Wojtek the Bear: The Syrian Brown Bear Who Inspired an Army
Read the amazing story of Wojtek, the bear. There are memorials to this bear in two major cities in Europe. He left an impression on all who met him.
The Anglo Zanzibar War: Shortest War in History
A tale of six Sultans and suspicious successions led to what’s become known as the shortest war in history, the Anglo-Zanzibar War, which lasted approximately 38 minutes.
George Eyser: Swept the 1904 Olympics And Then Disappeared
German-American athlete George Eyser won six Olympic medals in one day, and did it all with a wooden leg. So whatever happened to him?
Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko: Sinfully Skilled in the Art of Disguise
The satanic leaf tailed gecko, found only on the island of Madagascar, is the only flat-tailed gecko who camouflages itself by looking like a dead leaf.
The Unbelievable Ridiculousness of the 1904 Olympic Marathon
The 1904 Olympic Marathon had 32 questionable athletes who engaged in ridiculous acts that would’ve gotten them disqualified today.
What is Megalophobia?
A fear of large objects such as statues, boats, planes, and elephants, megalophobia is an anxiety disorder that can be treated with counselling and therapy.
The Dragon’s Breath Pepper – The Devil’s Red Raisins!
More than twice as hot as the ghost pepper, the Dragon’s Breath pepper is so lethal that it must be carried in a sealed container.
The Ten Gallon Hat: A Tall Tale Still Told
Though the ten-gallon hat doesn’t actually hold 10 gallons, this Stetson classic has become an indisputable part of cowboy culture.
A Short History of “Flipping the Bird”
Otherwise known as “giving the finger” or the “one-finger salute,” flipping the bird has its origins in ancient Greece, becoming the obscene hand gesture it’s known for today.
The Origins of the Phrase “Shiver Me Timbers!”
The phrase “shiver my timbers” first appeared in a book by Captain Frederick Marryat published in 1834. Since then, it’s appeared in numerous books and films.
Only in America: Evil Scientist Chef Creates Deep Fried Water
Fried food connoisseur and culinary chef Jonathan Marcus found a way to make deep fried water but admits that it’s “the blandest deep-fried thing” he’s ever tasted.
The Wrap Around Spider and the Man Who Discovered It
Count Eugen Wilhelm Theodor von Keyserling discovered the wrap-around spider, including it in his oeuvre considered to be “one of the finest iconographies of arachnids ever published.”
Marie Antoinette Syndrome: Overnight Highlights!
If your hair turned white or gray almost overnight, you may have Marie Antoinette Syndrome
Snakes Have Friends and Can Be Choosy about Whom They Hangout with
New research study finds garter snakes are surprisingly social, forming strong friendships with their peers
Cel Ray Soda: Someone Made Celery Soda in 1868 and It’s Still Popular Today!
Formerly known as Dr. Brown’s Celery Tonic, Cel Ray soda was marketed as a healthy beverage to calm the nerves. These days you can find it in New York delis.
Star Nosed Mole: The Fastest Forager in the World
The Condylura cristata can locate, assess, and consume its food in 230 milliseconds—1/6th faster than it takes for you to stop at a red light
The Plague Doctor Hat and Its Secret History
17th century plague doctor’s outfit included bird-like mask… eery but effective
The Statue of Unity: A Colossal and Controversial Wonder
Statue of Indian statesman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel considered world’s tallest
