WTF origins, n.Trivia

Typewriter. . . originally called the "literary piano", it was invented by Christopher Sholes in Milwaukee in the 1870s.

necktie. . . was first worn in Croatia, which is why they were called cravats.

Ice skating. . . was originally a mode of transportation across large ice-covered areas. The blade was typically built of animal bones.

Croissant. . . was invented in Austria

lightning rod. . . was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1749

Christmas tree. . . originated from Germany

Credit Card. . . the first credit card was a Diner's Club Card issued in 1950

QWERTY. . . was invented by Christopher Sholes in Milwaukee in the 1870s.

BurritoBurritos were first seen in print in 1895

Dollar. . . was established as the official currency of the US in 1785

high five. . . was introduced by a professional baseball player in 1977

Scissors. . . are believed to have been in use beginning in Egypt, around 1500 BC.

Sail boat. . . was first built in Egypt.

BurritoBurritos were invented in San Francisco's Mission District in the 1960s-1970s

CarouselCarousels date back to as early as the year 500 AD

Chess. . . originated in 6th century India

Highway. . . Highways first got lanes when a man in 1935 watched a leaky milk wagon leave a trail down the street.

Dollar Sign [$]. . . was introduced in 1788

Doorbell. . . was invented in 1831

pi symbol (π). . . was first introduced in 1706 by William Jones but popularized by Leonhard Euler in 1737