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Phil Edwards

Phil Edwards

Former correspondent

    Latest articles by Phil Edwards

    Technology
    Marie Antoinette’s watch had something the Apple Watch doesn’tMarie Antoinette’s watch had something the Apple Watch doesn’t
    Technology

    The Apple Watch is impressive. But in at least one way, Marie Antoinette’s watch was better.

    By Phil Edwards
    Culture
    Which actors are more connected than Kevin Bacon?Which actors are more connected than Kevin Bacon?
    Culture

    406 actors are closer to the center of Hollywood than Kevin Bacon. Find out who they are.

    By Phil Edwards
    Media
    Guinness World Records is no longer just a book company. It’s a branded experience.Guinness World Records is no longer just a book company. It’s a branded experience.
    Media

    Setting records is hard, and making money from it is even harder. But Guinness has a strategy in place.

    By Phil Edwards
    Life
    Gerardus Mercator revolutionized mapmaking. He was almost executed for it.Gerardus Mercator revolutionized mapmaking. He was almost executed for it.
    Life

    He changed maps forever, but in the 1500s, that could be a dangerous thing. This is how.

    By Phil Edwards
    Life
    In 1918, flying was so unsafe that a giant rubber suit seemed like a good ideaIn 1918, flying was so unsafe that a giant rubber suit seemed like a good idea
    Life

    Would wrapping a rubber tube around pilots’ bodies keep them safe? At least one inventor thought so.

    By Phil Edwards
    Life
    In 1921, a dog went on trial for allegedly murdering 14 catsIn 1921, a dog went on trial for allegedly murdering 14 cats
    Life

    Did Dormie do it? The canine trial of the decade focused on the eternal battle between cats and dogs.

    By Phil Edwards
    Culture
    4 real presidential marriages that make House of Cards look completely normal4 real presidential marriages that make House of Cards look completely normal
    Culture

    Think Frank and Claire Underwood have a weird relationship? These real historical marriages would make them blush.

    By Phil Edwards
    Climate
    These 7 inventions were supposed to change the world. They failed. Badly.These 7 inventions were supposed to change the world. They failed. Badly.
    Climate

    These inventions were supposed to change the world. But you’ve probably never heard of any of them.

    By Phil Edwards
    Culture
    Chart: When stories were written vs. when they are setChart: When stories were written vs. when they are set
    Culture

    Stories are the oldest form of time travel. This chart shows just how versatile they can be.

    By Phil Edwards
    Culture
    The best rapper alive, as decided by computersThe best rapper alive, as decided by computers
    Culture

    Is Vanilla Ice the best rapper alive? No. But you still might be surprised by who is, according to some new data analysis.

    By Phil Edwards