Yellow Pages: 5 Strange Facts

Oct 21
07:15

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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Is it really possible to tear the yellow pages book into two pieces? It is, and most people can do it with a bit of practice. But that's not the only thing that is fascinating about these phone directories.

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The yellow pages have been around since the late 1800's and have recently evolved into online directories in addition to traditional print books. Most people are familiar with the directories and their many uses (booster seat,Yellow Pages: 5 Strange Facts Articles wobbly table leg fixer, spider killer, etc). But why are they colored? What's with the logo? And can you really tear one in two? Here are five facts about the iconic phonebook, and how it is progressing in the age of technology.

1. Colors
Why aren't the yellow pages colored white? The answer is pretty simple. The color first appeared in Wyoming in 1883. The local printer ran out of white paper, and instead of waiting, simply grabbed whatever was available and continued on making his phone directories. It was a couple of years later when someone took the idea and ran with it, turning the temporary solution into a permanent marketing ploy.

2. Walking Fingers
Not all yellow pages are owned by the same company. In fact, there are several different publishers in the United States alone. Although the directories may be independent of one another, most have adopted the same logo of silhouetted "walking" fingers over the directory pages. The logo was implemented in 1962 and is now widely considered an international symbol for the books with little variation in design.

3. Millions
It is estimated that over 500 million yellow pages directories are printed off annually in the USA. The number is staggeringly high, considering that it is 2/3 greater than the total population. Why so many? The main reason is that several companies produce the directories, so in a heavily populated city a single household may receive more than one version each year. If it seems like a lot of waste, the directories are fully recyclable and make for some clever gift-wrapping paper in a pinch.

4. Online
Most local yellow pages are now readily available online and are similarly formatted to print directories. People who wish to use only the Internet version can opt-out of receiving print books by submitting their information on special websites.

5. Strong Man
Tearing a phonebook in half has long been a favorite display of strength among strong men and drunken people at parties. You don't need bulging biceps to impress your friends, however. Grab a 2" thick book with your hands at the far edges apart from one another. Using your thumbs on the top of the book, bend downwards until it forms a U-shape. Your index fingers should be on the underside near the side of the crease. Now you must bend the corner of the book down while simultaneously squeezing the crease together.

With all your strength, begin to tear the book towards your body with the right hand and away with the left. If you plan it right and use enough power, you can smoothly tear it in half. Otherwise, a few attempts should do the trick. A pained grunting sound can help add to the drama of the moment.

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