I was trying to think of something clever to write about today when something fell into my lap.
USA Today’s website has a post on “five history lessons on products you use every day” —
— The Surprising History of Toilet Paper (Have you ever wondered how the Greeks and Romans got by without paper?)
— The Troubled Genius Behind Nylon (Anyone who has tangled with depression will be able to relate.)
— The History of Your Bra (If there hadn’t been a metal shortage in World War I….)
— The Islamic Roots of Coffee (Do we owe it all to goats?)
— One of Coke’s Most Popular Products (Hint: it came from Nazi Germany.)
As a history nerd, this naturally got my attention. They’re an interesting set of articles if you don’t mind wading through the ads.
Check it out at http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2015/02/27/ozy-history-of-everyday-products/24112109/
By the way, when I teach I frequently tell my students there are so many fun things in the world, a secret to happiness is finding what’s fun for you. I think this is further proof.