Have you ever wondered why Americans dropped the “u” from British words like “humour” and “behaviour”? And what about “theater” vs. “theatre” or “center vs. “centre?” Watch this enlightening episode of Anglophenia to find out! Siobhan Thompson explains the spelling divide between our nations. [Anglophenia]

Did you know that Nikola Tesla once said that Thomas Edison “had no hobby, cared for no amusement of any kind and lived in utter disregard of the most elementary rules of hygiene?” This is one of a hundred amazing facts from this week’s episode of the Metal Floss show. [Mental Floss]

You might think emoticons a relatively new “Internet” phenomenon, but evidence suggests they date back to the 19th century. [Mashable]

A simple advice that makes a lot of sense. Do you agree with this video? Do you think humanity is in need of an “auto-correct” feature? Or is this video putting too much emphasis on something that you think is perfectly fine as it is? Let us know in the comments below! [Prince Ea]

If you have a tattoo, you’re part of a rich cultural history that dates back at least 8,000 years. Where did this practice of body modification come from, and how has its function changed over time? Addison Anderson tracks the history of getting inked. [Ted Ed]

We talk about the Bechdel Test quite a bit here on GAS, and creator Alison Bechdel, a cartoonist and graphic artist, is being recognized in a big way. Bechdel, 54, has been awarded one of 21 fellowships from the MacArthur Foundation, including $625,000 spread out over five years. She’s only the second graphic novelist to be have […]