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Phil Edwards

Phil Edwards

Former correspondent

    Latest articles by Phil Edwards

    Almanac
    130 years of facial hair trends, in one chart130 years of facial hair trends, in one chart
    Almanac

    This chart shows just how big beards once were. You won’t believe how hairy men used to be.

    By Phil Edwards
    Almanac
    Why ancient armor had awesome absWhy ancient armor had awesome abs
    Almanac

    Greek armor had amazing abs, pecs, and nipples for a reason.

    By Phil Edwards
    Almanac
    The McRib industrial complex: how the Army made the world’s weirdest meatThe McRib industrial complex: how the Army made the world’s weirdest meat
    Almanac

    Can the United States Army take credit for the McRib?

    By Phil Edwards
    Almanac
    This book did Google Street View ... in 1907This book did Google Street View ... in 1907
    Almanac

    Google Street View has a century-old predecessor.

    By Phil Edwards
    Almanac
    The artist behind Dinotopia started his career riding the railsThe artist behind Dinotopia started his career riding the rails
    Almanac

    James Gurney’s books have become iconic, but he started his career in a very unexpected place.

    By Phil Edwards
    Almanac
    Afraid of being buried alive? These coffins are for you.Afraid of being buried alive? These coffins are for you.
    Almanac

    The safety coffin has a long history. And it just might save your life.

    By Phil Edwards
    Almanac
    They had printing presses in 1776. So why was the Declaration of Independence handwritten?They had printing presses in 1776. So why was the Declaration of Independence handwritten?
    Almanac

    It was written on the skin of a calf for a reason, even though printing was widely available.

    By Phil Edwards
    Almanac
    How Alessandro Volta invented the battery and won over NapoleonHow Alessandro Volta invented the battery and won over Napoleon
    Almanac

    Volta was behind batteries and a pretty amazing methane gun. Learn how he did it.

    By Phil Edwards
    Almanac
    Watch: Why babies in medieval paintings look like ugly old menWatch: Why babies in medieval paintings look like ugly old men
    Almanac

    They are pretty strange-looking, and it’s entirely intentional.

    By Phil Edwards
    Life
    The reason every meme uses that one fontThe reason every meme uses that one font
    Play
    Life

    Why do all memes look so similar? There are a few very good reasons.

    By Phil Edwards

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