What Is Decoration Day? A Lesson in American History

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Over the past few years, I have acquired a number of family treasures: handwritten correspondence between family members, including my grandmother. I’ve enjoyed reading her letters, which include commentary on her days and her desire to see us, her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, very soon. Every now and then, I’ve come across something that raisesRead more

Simple Soap Bubbles: The Best Selling Toy in the World

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The attraction of soap bubbles is nearly universal. They are delicate and colorful. It is almost impossible to watch someone blowing bubbles and not smile. The temptation to reach out for them, whether to pop or catch them, is almost irresistible. Their unique properties have been the subject of study for both scientists and mathematicians.Read more

Hula Hooping: How to Play Like an Egyptian

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The hula hoop is a deceptively simple device that has remained popular for centuries. It has been used as a toy, exercise device and a tool to learn life skills. As early as 1000 BC, Egyptian children used hoops made of grapevines to play, either rolling them with a stick or spinning them around theirRead more