Month: July 2024

With more than an estimated 1,800 different types of cheese around the world, it’s no surprise that cheese has become a culinary staple. It’s celebrated for its versatility and array of flavors, which range from the sharp bite of aged cheddar to the creamy smoothness of brie. Whether it’s gracing a gourmet dish or simply

The natural world changes around us, and we’re all just here for the ride. Except now we can influence (many) natural goings-on, at least a little bit. Here’s an automotive analogy: humans aren’t driving the car yet, but at least we’re in the backseat yelling and flicking the driver’s ear. The following stories highlight the

African lungfish can survive for a year outside of water. Honey badgers don’t care about snake bites because they are venom-proof. Compared to the animal kingdom, humans are pretty boring, right? Not quite. Our species has traits that can appear downright bizarre or magical. There is interoception, a sixth sense critical to our survival—yet few

According to the philosopher Aristotle, the first Olympic Games was held in 776 BC. We might imagine that these games were like those held in Paris in 2024, but they were much weirder and wilder than anything we will see on our TVs. The ancient Olympics were a religious festival held to honor the god

Some people just seem to have an edge, don’t they? Whether it’s a sharp mind, perfect pitch, or incredible physical abilities, these natural talents set them apart in fascinating and inspiring ways. It’s like they have superpowers, giving them a leg up in their fields and leading to remarkable achievements. In this list, we dive

The bromide “truth is stranger than fiction” is immortal now, and for science fiction fans, it might seem validated by internet lists of the strangest real planets observable in space. While unusual geographic conditions abound in those real worlds, no truly novel alien biology has yet to be discovered, let alone the thought-provoking and novel

Brotherly love may be an ideal to strive for in your life, but it’s not always what comes out when the going gets tough. While many families tend to close ranks and help each other in business and life, some decide to duke it out instead. Sibling feuds can be more vicious and long-standing than

The Big Easy! The Crescent City, aka New Orleans, is one of the most famous cities in the world. Famous for Bourbon Street, the French Quarter, and Jazz. New Orleans, one of the oldest cities in America, celebrated its 300th birthday in 2018. For over 300 years, this city has been a mecca of the

Life has a way of throwing us into situations where survival seems almost impossible. Yet, in those moments, both animals and humans find incredible ways to escape the clutches of death. Whether through quick thinking, clever strategies, or sheer willpower, these stories of survival are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Animals, for instance, don’t just run

Movie sets are often a dangerous place to be, as simulating reality generally entails embracing it. Whether working in a Hollywood studio or on location, there are many potential ways actors and crew can come into contact with danger, contending with natural disasters, unsafe props and set pieces, the tribulations of shooting in remote and

In a world focused on sustainability and innovation, everyday products are being transformed in surprising ways. From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, traditional materials are being replaced with unconventional ones, pushing the boundaries of possibility. This list explores ten everyday products made from unusual sources. Each entry not only surprises but

Species that give birth to live young are by far the oddest creatures on earth, at least if you go by the statistics. It is thought that 99% of all species reproduce by laying eggs that hatch outside the mother’s body. Laying eggs is a risky proposition, though, because it increases the chances of something

Presidential elections are often high-stakes events that reveal much about a country’s political climate. Sometimes, they unfold in surprising and bizarre ways, leaving an indelible mark on history. These unusual elections aren’t just footnotes; they are pivotal moments that can redefine nations. Each one tells a story of ambition, conflict, and the unpredictable nature of

When the Weather Girls first released “It’s Raining Men” in 1982, they had no idea how right they would be. That song is obviously fun, memorable, and catchy. But as it turns out, it’s also true! Okay, it’s not technically true. Men don’t rain down from the sky—except perhaps in some single woman’s dreams. It’s

Thermopylae. The Alamo. Little Big Horn. All heroic last stands where the defenders were all wiped out. Yet these are the actions that we remember and celebrate in stories, legends, and movies. We find something compelling in such tales of courage in the face of inevitable defeat. But romanticism, when we come down to reality,

There’s nothing quite like a good scary story. One that’ll really keep you up at night, tossing and turning as you think about the creepiness for hours. Right? But it’s not just modern-day stuff that makes for the perfect spooky tale. Centuries ago, they had some pretty darn good ghost stories, too. People in the

Imagine turning away from your child for two seconds to take something from a shelf, and when you look back, they are gone. Or picture going inside your house for a minute to get a cold drink from the fridge, and when you go back outside, your toddler is missing from where you left him