When my brother-in-law and his family vacationed in Japan earlier this fall they brought us back some fun souvenirs. Besides… Read more Chopsticks vs. Forks
Category: Origins
Who Was Edward J. Noble?
(Presumably) inspired by my post on the Hepburn Libraries, my father-in-law sent me a link about another influential local —… Read more Who Was Edward J. Noble?
In Which I Learn About Dulcimers
Do you remember the poem “Kublai Khan” by Coleridge? “In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A stately pleasure dome decree…”… Read more In Which I Learn About Dulcimers
Did You Know? 18th Century Mechanical Tables
Have you heard of a mechanical table that allows food to appear from the floor below? To ensure privacy, these… Read more Did You Know? 18th Century Mechanical Tables
Paintings of Novgorod
Novgorod is one of the names mentioned in the bardcore version of “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” Here it is… Read more Paintings of Novgorod
The Development of Empire Apples
I was recently intrigued to discover an apple ranking website but disenchanted to see that the creator ranks Empire below… Read more The Development of Empire Apples
Two Theories on the Origin of Gaga Ball
We got back from Beaver Camp on Sunday afternoon. Aside from swimming and boating, one of the kids’ favourite activities… Read more Two Theories on the Origin of Gaga Ball
Chinggis Khan?!
Back to Verse 2 of the bardcore version of “We Didn’t Start the Fire”: Charlemagne, AlfredAnne Boleyn without a headFew… Read more Chinggis Khan?!
The Union of Castile and Aragon
This week we’re taking another look at Verse 2 of the bardcore version of “We Didn’t Start the Fire”: Charlemagne,… Read more The Union of Castile and Aragon
What Is the Nibelungenlied?
Back to the bardcore version of “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” here are the lyrics for Verse 2: Charlemagne, AlfredAnne… Read more What Is the Nibelungenlied?
Who Was Guillaume de Machaut?
Last week Andrew texted me this amazing parody of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” It’s a “bardcore” cover… Read more Who Was Guillaume de Machaut?
Who Was Elsa M. Luksich?
My kids start swimming lessons in the morning! I’m pleased that they’ll be taking lessons four times a week instead… Read more Who Was Elsa M. Luksich?
Who Invented the Jigsaw Puzzle?
I wish I liked jigsaw puzzles. Andrew is very good at them and his parents and siblings are fairly avid… Read more Who Invented the Jigsaw Puzzle?