Archive for March 2020

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Aliens (1)

Animals (5)

  • Dog

    The Real Reason Dogs Wag Their Tails

    You know what's weird? Dog tails. They aren't arms or legs or butt horns. Do people even know what dog tails actually do? Yes. But dog tails are still weird. What's up with that whole wagging thing? Turns out we know that too. This is the real reason dogs wag their tails.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • McConnell and Pelosi

    The Truth About The $2 Trillion Stimulus Bill

    On March 26th, 2020, the United States Senate passed an unprecedented $2 trillion financial stimulus bill in response to the historic economic downturn facing the country due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Here's what you need to know.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Velociraptor fossil

    Fossil Of 67-Million-Year-Old Raptor Found In New Mexico

    Fans of Jurassic Park are well-acquainted with raptors of the "veloci" variety. But that's not what paleontologists dug up in New Mexico, explains the Guardian. Instead, it seems they stumbled across 20 bones belonging to a "cousin" of the velociraptor.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More

Crime (4)

Cults (1)

  • Jim Jones

    The Truth About Cult Leader Jim Jones' Death

    On November 19, 1978, a woman named Hyacinth Thrash awoke in her cabin in the Guyanese jungle, and she entered a far darker world than the one she'd known. Over 900 fellow members of the People's Temple had died, including her own sister, after being forced to drink cyanide-infused Flavor-Aid.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More

Entertainment (56)

  • bg

    The Truth About Bill Gates' Enormous House

    Bill Gates is among the richest and most well-known businessmen in American history, so it stands to reason that his house would be empirically baller. Located in beautiful Washington state in the funky, cold city of Medina, its official designation, "Xanadu 2.0." That's a pretty good start.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Wyatt Earp

    The Truth About Wyatt Earp's Role In The Movie Industry

    Wyatt Earp was a lawman and and alleged horse thief. Earp practically had Hollywood scripts coursing through his veins. Not only was he the stuff of movies, but he shaped the stuff that occurred in movies as a Hollywood consultant. This is the truth about Wyatt Earp's role in the movie industry.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • John Lennon

    The Truth About John Lennon's UFO Sighting

    In the pantheon of musical demigods, John Lennon remains a point of cultural fascination. To some, his life represents an ideological high point: Creativity winning out over the mundane, love beating hate, war being out-lounged by peace. In truth, Lennon was troubled.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Johnny Cash

    The Truth About Johnny Cash's Name

    John Denver was actually Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., while Doris Day was born Doris Kappelhoff. It should come as no surprise, then, that when Johnny Cash first signed with Sun Records, they were skeptical about the "Cash" moniker.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Merle Haggard

    Here's How Much Merle Haggard Was Worth When He Died

    If you're looking for uncompromising country music, you could do a lot worse than picking up a Merle Haggard record. From "Sing Me Back Home" to "Mama Tried" to "Misery and Gin," the Hag gave the world some of the greatest classics of the genre ...

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Carlos Santana

    Here's How Much Santana Is Really Worth

    Carlos Santana has not led an easy life. From his difficult youth playing guitar in seedy Mexican bars to a bad bout of tuberculosis when he was 19, things could have gone very badly for him. Thankfully, things smoothed out over time. Here's how much money he's accumulated.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Nelson and Kristofferson

    The Truth About How The Highwaymen Got Together

    The rock supergroup The Traveling Wilburys featured George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lyne. Tom Petty and Roy Orbison. That's rock-and-roll heaven right there. Country music got the jump on them, though, with Highwayman, the debut album of The Highwaymen in 1985.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Neil Diamond

    Here's How Much Neil Diamond Is Really Worth

    2020 has had an incredibly rough start, thanks in no small part to the novel coronavirus. But in March 2020, to the joy of ears everywhere, a diamond shined through that roughness — specifically, a Neil Diamond.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Johnny Cash

    Vivian Liberto: The Truth About Johnny Cash's First Wife

    Johnny Cash's met his first wife, Vivian Liberto, shortly before he shipped out to Germany with the Air Force. According to SFGate, they exchanged some 10,000 pages of love letters during his enlistment. They married when he returned in 1954.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd

    The Real Reason Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' Is So Long

    "Free Bird" has become a running joke to request the song at concerts. During Skynyrd's concerts, the song might last an extra 5 minutes, or slightly more than a ding-a-length. It didn't start off that way, though. So how did "Free Bird" become a run-on song?

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Billy Joel

    Here's How Much Billy Joel Is Really Worth

    Billy Joel has been around for a long time, and written enough hits that even if you've never paid attention to the guy, you probably recognize at least half a dozen of his tunes. But while songs like "Piano Man" are part of our everyday life, it seems he hasn't been up to much in recent years.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Johnny Cash

    The Truth About Johnny Cash's Biggest Hit

    Johnny Cash, or J.R. Cash, as he was born, had a widely varied career. Most associated with show business, he was also an ordained minister, dealing with the Ring of Fire on multiple fronts.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • mick fleetwood

    The Stunning Amount Of Money Mick Fleetwood Blew On Drugs

    Mick Fleetwood liked doing drugs, and in the late 1970s it was possible to afford thousands of dollars worth of cocaine in any given month just by being the drummer from Fleetwood Mac. He would end up bankrupt because of it. This is the stunning amount of money Mick Fleetwood blew on drugs.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Bruce Lee

    The Truth About Bruce Lee's Temper

    What if Bruce Lee had a temper? Imagine how horrifying a guy with his skillset would be, should he have a propensity for temperamental outbursts. That's scary, and also worthy of further investigation.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • gates

    Here's How Much Money Bill Gates Has Lost During The Pandemic

    The COVID-19 pandemic continues to steal the international spotlight, infecting hundreds of thousands and tanking the stock market. Meanwhile, Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates appears to have dropped a considerable amount of cash in the past few months.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Merle Haggard

    The Truth Behind Merle Haggard's Time In Prison

    Merle Haggard's youth really does sound like a country song: raised in a converted boxcar during the Great Depression, his father died when he was eight years old, after which he became a juvenile delinquent. In 1957, though, he pushed his luck a little too far.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Andre the Giant

    The Most Notorious Andre The Giant Myths Explained

    Someone of Andre the Giant's size and professional stature is bound to have some stories attached to him, true or not -- though as an old theater professor once said, "All my stories are true. And some of them really happened." So what really happened to Andre?

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • jonathan groff and holt mccallany in mindhunter

    How Real Is Mindhunter?

    Mindhunter is a Netflix thriller series about a small unit of FBI agents who revolutionized the way law enforcement hunts for serial killers by using psychological profiles drawn up by interviewing dozens of incarcerated killers and figuring out how their minds work. But how real is Mindhunter?

    By Benito Cereno Read More
  • Jim Morrison mural

    Here's How Much Jim Morrison Was Worth When He Died

    In 1969, Doors front man Jim Morrison was described as a "demonic vision out of a medieval Hellmouth," and "the Sex-death, Acid-Evangelist of Rock, a sort of Hell's Angel of the groin." Despite this, Morrison described his life in Los Angeles as "anonymous."

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Snoop Dogg

    Here's How Much Snoop Dogg Is Really Worth

    Snoop's had his spoon in a lot of soups, and seeing as he's been super famous since the 1990s, it's only fair to assume that he's scooped up some serious dough most of the time. The question is, exactly how much has he earned over the years? Let's find out how much Snoop Dogg is really worth.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Ja Rule

    The Stunning Amount Of Money Ja Rule Owed The Government

    In 2020, rapper and actorJa Rule unironically advertised his tax preparation company, Value Tax, on Twitter. According to Complex, he posted, "IT'S TAX SEASON!!! It's simple, walk in let us do your taxes, walk out with cash in hand," adding, "... we also do credit repair!"

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • David Bowie

    The Truth Behind David Bowie's Eyes

    David Bowie was an iconoclast, a cultural monolith, and, with the help of those leggings that he wore in Labyrinth, the source of a lot of confusing new stirrings in the coming-of-age stories of many Gen Xers. He also possessed a unique appearance that drew in audiences.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Amy Winehouse

    Here's How Much Amy Winehouse Was Worth When She Died

    Amy Winehouse lived a short life that, nevertheless, brought her great fame. Her amazingly strong, jazzy voice created powerful hits like "Rehab" and "Back in Black," and made her a household name. How much did she earn in the process?

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Vatican City State

    Where Does The Pope Live?

    Seeing how the pope runs his own country, and has a lot of influence, it wouldn't be inaccurate to state that he lives anywhere he wants.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Jackie Chan

    Who Trained Jackie Chan?

    Even people who don't like Kung Fu movies like Jackie Chan. It's hard not to. As an actor and director, he's charming, beguiling, and boy howdy, can he ever perform a stunt. Where'd he learn all that stuff?

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Eminem

    Here's How Much Eminem Is Really Worth

    Eminem has lived one wild life. From his days in a trailer and struggling to get by, to being friends with Elton John and starring in superhero crossover comic books with the Punisher, he's one shining, potty-mouthed example of the American dream come true.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Phil Collins

    The Real Reason Genesis Is Reuniting

    Get ready to add some 1970s progressive rock to your summer concert list, because the latest once-defunct crew to load up their tour bus and get (most of) the band back together is effing Genesis.

    By Zach Lisabeth Read More
  • hulk's rules

    How Much Money Hulk Hogan Had To Pay Marvel For His Name

    In these turbulent times, there are still a few things you can count on. There will be death, there will be taxes, and at some point down the line, possibly when you least expect it, Hulkamania will, with the inevitability of a sunset, come for you.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Evel Knievel

    Here's How Much Evel Knievel Was Worth When He Died

    There's no sympathy for the Devil unless you're the Rolling Stones. And when you're a legendary daredevil like Evel Knievel, people are too busy waiting to see if you crash and burn to worry about sympathy. But did those crashes earn, or burn, his cash?

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Ric Flair

    How Strong Was Ric Flair?

    Professional wrestling legend Ric Flair is, by his own admission, a "stylin', profilin', limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin' and dealin' son of a gun." But how strong is he?

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Axl Rose

    Here's How Much Axl Rose Is Really Worth

    Surprisingly, Axl Rose is only member of Guns N' Roses who has been in the band throughout its existence. Even more surprisingly, his bank account shows he's got the money, honey. And probably your disease, too.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Johnny Cash not wearing all black

    The Real Reason Johnny Cash Always Wore Black

    His name wasn't Sue. He was actually born J.R. Cash, a compromise for his parents -- Mom wanted to call him Rivers -- her maiden name; his father, Ray, wanted to call him Ray. The boy ended up with initials instead, and in fact had an older brother called Jack. And here's why he wore black.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Joe Rogan

    This Is How Much Joe Rogan Is Really Worth

    Joe Rogan has been, and continues to be, a lot of things — a stand up comedian, a Fear Factor host, a passionate marijuana advocate, an MMA aficionado, a conspiracy theorist, and a podcaster. That's a bunch of careers for one guy, and given his notoriety, he's probably not short of petty cash.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • sajak

    The Story Of The Worst Wheel Of Fortune Player Ever

    It is a well established fact that for nearly 40 years, Pat Sajak and Vanna White have had one job: letting television viewers know that they fell asleep during Jeopardy. In this case, the contestant's performance was alarming enough to wake Rip van Winkle.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More

History (54)

  • scientist, petri dish

    People Who Knew A Pandemic Was Coming Before It Happened

    Pandemics seem to come from nowhere. But almost always, even hundreds of years ago, there were people who had a hunch that something bad was coming. And if only everyone else had listened, history might not have been so horrible. Here are people who knew a pandemic was coming before it happened.

    By Becki Robins Read More
  • Margaret Tudor

    The Reason You Can't Find Margaret Tudor's Grave

    Margaret Tudor was Queen of Scotland and older sister of England's Henry VIII. Normally people like that have massive memorials. But what if a mob destroyed the tomb, burned the remains, and tried to wipe that individual from the landscape? This is the reason you can't find Margaret Tudor's grave.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • american flag toilet paper

    The Reason America Is Behind On Toilets

    America has long been defined by the proverbial mountains it has chosen to summit, and the rivals it has tried to outpace along the way. Where is America's can-do attitude when it comes to can doos?

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • smallpox

    Diseases Humanity Has Almost Eradicated

    Humanity loves surviving, and from time to time, our greatest minds join forces to punch mortality in the nose. Through acumen and fastidiousness, we've managed to chuck more than a few deadly diseases off the side of the skyscraper of history. Here are the diseases humanity has almost eradicated.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Bobbie the Wonder Dog

    The Incredible True Story Of Oregon's Bobbie The Wonder Dog

    Before the interstate system, roads were a patchwork at best, maps weren't necessarily complete, and GPS was the stuff of science fiction. But a dog's loyalty? As unquestioned then as it was in cave days and today. Here's the story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Cosimo de' Medici

    How Much Money The Medici Family Really Had

    The Medicis were such a big deal in the Renaissance, they still pop up in pop culture today. Still, as significant as their cultural and historical influence has been, in the end they were bankers. So how much were they worth? Let's take a look at how much money the Medici family actually had.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Great Depression

    How Many People Were Unemployed During The Great Depression?

    In one week in March 2020, 3.3 million Americans filed unemployment claims. One expert said, "The United States is in the thralls of a catastrophic unemployment crisis, the likes of which we haven't seen since the Great Depression." But how many people were unemployed during the Great Depression?

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Firefighter

    The Grim Reality Of Private Fire Departments

    In 2010, Tennessee resident Timothy Cranick paid a visit to the South Fulton firehouse and punched the fire chief in the face, in what can best be described as a case of fighting firefighter with fighter. Why? Cranick wanted payback after the firefighters allowed his parents' house to burn down.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • dog food

    Who Actually Makes Kirkland Dog Food?

    Dog food, like sausage ingredients and supreme court nominees, is one of those things that you probably don't want to look at too closely. It's a part of everyday life, but you'll stay happier longer if you don't spend too much time thinking about what went into making it.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • 1918 flu

    Why Was The 1918 Flu Pandemic Called The 'Spanish Flu'?

    The 1918 flu pandemic that claimed between 50 and 100 million lives worldwide has often been referred to as the "Spanish flu." Yet per the Journal of Translational Medicine, the outbreak most likely began in Haskell County, Kansas ... which, geographically speaking, isn't in Spain.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Hobby Lobby

    The Shady Side Of Hobby Lobby

    Hobby Lobby: depending on your point of view, it's either a pillar of ethical what-have-yous, or the punchline to a middling Bill Maher joke.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Lamborghini

    Why Are Lamborghinis So Expensive?

    There are a few inanimate objects which, when spotted in the wild, hold the high-class, semi-mythic air of, say, a mustachioed UFO or a Wendigo in a floor-length evening dress. But among them are the incredibly expensive Lamborghini.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Aileen Wuornos

    What Happened To Aileen Wuornos's Son?

    If Charlize Theron hadn't played her in a movie (and earned the 2003 Best Actress Oscar for her efforts), would Aileen Wuornos still be remembered? Probably, because Wuornos has the dubious distinction of being one of the few convicted female serial killers in the United States.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Davy Crockett in bronze

    The Truth About Davy Crockett's Daughters

    David Stern Crockett. King of the wild frontier, as the song goes. By his own count, a hunter and marksman who killed 105 bears in a single season. While he certainly didn't have 105 children, he did have a fair share of both sons and daughters. Here's the story of the fairer half.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • ancient sword

    'Unbelievable' 5000 Year-Old Sword Discovered In Italian Monastery

    It's a story as old as stories: The young hero, introduced to a more magical world by an older mentor figure, becomes warden to an ancient weapon. Recently in Venice, events have unfolded which echo this monomythic story structure ... just with more reading, paperwork, and other nerd stuff.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Robert Smalls

    The Incredible Life Of Robert Smalls

    The son of a house slave named Lydia, Robert Smalls was born behind his owner's house in Beaufort, South Carolina in 1839. He would go on to live a truly incredible life.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Benedict Arnold

    Why Did Benedict Arnold Really Betray The Americans?

    Benedict Arnold committed his first act of treason alongside George Washington and the revolutionaries in the colonies. Then he switched sides. But Benedict Arnold's reasons for betraying the Americans may have seemed justified in his own mind. So why did Benedict Arnold really betray the Americans?

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Henry VIII

    What Henry VIII Typically Ate In A Day

    As Henry grew into his role as King of England he also grew into -- bigger-sized clothing, topping out with a reportedly 54-inch waist. The man became whopping. After all, he was king -- what would be denied him? Certainly not food. Here's what he typically ate.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Britannic postcard

    The Real Reason The Titanic's Sister Ship Also Sank

    In 1912, White Star Line vice-president Philip Franklin declared, "There is no danger that Titanic will sink. The boat is unsinkable and nothing but inconvenience will be suffered by the passengers." Given what actually happened, Franklin's words would go down as the height of stupid pride ...

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • jonestown entrance

    How Many People Survived The Jonestown Massacre?

    Members of the Jonestown community were given the choice to take their own lives or be killed by the camp guards, having been told that authorities would be "parachuting in" and taking their kids to be raised as fascist pawns. Amazingly, through various turns of events, 33 people made it out alive.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt

    How Franklin Roosevelt Convinced America He Could Walk

    Was it polio? That was the consistent diagnosis at the time. Current medical opinion is inclined to think that Franklin Delano Roosevelt might have had Guillain-Barre syndrome instead. Whatever the condition, when he was 39 his legs were paralyzed, and remained so for the rest of his life.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Aerial shot of Chernobyl

    The Truth About The People Who Moved Back To Chernobyl

    The Chernobyl incident was the worst nuclear disaster in human history, and as a result, the area around the reactor — known as the exclusion zone — was evacuated. To this day, it remains illegal to live there. However, that didn't stop some resilient inhabitants from remaining.

    By Robert Balkovich Read More
  • ancient garden in Foshan City

    The Reason You Wouldn't Survive Life In Ancient China

    It's easy to romanticize what life would have been like if you'd only been born a few thousand years earlier. No credit card debt. No student loans. No telemarketers. No need to pine over whether bae has watched your Insta story yet. The Bronze Age was just a simpler time. Simpler, but brutal.

    By Zach Lisabeth Read More
  • Statue of St. Peter

    The Truth About The First Pope

    On the date of March 13, 2013, the Catholic Church recognized its 266th pope, when the current pontiff, Francis, was elected. The Church believes that history shows an unbroken line of popes since the time of Jesus Christ.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Pope Formosus during the Cadaver Synod

    The Truth About The Trial Of Pope Formosus's Corpse

    History has seen some pretty obscene popes. In fact, the Catholic Church saw a 60-year period of pontiffs so profane that it came to be known as the "pornocracy." This age of barefaced and often bare-butted corruption was rooted in an outrageous trial that took place in 897.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • edmund and tenzing

    The Truth About The First People To Ever Climb Mt. Everest

    When you put aside the machismo and bragging rights, it's difficult to say exactly why human beings have always felt a need to reach the summits of mountains. Nevertheless, there's a reason summiting Mt. Everest is considered one of the classic feats of adventure sports.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Dr. Joseph Bell

    The Incredible Life Of The Real Sherlock Holmes

    Sherlock Holmes, one of the most famous and brilliant fictional detectives of all time, wasn't entirely fictional. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most prominent creation was heavily based on a real person, Dr. Joseph Bell. Here's the incredible life of Joseph Bell, the real Sherlock Holmes.

    By Nick Vrchoticky Read More
  • Drawing of Samuel Colt

    Here's How Much Samuel Colt Was Worth When He Died

    From cowboys to bank robbers to noir detectives, those pieces of rapid firing machinery have been omnipresent in the country's culture since the 19th century. And we have one man to thank for that: Samuel Colt, the inventor of the revolver.

    By Robert Balkovich Read More
  • Cleopatra

    What Really Happened To All Of Cleopatra's Siblings

    The reign of ancient Egypt's final pharaoh, Cleopatra VII, is one of the most famous sagas in history. However, if you only know the parts of the story involving Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, you're missing out on some delicious family drama that played out between Cleopatra and her siblings.

    By Robert Balkovich Read More
  • Al Capone right profile

    The Infamous Nickname Al Capone Hated

    Some nicknames we outgrow; others we don't. And as proof that mobsters are just like the rest of us, Alphonse Gabriel Capone hated at least one of his nicknames: Scarface.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Plague doctors

    The Real Reason Plague Doctors Wore Masks With Beaks

    The plague doctors' robes and their masks with the long, birdlike beaks are among the most ominous outfits in history. Sure, they look kind of clumsy and goofy, and the wearer probably can't see very much out of the eye holes, but did they do anything?

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Female SS Guards

    What Life Was Really Like For Women In Nazi Germany

    If you thought a genocidal regime premised on racial purity and superiority might seek to engender female empowerment, guess again. Racism and sexism go hand-in-hand, and Adolf Hitler was so outrageously racist that his views on women could be summed up as "KKK."

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Pope Pius XII

    Unsealed Vatican Archives To Shed Light On 'Hitler's Pope'

    Pope Pius XII, born Eugenio Pacelli, has drawn criticism for his routine failure to condemn the Nazi regime and their atrocities in all but the most roundabout of ways. This has caused many to think that he was a barely closeted Nazi sympathizer. Now, we're going to find out the truth.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More

Human Body (2)

  • vaping with coffee

    What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Vape Juice?

    Might as well start with the basics: don't drink vape juice. Nothing that you're about to read will change the fact that drinking vape juice will cement your place as the weird (and unhealthy) dude who drinks vape juice. That sort of social branding doesn't go away.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More

Inventions (1)

  • man

    These Will Be Some Of The Greatest Inventions Of 2020

    No one can predict the future, but there are always new technologies on the horizon that will change things. These inventions will be here sooner than you think, so it's best to get yourself and your wallet ready for the next big thing. These will be some of the greatest inventions of 2020.

    By Asher Cantrell Read More

Messed-Up History (3)

  • Tiananmen Square tanks

    The Messed Up Truth About The Tiananmen Square Massacre

    The Tiananmen Square massacre was a horrific event wherein the government slaughtered thousands of protesting individuals in cold blood. In mainland China, information regarding this mass murder has been suppressed for decades. This is the messed up truth about the Tiananmen Square massacre.

    By Nicholas Conley Read More
  • musket balls

    The Messed Up Truth Of The Bullet Catch Magic Trick

    Magicians are, by their very nature, big fat liars. That's their whole job -- to confuse the senses and mystify their audience. Their tricks (no, Michael, illusions!) are a series of artistically constructed con jobs designed to make you, the viewer, go "wha?"

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Winston Churchill

    The Messed Up Truth About Winston Churchill

    Winston Churchill is known for WWII, his finest hour. But Churchill also had more than his share of less-than-fine hours. His life was stuffed to the brim with actions, views, and personal habits that were, to put it mildly, problematic. This is the messed up truth about Winston Churchill.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More

Movies (1)

Music (6)

  • Ozzy Osbourne

    The Real Reason Ozzy Osbourne Left Black Sabbath

    Apart from David Bowie, it's hard to name any artist who has reinvented himself as many times as Ozzy Osbourne. From legendary Black Sabbath frontman to one of the most definitive 1980s metal artist, he has both seen and been through it all.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Dave Mustaine

    The Real Reason Dave Mustaine Left Metallica

    Dave Mustaine is famous for two things. The guitarist-singer is the main man of Megadeth, one of the biggest bands in trash metal and a proud member of the genre's "Big Four" bands. On the other, he started his long way toward this position by getting kicked out of the biggest band of the genre.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Lionel Richie

    The Real Reason Lionel Richie Left The Commodores

    Lionel Richie isn't just a star; he's a pop culture supernova. Originally, Richie sang for the Commodores. Unfortunately, outshining a bunch of less famous musicians is basically why the "Hello" singer said goodbye to the Commodores. This is the real reason Lionel Richie left the Commodores.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Neil Schon on stage with Journey

    Here's Why Journey Just Fired Two Of Their Band Members

    For at least two people out there, it's time to finally stop believin'. In the wake of accusations that bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith were engaged in an "ill-conceived coup d'etat" to usurp control of the band's name and relevant IP, both musicians will be sailing away from Journey.

    By Zach Lisabeth Read More

Nature (2)

Presidents (2)

Religion (2)

Royals (9)

Scandals (1)

  • Maria Sharapova

    The Real Truth Behind The Maria Sharapova Doping Scandal

    Professional tennis superstar and five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova shocked the world on March 7th, 2016, when she announced that she had been suspended from professional play after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. Reaction to the revelation was swift.

    By Robert Balkovich Read More

Science (52)

  • Cat swimming pool

    The Cat Breed That Actually Likes Water

    Imagine that you're a cat. You're going about your day, lounging about in a feline manner, when suddenly, disaster strikes and you find yourself face to face with your worst enemy. Is it a dog? Another cat, perhaps? No, it's something much worse — water.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Fight the virus by washing hands

    Here's How Many Confirmed Coronavirus Cases Are In Your Area

    One of the best ways to stay calm is to stay informed. Facts are of utmost importance at this point in the story, and with ever changing facts and reporters eager to jump the gun on a story, it's important to ensure the facts you're getting are reliable and up to date.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Dog

    The Dog Breed With The Longest Tail

    Does your heart have a roving eye for dogs, or rather, a rover eye that compels you to obsess over every speck of every inch of a canine? Maybe you study dog drool, or you swoon over the pitter-patter of their paws, but the best part of man's best friend is the tail, that butt appendage of the gods.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Great Dane

    The Dog Breed With The Biggest Paws

    ven people who don't particularly like dogs will admit that, yes, puppies are cute. Part of that appeal -- not unlike human babies -- is the disproportionate body parts. Especially those paws. But which breeds have the biggest?

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Kittens

    The Oldest Cat Breed In The World

    Nobody seems to agree how many breeds of cat exist these days -- depending on the organization, anywhere from 40-ish to 70-ish, says Hill's Pet. Within that range, which came first?

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • dog doctor

    The Healthiest Dog Breed In The World

    Mankind has spent centuries selectively breeding dogs to be the fastest, the smartest, the largest, and the dumbest. But what about the healthiest? Have humans, in their eternal hubris, bothered to create a special breed of dog designed not to have such a short lifespan?

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • girl in window

    Positive Things That Have Come Out Of The Coronavirus

    The coronavirus, or COVID-19, is scary. The pandemic is definitely spreading sickness, fear, and even death. It's bringing out the worst in some people, but in others? It's bringing out the best. And that's what we want to talk about. Here are positive things that have come out of the coronavirus.

    By DB Kelly Read More
  • a very brave dog

    The Bravest Dog Breed In The World

    It's almost inevitable that most kids grow up wanting a Dog, capital "D." Children idolize mutts, having been told by movies and picture books that they are the ultimate companions. They are loving, they are loyal, and most importantly, they are courageous.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • White giraffe

    Two Of The World's Last White Giraffes Shot By Poachers

    So, it looks like humanity has done it once again. On March 11, 2020, the rangers at Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy -- a nature conservation area in Garissa County, Kenya -- finally found out what happened to the two ultra-rare white giraffes that have been AWOL for months.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Yawning

    Here's The Reason Why Yawns Are So Contagious

    You probably know from firsthand experience that yawning is incredibly contagious. In fact, you might be yawning now because, according to Psychology Today, simply "reading the word 'yawn' can make people yawn." What makes human bodies behave this way? Don't fall asleep -- we have answers.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • growl

    The Most Aggressive Dog Breed In The World

    Between stories like Stephen King's Cujo and the primal understanding that they're all basically wolves that we taught to eat biscuits, we're all instilled with, at the very least, a healthy instinct to cross the street when a loose hound comes our way.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Bill Gates

    Did Bill Gates Predict The Coronavirus Pandemic?

    Every time something newsworthy happens, someone digs into an old episode of The Simpsons and finds a joke that seems to predict the real-life incident. But people have recently discovered another coronavirus oracle, whose predictions are even more reliable than a yellow cartoon family: Bill Gates.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Quarantine

    Here's The Difference Between Quarantine And Isolation

    Quarantine is the word of the day, and unfortunately, it can do a lot more than just earn us a ton of points in Scrabble. Thanks to the COVID-19 coronavirus strain currently making the rounds, tons of people are getting intimately acquainted with the term, whether they like it or not.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Scientist doing science things

    The Real Reason Bats Carry So Many Diseases

    Forget Bruce Wayne, who carries lots of gadgets and emotional baggage. The really impressive bat-creature weighs in at less than an ounce. It's the Chinese horseshoe bat, and by some estimates, according to the New York Times, it's a possible source of the coronavirus.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • waves

    The Truth About Second Waves Of Pandemics

    "Pandemics are inherently unpredictable in appearance and severity," so it's by no means guaranteed that waves will occur at all. However, both the Black Death and the 1918 flu had hellacious second waves. So why might these second waves happen?

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Coronavirus

    The Real Difference Between A Pandemic And An Epidemic

    It's pretty clear that information about COVID-19 is, well, going viral. As is the virus itself. Health authorities have repeatedly requested that people do their best to stay calm, and wash their hands twenty seconds at a time. Nonetheless, a lot of people have become ill in a short time period.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Coronavirus

    How Dangerous Is The Coronavirus For Young People?

    COVID-19 is an increasingly worrisome disease for many countries. Sure, the rich might have access to private jets and other means of lowering the risk of contagion, but it looks like everybody else just has to power through and follow the World Health Organization's protective measures.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Box of coronavirus

    Can You Get Coronavirus Through The Mail?

    Hoping to stem the spread, organizations and individuals are taking steps to get the hell away from each other. With more postal and parcel services will play a vital role in acquiring food and other necessities and paying rent. But what happens if a package handler catches the coronavirus?

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Coronavirus

    Will The Coronavirus Outbreak Slow Down In The Spring?

    What started as a local skirmish in Wuhan has now reached global status has now escalated to a point where the World Health Organization has classified the outbreak as a pandemic. Still, while we might be dealing with this particular virus for a while, surely it must die down at some point?

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Chernobyl

    How Much Longer Until Chernobyl's Radiation Is Completely Gone?

    On April 26th, 1986, the Ukrainian nuclear power plant at Chernobyl found itself quite unexpectedly exploding. With the irradiated area continuing to bring curious visitors from around the world, the question must be asked: how long will it take for it to shed its pesky radioactivity?

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • turtle

    What Does A Turtle Look Like Without Its Shell?

    Some things go together like peanut butter and chocolate, like Johnny Depp and a certain level of cultural uneasiness, or turtles and their shells. Unless you're a hunter playing on easy mode, or a startling cartoon character, odds are that you've never seen a turtle outside of its shell. Why?

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • passenger pigeon

    The Real Reason Passenger Pigeons Went Extinct

    Passenger pigeons were once perhaps the most multitudinous avians on the planet, numbering as many as 5 billion in their prime. But in 1914, the last known member of the species died at 29 years old in the care of the Cincinnati Zoo. Her name was Martha. Batman would have been furious.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Shark, Table for One

    The Best Way To Survive A Shark Attack

    Human beings kill approximately 100 million sharks a year, per The New York Times Magazine. On the other hand, unprovoked shark attacks killed just five human beings in 2017. So clearly the sharks have more to worry about than we do. But here's how you can survive a shark attack if it happens.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Piranha

    How Sharp Are Piranha Teeth?

    It's easy to picture piranhas as hungry teeth with fish attached. In fact, 'piranha' translates to "tooth fish" in the language of Brazil's Tupi people. Paired with a prominent underbite, those notorious chompers make for a menacingly serrated smile.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Brain

    New Study Shows How To Slow Brain Aging

    Pretty much everyone would love to live a good, long life. However, the whole "not dying until you're really old" thing is a bit of a two-edged sword: Unless your brain manages to keep up with the rest of your body, your golden years probably won't be quite as cozy as you'd hope.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Abyssinian cat

    The Most Obedient Cat Breed In The World

    When you think of the word "obedient", all manner of examples come to mind. But it's a safe bet that none of those examples include the word "cat." But take heart, because there are indeed some breeds of cat that can be considered obedient. Even trainable.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Chinese woman with medical mask

    The Effects Of Coronavirus Can Actually Be Seen From Space

    There's a new Chinese phenomenon visible from space, and it has nothing to do with keeping the rampaging Mongol horde at bay. The effects of the novel Wuhan coronavirus--the germ responsible for the budding COVID-19 pandemic -- were picked up by a NASA satellite monitoring air pollution over China.

    By Zach Lisabeth Read More
  • a bee!

    Baby Bee Brains 'Permanently, Irreversibly' Damaged By Pesticides

    As the world's population of bees continues its series of terrible, horrible, no good, bad days, a study has now revealed that pesticide use permanently damages the brains of baby pollinators, irrevocably impeding their ability to learn and function. That's the bad news. There's good news later.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Grizzly bears

    How Strong Is A Grizzly Bear?

    Grizzly bears are every bit as grisly as they sound. Ruthless, lethal, and unrelenting, they can chase you at breakneck speed in the sense that they will speedily break your neck after they chase you.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Coronavirus

    Why Coronavirus Treatments Might Not Be Affordable In The U.S.

    Live Science reports that during a February 25, 2020 news conference, the CDC ominously acknowledged that the possibility of coronavirus spreading throughout the U.S. wasn't a matter of "if" but "when." Since then, "when" has become now. And it may cost us in more ways than one.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • the milky way galaxy

    The Truth About The Real 'Warp Drive'

    It's the ultimate handwavey, science fiction trope. Engage the warp drive and you can move people through time and space faster than you can pronounce intergalactic mycelium network. And it's looking more possible than ever.

    By Zach Lisabeth Read More
  • beer

    Doctors Report First Known Case Of Person Who Urinates Alcohol

    Talk about a microbrew. We've all had a light beer that tastes like pee, but how about pee that tastes like light beer? According to Science Alert, a woman in Pittsburgh, PA has been identified as the first known human to naturally produce ethyl alcohol in their urine.

    By Zach Lisabeth Read More

Serial Killers (3)

  • serial killer

    The Truth About The Average IQs Of Serial Killers

    When it comes to acts of unspeakable evil, common knowledge goes that serial killers are either Machiavellian geniuses or an intellectually-stunted oddballs. Think of Jigsaw or Leatherface. However, as is often the case with attempts to assign unflappable truths, this is an oversimplification.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Serial killer

    How Many Active Serial Killers Are In The US?

    America has always had a thing about serial killers. We're fascinated by them. And late at night when we hear an unexpected creak somewhere in the house, we kind of worry for a moment that one of those serial killers might be coming for us. So how many active serial killers are in the US?

    By Becki Robins Read More
  • Joseph James DeAngelo Jr.

    How These Notorious Serial Killers Were Really Caught

    Parents might tell their kids monsters don't exist, but serial killers sure do. These real-life monsters prey on us all, and plenty of serial killers have been caught through the years. Here's how several notorious serial killers were finally caught.

    By Nolan Moore Read More

Space (1)

Sports (9)

  • liston/ali

    The Truth About Muhammad Ali's 'Phantom Punch'

    In the history of professional boxing, you'd be hard pressed to find a sporting moment more controversial than what occurred at Lewiston's Central Maine Youth Center on May 25th, 1965. Sonny Liston was set to try and win back his heavyweight title from Ali, and the atmosphere was electric.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Rob Gronkowski

    Here's How Much Rob Gronkowski Is Really Worth

    Rob Gronkowski might be arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history, but it's pretty difficult to guess off the cuff just how much money he has. So, let's skip guessing and see if we can find it out in other ways! Today, we'll take a look at how much Rob Gronkowski is really worth.

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Rob Gronkowski

    The Real Reason Rob Gronkowski Retired From Football

    Ah, yes, Rob Gronkowski. The hulking New England Patriots tight end announced his retirement on March 24, 2019. Yet, despite leaving professional football behind a year ago, the 30-year-old "Gronk" remains a hot topic thanks to the fact that he is the host of Wrestlemania 36 ...

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Olympic rings

    How Many Times Have The Olympics Been Cancelled?

    After weeks of speculation, on March 24th, 2020, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo would be postponed until 2021. The move came in response to concerns regarding the continuing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    By Tom Meisfjord Read More
  • Tokyo Olympics

    Tokyo Olympics Officially Postponed Due To Coronavirus

    Among the many public events and groups impacted by the pandemic, the novel coronavirus has struck the international athletic community, causing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to announce postponement of the 2020 Summer Games and Paralympics, originally scheduled for Tokyo, Japan.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Master P

    The Truth Behind Master P's NBA Tryout

    During the 1998-99 NBA season, the league went the extra mile to grab fans' attention after a contentious lockout. As part of that promotional effort, the Charlotte Hornets invited Master P (real name Percy Miller) to give it his best shot during a preseason tryout.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More

The Most Dangerous (1)

  • Serial Killer, Mask

    The Most Dangerous Active Serial Killer In 2019

    There are two kinds of serial killers: those who get caught and those who don't. Some serial killers are smarter than others, eluding capture with an uncanny ability to leave little trace, while others seem to get off through sheer luck. So who is the most dangerous active serial killer in 2019?

    By Jim Dykstra Read More

Tragic Real-Life Stories (13)

  • Jim Morrison

    The Tragic Death Of The Doors' Jim Morrison

    Fame may make some people rich, but it doesn't make them any more valuable. Doors frontman Jim Morrison didn't reach the apex of his fame until long after he was no longer alive to reap the immense wealth that would have come with it.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Beethoven

    Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most famous composers ever, but his life was full of heartbreak and loss. Here are some of the unhappy details of the tragic real-life story of Beethoven.

    By Jeff Somers Read More
  • The Imperial Family in 1914

    The Tragic Real-Life Story Of The Romanovs

    The Romanovs were assassinated in 1918, but that’s just the final act of their heartbreaking story. From troubled romances to major health issues, here’s the tragic real-life story of the Romanovs, the last imperial rulers of Russia.

    By Jeff Somers Read More
  • Randy Rhoads

    The Tragic Story Of Randy Rhoads' Death

    If you're not familiar with the name Randy Rhoads, chances are you've still heard him play. Rhoads was the virtuoso guitar player who shredded on Ozzy Osbourne's first two solo records, and a major part why the Ozzman managed to pick himself up from the slump he'd been in ...

    By Pauli Poisuo Read More
  • Frida Kahlo painting

    The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Frida Kahlo

    Frida Kahlo is one of the most admired artists of the 20th century. But Kahlo's artistic genius came at a price. Her personal life was marred with tragedy, loss, illness, infidelity, and chronic pain that plagued her throughout her time on Earth. This is the tragic real-life story of Frida Kahlo.

    By Aimee Lamoureux Read More
  • Florence Nightingale

    The Tragic Life Of Florence Nightingale

    Florence Nightingale invented the modern nursing profession and changed the course of public health forever. But the woman who did so much to improve health care spent much of her own life sickly, reclusive, and averse to media attention. This is the tragic life of Florence Nightingale.

    By Aimee Lamoureux Read More
  • Wolfang Amadeus Mozart

    The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Mozart

    Mozart was a genius with a gross sense of humor, an inability to handle money, and a life filled with tragedy right up to his dying moments. Here are a few heartbreaking facts about him you might not know.

    By Jeff Somers Read More
  • Rush

    The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Rush

    Rush's songs speak to the mind and the heart. The band also sings from a place of empathy, as its individual members have endured a lot of pain and struggle over the years. Here's the tragic real-life story of Rush.

    By Brian Boone Read More
  • Margaret Tudor

    The Tragic Death Of Margaret Tudor

    Who among us, some idle summer afternoon, hasn't thought, "Wouldn't it be cool to be King (or Queen)?" Or just royal. For Margaret Tudor, it may have contributed to her death.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Phil Hartman

    The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Phil Hartman

    You might remember Phil Hartman from SNL, The Simpsons, or NewsRadio. But his life was beset with heartbreak, and it ended with an unspeakable tragedy. Here's a look at the all-too-brief and incredibly tragic life of Phil Hartman.

    By Brian Boone Read More
  • Guy Fawkes

    The Tragic Life And Death Of Guy Fawkes

    Apparently he was a pretty fair soldier, but as a domestic terrorist, he was lacking. Guy Fawkes, born in 1570 in York, England, didn't even start out Catholic -- but by the end of his tragic life, he would be sentenced to death as one.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More

Untold Truth (9)

  • Spencer Perceval

    The Untold Truth Of The Only UK Prime Minister To Be Assassinated

    The English, on the other hand, have had a prime minister since Robert Walpole in 1721, generally considered the first of the line of 77. Unlike the U.S., of that select group of elected leadership, the Brits have had to work through only one assassination: of Spencer Perceval, in 1812.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Jimmy Hoffa

    The Untold Truth Of Jimmy Hoffa

    Long before Jimmy Hoffa became a punchline or a Scorcese movie he was one of the most powerful union organizers and leaders in American history. Here's his story.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Pandemic Board Game

    The Untold Truth Of The Pandemic Board Game

    Pandemic is one of the best-selling board games of all time. But who made this peculiar game about disease? Why is Pandemic so popular? And what untold truths can a strange board game reveal about how pandemics spread in the real world? Here's the untold truth of the Pandemic board game.

    By Mark Lambert Read More
  • Trudie Styler and Sting

    The Untold Truth Of Sting's Wife, Trudie Styler

    It doesn't hurt to be married to a rock legend who genuinely loves you, especially if it's someone like Gordon Sumner, known to most of the world as Sting, former front man for The Police. However, Trudie Styler has a life and legend of her own, thank you very much.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Gavin Rossdale, Bush

    The Untold Truth Of Bush

    With frontman Gavin Rossdale, Bush sold millions of albums and churned out big, bombastic hits. But there’s a lot more to this band than meets the eye, and today, we’re taking a look at the untold truth of Bush.

    By Brian Boone Read More
  • Dr. Anthony Fauci

    The Untold Truth Of Dr. Fauci

    The head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has more than a little experience, as well as education. Dr. Anthony Fauci has been head of NIAID since 1984, appointed during the Reagan administration, which means he's worked successfully for six different presidents.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More
  • Dennis Rader the BTK killer

    The Untold Truth Of The BTK Killer's Daughter, Kerri Rawson

    Kerri Rawson's father was Dennis Rader the BTK killer, whose chilling moniker stood for "bind, torture, kill." Over a 27-year period he killed 10 people. Rawson had known one of them personally: a woman who lived down the street. Here's the untold truth of the BTK killer's daughter, Kerri Rawson.

    By A. C. Grimes Read More
  • Pita Taufatofua at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio

    Pita Taufatofua: The Untold Truth Of The 'Shirtless Tongan'

    Looks like there's about to be a run on coconut oil in Tokyo. The famed "shirtless Tongan" from 2018 is heading back to the Olympics for the third straight cycle, and we can only assume his recent qualification includes plans to lube up and wave that Tongan flag.

    By Zach Lisabeth Read More
  • Robert Stroud c. 1909

    The Untold Truth Of The Birdman Of Alcatraz

    "Alcatraz," said Thomas E. Gaddis, was the federal prison "with a name like the blare of a trombone ... a black molar in the jawbone of the nation's prison system." And he should know, because he's the author who gave us the 1955 book The Birdman of Alcatraz.

    By Eric Meisfjord Read More

Weird (21)