The Radical History Of Bloodletting Explained
One of Hippocrates' most famous medical theories, the four humors, inadvertently led to incalculable harm for centuries, leaving a blood bath in its wake.
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The Story Behind The Supreme Court Official Seal
The official Supreme Court seal features an American bald eagle, much like the seal of the United States. Here's the meaning behind the Supreme Court seal.
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This Is What Jesus Might Have Eaten At The Last Supper
The Last Supper is one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings, depicting the final meal of Jesus Christ before his death. Here's what he may have eaten.
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Why Do The Supreme Court Justices Sit In The Order They Do?
The Supreme Court Justices always sit in the same order behind the bench and in photographs. This is the tradition that explains the seating order.
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The Most Gruesome Deaths Of Saints
In the Middle Ages, stories of the lives of saints could get downright bloodthirsty. Here are some examples of the most hideously violent saintly deaths.
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These Are The Longest-Tenured Supreme Court Justices
They are not elected; they're appointed, then must be approved. They are the men and women who serve as Justices of the United States Supreme Court.
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Why Was It Called The Dark Ages?
The Dark Ages: Everyone things they know what they were, when they were, what they were like. The truth, as with most history, is complicated.
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What Exactly Are Frankincense And Myrrh?
The celebration of Christmas is full of symbols, both secular and religious. Two items frequently mentioned are gifts from the magi: frankincense and myrrh.
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This President Hosted The Very First Easter Egg Roll
Holidays bring their unique qualities to the pages of the calendar. Included on the list for Easter is the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
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The Surprising Insult Behind The Word Dude
The word "dude" is truly a ubiquitous word in the English-speaking world. Yet, the origin story of this malleable little gem has its roots in three languages.
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The Origin Behind The Phrase Long Arm Of The Law
Many phrases abound when referring to the judicial system in general, including the long arm of the law. But the origins of this phrase have an unusual story.
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The Mystery Behind A Box Of Stolen Human Heads
Things get stolen all the time. It's unfortunate but it's true. Packages are frequent targets for thieves, but typically they're not full of human heads.
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What It's Like To Be Executed By A Firing Squad
Capital punishment remains a hotly contested issue across the United States. Included in that discussion is methodology -- how best to execute the convicted.
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How Did The Head Get The Nickname Noggin?
Lots of human body parts have nicknames. Some make perfect sense -- "paw" for "hand," for instance. But what about "noggin" standing in for "head"?
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How Madame Tussaud Narrowly Escaped The Guillotine
Madame Tussauds wax museums are a staple for tourists worldwide. Like the similar Ripley's Believe It or Not spots, there was a real woman behind the name.
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What It's Really Like Being A Doctor In A War Zone
Being a doctor in a conflict zone comes with a set of challenges that can be tough to overcome. Here's what it's really like being a doctor in a war zone.
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Here's What To Do If You Get Trapped In An Elevator
A well-maintained elevator will break down (and by "break down" we mean "stop working" and not "plunge to the floor") between five and 20 times per decade.
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Who Is Alina Kabaeva, Putin's Alleged Partner?
Vladimir Putin -- attorney, ex-KGB, president of Russia -- is famously secretive about his relationships, which may or may not include a romantic partner.
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This Is How Likely You Are To Die In An Elevator Accident
Statistics show that there is less than a 1% chance of dying in an elevator accident.
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Are You Using Titular And Eponymous Correctly?
The meaning of eponymous and titular are often conflated. But, when digging into their origins and how they've changed, nothing could be further from the truth.
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Odd Etiquette Rules The Royal Family Must Always Follow
The British royal family isn't a normal family. Rules abound, including those addressing their behavior. Here are some odd etiquette rules they have to follow.
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How Did TV Get The Nickname Boob Tube?
The television has been a mainstay in livingroom across the world for many years, and has many name including the "boob tube." Here's how it got the moniker.
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The Bizarre Story Of A Bar Bet That Led To Two Stolen Planes And A Jail Sentence
A bar is where many jokes, bets, and above all drinking takes place. One man reportedly fueled with alcohol, took to the skies twice landed in jail.
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What It's Like To Be Executed In An Electric Chair
Sometimes the point of capital punishment has been punishment, inflicting maximum pain before to death. Those who think otherwise try to execute humanely.
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The True Story Of The World's Most Loyal Dog, Hachiko
When it comes to loyal dogs, one name stands out among all others: Hachiko, the white Akita who faithfully awaited the return of his dead owner.
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Is There Such A Thing As A B Battery?
Quick: What size battery does your TV remote use? Your flashlight? How about the portable radio you take camping? Your electric guitar? Are any of them B?
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What Are Incorruptible Saints And Why Don't Their Bodies Decay?
Incorruptible saints have long amazed with claims of saintly bodies untouched by time and decomposition. So what are they, and why don't their bodies decay?
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