99% Invisible

Roman Mars Describes Things As They Are

5 snips
Mar 17, 2020
Explore the essence of true wealth as quality of life, while reflecting on personal connections to home. Discover the quirky history of the window tax that shaped architectural choices in England. Unravel myths of household items, from the flushing toilet to the evolution of cutlery. Learn about the fork's rocky debut and how it influenced dining habits. Finally, immerse yourself in the interplay of design, music, and culture, highlighting how art and innovation thrive amidst societal challenges.
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ANECDOTE

Window Tax

  • In 18th and 19th century England, homes with more windows incurred a higher window tax.
  • Some homeowners bricked up windows to avoid this tax, a practice still visible in some UK buildings today.
ANECDOTE

Fan Death

  • Roman Mars owns a 35-year-old Windmere fan, primarily used for white noise.
  • He recounts a Korean belief that sleeping with a fan on can cause death.
ANECDOTE

Crapper Toilets

  • Thomas Crapper improved indoor plumbing but didn't invent the toilet.
  • His name likely contributed to the misconception due to its similarity to a slang term for excrement.
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