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Did Pirates Really Ruin the US Dream of the Metric System?
Why is the United States so culturally opposed to the metric system? According to a popular legend, this conundrum dates back to the late 1700s, when a French polymath named Joseph Dombey sailed to T…
Published on 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Yet More Ridiculous Historical Honorifics: Ethelred Just Ain't Ready
Have you been blessed -- or, perhaps, cursed -- with a nickname that just won't go away? Some of most terrifying, inspiring and ridiculous figures in human history are in the same boat. Join Ben, Noe…
Published on 7 months, 2 weeks ago
CLASSIC: A Dead Pope Goes To Court
The Catholic Church is no stranger to scandal and controversy, but in January of 897 the institution was home to a new and unique scandal that put the garden variety tales of adultery and financial c…
Published on 7 months, 3 weeks ago
History's Most Ridiculous Clothing, with AJ Jacobs: Part Two
What's the weirdest pair of shoes you've ever seen? If you were King, would you force everyone else to be shorter than you? In the second part of this week's special two-part episode, returning guest…
Published on 7 months, 3 weeks ago
History's Most Ridiculous Clothing, with AJ Jacobs: Part One
It's no secret that history is filled with relatively arbitrary fashion rules, fads and faux pas -- and what may be hot stuff in one era often ends up being seen as cringeworthy in later years. But h…
Published on 7 months, 3 weeks ago
CLASSIC: War and Candy: The Infamous Tootsie Roll Air Drop
During the battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, the First Marine Division seemed doomed. Surrounded, outnumbered, outgunned and running dangerously low on ammunition, the Marines cal…
Published on 8 months ago
A Ridiculous History of Tupperware
Burrrrp! The sound is familiar to any fan of Tupperware -- it's that little whoosh of air when you push down the lid and remove excess air. But what exactly is Tupperware? How did it become such an u…
Published on 8 months ago
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Like most rulers of old, Mausolus wasn't exactly known for his modesty. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World with the story of a …
Published on 8 months ago
CLASSIC: The Man Who Assassinated Abe Lincoln's Assassin
On April 14th, 1865, John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in Ford's theatre, escaping shortly thereafter and going on the run. The Federal troops in pursuit of the assassin had or…
Published on 8 months, 1 week ago
Paul Is Dead, Part Two: Welcome to the Walrus
After a US-based college student pens a satirical article exploring hippy folklore and the Beatles, mainstream media takes off -- "Is Paul McCartney actually dead?" they ask, in a growing fever pitch…
Published on 8 months, 1 week ago