Every time I use the subject of today’s episode, my husband is quick to point out how I shouldn’t. He loves to tell me about all the injuries this common household item causes, and as much as a lot of what I do depends on my hearing, I can’t help but continue to use it now and again. And I’m sure you do too.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Cotton Swabs.

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• About - A Q-Tips Cotton Swab History - Qtips.com
• The strange life of Q-tips, the most bizarre thing people buy - The Washington Post
• 1927 Q-Tips ad
• 15 Swab-Worthy Facts About Q-Tips - Mental Floss
• The Marketing of Q-Tips—A Brief History - Ear Audites
• Cotton Swabs Send 34 Kids to the ER Every Day - Live Science
• What a New Study on Cleaning Your Ears With Q-Tips Should Teach Every Entrepreneur - Inc.
• ​Why It Feels So Damn Good to Stick a Q-Tip In Your Ear - Men’s Health
• Just How Bad Is My Q-Tip Habit? - Vice.com
• 17 Genius Uses for Q-Tips You’ll Want to Use All the Time - Reader’s Digest
• 14 Ways You Never Thought to Use Q-Tips - BobVila.com

From starting out as eye protection against snow blindness to helping pilots navigate the skies without being blinded by the sun, the subject of today’s episode not only protects your eyes but has also been a staple of fashion for centuries, as it turns out.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Sunglasses.

Let's get social!

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• Origins and History of Sunglasses - GlassesHistory.com
• Who Made Those Aviator Sunglasses? - The New York Times
• A Brief History of Sunglasses - SunglassMuseum.com
• The Evolution of Sunglasses - Google Arts & Culture
• Foster Grant Our Story! - Foster Grant
• The 15 Most Iconic Sunglasses of all Time - The Idle Man
• The Fabulous History Of Sunglasses & Their Trends In 25 Pics - The Talko
• Sunglasses: A History of Protective, Stylish, and Popular Eyewear - Ancient-Origins.org
• The most famous sunglasses in cinema history - Vogue
• A Brief History of Eclipse Glasses and the People Who Forgot to Wear Them - Slate
• How long does it take before your eyes get damaged when looking at the sun? - Scienceline - UCSB
• Shades at the Table: The Great Debate - Poker News
• Why You (Now) Look Stupid Wearing Sunglasses at the Poker Table - Poker Junkie
• 11 Things You Didn't Know About Ray-Ban - Thrillist
• Solar eclipse and your eyes: How to view an eclipse safely - All About Vision

Ever hear of Shiny Object Syndrome? Usually, it’s said to refer to those who see something new and have to have it, only to get bored with it once they finally attain it.

But in this episode, I wanted to know just what it is about literal shiny objects that make them so appealing to humans. And this particular shiny object is no different unless you have to clean up the mess it makes.

You’re listening to The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History of the Ordinary. I’m your host, Emily Prokop, and this is The Story Behind Glitter.

CLICK HERE to vote!

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• $1 Patreon Executive Producers — Extra monthly episode and thank you on an upcoming episode of The Story Behind.
• $5 Patreon Executive Producers — Benefits of $1 Executive Producers + Access to the MUSE series as it unfolds.
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• 15 Shimmering Questions About Glitter, Answered - Mental Floss
• What is Glitter? - The New York Times
• What Makes Glitter Sparkle? - Wonderopolis
• The History of Glitter - Huffington Post
• Bio-Glitter
• An Evolutionary Theory For Why You Love Glossy Things - Fast Company