Things
The unexpected origins of everyday objects.
Things
Ketchup
Original ketchup had no tomatoes. It was fermented fish sauce.
Things
Treadmill
Your gym treadmill began as a Victorian prison punishment.
Things
High Heels
High heels were invented for men — soldiers, actually.
Things
Coca-Cola
The original Coca-Cola really did contain cocaine.
Things
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap failed as wallpaper before it conquered packaging.
Things
Velcro
Velcro exists because a dog got covered in burrs.
Things
Play-Doh
Play-Doh started life as wallpaper cleaner.
Things
Microwave
A melted chocolate bar in someone's pocket gave us the microwave.
Things
Tea Bag
The tea bag was invented by accident — and by a complaint.
Things
Slinky
The Slinky was a spring that fell off a shelf and 'walked away'.