueless.
We’ve all seen it before. Some guy in the park just stands there, holding onto his Labrador’s leash
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The Real Story Behind the Phrase ‘As Pleased As Punch’
If your best friend sidles up to you and tells you that he or she is “as pleased as punch,” then you know that person is very pleased indeed.
But how did this phrase come into being in the first place?
What’s the Real Story Behind the Term ‘Freelancer?’
For a lot of people these days, the job market is still a pretty gloomy affair. Temporary jobs, part-time work and freelancing have all been on the rise. Well, for those of you who make your bread and butter by freelancing, you can take heart. You’re in the company of proud, if somewhat immoral, warriors.
What’s the Real Story Behind the Phrase ‘Pardon My French?’
When you tell someone, “please pardon my French,” you are in fact apologizing for your offensive language. When French people speak French, they don’t say, “pardon my English” when they want to cuss someone out.
So what’s going on here? Do the French have better curse words than we do?