The Hollywood Legend Whose Age Is Still A Mystery
Once upon a time, it was considered bad manners to ask someone how old they are. Besides, 100 years ago, the answer could be a little on the fuzzy side.
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How A Faraday Cage Works
Electricity is one of the building blocks of modern society, touching every aspect of life. One of the scientists who plumbed its secrets was Michael Faraday.
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The Mystery Of The Taos Hum Of New Mexico
Picking up good vibrations is all very well and good, and maybe you like to hum that or another tune. But what if the hum you're hearing doesn't have a source?
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The Unsurprising Origin Of The Word Husband
History tells us that love and marriage may or may not go together like a horse and carriage. For that matter, what do husbands and wives have to do with it?
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What Are Lichtenberg Figures?
As advanced as technology seems these days, the plain fact is that there are still mysteries in the natural world -- and some of them can be fatal.
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Who Invented The Aquarium?
The aquarium, a structure for people fascinated by aquatic life, has its place in homes and waiting rooms worldwide, thanks to a French marine biologist.
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Ancient Greece Might Have Been More Colorful Than You Think
Perhaps the most common conception of the art of ancient civilizations -- Greeks, Romans -- is of unadorned, stark marble. Research now contradicts that idea.
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The Duties Of A Plague Bearer Were As Gross As You Thought
The bubonic plague wreaked havoc on human society, devastating populations in Asia and Europe. London was hard-hit, with tens of thousands dead.
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The Bloodiest Mutiny In British Naval History
Think "British Navy" and "mutiny" and "The Bounty" tags along, too. But the mutiny against Captain Bligh wasn't as awful as what happened on the Hermione.
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Behind The Executions That Took Place At What Is Now England's Marble Arch
Located near Hyde Park, England's Marble Arch is a major landmark that draws in visitors and locals alike. But there's a dark history behind it.
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The Disturbing Story Of Emperor Frederick II's Language Experiment
We are born with the capacity to learn, but we learn from other people. Or do we? King Frederick II's disturbing language experiment sought to find out.
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What The First Earth Day In 1970 Was Like
Certainly there's plenty of emotion wrapped around issues of protecting the environment and ecology, but Earth Day's roots are firmly planted in science.
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What Were Passover Celebrations In Nazi Germany Like?
Passover, one of the most important Jewish feasts, includes ancient symbols, rituals, and specific foods. How could it be celebrated during the Holocaust?
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Why Victorian Factories Were So Deadly
Factories were a deadly way of life in the Victorian era. And that was just one of the hardships facing workers.
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The Incredible Story Of A Passover Celebration In A Nazi Concentration Camp
In the waning years of World War II, Jewish prisoners managed to hold their own Seder in secret. It was an inspiring act of resistance and bravery.
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How The Rwandan Genocide Influenced Its Easter Celebrations
Easter is celebrated every year by members of the Christian faith in all corners of the world, including those in the African nation of Rwanda
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The Strange History Of The US Conscience Fund
Most people would agree there's such a thing as right and wrong. Doing the wrong thing sometimes spurs an emotional reaction to make it right somehow.
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The Controversy Behind The Invention Of The Telephone
After the Bay of Pigs military disaster, President John Kennedy said, "Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan." That applies to inventions, too.
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The History Of Baptism In The Jordan River Explained
Baptism is a sacred Christian ritual, with the Jordan River at the center. From Jesus's baptism to millions of pilgrims today, here is the history explained.
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Why Lyndon Johnson's Air Force One Crew Installed A Fake Temperature Control
Lyndon Johnson's Air Force One crew installed a fake temperature control to fool the president into thinking it was real. Here's why they did that.
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The Tragic, Brutal Fate Of The Wife And Servants Of A Scythian King
Ancient cultures can be as fascinating as they were cruel, including the Scythians, whose women and servants endured tragic, brutal fates when their king died.
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The Wild Truth Behind The German U-Boat Sunk By A Toilet
Despite the best efforts of engineers, designers, and construction crews, things can go south on all kinds of vessels -- cars, spacecraft, even submarines.
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How Frank Sinatra Jr Got Kidnapped While Eating Chicken
Frank Sinatra Jr. was a singer like his father, but also the target of a kidnapping in 1963. Here's how Frank Sinatra Jr. was kidnapped while eating chicken.
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The Controversy Behind The Man Who Helped Pioneer Unleaded Gasoline
Unleaded gasoline is just a fact of life in 21st century America, but it wasn't always so. Lead once was part and parcel of daily life, and not just gas.
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Here's How Sitting Bull Got His Unique Name
Sitting Bull is rightly one of the mythic figures of 19th century American history. Beyond his involvement in military engagements is the story of his name.
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The Real Reason Airplane Windows Are Round
Airplane windows are famously round, in contrast to the shape of most other windows, but why? This is the real reason airplane windows are round.
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How To Stay Safe During A Volcanic Eruption
Volcanic eruptions can be incredibly scary for the people who live near them, but there are ways to stay safe. Here's how to stay safe during an eruption.
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