Starbucks is a chain coffee shop known around the world. The company was named after a character in Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Its logo is a "twin-tailed mermaid, or siren as she's known in Greek mythology." The green color represents the college of the founders... Read more
A katana is a curved sword that was used by the samurai of feudal Japan. Katana have been in use since the 1300s. As trade with Japan increased, these weapons became famous around the world: "Western historians have said that katana were among the finest cutting weapons in world military history... Read more
Barbie is an American fashion doll that entered the world scene in 1959. The curvaceous blonde, based on a "risqué gag gift for men," quickly became a cultural icon. In fact, it was featured in... Read more
A cemetery or graveyard is a place set aside for burying the remains of the deceased. Cemeteries reflect the religious beliefs of the area and are often considered "holy ground." In some countries, such as Mexico and Japan, festivals in honor of the dead are celebrated in graveyards... Read more
A helicopter, also called a chopper, is a type of aircraft that uses a rotor, or spinning blade, to take off and land vertically. Unlike airplanes, helicopters don't need a runway. Other rotorcraft include convertiplanes, autogiros or autogyros, and V/STOL aircraft... Read more
For most of human history, weapons of war consisted of various types of clubs, blades such as daggers and swords, and piercing, poisoned, or flaming projectiles launched from slings, bows, or catapults. The face of war changed drastically with the invention of the gun around the year AD 1000... Read more
The trumpet, also spelled trompette or trompete, is a musical instrument of the brass wind family. The term "trumpet" describes a number of instruments throughout history played by vibrating the lips against the mouthpiece. The earliest trumpets were made from the horns of animals such as rams or bulls, or conch shells. Today, trumpets are made of metal... Read more
Thermometers are instruments used to measure temperature. The first thermometer was built in 1592 by Galileo Galilei. They did not become widely available until the 1800s... Read more
Before the advent of refrigeration and electricity, preserving food for later use was a major concern. Some foods could be kept in root cellars, others fermented, others dried. Then, in the year 1800, a French inventor developed a means of sealing food in airtight containers. Canning was born... Read more
A roller coaster is a type of railway that is elevated and which has steep ascents and descents. Unlike most railways, roller coasters won't take you anywhere - in fact, most let you off at the same platform used to board. Instead of travel, roller coasters are designed to produce thrills and pure fun... Read more
A farm is a property devoted to agriculture - the keeping of useful plants and animals, mostly for food... Read more
Wine has left an indelible mark on human history and culture. This fermented beverage has been consumed since ancient times. Some historical references to wine date back more than 6,000 years... Read more
Little Red Riding Hood, named after her hooded garment, is perhaps the most iconic use of the hood in popular culture. The story originated as a fairy tale in Europe around the tenth century. Hoods were, at that time, usually a part of a cloak or cape. These were common items of clothing used to keep off the rain and the winter chill... Read more
Television, or TV, tele, or telly for short, describes "the electronic delivery of moving images and sound from a source to a receiver." Early in the twentieth century, television was conceived as a medium for communication and education. By the middle of the century, it had forever changed popular culture, news, and entertainment... Read more
A microscope is a scientific instrument "that produces enlarged images of small objects." The word "microscope" comes from ancient Greek words meaning "small" and "to see." Microscopes are used to investigate small objects that are too little to be seen with the naked eye... Read more
A tent is a type of portable shelter that has been used since time immemorial. Ancient nomadic peoples lived in tents full-time, traveling from place to place. Militaries often house soldiers in tents when occupying a foreign land. And today, many people enjoy camping in tents recreationally. Tents are also used for events such as weddings and circuses... Read more
The cross or crucifix has been a common religious symbol for millennia. Though most consider it an icon of Jesus and Christianity, it was also used in pre-Christian times... Read more
A barn is a classic farm building used for sheltering animals or items. Barn types may be named for their purpose; for example, a dairy barn is used for milking cows and a tobacco barn is used for drying tobacco after it is harvested. Others have specific names, like stable or shed... Read more
A couch is a piece of furniture designed to seat two or three people. Couches are usually upholstered (covered in fabric), with arms and a back for leaning against. Some couches recline or pull out to form a bed... Read more
The Ferris wheel is a common sight at fairs, carnivals, theme parks, and other attractions. Sometimes called "revolving observation wheels," Ferris wheels consist of ridable open or enclosed cars that travel the circumference of a large upright wheel... Read more