The idiom “hold the key” is used to signify having the solution to a problem or influence an outcome. The phrase dates back to the 16th century and originates from the literal act of possessing a key to unlock something.
1961 - In the Sahara Desert of Algeria, a natural gas well ignited when a pipe ruptured. The flames rose as high as 800 feet. The fire — dubbed the Devil’s Cigarette Lighter — burned until April 28, 1962 when a team led by Red Adair used explosives to deprive the fire of oxygen.
Fact of the Day
John Quincy Adams was nearly assassinated when George P. Todsen walked up to the White House one night to kill him. Adams talked him out of it, gave him a job, and remained in contact with him until he died.
Nature Oddities
Edible insects have flavors. Cockroaches taste like mushrooms, stinkbugs taste like apples, wasps taste like pine nuts, crickets taste like fish, and mealy bugs taste like fried potatoes.
Food and Drink
The ancient Egyptians were the first people to intentionally cultivate lettuce for its succulent leaves, having previously utilized the plant’s seeds to make oil.