The Maid, The Fairy King, and the Seven Lost Children: The Bewitching Case of Karin Svensdotter

In 1656 Sweden, maid Karin Svensdotter claimed the King of the Fairies fathered her seven children before taking them to his realm. Declared bewitched by Satan, her case ended not with execution, but with a silver cross that banished her supernatural lover forever.

History Religion & Philosophy Biography & Personal Stories

The 61-Second Minute: How 27 Leap Seconds Secretly Broke the Internet

Since 1972, 27 leap seconds have been added to our clocks to sync atomic time with the Earth's slowing rotation. While keeping us aligned with the sun, this tiny adjustment has caused major chaos for computer systems, prompting a global decision to abolish them by 2035.

Science & Nature Technology & Innovation

Sacred Heart Was Real: The All-in-One Hospital Set That Made 'Scrubs' a Classic

The TV show Scrubs achieved its unique authenticity by filming in a real, decommissioned hospital. The North Hollywood Medical Center wasn't just the set; it housed writers' rooms, editing suites, and even served as the cast's dressing rooms, immersing the entire production in its world.

Entertainment & Media Art, Culture & Design

From Pest to Pub Star: Unpacking Australia's Weirdest Sport, Cane Toad Racing

In Australia, the reviled cane toad, a toxic invasive pest, is the star of a quirky pub sport: cane toad racing. This bizarre tradition, especially popular on Australia Day, transforms an ecological disaster into a unique and controversial cultural spectacle.

Animals in Culture Science & Nature Geography & Places

More Than a Dialect: The Colonial Birth and Complicated Life of Afrikaans

Afrikaans, often seen as a simplified Dutch, was born from 17th-century colonialism in South Africa. It evolved from a Dutch dialect mixed with Malay, Portuguese, and African languages, carrying a complex legacy of both Afrikaner identity and apartheid-era oppression into the modern day.

History Society & Social Issues Art, Culture & Design

Your Tongue Is Probably in the Wrong Place Right Now. Here’s Why It Matters.

Did you know your tongue's resting position is crucial for your health? For better breathing, facial structure, and even sleep, your entire tongue should be gently pressed against the roof of your mouth, not sitting at the bottom. This simple change can make a surprising difference.

Medicine, Psychology & Health Science & Nature

More Than a Name: The True Story Behind Radiohead's Talking Heads-Inspired Moniker

Before they were Radiohead, they were On a Friday. The iconic name came at their label's request, inspired by the Talking Heads song 'Radio Head.' For Thom Yorke, the name captured the band's ethos of receiving and processing information, a theme that would define their groundbreaking music.

Music Entertainment & Media

Usher's 'Confessions' Weren't His: The Jermaine Dupri Secret That Sold Millions

For years, fans believed Usher's hit 'Confessions' detailed his own affair and breakup with Chilli. The truth? The entire dramatic story of cheating and a secret child belonged to his producer, Jermaine Dupri, who used his personal drama to craft a blockbuster album for the R&B star.

Music Entertainment & Media Biography & Personal Stories

Size Matters: The Icelandic Penis Museum's Comical Quest for a Worthy Human Specimen

The Icelandic Phallological Museum's quest for a human penis specimen hit a snag when its first donation ended up a shriveled mess. This prompted the curator to publicly declare he was waiting for 'a younger and a bigger and better one,' kicking off a bizarre international competition.

Science & Nature Geography & Places Art, Culture & Design

The Drowning Gowns: How Victorian Women Swam in Weighted Wool Dresses

In 19th-century Europe, women's swimwear consisted of heavy wool gowns with weights sewn into the hems. This impractical measure ensured modesty by preventing the fabric from floating, but posed a serious drowning risk and stood in stark contrast to the athletic needs of early female Olympians.

History Society & Social Issues Art, Culture & Design