How Meteorology Changed Agriculture Forever
Early meteorology helped farmers predict yield, transforming the agricultural industry.
How Advertisers Sold Housework to Housewives
The ad campaigns behind household products emphasized the seriousness of housework.
Philanthropic Billionaires: An Investigation
Mark Zuckerberg joins a long line of philanthropic billionaires who have pledged millions of dollars to charitable causes.
Does Vocal Talent Translate into Album Sales?
The correlation between vocal talent and album sales is a telling indicator of what consumers want.
The Ocean’s Hot Dog: The Strange History of Fish Sticks
Fish sticks fulfilled the need to repackage an abundance of frozen fillets. But did they become a consumer staple?
Why Is Clerical Work Women’s Work?
As office jobs increased in the early 20th century, so did the distinction between men and women appropriate employment.
When Companies Try to Socialize Their Employees
Recreational facilities were introduced by employers to encourage employee loyalty and instill within them certain middle-class values.
Oprah, Weight Watchers, and the Power of Shame
Oprah Winfrey has recently acquired Weight Watchers. We look at them and other organizations dedicated to weight loss and body image.