Black licorice, candy corn, and circus peanuts are perhaps the most divisive of candies, yet each of them has their own history that has allowed them to survive as a treat for generations. From ancient Egypt to modern-day America, these candies have been a part of human culture, with their origins dating back thousands of years. Despite their polarizing nature, they remain popular globally, with candy corn being the most popular Halloween candy in West Virginia and black licorice being the most popular in Colorado. [... more]

Black licorice, candy corn, and circus peanuts are three of the most divisive candies, yet each has a rich history that has allowed them to survive as treats for generations. Their origins date back to the 1800s, with black licorice coming from a plant root, candy corn invented in Philadelphia, and circus peanuts with an unknown origin. Despite their polarizing nature, they remain popular globally, not just in candies, but in beers and alcohols, and have even been featured in breakfast cereals. [... more]

The 2008 financial crisis still casts a long shadow, with repercussions felt to this day. The housing boom, fueled by risky mortgages and lax regulations, led to a devastating crash that wiped out $19 trillion in household wealth and nearly 9 million jobs. Meanwhile, the history of blackface in American entertainment is complex and deeply ingrained, with roots dating back to the 19th century. The classic novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, explores themes of science, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. In other news, a British explorer's solo trek across Antarctica ended in tragedy, and actor Jonah Hill makes his directorial debut with the film Mid 90s. [... more]