Rebecca OConnell – Page 24

October 18, 2016

Name the Countries Larger Than Texas

October 18, 2016 – 10:55am

October 18, 2016

The Japanese Baseball Team Cursed by the Ghost of Colonel Sanders

Rebecca OConnell

filed under: baseball, Food, Sports, travel

Image credit:

Getty Images Collage

Even casual sports fans in the United States are familiar with the legendary Curse of the Bambino: After trading Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in the off-season between 1919 and 1920, the Boston Red Sox failed to win the World Series for 86 years. The Sox’s spell of bad luck ended in 2004, but they’re not the only baseball team to be cursed with a losing streak. Over in Japan, the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League are suffering from a similar dry spell. The only difference is that instead of being haunted by a bad trade, they’re cursed by the late founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Colonel Harland David Sanders.

In 1985, the Tigers won the Japan Championship Series (Japan’s version of the World Series). Delighted fans took their celebration to the street and, as per tradition, met on the Ebisubashi Bridge in Osaka. After naming each member of the winning team, a fan who bore a vague resemblance to the player called would jump in the Dotonbori River. But when the crowd came to the team’s power hitter and MVP, Randy Bass, they ran into trouble. Unable to find anyone who looked anything like the American player, the revelers had to get creative—and that’s where Colonel Sanders comes in. Fans found a nearby KFC with a statue of the fast food mascot outside. They hoisted the statue from its perch, dressed it up like Bass, and tossed it in the river in honor of the player. Little did they know what consequences their gesture would have.

Fans jump into the Dotonbori River, Getty Images

According to lore, the spirit of the chicken king (Sanders died in 1980) was less than pleased, and since this injustice toward the Colonel’s statue, the Tigers haven’t been able to win a Championship Series.

Sports fans are a notoriously superstitious bunch, so it’s not surprising that they would place the blame on the ghostly shoulders of Colonel Sanders. It’s believed—both playfully and seriously—that the spirit of the American businessman has come back to haunt the Tigers after the disrespectful dunking of his likeness. After all, the team hasn’t won a Series in 31 years, despite making it to the playoffs in 2003, 2005, and 2014.

Getty Images

Obviously, this sort of haunting isn’t taken lightly. The team’s fans have tried everything short of an exorcism to lift the curse, and in 2009, divers even rescued the statue from the river. Unfortunately, the one of Colonel’s hands and as well as his glasses are still hiding somewhere in the murky depths of the river—perhaps still holding onto the decades-old grudge. We can only hope, for the sake of the Tigers, that the vengeful ghost statue spirit lifts his curse soon. (In 2003, scientists discouraged fans from jumping in the river, which was reportedly “full of toxic sludge” thanks the exhaust fumes from passing cars and pollution from the nearby industrial plants; when the Tigers won the Central League pennant for the first time in 18 years that year, fans jumped anyway.)

If you’re wondering how Bass himself is doing, it seems he’s been able to avoid the scourge: He’s now an Oklahoma State Senator.

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.

October 18, 2016 – 11:00am

October 18, 2016

What’s the Kennection?

Kennection Questions:

Rossini's opera La Cenerentola, which ends when Prince Ramiro recognizes Angelina's bracelet, is based on what fairy tale?

According to its CEO, what car company intended its first three models to spell out the word "sex"?

What character's real name is revealed to be "John" in the last episode of Sex and the City?

What term for a bad urban neighborhood came from Pacific Northwest boom towns where logs would be dragged down to the water?

What was the name of the first album and debut single by Bell Biv Devoe, who recently reunited after 15 years?

What's the "Kennection"?

Schedule Publish:

Content not scheduled for publishing.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016 – 10:50

Quiz Number:

101

October 17, 2016

Name the TV Titles Based on Their Antonyms

October 17, 2016 – 11:40am

October 16, 2016

This Week’s Best Amazon Deals You Can Still Get

Smart Shopping Team

filed under: shopping

Image credit:

amazon / istock

As a recurring feature, we share some amazing Amazon deals we’ve turned up. These items were the ones that were the most popular with our readers this week, and they’re still available.

Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers (including Amazon) and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy. Good luck deal hunting!

October 16, 2016 – 11:00am

Amazon Product Id:

B000093L25

October 16, 2016

Resin Acorn Necklaces Hold Little Bits of Nature Inside

Rebecca OConnell

filed under: design, fashion, nature

Image credit:

Etsy

London-based artist Anna Buttonsy offers up acorn-shaped jewelry that holds miniature scenes of nature inside. With the magic of resin, Buttonsy is able to capture small moments in time, like blooming flowers and flying dragonflies.

The plastic pendants—dyed in colors like blue, pink, or red—have real acorn tops and hand-molded, clear resin bodies. Inside each transparent acorn, you can find anything from dandelion seeds to flower petals. You can see Buttonsy’s full collection on the Etsy store ButtonsyJewellery.

[h/t My Modern Met Selects]

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.

October 16, 2016 – 12:00am

October 15, 2016

15 Facts About Elections Around the World

Image credit:

iStock

Democracy is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor—and neither is its essential mechanism, the election. Read on to learn more about how people around the world—and how some people who are currently out of this world—perform their essential civic duty when Election Day rolls around.

1. IN MOST PLACES, ELECTIONS ARE HELD ON SUNDAYS.

Voters in the U.S. may head to the polls on Tuesdays, but the rest of the world prefers to save its votes for Sunday. Interestingly, countries in which English is the primary language tend to be the exception to this rule; in Canada, citizens vote on Mondays, while Brits vote on Thursdays, and Australians and New Zealanders on Saturdays.

The American vote wasn’t always limited to Tuesdays by law; instead, it’s a holdover from the 19th century, when farmers were often forced to travel long distances to their polling stations, and needed enough time to make it back home in time for market day on Wednesday.

2. INDIA IS SO HUGE, ITS ELECTIONS CAN TAKE WEEKS.

India is home to more than 800 million eligible voters, which makes it the world’s largest democracy. In order to accommodate an electorate of that size, the government holds elections over the course of weeks, or even months. The last major general election in 2014, in which Indians voted for the 543 members of parliament, took place on nine separate days over five weeks.

3. SWEDISH AND FRENCH VOTERS ARE AUTOMATICALLY REGISTERED.

People in France and Sweden don’t need to worry about making time to register ahead of Election Day. The government automatically registers voters when they’re eligible—in France, that’s as soon as people turn 18. Sweden relies on tax registries to create lists of eligible citizens.

4. VOTING IS COMPULSORY IN AUSTRALIA.

Every Australian over 18 is required by law to register to vote and to participate in federal elections. Anyone who doesn’t show up on Election Day is fined AU$20 (around $15). Failure to pay that fine results in even steeper penalties—up to AU$180—and can result in a criminal charge.

5. KIDS AS YOUNG AS 16 CAN ROCK THE VOTE IN BRAZIL.

Since 1988, Brazilian citizens have had the right to vote at age 16. (Voting is required for almost everyone between the ages of 18 and 69, and anyone who doesn’t vote is subject to a fine.) Sixteen and 17-year-olds are also eligible to vote in Austria, Nicaragua, and Argentina, and 17-year-olds can cast votes in Indonesia and Sudan. Select states in Germany have given 16-year-olds the vote in local elections, and in 2014, for the first time ever, Scottish teens aged 16 and 17 were allowed to vote on a referendum.

Studies of elections in which 16- and 17-year-olds can participate have shown that giving young people the ability to vote may translate into a more engaged citizenry as those voters grow older. What’s more, teens who choose to participate in elections are often as well informed about the candidates and the issues as their older counterparts.

6. IN ESTONIA, YOU CAN CAST YOUR VOTE ONLINE.

Since 2005, Estonians have had the ability to vote online instead of waiting in line at their local polling stations. Although in-person voting is still more popular, in 2015, more than 30 percent of Estonian voters took advantage of the online voting system. The Estonian system is workable because every citizen receives a scannable ID card and PIN, which he or she can use to fulfill a number of civic responsibilities, from filing taxes to paying library fines. (Although an Estonian’s ID card and PIN are used to confirm his or her identity on Election Day, the vote itself is encrypted, rendering it anonymous.)

7. VOTER TURNOUT IN THE U.S. IS EXTREMELY LOW COMPARED TO OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.

According to a 2016 report about voter turnout in developed countries, just 53.6 percent of Americans performed their civic duty during the 2012 election cycle, which places the U.S. 31st out of 35 OECD nations. By contrast, Belgium saw the highest percentage of eligible voters turn out for its 2014 election; approximately 87.2 percent of Belgian citizens cast their votes.

8. IN CHILE, MEN AND WOMEN VOTED SEPARATELY UNTIL 2012.

Beginning in 1930—when women were first given the right to vote in local elections in Chile—men and women headed to separate polling locations. That year, a separate registry was created to accommodate newly-registered female voters, who were still prohibited from voting in national elections. The custom of separating men and women on election day persisted even after suffrage was granted in nationwide elections (and the country’s voting registries were combined) in 1949. Sixty-three years later, the government decided that voting doesn’t have to be segregated by gender; however, separate voting is still widely practiced.

9. YES, NORTH KOREA HOLDS ELECTIONS.

But they’re far from democratic. Although a whopping 99.7 percent of the electorate participated in the 2015 local elections, citizens didn’t have much of a choice when it came to choosing who they wanted to endorse. Everyone on the ballot was selected ahead of time by North Korea’s ruling party; to vote, North Koreans simply had to drop a printout of the names in a box to indicate their support. A separate box was present at polling locations, which voters could use to register their rejection of the given candidates. However, all of the candidates chosen received 100 percent of the vote—which means either no one opted to dissent, or if they did, their votes weren’t counted.

10. THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE.

There’s no law in the United Kingdom barring Queen Elizabeth II from participating in elections. But in order to appear as objective as possible, she generally does not. Ahead of Britain’s June referendum regarding its E.U. membership, a Buckingham Palace spokesman told reporters that, “It’s very clearly the convention here, that the queen is above politics … it’s a convention that the royal family do not vote in general elections, and this is very much an extension of that convention.”

11. GOVERNMENTS GET CREATIVE IN PLACES WHERE LITERACY IS AN ISSUE.

In Gambia, citizens cast their votes by dropping marbles into color-coded metal drums with pictures of the candidates. Each drum is rigged with a bell, which the marble, after it’s dropped in, dings. (If the bell rings more than once, poll workers know someone has broken the rules.)

12. PUNDITS IN NEW ZEALAND KEEP MUM ON ELECTION DAY.

That’s because media (or social media) coverage of anything that could influence the outcome is illegal before 7 p.m. on Election Day. According to one report, “Talking heads on television can’t mention something as mundane as a candidate’s attire, much less who might win. Political parties are even directed by authorities to ‘unpublish their [social media] pages.’” Anyone in violation of the restriction on Election Day chatter faces a fine of up to NZ$20,000 (around $14,000).

13. ASTRONAUTS CAN VOTE.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have had the ability to vote since 1997, when Texas lawmakers passed a measure that allowed secure ballots to be sent to space by Mission Control in Houston, Texas. Once astronauts make their selections, their ballots—PDFs of the paper ballots they’d receive in the mail—are beamed back down to Earth, where clerks open the encoded documents and submit a hard copy of the astronaut’s ballot to be counted.

14. LIECHTENSTEIN VOTERS WEIGH IN ON CITIZENSHIP.

In the tiny European country of Liechtenstein (population: 37,000) citizens vote for politicians, referendums—and whether or not to grant citizenship to those who have applied after residing in the principality for 10 years or more.

15. ONE ECUADORIAN ELECTION GOT OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT.

The victor in a 1967 mayoral election in Ecuador: a popular brand of foot powder. In the days leading up to the election, the company ran election-themed ads, suggesting consumers vote for the powder “if they want well-being and hygiene.” Spoiler alert: The foot powder won, thanks to the large volume of write-in votes it received.

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October 15, 2016 – 2:15pm

October 15, 2016

15 Cookies from Around the World to Try This Cookie Month

Image credit:

iStock

Chocolate-chip cookies are all fine and good, and sure, sometimes you just need a sugar cookie. But there’s a world of exciting biscuits, bars, cakes, and other cookies out there just waiting for you. Read on to find your new favorite.

1. ALFAJORES // ARGENTINA

Shake up your sandwich cookie game with Latin American alfajores. This buttery, melt-in-your-mouth variety marries crumbly shortbread biscuits with a creamy dulce de leche filling—and the combination is unbeatable. Alfajores are an especially versatile choice, regularly enjoyed with coffee or tea, as dessert, snack, or even breakfast. And who doesn’t love cookies for breakfast?

2. ANZAC BISCUITS // AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

There’s some debate about the origin of these rolled-oat cookies. Regional cookie lore says they were first baked and sent to the front by the wives of soldiers in the Australia New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I. Others say the biscuits were invented in a cookbook designed to raise funds for the soldiers. One way or another, these mild, sweet cookies have become a mainstay in kitchens and lunchboxes, especially on April 25, Anzac Day.

3. VANILLEKIPFERL // AUSTRIA

The word kipferl has two meanings: first, any of the crescent-shaped pastries for which Austria is known; and two, as a pet name for a particularly foolish loved one. Sweeten your week with vanillekipferl—crumbly crescents made with ground walnuts and dusted with vanilla sugar.

4. NANAIMO BARS // CANADA

Quibble with the definition of “cookie” if you will, but once you try a nanaimo bar you’ll be glad we mentioned it. These no-bake treats first originated in the city of Nanaimo, Canada in the 1950s, and feature layers of crumbly wafer cookie, custard, and chocolate.

5. PAPRENJAK // CROATIA

If you like your snacks to bite back, paprenjak are the cookies for you. These traditional stamped biscuits are crispy and flavored with a heat-inducing blend of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, honey, and, most importantly, black pepper.

6. KOURABIEDES // GREECE

These marvelous little cookies are bite-sized for a reason—to keep over-eager eaters from accidentally inhaling and choking on their powdered-sugar coating. Kourabiedes are similar in texture to Austrian vanillekipferl and Latin American polvorosa (see below) with one big difference: unusual butter. The best-known kourabiedes in Greece are made with buffalo-milk butter, and many home chefs swear by goat butter, which lends the cookies a light, rich flavor.

7. POLVOROSA // GUATEMALA, COLOMBIA, AND VENEZUELA

Known variously as polvorosa, Mexican wedding cookies, or Russian tea cakes, these lovely treats are a perfect accompaniment for a cup of coffee or spiced wine. Just keep the napkins handy—the word “polvorosa” means “dust” or “powder,” which is exactly what you’ll get after your first bite.

8. NANKHATAI // INDIA

Stop into any bakery in India and you’ll find little mounds of the spiced shortbread cookies called nankhatai. The crispy little cookies get their creamy flavor from ghee, or clarified butter, and appear in kitchens across the country during Diwali.

9. RESHTEH KHOSHKAR // IRAN

Looking for something a little more indulgent? Look no further than the Persian delight called reshteh khoshkar. Chefs mix rice flour, sugar, cardamom, walnut, ginger, and cinnamon, then cut the dough into thick strips—which are then deep-fried and drenched in cinnamon syrup. Drooling yet?

10. KLEICHA // IRAQ

If this list has taught us anything, it’s that the holidays are cookie time no matter where you go. The month of Ramadan is a time of fasting from dawn to sunset. When the marathon observance ends, Iraqis celebrate and break their fast, often with kleicha, rolled cookies stuffed with sweet and spicy date paste. Kleicha are so well-loved that many consider them Iraq’s national cookie.

11. AMARETTI // ITALY

Cannolis and biscotti get all the attention, but Italy has plenty of other glorious sweet options to offer. Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, the petite almond-paste cookies called amaretti are a delight all their own. Enjoy them with dessert wine, crumble them on top of your gelato, or dunk them in your morning espresso. We won’t judge.

12. CRUNCHY PEANUT COOKIES // KOREA

Invented by a snack manufacturer in the 1970s, these satisfying little bites have become a mainstay on store shelves across Korea. The concept is simple—little ropes of dough, fried until crunchy and then coated in syrup and crushed peanuts—but the execution is awesome.

13. MBATATA // MALAWI & ZIMBABWE

Take your tastebuds to Africa with soft, mildly sweet mbatata. The secret to the cookies’ uniquely dense texture and delicate flavor? Mashed sweet potatoes. We’re not going to call these cookies healthy, but they would make an excellent vehicle for sneaking more produce into your kids’ diets.

14. BOORTSOG // MONGOLIA

Enough talk about health; let’s head back to the deep-fryer. Mongolian boortsog are kind of like a cross between a donut and a cookie. The dough can be shaped into little balls, flowers, or animal shapes, and is often made with ghee or sweetened condensed milk. Unsurprisingly, kids love them.

15. STROOPWAFEL // THE NETHERLANDS

There’s a trick to eating stroopwafels. At room temperature, these thin waffle sandwich cookies are pretty darn good. But if you want the real deal, lay your stroopwafel across the top of a steaming mug of coffee. The heat and moisture will soften the waffles and melt the caramel filling, making it a beyond-perfect option for dunking.

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October 15, 2016 – 12:15pm

October 15, 2016

Get the Weekend’s Best Amazon Deals While You Can

Smart Shopping Team

filed under: shopping

Image credit:

amazon / istock

As a recurring feature, our team combs the Web and shares some amazing Amazon deals we’ve turned up. Here’s what caught our eye today, October 15.

Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers, including Amazon, and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy. Good luck deal hunting!

GADGETS

Sabrent 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub with Individual Power Switches and LEDs (HB-UMLS) for $12.99 (list price $19.99)

Fujifilm INSTAX Mini Instant Film Twin Pack (White) for $11.49 (list price $20.75)

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router (R7000) with Open Source Support for $170.79 (list price $249.99)

Anker SoundCore Bluetooth Speaker with 24-Hour Playtime, 66-Foot Bluetooth Range & Built-in Mic, Dual-Driver Portable Wireless Speaker with Low Harmonic Distortion and Superior Sound – Black for $35.99 (list price $79.99 )

RCA Digital Alarm Clock with Large 1.4″ Display for $11.79 (list price $14.99)

Apple 85W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter (for MacBook Pro with Retina Display) for $77.30 (list price $79.00)

GoControl Z-Wave Dimmable LED Light Bulb, LB60Z-1, Cert ID: ZC10-15040007 for $19.99 (list price $84.44)

ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem – Retail Packaging – White for $115.19 (list price $149.99)

Electrohome Projection Alarm Clock with Battery Backup and Audio Input for $29.99 (list price $49.99)

Etekcity Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Receiver Audio Adapter (NFC-Enabled) for Sound System for $35.99 (list price $43.99)

[2016 SADES SA-807 New Released Multi-Platform New Xbox one PS4 Gaming Headset ], Gaming Headsets Headphones For New Xbox one PS4 PC Laptop Mac iPad iPod (Black&Blue) for $21.99

Anker Phone Camera Lens Kit – 180° Fisheye, 0.65x Wide Angle, 10x Macro for iPhone 7/6s/6s Plus, Samsung S6/edge/S7/S7 edge, Samsung Note 5, LG G5, Nexus 5X/6/6P, Moto, HTC, Sony and more for $11.89 (list price $29.99)

DOSS Touch Wireless Bluetooth V4.0 Portable Speaker with HD Sound and Bass (Black) for $29.99 (list price $89.99)

American Red Cross FRX3 Hand Crank NOAA AM/FM Weather Alert Radio with Smartphone Charger for $46.74 (list price $79.99)

Amcrest IP2M-841 ProHD 1080P (1920TVL) Wireless WiFi IP Camera, Black for $109.99 (list price $149.99)

TP-Link N300 Wireless Wi-Fi Router, Up to 300Mbps (TL-WR841N) for $21.95 (list price $38.29)

PlayStation 3 wireless controller (Black) for (list price $12.99)

WALI Bullet Dummy Fake Surveillance Security CCTV Dome Camera Indoor Outdoor with Record LED Light + Warning Security Alert Sticker Decals WL-TC-S1 for $7.99 (list price $29.99)

Garmin Vivofit Fitness Band (Certified Refurbished) for $29.99 (list price $32.95)

Firegram Mini Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Earbud Headset for Smartphones – Black for $16.99 (list price $24.99)

KITCHEN

Handpresso HPWILDHYBRIDGREY Wild Hybrid Espresso Machine, Silver for $89.99 (list price $129.99)

The Ringer Stainless Steel Chainmail Cast Iron Cleaner, XL 8×6-Inch for $12.99 (list price $15.99)

Zoku Fish Pop Molds for $19.95 (list price $24.99)

Nordic Ware Country Farm Mini Pancake Pan for $23.04 (list price $28.00)

Gama-Go Unicorn Corn Holders, Set of 4 for $12.99

Now Designs Bread Bin, Turquoise Blue for $38.50 (list price $44.99)

Elite Cuisine EBK-200BL Maxi-Matic 3-in-1 Multifunction Breakfast Center, Blue for $35.99 (list price $59.99)

KRUPS F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder with Stainless Steel Blades, 3-Ounce, Black for $19.99 (list price $29.99)

Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker, 6Qt/1000W for $119.95 (list price $234.95)

Ball Mason Wide Mouth Quart Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 12 for $11.39 (list price $15.99)

AmazonBasics 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set for $22.21 (list price $47.99)

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Oval Slow Cooker, Digital Timer, Stainless Steel, SCCPVL610-S for $39.99 (list price $59.99)

Latest Cooking Thermometers, Habor Digital Stainless Cooking Thermometer with Instant Read, Long Probe, LCD Screen, Anti-Corrosion, Best for Food, Meat, Grill, BBQ, Milk, and Bath Water for $6.49 (list price $15.99)

PUR CRF-950Z 2-Stage Water Pitcher Replacement Filter, 3-Pack for $14.59 (list price $24.35)

Alpha Grillers Pen Thermometer Instant Read Meat. Ultra Fast Digital Cooking Tool With BBQ Internal Temperature Chart. for (list price $17.97)

Cuisinart DCC-3200 Perfect Temp 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Stainless Steel for $79.99 (list price $185.00)

Wilton Candy Eyeballs,0.88 oz,Count of 56 for $2.59 (list price $3.99)

Pumpkin Carving Tools- Halloween Sculpting Kit with 11 Double Sided Pieces (21 Tool Set) for Jack-O-Lanterns and More for $10.99 (list price $14.99)

HOME

The Fine Living Company Laundry Hamper Bag Drop Your Pants Here with Aluminum Ring Handles, 81-Litre for $34.99 (list price $34.99)

Dog Toilet Brush Holder for $17.88 (list price $24.99)

Cat Toilet Brush Holder for $17.54 (list price $24.99)

PyroPet Candles Kisa Candle, Gray for $33.99 (list price $40.00)

Brita Advanced Replacement Water Filter for Pitchers, 3 Count for $13.78 (list price $29.89)

RTIC 30 oz. Tumbler for $13.18 (list price $59.95)

Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Container, 42-piece Set, Red (1880801) for $15.99 (list price $49.99)

Hoover FH50150 Carpet Basics Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner for $119.99 (list price $219.99)

Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier – Premium Humidifying Unit with Whisper-quiet Operation, Automatic Shut-off, and Night Light Function for $39.99 (list price $49.99)

PurSteam Fabric Steamer, Fast-Heat Aluminum Heating Element With Travel Pouch, 180ml Capacity Perfect for Home and Travel for $29.99 (list price $69.99)

Advion Syngenta Cockroach Gel Bait 1 Box(4 Tubes) for $22.55 (list price $31.49)

Queen Size SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector – Vinyl Free for $29.95 (list price $69.95)

Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan, Black for $13.99 (list price $34.55)

Lasko 755320 Ceramic Tower Heater with Digital Display and Remote Control for $51.05 (list price $64.79)

Dirt Devil SD20000RED Simpli-Stik Lightweight Bagless Stick Vacuum – Corded for $16.88 (list price $39.99)

Homemory Realistic and Bright Flickering Bulb Battery Operated Flameless LED Tea Light for Seasonal & Festival Celebration, Pack of 12, Electric Fake Candle in Warm White and Wave Open for $17.99 (list price $29.99)

Hoover CLEANPLUS 2X 64oz Carpet Cleaner and Deodorizer, AH30330 for $17.47 (list price $19.99)

BISSELL 9595A Vacuum with OnePass – Corded for $75.04 (list price $79.00)

Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow, Ivory for $48.99 (list price $69.95)

Natural Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp 6-7 lbs with Wood Base, Electric Wire & Bulb for $19.99 (list price $49.99)

Swiffer Sweeper Wet Mopping Cloth Refill – Open Window Fresh – 24 ct for $12.65 (list price $11.99)

LAGHCAT Mermaid Tail Blanket Crochet and Mermaid Blanket for adult, Super Soft All Seasons Sleeping Blankets, 71″x35.5″, Blue for $20.80 (list price $28.00)

OK to Wake! Alarm Clock & Night-Light for $26.54 (list price $39.95)

BLACK+DECKER F210 Steam Iron with Nonstick Soleplate, White/Blue for $10.99

BISSELL 2X Pet Stain & Odor Portable Machine Formula, 32 ounces, 74R7 for $10.29 (list price $24.99)

Zinus 14 Inch SmartBase Mattress Foundation / Platform Bed Frame / Box Spring Replacement / Quiet Noise-Free / Maximum Under-bed Storage, Full for $69.00 (list price $79.00)

AmazonBasics Foldable Drying Rack – White for $21.91 (list price $21.99)

Umbra Starfish Drain Cover/Hair Catcher, Surf Blue for $6.77 (list price $7.99)

Boon Star Drain Cover for $7.11 (list price $8.99)

The Hamptons Baby Caring Corners 8-pack Premium Clear Corner Guards. Keep Children Safe, Protect From Injury Around the House! for $13.99 (list price $15.99)

Non Slip Bath Mat Anti-Bacterial Deluxe Shower Mat 16 X 28 inches Fits Any Size Bath Tub White for $9.99 (list price $19.99)

Loving Bear EXTRA Scented Soy Blend Candle for $6.99 (list price $9.99)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Gillette Fusion Manual Men’s Razor Blade Refills, 12 Count for $32.15 (list price $47.99)

Men’s Rogaine Foam, Three Month Supply for $39.99 (list price $50.13)

Dove Men+Care Body and Face Bar, Extra Fresh 4 oz, 10 Bar for $9.79 (list price $14.99)

Philips Sonicare Essence Sonic Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush, White for $33.94 (list price $49.99)

Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, 7 Oz for $12.27 (list price $17.45)

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, Beeswax, 4 Tubes in Blister Box for $8.96 (list price $9.99)

Dove Beauty Bar, Sensitive Skin 4 oz, 16 Bar for $15.66 (list price $25.09)

Philips QG3364/49 Norelco Multigroom 5100 Grooming Kit (7 Attachments) for $29.95 (list price $39.99)

Philips Sonicare HealthyWhite+ electric rechargeable toothbrush, HX8911 for $79.95 (list price $119.99)

Degree Men Dry Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant, Clean 2.7 oz, (Pack of 6) for $14.82 (list price $21.54)

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 15, 4 Oz for $11.19 (list price $22.41)

Philips Sonicare for Kids Bluetooth Connected Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush, HX6321/02 for $39.95 (list price $49.99)

Schick Intuition Renewing Moisture Razor Blade Refills for Women with Pomegranate Extract – 6 Count for $16.29 (list price $27.99)

Bed Head Deep Waver for $18.99 (list price $27.99)

Women’s Rogaine Once-A-Day Foam, Four Month Supply for $33.07 (list price $48.60)

Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System with Facial Brush for $21.49 (list price $29.99)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream, Extra-Dry Skin, 1.7 Oz for $14.56 (list price $18.98)

Dove Men+Care Body and Face Wash, Extra Fresh 18 oz , Pack of 3 for $15.93 (list price $21.94)

Secret Clinical Strength Smooth Solid, Waterproof Women’s Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant, All Day Fresh Scent – 2.6 Oz for $10.76 (list price $14.99)

Braun Series 7 790cc-4 Electric Foil Shaver for Men with Clean and Charge Station, Electric Men’s Razor, Razors, Shavers, Cordless Shaving System for $199.99 (list price $289.99)

Maybelline New York The Blushed Nudes, 0.34 Ounce for $8.98 (list price $11.99)

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, 1 Oz for $16.35 (list price $19.99)

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Creme 1.7 Ounce for $9.40 (list price $17.52)

Edge Shave Gel for Men Sensitive Skin – 7 Ounce (Pack of 6) for $16.14 (list price $26.99)

Olay Total Effects 7 in one, Anti-Aging Moisturizer With SPF 30, 1.7 Fluid Ounce for $12.99 (list price $21.99)

Wahl Elite Pro High Performance Haircut Kit #79602 for $49.97 (list price $82.99)

Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental Floss,Cinnamon, 50 Yards (Pack of 6) for $12.62 (list price $14.70)

NIVEA Men Active3 3-in-1 Body Wash 16.9 Fluid Ounce (Pack of 3) for $14.97 (list price $17.97)

Nexxus Conditioner with Pump, Humectress Replenishing System 33.8 oz for $18.49 (list price $28.59)

Eucerin Original Healing Rich Creme 16 Ounce (Pack of 2) for $22.78 (list price $30.36)

Simply Straight Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush, Black/Pink for $27.98 (list price $39.99)

Dove Body Wash, Sensitive Skin 22 Ounce, (Pack of 4) for $20.36 (list price $25.56)

Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo, 16 Fluid Ounce for $20.99 (list price $29.99)

REACH Dentotape Waxed Tape, Unflavored 100 Yards (Pack of 6) for $15.54 (list price $25.59)

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Cream, Light/Medium, 1.2 Fluid Ounces for $8.99 (list price $14.95)

OFFICE, SCHOOL, AND ART

3M General Purpose 45 Spray Adhesive, 10-1/4-Ounce for $4.72 (list price $8.99)

Platinum Art Supplies Micro-Line Ultra-Fine Point Ink Pens (Set Of 16) for $19.99 (list price $39.99)

Enchanted Fairy Garden Kit for $19.90 (list price $25.99)

Best Crafts 12″ X 10′ Feet Roll Transfer Paper w/ Grid- Perfect Alignment of Cameo or Cricut Self Adhesive Vinyl for Decals, Signs, Walls, Windows and Other Smooth Surfaces for $14.99 (list price $30.00)

Face Paint Kit for Kids 12 Color. The Original X-Large Best Quality Body Painting Set +BONUS Glitter Gel, 3 Brushes, Stencil & Online Guide. Safe Non-Toxic Water-Based. Enough For 100s Boys & Girls for $24.99 (list price $39.99)

Ball Jars Collection Elite Wide Mouth Pint, Case of 4 for $4.64 (list price $11.99)

Fiery Youth DIY Metal Bath Bomb Mold with 3 Size 4 Set 8 Pieces ✮ Relaxation and Save Your Money ✮ Mix Your Own Recipes with Sample Bath Bomb Kit for $9.99 (list price $19.99)

Elmer’s E1326 Glue-All White Glue, Repositionable, 1-Gallon for $12.77

Paint Brush Set Acrylic Xpassion 10pcs Professional Paint Brushes Artist for Watercolor Oil Acrylic Painting for $19.99 (list price $29.99)

Face Paint Kit for Kids 14 Color Party Pack. 4 Sponges, 2 Glitter Gels, 2 Brushes, Stencils. Larger 3-4g Paints. Top Quality Face & Body Painting Set +BONUS Online Guide. Safe Non-Toxic Water Based for $17.49 (list price $39.99)

OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORTS

BirdMaster Window Bird Feeder – Squirrel Proof – Crystal Clear Acrylic Design – Houses All Types of Wild Birds & Seeds – Bird-Watching from the Comfort of Your Own Home [Gift-Ready Premium Packaging] for $39.99 (list price $49.99)

2Pack 4MODE 30LED Upgraded Super Bright Sogrand Solar Motion Sensor Light Weatherproof Solar Lights Outdoor Wireless Solar Motion Security Light Solar Light Solar Sensor Light Metal Detector for $33.80 (list price $98.00)

BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Adapter for $35.99 (list price $35.99)

BLACK+DECKER LSW36B 40V MAX Lithium Sweeper for $46.90 (list price $84.99)

Fiskars Traditional Bypass Pruning Shears for $11.40 (list price $17.99)

Weber 7107 Grill Cover (44in X 60in) with Storage Bag for Genesis Gas Grills for $49.95 (list price $79.99)

Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider, 100% Fast Kill and Extended Protection, Green & Non-toxic, ” Most Effective Natural Bed Bug spray” by Entomological Society of America Journal Publication 16 oz for $19.99

Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, 4-Ounce Pump Spray for $4.97 (list price $6.99)

Eco Defense Mice Repellent – Humane Mouse Trap Substitute – 16 oz Organic Spray – Guaranteed Effective – Works For All Types of Mice & Rats for $24.95 (list price $49.99)

Swimline Hydro Tools 8028 Premium Aluminum Pool Leaf Skimmer for $10.24 (list price $14.99)

Char-Broil Classic 4-Burner Gas Grill for $184.99 (list price $383.72)

ANLEY® [Fly Breeze] 3×5 Foot Don’t Tread On Me Gadsden Flag – Vivid Color and UV Fade Resistant – Canvas Header and Double Stitched – Tea Party Flags Polyester with Brass Grommets 3 X 5 Ft for $5.95

Tomcat Kill and Contain Mouse Trap, 2-Pack for $7.98 (list price $7.99)

Weber 17004 Apple Wood Chips, 3-Pound for $3.99 (list price $7.49)

Qedertek Fairy Decorative Christmas Solar String Lights 72ft 200 LED Lights for Indoor and Outdoor, Home, Lawn Garden, Wedding, Patio, Party, and Holiday Decorations (Cool White) for $12.99 (list price $59.99)

Summit 20-Pack Mosquito Dunk for $20.54 (list price $26.00)

Apex REM 15 15-Foot Connector Hose Remnants, Colors May Vary for $7.04 (list price $14.99)

United Solutions 55280 Cauldron with Handle, 8″, Black for $6.13 (list price $8.99)

Lifetime 28241 Folding Personal Table, 30 by 20 Inch, White for $33.44 (list price $56.99)

US Flag 4×6: 100% American Made. American Flag 4×6 ft. Quality Embroidered Stars & Sewn Stripes for $46.67 (list price $52.49)

MalloMe Bamboo Marshmallow Roasting Sticks 5mm Thick Extra Long Heavy Duty Wooden Hot Dog Smores Sticks Shish Kabob Skewers Fire Pit Campfire Cooking Kids, 30″ L, 100 Piece for $19.95 (list price $49.99 )

Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for $14.73 (list price $19.99)

Solar LED String Lights, 100 Led Cold White Flower, 39.1ft, 9+ Hours Illumination, Waterproof, Outdoor Solar Fairy Lights, Christmas Lights, Ambiance Lights, Party Wedding Decorations – Cold White for $24.99 (list price $59.99)

ELECTRONICS

HP Pavilion 21.5-Inch IPS LED HDMI VGA Monitor for $99.99 (list price $119.99)

Acer R240HY bidx 23.8-Inch IPS HDMI DVI VGA (1920 x 1080) Widescreen Monitor for $129.99 (list price $179.99)

Microsoft Surface Dock (Compatible with Surface Book, Surface Pro 4, and Surface Pro 3) for $146.75 (list price $199.99)

The American Red Cross Blackout Buddy the emergency LED flashlight, blackout alert and nightlight, pack of 2, ARCBB200W-DBL for $21.70 (list price $43.99)

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station for Windows (Dual Video HDMI and DVI / VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 6 USB Ports) for $94.95 (list price $159.99)

USB Hub, Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Portable Aluminum Hub with 2-Foot USB 3.0 Cable, for iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, or any PC (Silver) for $14.99 (list price $39.99)

Airdrop Gaming HipShotDot (HSD-1619) for $9.99 (list price $32.64)

HD 1080P AnyCast Airplay Wifi Display TV Dongle Receiver DLNA Easy Sharing Mini TV Stick for Android IOS WINDOW for $15.99 (list price $21.99)

FLIR ONE Thermal Imager for iOS for $221.44 (list price $249.99)

NEAT Widget B Desktop USB Microphone for $89.99 (list price $142.00)

TBI 2017 NEW Wireless Security Camera – BEST Wifi Video Cameras – PRO HD 960P/ 720p – IP Pan/Tilt Smart Video Baby Monitor – P2P Digital Cameras for Home Surveillance. Connect iPhone iOS, Android for $129.95 (list price $199.95)

Blusmart HD Dash Car DVR 1080P Camera Camcorder Recorder 3.0 Inch screen Automatic Video Function with Night Vision Rear Camera & 16GB Samsung SD card for $89.87 (list price $129.99)

Goluk T2 FHD 1080P 152° WDR Car Dash Cam with Night Vision, G-sensor for Real Time Video Sharing, Motion Detection, Traffic Accident Disputes, Parking Monitor Loop Recording for $149.99 (list price $259.99 )

FalconZero F170HD+ GPS DashCam 1080P 170° Viewing Angle 32GB microSD Card Included FULL HD for $114.95 (list price $199.95)

3D VR Glasses,Topmaxions™ 3D Virtual Reality Mobile Phone 3D Movies for iPhone 6s/6 plus/6/5s/5c/5 Samsung Galaxy s5/s6/note4/note5 and Other 3.5″-6.0″ Cellphones for $17.99 (list price $36.99)

TOOLS

TaoTronics LED Light Bulbs 60 Watt Equivalent, A19 LED Bulbs, Daylight, 5000K, E26 Socket, Not Dimmable – Pack of 6 for $17.99 (list price $49.99)

Etekcity 4 Pack Portable Outdoor LED Camping Lantern with 12 AA Batteries (Black, Collapsible) for $19.99 (list price $59.99 )

Affresh Washer Machine Cleaner, 6-Tablets, 8.4 oz for $10.79 (list price $13.98)

Erligpowht Stage Lights, Rotating Magic Effect Disco Ball Light with Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Mini Card Slot Rotating For KTV Xmas Party Club Pub Disco DJ (No Remote Control) for $12.99 (list price $14.99)

Outlite A100 High Powered Tactical Flashlight – Ultra Bright LED Handheld Flashlight – Portable Outdoor Water Resistant Torch with Adjustable Focus and 5 Light Modes for Camping Hiking etc for $15.99 (list price $49.99)

BLACK+DECKER LDX120PK 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill and Project Kit for $72.79 (list price $169.99)

TEKTON 5941 Digital Tire Gauge, 100 PSI for $9.75 (list price $11.99)

Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher 1A10BC, 1 Pack for $19.98 (list price $42.99)

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff, Classic Green (R-01526) for $39.02 (list price $74.69)

Vastar Hair Drain Clog Remover Drain Snake Cleaning Tool for $5.99 (list price $15.99)

Rubbermaid RM-3W Folding 3-Step Steel Frame Stool with Hand Grip and Plastic Steps, 200-Pound Capacity, Silver Finish for $30.49 (list price $79.99)

DEWALT DPG82-11 Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle for $11.30 (list price $12.99)

1byone Aluminum Alloy Outdoor Laser Christmas Light Projector with IR Wireless Remote, Red and Green Star Laser Show for Halloween, Christmas, Holiday, Party, Landscape, and Garden Decoration for $89.99 (list price $109.99)

Waterproof LED Strip Lights, Oak Leaf SMD5050 16.4ft RGB Strip Light with 44 Key IR Remote Control for $12.99 (list price $22.99)

Led Clip Reading Light, Raniaco Reading Lamp, USB Rechargeable, Touch Switch Bedside Book Light with Good Eye Protection Brightness for $15.99 (list price $39.99)

Stanley 60-100 10-Piece Standard Fluted Screwdriver Set for $8.97 (list price $11.14)

347pc Home Nut, Bolt, Screw & Washer Assortment – All Phillips Head! for $10.18 (list price $10.79)

BLACK+DECKER LI2000 3.6-Volt 3-Position Rechargeable Screwdriver for $18.57 (list price $35.00)

Scotch Masking Tape 2020-48A-CP, 1.88-Inch by 60.1-Yard, 6-Pack for $19.97 (list price $24.00)

October 15, 2016 – 11:00am

Amazon Product Id:

B00125TIS2

October 15, 2016

15 Incredible Moments in the History of Facial Hair

Image credit:

iStock

Take a stroll through a trendy neighborhood or flip through a fashion magazine and you may notice that hirsute faces are all the rage. Despite their trendy status at this point in time, beards are so much more than a passing fad. History has shown us that facial hair has been present in crucial moments of war, politics, and evolution. Whether you rock a mustache, sideburns, or a pair of on-fleek eyebrows, these historical highlights just might deepen your appreciate for facial hair.

1. OUR EARLY ANCESTORS LEARN TO SHAVE (OR PLUCK, RATHER).

Today shaving is viewed as an aesthetic choice, but for our early ancestors during the last ice age it was a survival tactic—a frozen beard could potentially lead to frostbite. To avoid this outcome, some historians estimate that early humans were clearing their faces roughly 100,000 years ago. The tools they used were considerably cruder than the quadruple-bladed razors available to modern man. Evidence suggests that humans first learned to deal with pesky facial hairs by plucking them with clamshells, like tweezers.

2. THE FEMALE PHARAOH WHO SPORTED A BEARD

Facial hair was a confusing territory to navigate in ancient Egypt. Rulers of the time kept their faces free of any fuzz, but on top of their clean-shaven chins they sometimes wore long, metallic beard substitutes. The reason behind this puzzling fashion choice was religion—the god Osiris was often depicted with a false goatee protruding from the bottom of his face and, as the story goes, pharaohs wanted to model their looks after him. The trend wasn’t limited to Egypt’s male leaders—many female pharaohs also adopted beards along with traditionally masculine clothing after rising to power. One such pharaoh was Queen Hatshepsut, the historical figure regarded by many as Egypt’s first great female ruler.

3. VIKINGS PROVE PERSONAL GROOMING CAN BE MANLY.

Thanks to the Vikings, full, flowing beards are permanently associated with barbarism. But archaeological discoveries suggest that Viking beards may have been better kept than the ones you’ll find in any given Williamsburg coffee shop. Rather than allowing their beards to devolve into grizzly rats’ nests, Vikings made an effort to keep their faces well-groomed. Their facial hair was combed, curled, trimmed, and occasionally even bleached blonde to appeal to the Viking ladies.

4. ALEXANDER THE GREAT’S CLEAN-SHAVEN BATTLES

To Alexander the Great, facial hair was a serious subject. The Macedonian leader required all of his men to be shaved before heading into a key battle, but his reasoning was more practical than aesthetic. According to Plutarch, the fear was that enemy soldiers would grab their beards in close combat and pull them from their horses (although some modern scholars suggest that it was to make them look like the clean-shaven Alexander).

5. PETER THE GREAT’S CRUSADE AGAINST BEARDS

Alexander wasn’t the only Great who held a grudge against beards. Russia under Peter the Great was a hostile environment for beard bearers for a brief stint in history. During his tour of western Europe in the late 17th century, Peter was struck by one particular fashion trend he noticed abroad: Facial hair of any kind was out of style. The Czar chose to bring this look back to Russia with him in the least subtle way possible. During a reception held in honor of his return, Peter the Great whipped out a straight razor—and proceeded to shave his guests’ faces.

Soon after, a facial hair ban was placed on all citizens excluding peasants and clergyman. Peter eventually loosened up the law and everyone was allowed to grow a beard once more, given they were willing to pay a small fee. The “beard tax” remained in effect for nearly 50 years after Peter the Great’s death.

6. 18th CENTURY BOOK DECRIES “THE REVOLUTION AGAINST BEARDS”

Centuries before facial hair was embraced by hippies and hipsters as a symbol of nonconformity, Pogonologia extolled the virtues of the beard to a decidedly anti-beard society. The book was published in 1786 when whiskers were still woefully out of fashion. In it, the author listed some of history’s most respected adopters of facial hair and predicted that “the revolution [against beards] is just at an end.” It would be another several decades before the trend reemerged.

7. THE ADVENT OF THE SAFETY RAZOR

Prior to the 18th century, shaving was a risky endeavor. Even after man moved up from clamshell-tweezers to more sophisticated tools, wielding the crude slabs of metal that passed for razors was a job best left to professionals. Shaving at home finally became a possibility for more men when the safety razor launched in Sheffield, England, in 1828. Nineteen years later, William Henson invented the hoe-shaped razor design that would eventually be combined with the disposable, double-edged blade.

8. NAPOLEON’S NEPHEW ESCAPES PRISON WITH A SHAVE.

Napoleon Bonaparte preferred the barefaced look, but his nephew and heir Louis-Napoleon was known to rock some seriously stylish facial hair. His whiskers were so distinctive that they helped him escape imprisonment. Before eventually becoming the President of the French Second Republic and the Emperor of the Second French Empire, Louis-Napoleon lived in exile. He was locked in a French fortress in 1840, but managed to walk free after six years thanks to a dramatic makeover: After shaving off his signature pointy mustache and goatee, he became unrecognizable to anyone guarding the gates.

9. THE LETTER THAT INSPIRED LINCOLN’S BEARD

Abraham Lincoln’s trend-setting chin curtain was inspired by an unlikely source—an 11-year-old girl. In a letter dated October 15, 1860, Grace Bedell addressed the soon-to-be-president after seeing a campaign photograph her father brought home. She wrote:

“I have got 4 brothers and part of them will vote for you any way and if you let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you you would look a great deal better for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you and then you would be President.”

Lincoln neither confirmed nor denied his willingness to go along with her plan (he wrote in his response: “having never worn any [whiskers], do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if I were to begin it now?”), but soon after his now-iconic beard sprouted from his jawline. He won the election a few weeks later.

10. AMBROSE BURNSIDE ENTERS THE FACIAL HAIR LEXICON.

Union Civil War General Ambrose Burnside wasn’t the first man to grow hair from the sides of his face, but he did help popularize the style in the late 19th century. His characteristic whiskers—which included a clean-shaven jawline beneath a trail of fuzz linking his temples—were initially dubbed burnsides. The nickname quickly got inverted, and today we refer to patches of hair creeping down from the hairline as sideburns.

11. CHARLES DARWIN MAKES A CASE FOR FACIAL HAIR’S SEX APPEAL.

Research has found that beards can help men attract potential mates, and one of the first people to float the scientific basis behind this theory was Charles Darwin. In his 1871 book The Descent of Man, the naturalist compared beards to the antlers, tusks, plumage, and other ornamentations used by animals to advertise themselves to members of the opposite sex. He suggested that prehistoric men in some parts of the world evolved similar signals on their faces to appeal to women.

Darwin himself wore a beard that would have ensured he had no trouble propagating his genes back in the day, but he didn’t decide to grow it for beauty purposes. He only allowed his glorious beard to flourish unchecked once shaving proved too harsh on his eczema.

12. TAFT’S ‘STACHE: THE END OF AN ERA

After the long line of facial-haired presidents that came before him (only two since Lincoln had gone completely clean-shaven), William Howard Taft’s swooping mustache seemed par for the course. But it was historically significant for one major reason: No sitting U.S. president has sported a beard or mustache since. When Taft left office in 1913, Woodrow Wilson ushered in a new era of naked-faced American leaders.

13. THE MUSTACHIOED BRITISH OFFICERS OF WORLD WAR I

While Alexander the Great required his men to shave before battle, the British military would adopt a rather different approach centuries later. At the start of World War I all British officers had to be mustachioed according to uniform regulations. The mustache requirement was scrapped in 1916 in light of the many young recruits who were unable to conjure enough upper lip hair to meet the standard.

14. THE ELECTRIC RAZOR ENTERS THE SCENE.

It took less than a century before the home safety razor was upstaged by a tool that was even more high-tech. Attempts to patent and sell electric razors began with the turn of the 20th century, but it took until the late 1920s/early 30s for a successful model to finally take off. The innovation wasn’t just good for men—it was also good for the badgers whose hair had been used to make shaving brushes up until that point.

15. BEARD TAXES ARE STILL OCCASIONALLY SUGGESTED

Earlier this year, a British barber suggested an interesting source of revenue for the government—a beard tax. After hearing that a beard tax had been instituted during the Tudor era (likely a myth), and noting the modern popularity of beards, the barber proposed that extra income could be generated by a fee based on beard length. Longer beards, he reasoned, would cost twice as much as shorter beards. The barber may have undermined his own cause by acknowledging that the tax proposal was largely a way to protest other forms of hairdressing taxation—as well as his own inability to grow a beard.

Before you find yourself in a hairy situation, make sure you have coverage you can count on. GEICO’s customer service team is on hand to help you find a plan for your car, boat, or motorcycle—and they may even be able to save you money.

October 15, 2016 – 8:15am