Topic

Oddities & Curiosities

A collection of 44 issues

The Legally Protected Gypsy Chickens of Key West: How Feral Fowl Became a Cultural Treasure

In the quirky island city of Key West, Florida, a feral chicken population, descended from birds brought by immigrants for food and sport, enjoys unique legal protection. These 'gypsy chickens' are considered a historical treasure, making it illegal to harm them as they roam the streets freely.

Meet the Binturong: The Popcorn-Scented 'Bearcat' That Isn't a Bear or a Cat

Discover the Binturong, a unique Southeast Asian mammal often called a bearcat. It's neither, but belongs to a genus of its own. Known for its prehensile tail and a distinctive scent uncannily similar to buttered popcorn, this vulnerable arboreal creature is a true oddity of the animal kingdom.

A Tale of Two Poles: The Only Place on Earth Where Reindeer and Penguins Meet

On the remote Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean, a unique ecological anomaly exists. Introduced in the 1950s, a thriving population of reindeer now coexists with native penguins, creating the only place on Earth where these iconic polar opposites share a habitat.

The London 'Fry-scraper': How 20 Fenchurch Street Accidentally Melted Cars with Its Solar Death Ray

London's iconic 'Walkie-Talkie' skyscraper, 20 Fenchurch Street, had a fiery start. Its unique concave design acted as a giant mirror, focusing sunlight into a 'death ray' that melted car parts and cooked eggs on the pavement below, reaching temperatures of over 117°C (243°F).