Could it be the next Olympic sport? Probably not. But Extreme Ironing is a fun way to experience the outdoors and catch up on housework. The Pistol Shrimp has a petite body and large claws like a gunslinger in the Wild West. Its 210-decibel claw snapping sound is louder than a gunshot. Discover the Bolton Strid, a little-known, 65 mile stretch of the River Wharfe in Yorkshire, known as a treacherous death trap. A peculiar crooked forest in Western Poland is the subject of some colorful and outlandish conspiracy theories that try to explain its secret history. Polished obsidian, bronze, and copper were used as mirrors for thousands of years until Justus von Liebig invented the modern mirror in 1835. For centuries, Europeans participated in a celebratory Dance of The Dead. The Danse Macabre is believed to be the precursor to the celebration of Halloween. Fire rainbows are a rare and beautiful weather phenomenon that appear as rainbow-colored wisps of clouds in the sky. Consider yourself lucky if you see one. In 536 AD a volcanic eruption coated the Northern hemisphere with ash and produced a fog that plunged Europe into darkness. Mad honey gains its hallucinogenic properties from a substance called grayanotoxin found in certain rhododendron flowers. Overeating can be dangerous. Napoleon is widely believed to have been a bit short. Could propaganda or even a different system of measurement hold the key to uncovering his true height? Since its creation by John Duns Scotus in the 13 century, the Dunce Cap has represented the extremes of high intellectualism, evil, and stupidity. Popeye and spinach have fueled a great deal of nutritional nonsense. One thing is sure, spinach is good for you, but not as much as you first thought. Standard mirrors are not perfectly smooth due to structural irregularities For this reason most mirrors reflect green light better. The reasoning behind the quirky marathon distance contains some murky explanations. However, those extra 385 yards are likely linked to British Royalty. What is the Daisugi Tree? Well, it’s not really a tree. It’s an ancient, sustainable Japanese forestry technique that creates straight, knot-free lumber. Yes! Men can lactate. However, it’s rare and occurs when the pituitary gland produces a hormone called prolactin which induces milk production. Space blindness is a serious side effect of spending prolonged periods in space. How will scientists solve the problem in time for the expedition to Mars? Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging is making a comeback. Read about the symbolism and culture behind these living sculptures. Why is there a worm in Tequila? Or is there? Who would even consider a drink with a worm in it and how and why did it get there? Find out all the answers Meet Lulu Hashimoto, the doll who won a human beauty pageant and developed a huge following as a fashion model and human-like character Why were chainsaws invented? These handy modern tools have a surprising background. Find out their origins in medicine and in preventing maternal death
Extreme Ironing: The Strangest Extreme Sport You’ve Never Seen
Can the Pistol Shrimp Hurt a Human?
Is the Bolton Strid the Most Deadly Stretch of Water in the World?
The Secret History of Poland’s Crooked Forest
When Were Mirrors Invented?
The Danse Macabre: The Waltz of The Dead
What are Fire Rainbows?
536 AD: The Worst Year Ever
Mad Honey and its Intoxicating Allure
Let’s Settle This: How Tall Was Napoleon?
The Extraordinary Evolution of the Dunce Cap
Ferric Fantasies: The Strange Saga of Popeye, Spinach and Strength
The Imperfect Hue: What Color is a Mirror?
How Long is the Marathon? The Story of a Peculiar Distance
Everything You Need To Know About The Daisugi Tree
Can Men Lactate? Yes, But It’s Complicated
Space Blindness: A Scary Side Effect of Microgravity
The Return of Ikebana: The Ancient Art of Japanese Flower Arranging
Exploring the Myth: Why is There a Worm in Tequila?
Lulu Hashimoto: The Living Doll Conquering the Catwalk
Why Were Chainsaws Invented?
The True Origins of Kikimora
In Christianity, Kikimora is undoubtedly a demon. But in pre-Christian Slavic mythology, although Kikimora is considered evil, there are exceptions.
