The roots of religion run deep in humanity. It is almost impossible to reconstruct the most ancient religious practices, but we can see hints of them in strange cave paintings and bone carvings. We cannot know what these objects truly meant to people thousands of years ago, and much that our ancestors made as an
Month: June 2024
Crimes are rarely funny, but they can be strange. Some just do not seem to make any sense in terms of their reward versus the risk of getting caught, while others see criminals doing or targeting unexpected things. Yet, no matter how bizarre a crime might seem to the non-criminal public, there is always a
The Atom Spy Case, or the Rosenbergs Case, is one of the most controversial yet fascinating cases in American history. From its beginning as a domestic issue to a global issue to its eventual end, the case of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg has captivated people for over 70 years. Julius and Ethel Rosenbergs were accused
Among the many medical anomalies that humans may face, there exist diseases so strange that they defy logic and challenge our understanding of human biology. These rare conditions, often sounding like something out of a science fiction novel, are real and profoundly impact the lives of those afflicted. From the bizarre to the downright terrifying,
Human ingenuity has led to remarkable advancements, yet the same creative spirit sometimes results in bafflingly impractical inventions. Throughout history, individuals have pursued ideas that, despite their absurdity, were brought to life. Often motivated by a mix of optimism, ambition, and perhaps a dash of delusion, these ventures have left us with a legacy of
What artists and musicians assume will be well received by the public doesn’t always prove to be popular. Conversely, what singers and songwriters hate about their musical output sometimes turns out to be a massive success! The public is a fickle mistress, and this is nowhere more apparent than in the recording industry. Some songs
A popular movie trope involves characters trying to solve a big secret or mystery haunting their town. Fans of this genre might appreciate real-world cases–and there are many! From pink pigeons appearing out of nowhere to an entire community that has kept a secret for decades, here are the most fascinating small-town intrigues. Related: 10
The main actors on the Allied side in World War II, the Western democracies—the United States, Britain, and France—and the Communist Soviet Union, did most of the fighting and dying to keep Axis tyranny from taking over the world. The conflict sucked in nations whose territories were directly invaded and colonies of the European powers,
Traffic stops can happen for a variety of reasons—improperly functioning tail or brake lights, expired tags, running a stop sign or traffic light, or speeding. Typically, most traffic stops end in a simple citation (or a warning if you’re lucky), and from there, the officer and driver simply go their separate ways. Although these routine
Have you ever experienced something you couldn’t explain? A strange presence you could feel but not prove. A sound that chilled you to the bone but that faded along with the morning mist. An unwavering certainty that something bad was going to happen that you could not explain. Most people brush these incidents off because
Cinema has long held a mirror to society, reflecting not just our hopes and dreams but also guiding us toward introspection and, at times, action. It’s a medium that transcends entertainment, embedding powerful messages within its narratives that can shape personal identities, ethics, and career aspirations. The influence of film on personal career choices is
When you think of ancient civilizations, what do you think of? Surely, the Greeks and the Romans come to mind—one for their philosophical and intellectual achievements and the other for their conquering might and ability to spread an empire. Perhaps the Egyptians are top of mind for you, what with their pyramids, agricultural irrigation achievements,
Open up a map, throw a dart (hopefully not at your computer), and you’re bound to strike one of our world’s innumerable towns, villages, cities, or municipalities. Understandably, not all of them can be special or unique. But the following places don’t adhere to expectations or uniformity. Instead, each has some remarkable aspect that sets
To the pagan Roman mind, the world was full of gods, goddesses, and spirits. Some of these are well known, such as Jupiter with his thunderbolts, Mars with his spear who ruled over war, and Venus with her voluptuous nature. But the big names of the pantheon are just the deities who claim the most
Amid all the details of death and destruction, it is easy to forget that art played an important role in the Second World War. In his youth, Hitler had tried and failed to forge a career as an artist, so during the war, he tried to grab as much land as possible and as many
The apocalypse called—it said it’s running a little bit behind schedule, and not to wait up! For as long as human beings have been alive, we’ve been predicting the end of the world. Many people who choose to predict it like to give hints and clues about events that will usher in the end times
Courtrooms are solemn places where the rule of law prevails, and judges are the arbiters of justice. The decorum and respect expected in these hallowed halls are paramount, and any deviation from these norms can have severe consequences. Certain behaviors can severely irk judges, whether intentional or due to sheer ignorance, leading to penalties beyond
Pop culture is for everyone. In a world where we expect 24/7 access to entertainment, pop culture is the air that we breathe. The pop that we consume is frequently an identity marker, and for that reason, people devote inordinate amounts of time to learning everything there is to know about their favorite celebrities, TV
You’ve likely heard of ghosts and demons, maybe even wish-granting djinns. But how about soul-cleaving dybbuks? These evil spirits are rooted in Jewish folklore and rank high among the most dangerous supernatural beings due to a monstrous propensity for human possession. Fear of the dybbuk reached an all-time high between the 16th and 18th centuries,
Dating back to the 11th century, Colditz Castle in eastern Germany has had what can justifiably be described as a checkered history. After the outbreak of the Second World War, it took on a new role as a prisoner-of-war camp. The Nazis reckoned that its tall, immensely thick stone walls would rule out any possibility