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Author Archives: Aspen Moore

Rubber Duckie, You’re the One

What exactly is the function of a rubber duck? The answer involves debtor’s prison, hunting practice, and the Billboard 100.

Posted byAspen MooreJune 20, 2022Posted inchildhood, toysTags:invention, rubber duck, rubber duckie, sesame street, toyLeave a comment on Rubber Duckie, You’re the One

Round Robin

Why is a tournament where each team plays the other in turn called a round robin? The answer involves ribbons, religious refugees, and ringleaders.

Posted byAspen MooreMay 30, 2022Posted inetymology, sportsTags:America, English, etymology, France, round robinLeave a comment on Round Robin

I Threw a Wish in a Well

Why do we throw coins into fountains and wells in hopes of a wish being granted? The answer involves the law of contagion, a supermarket for the poor, and the undying hope of humanity.

Posted byAspen MooreApril 11, 2022Posted inanthropologyTags:contagion, fountain, hope, sympathetic magic, wishing wellLeave a comment on I Threw a Wish in a Well

Who Was St. Patrick?

Who was St. Patrick? The answer involves pirates, snakes, and revelatory dreams.

Posted byAspen MooreMarch 27, 2022Posted inholidays, religionTags:Christian saints, Christianity, ireland, Saint Patrick, st. patrick, St. Patrick's DayLeave a comment on Who Was St. Patrick?

Who Was Saint Valentine?

We celebrate Valentine’s Day in honor of Saint Valentine every year on February 14th—but who is the legend behind the holiday? The answer is uncertain, really, but it involves miraculous healing, secret marriage ceremonies, and beekeeping.

Posted byAspen MooreFebruary 13, 2022Posted inholidaysTags:Christianity, holidays, love, saint valentine, saints, valentine, valentines dayLeave a comment on Who Was Saint Valentine?

The Story of “Once Upon a Time”

Why do we say “once upon a time” when beginning a story? The answer involves great time, great distance, and great imagination.

Posted byAspen MooreJanuary 22, 2022Posted inEnglishTags:bible, canterbury tales, chaucer, English, korea, mythology, once upon a time, storyLeave a comment on The Story of “Once Upon a Time”

Brownie Points

What are brownie points? The answer involves military slang, wartime food rationing, and the Girl Scouts.

Posted byAspen MooreJanuary 5, 2022Posted inidioms, UncategorizedTags:brownie, England, folklore, girl scouts, scotland, slang, world war IILeave a comment on Brownie Points

Spreading More Christmas Cheer: Christmas Carols Part 2

here do MORE of our favorite Christmas songs come from? Thanksgiving sleigh rides, a department store giveaway, and a pilgrimage to Israel.

Posted byAspen MooreDecember 24, 2021December 24, 2021Posted inUncategorized1 Comment on Spreading More Christmas Cheer: Christmas Carols Part 2

The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer: Christmas Carols Part 1

Where did all of our favorite Christmas songs come from? Each one has a unique story, some of which involve a broken organ, a statue of Johannes Gutenberg, and a chain email hoax.

Posted byAspen MooreDecember 22, 2021December 24, 2021Posted inchristmasTags:Christianity, christmas, christmas carols, music1 Comment on The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer: Christmas Carols Part 1

Where Does Pie Come From?

Where does pie come from, and why do we eat it on Thanksgiving? The answer involves a certain bird known for collecting miscellaneous objects, Queen Elizabeth I, and elaborate dinnertime entertainment.

Posted byAspen MooreNovember 22, 2021November 22, 2021Posted inegypt, food, holidays, Rome and Greece, UncategorizedTags:America, dessert, England, English, holidays, pie, thanksgivingLeave a comment on Where Does Pie Come From?

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