In the 16th century, toothpicks – even combination toothpicks and ear wax scoopers – became fashionable and were worn around the neck.

In 2009, for the first time in the U.S., the amount of data sent from mobile devices exceeded the sum of transmitted voice data.

Want to protect your countertop with an easy-to-clean, water-resistant surface? How about liquid glass? Technically termed “SiO2 ultra-thin layering,” liquid glass was invented in Turkey and the patent for making it is held by Nanopool, a German company. It produces a coating that’s about 100 nanometers (15-30 molecules) thick.

The late Shirley Temple asked to hear the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper album before she gave consent to use her likeness to artist Peter Blake, who designed the album cover.

Mr. Gas Pipe is left-handed.

This article appears in March 7 • 2014.

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