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From the ancient Greek Olympics to a low-key game of cards, humans by nature have always explored countless ways to test their mettle against a competitor. As modern society reinvents itself, new waves of bizarre and wacky contests continue to appear on the horizon and evolve—some of which you may be surprised to learn actually

The people on this list all have one thing in common: They love (loved) making movies. Seeing the world through a different lens. Telling a story in a way not many people can. And as fascinating as their films are, these filmmakers also each have “that something” that makes them different—A funny quirk or an

Sea level is so overrated. Wonders abound beneath our feet—sometimes a few meters, sometimes a few miles. Some require nine-figure excavations and a team of international researchers, others a modest shovel and flashlight. Pioneering scientific experiments, macabre reminders of history both recent and remote, and life forms that eluded mankind’s discovery for millennia are just

The visual arts have gotten a bad rap of late. A tradition starting with Duchamp’s graffitied urinal has led to a procession of “What is art?” pieces that litter galleries all over the world. This “art” is fawned over by people who, were they alive in the mid-19th century, would have invested more in monocles

In many of the richer countries of the world, there is an immense variety of food available. Modern supply chains ensure that all products are available year-round. The inventive cook now has a plethora of ingredients available and can make dishes from any part of the planet with produce from their local market. Virtually unlimited

We’re all familiar with the story of the RMS Titanic, the British passenger liner that hit an iceberg in the Atlantic ocean and sank during her maiden voyage in 1912. What few people realize, however, is that the Titanic was not the first ship to sink during its first journey, and by no means the

As cheesy as it can be, Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a time of love. Couples worldwide show kindness and love to their partners through gifts, experiences, and special treatment. It can be a really joyful and exciting time for people in a new or committed relationship. Unfortunately, it is not all roses, greeting

Comic book plots are not restrained by the scientific laws that govern the real-world universe. Of course, ironically, the imaginary atomic and subatomic particles, chemical elements, and substances of the Marvel Comics and DC Comics universes often either have actual real-world counterparts or borrow from one or more of them, usually with an unlikely or

We’ve all seen at least one of those nine Planet of the Apes movies wherein simians take over the world, dominating and enslaving mankind in the process. Could this possibly happen in real life? It wouldn’t be the first time sci-fi has prepared us for actual developments in the real world around us, and after

When it comes to beauty products, the term “non-toxic” can be difficult to decipher. And it’s not regulated by any governing body, like the FDA. Now, many products also use the term “toxic-free” to indicate that the product “has been created without the use of any potentially toxic, carcinogenic, or poisonous ingredients that could be

A cyborg is a person aided by using an electronic or mechanical device, usually utilizing an implant. Cyborgs used to be something in movies, television, and comic books. Suddenly, with the advent of many new, transformative technologies, science fiction is becoming—science. There are now various ways to upgrade or augment our physical bodies. From ID-bearing

In the field of motion picture special effects, there are few, if any, names as big as Douglas Trumbull. His groundbreaking work on seminal films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Blade Runner earned him a spot in the pantheon of premier visual effects artists. Trumbull passed away

Even though St. Valentine’s Day has some shady and dark origins, it’s widely thought of as a celebration of love. Many people will spend the day—or night—together, sharing a romantic meal. Oh, and don’t forget the chocolate, flowers, and jewelry that will be given. In 2022, people will spend $1.6 billion on candy, $1.9 billion

It’s often not easy to understand people who live a different lifestyle than yours. Something as simple as dipping a limp french fry into a chocolate milkshake can make some people (such as myself) cringe as they watch others enjoy it. At some point in their lives, people develop biases and ideas about what is

Whistleblowers are seen in a variety of ways, depending on your perspective. A whistleblower is a person who gives information about illegal or immoral activities that they may have witnessed or are aware of. Throughout history, there have been many important whistleblowers. Frank Serpico, a New York City police officer, exposed several officers and his

In the past few years, true crime documentaries have skyrocketed in popularity, and it feels like once a week, a new docuseries about a serial killer or family-man-turned-murderer drops on a streaming service. As macabre and interesting as these documentaries are, sometimes the material they cover can start to feel a bit repetitive. If you’ve

There’s something about an underground tunnel that I personally love. It’s dark, spooky, full of spiders and low-hanging pipes—and sometimes, there are dead people. It’s romantic and educational! (I was not the average thrill-seeker as a child, okay?) When I think of crypts, catacombs, and underground cities, I jump to antiquity first. There are the

Well, they do—or did—exist, but really only under their real name. Authors have been using pseudonyms for centuries, sheltering their real identity behind a false byline. For some, it is a matter of stigma—wanting their work to be taken seriously at a time when their own name would not have been. Others chose a nom

Without sperm, where would any of us be? The tiny swimmers are a vital part of the reproductive process. The milky fluid that helps them travel around is pretty handy too. But that doesn’t change that sperm are peculiar creatures. Some people don’t like to think about how absurd sperm and semen can be. As

Everyone loves a good romance, whether it be a witty “rom-com,” a tearjerker melodrama, or an epic set against a historical backdrop. OK, maybe not everyone, but certainly many romantic films rank among the most memorable and critically acclaimed motion pictures ever made and are some of the most popular. Even today, when adjusted for