History

Today You Should Know answers your curious questions about how the world works. Here's everything we've covered (so far) on the topic of history. Whether you're interested in why Americans don’t use the metric system or how ancient Polynesian explorers found islands, there will definitely be something that satisfies your curiosity about how the world works.

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Why do we say "brand" new?
Why do we say "brand" new?

And, for that matter, why do we say brand “spanking” new?

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How did early Polynesian explorers find islands?
How did early Polynesian explorers find islands?

No radio, no compass, no maps. How ancient explorers found islands in the middle of nowhere.

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What does “adopt a highway” mean and how does it work?
What does “adopt a highway” mean and how does it work?

What do these adoptive road parents have to do to earn those signs?

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Why are skyscrapers made of glass?
Why are skyscrapers made of glass?

Two important innovations allow us to scrape the sky with these glassy giants.

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Why doesn't the U.S. use the metric system?
Why doesn't the U.S. use the metric system?

The metric vs. imperial debate has gone on since the inception of the United States. And it begins with pirates (seriously).

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Why is dental insurance separate from medical insurance?
Why is dental insurance separate from medical insurance?

Your teeth are a part of your body, right?

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Why is a second called a second?
Why is a second called a second?

First came minutes, second came seconds.

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Why is there cotton in pill bottles?
Why is there cotton in pill bottles?

And should you take it out after opening?

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Why is a day 24 hours? Why is an hour 60 minutes?
Why is a day 24 hours? Why is an hour 60 minutes?

We have to thank some ancient minds for these special numbers.

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Why is Shakespeare still taught in high school today?
Why is Shakespeare still taught in high school today?

Plus why labor laws are the reason you were taught Romeo and Juliet in 9th grade.

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Why does America use a MM/DD/YY date format?
Why does America use a MM/DD/YY date format?

It’s like an American accent but with calendars.

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Why is “W” called double U and not double V?
Why is “W” called double U and not double V?

Many other languages call it a “double V”. English hasn’t caught up with the trends.

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Why is soccer not a popular spectator sport in the United States?
Why is soccer not a popular spectator sport in the United States?

We Americans sure do like American things.

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