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Phil Edwards

Phil Edwards

Former correspondent

    Latest articles by Phil Edwards

    Life
    5 April Fools’ Day pranks that backfired disastrously5 April Fools’ Day pranks that backfired disastrously
    Life

    These wacky pranks had some unexpected consequences.

    By Phil Edwards
    Video
    When the BBC won April Fools’ Day in 1957When the BBC won April Fools’ Day in 1957
    Play
    Video
    By Phil Edwards and Carlos Waters
    Video
    We’ve hit peak lens flare. Here’s how it started.We’ve hit peak lens flare. Here’s how it started.
    Video

    The story is as old as Hollywood itself.

    By Phil Edwards
    Video
    How “the robot” became the greatest novelty dance of all timeHow “the robot” became the greatest novelty dance of all time
    Video

    It pops. It locks. But the robot is surprisingly flexible for a mechanical dance.

    By Phil Edwards and Gina Barton
    Video
    The kiss cam, behind the scenesThe kiss cam, behind the scenes
    Video

    How does the kiss cam really work? These are some of the people — and the business model — behind the most romantic moment in sports.

    By Joss Fong, Phil Edwards and 1 more
    Video
    Why the Wingdings font existsWhy the Wingdings font exists
    Play
    Video

    The story behind the cultural phenomenon.

    By Sarah Turbin and Phil Edwards
    Video
    Why people never smiled in old photosWhy people never smiled in old photos
    Play
    Video

    Early portraits looked pretty grim.

    By Gina Barton and Phil Edwards
    Video
    The bloody, sexy, drunken Oregon TrailThe bloody, sexy, drunken Oregon Trail
    Play
    Video

    This is the R-rated version of the game — featuring the history that kids weren’t allowed to learn.

    By Phil Edwards
    Technology
    Astronaut Ice Cream Is a Lie (Video)Astronaut Ice Cream Is a Lie (Video)
    Technology

    “I think it’s very likely it never flew,” says the curator at the National Air and Space Museum.

    By Phil Edwards
    Video
    All 512 animals Teddy Roosevelt and his son killed on safariAll 512 animals Teddy Roosevelt and his son killed on safari
    Video

    The massive kill count included 17 lions, 29 zebras, and much, much more.

    By Phil Edwards