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The World's Weirdest Sports, Part One: Buzkashī is Where You Fight Over A Dead Goat
Regardless of everyone's differences in this wide, wide world, it's safe to say every culture loves some kind of sport. Often these sports can seem s…
1 year, 7 months ago
CLASSIC: Ancient Mayan Ritual Alcohol Enemas
Like many ancient cultures, the civilizations of Mesoamerica had a vast and rich history of unique cultural practices, spiritual beliefs and ceremoni…
1 year, 7 months ago
One Guy Was So Good At Violin That People Thought He Worshipped Satan
There's no denying Niccolò Paganini was a virtuoso -- in his heyday, this violinist was an international rock star, wowing crowds across Europe with …
1 year, 7 months ago
Credit Scores are Absolutely Ridiculous
In theory, the concept of credit scores is simple, and makes a lot of sense: lenders need to know they can trust someone to pay back their debts, and…
1 year, 8 months ago
CLASSIC: That Time Vermont Was an Independent Republic
Today Vermont is known for its progressive politics, beautiful forestry, Bernie Sanders and Ben and Jerry's. It's not a state you'll hear much about …
1 year, 8 months ago
Spontaneous Generation, Part Two: "Broth Science"
Who could have guessed a series of broth experiments revolutionized humanity's understanding of life? Spoiler, not us. In part two of this week's two…
1 year, 8 months ago
Spontaneous Generation, Part One: Mice and Grain
Today the idea sounds silly. Why would anyone think nonliving substances can suddenly generate living things? Yet for much of human history, the conc…
1 year, 8 months ago
CLASSIC: The Capture of Guam Was Bloodless and Quick, All Due to a Misunderstanding
Located about 1500 miles to the east of the Phillipines in Micronesia, Guam is a small US territory with a tiny population, beautiful beaches and an …
1 year, 8 months ago
Ridiculous Royal Deaths, Part 5: A Blind and Bloody Finale (For Now)
Whether we're talking mysterious nosebleeds, drowning in full armor, or charging literally blind into battle, history is chock-full of ridiculous roy…
1 year, 8 months ago
Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart was Darn Near Unkillable
Born to an aristocratic Belgian family, Adrian Carton de Wiart could have lived the easy life, with a plum job in government or law. Instead, however…
1 year, 8 months ago