Wild True Stories Of Wine Fraud
Wine fraud is a surprisingly common racket that dates back as least as far as the ancient Roman Empire. Here are a few of history's most notorious wine scams.
Grunge Editorial Policies
The unique content on Grunge is a result of skilled collaboration between writers and editors with a broad array of expertise in everything from history to classic Hollywood to true crime. Our goal is to provide accurate and diverse content bolstered by expert input.
Focused on accuracy and ethical coverage, the Grunge editorial team consistently fact-checks and reviews site content to provide readers with an informative, entertaining, and engaging experience. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Mina Elwell
-
-
Celebrations Throughout History That Got Out Of Control
Throughout history, parties intended to be a simple celebration or triumphant event have turned into chaos, sometimes with dangerous outcomes. -
What 19th-Century Circus Life Was Really Like
Life in a 19th-century circus meant steady work, hot meals, and more than a little adventure - when you weren't getting harassed by locals or mauled by lions. -
Stories From Norse Mythology They Couldn't Teach You In School
Popular culture is full of characters from Norse mythology, with their epic tales of bravery. But some stories are just too lurid, at least for school kids. -
The 1945 Strike That Brought Hollywood To A Screeching Halt
In 1945, a union strike brought Hollywood to a standstill. The public watched in astonishment as the film industry's craftspeople fought in the streets. -
The Tangled History Of Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus
Once touted as "The Greatest Show on Earth," the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus thrilled audiences for decades. Its history is just as thrilling. -
Red-Flags That Signaled These Old Hollywood Romances Were Doomed
Whether they were torn apart by circumstances or tainted by jealousy, these were the first signs that these classic Old Hollywood couples were doomed. -
'Trials Of The Century' You Probably Forgot About
For centuries, we have had more than our fair share of trials that became national obsessions. Here are some 'Trials of the Century' you probably forgot about. -
Hedda Hopper: Old Hollywood's Most Notorious Gossip Columnist
Hedda Hopper was the queen of Old Hollywood gossip. She wielded unparalleled influence over the film industry and its biggest stars lived in fear of her column. -
What Being An Archaeologist In The 1800s Was Really Like
In the 19th century, public interest and advances in science transformed archaeology. Here's what being an archaeologist in the 1800s was really like. -
The Tragic Life Of Barbara Hutton
Barbara Hutton was the heiress to two fortunes and one of the richest women in the world. But she felt like no one in the world knew the real Barbara Hutton. -
Hollywood's Blacklist Era: The Dark Side Of 1940s Entertainment
The 1940s might have been Hollywood's Golden Age, but the years were also marked by censorship, political attacks, sexism, and racism. -
The Most Banned Books In 21st-Century America
Books have been challenged (and sometimes banned) for a wide variety of reasons over the years. Here are the books that face the most controversy today. -
14 Creatures You Didn't Realize Were Pollinators
People are starting to recognize how important pollinators are, but there's plenty more to learn. Here are 14 creatures you didn't realize were pollinators. -
Robin Hood Myths Most People Believe
Many beliefs about Robin Hood that modern audiences take for granted either were not always the case or were never true at all. -
Spring Explained By Ancient Gods And Myths
Ancient people relied on harvests for survival, so it makes sense they developed stories to explain the changing of the seasons. Here are some involving spring. -
India's Bandit Queen: The Tragic Life And Assassination Of Phoolan Devi
Phoolan Devi was the bandit queen of India. She had humble, difficult beginnings, and she later rose to fame as an outlaw, dacoit, and a politician. -
Why We Haven't Been Able To Leave Satanic Panic In The 1980s
In the 1980s, paranoia about satanic cults spread like wildfire through the U.S. But it's still alive today. Here's why we haven't been able to leave it behind. -
The Strangest Creatures To Appear In Celtic Folklore
Celtic folklore is one of rich and colorful characters. Some of them are associated with good things, while others are terrifying. These are the strangest. -
Tragic Details About The Seven Years' War
Sparking the American Revolution, the Seven Years' War devastated lives all over the world. Here are some tragic details about the Seven Years' War. -
Horror Movies That Have A Real Life Inspiration
"Based on a true story" is a phrase that appears onscreen before some movies start. Here are some horror movies that have a real-life inspiration. -
Every State Nickname Explained
Every U.S. state has a nickname, with several states having more than one. Here, we take a look at the stories (and theories) behind these famed state monikers. -
Creepy Myths From Canada That'll Keep You Up At Night
Canada's not all donuts and mounties. In fact, the country is home to some truly creepy native myths, many inspired by the vast wilderness. -
The Sacred Band Of Thebes: The Elite Unit Of Soldiers That Took Down Sparta
The Sacred Band was an elite fighting force that changed the course of the ancient world. They were the most imposing army of the age — at just 300 men. -
Why The Terror Birds Went Extinct
Terror birds were once the most feared predator in South America, so how did they go extinct? There are a few different theories scientists have considered. -
Why The Giant Sloth Went Extinct
Giant ground sloths were among the most successful ice-age animals. What drove them to extinction is a question that has plagued scientists for centuries. -
The Deadliest Disaster In Every State
Disasters of all kinds have shaped the histories of their respective states in America. These are the deadliest disasters in every U.S. state.
