curiosities

The Most Colorful Gypsy Caravans

In the mid-19th century, nomadic groups like the gypsies, now called Roma, used wagons as housing since it allowed them to easily move from location to location. While many contemporary Roma individuals have permanent homes, Romani wagons are making a comeback among individuals who hope to reconnect with their rich,...

By Kiri Picone • Dec 3, 2013

The Most Colorful Gypsy Caravans

In the mid-19th century, nomadic groups like the gypsies, now called Roma, used wagons as housing since it allowed them to easily move from location to location. While many contemporary Roma individuals have permanent homes, Romani wagons are making a comeback among individuals who hope to reconnect with their rich,...

By Kiri Picone • December 3, 2013

The Diverse Ancestry Of The United States

Thanksgiving is just around the corner; and if you’re about to binge on carbohydrates, sodium and fats, thank your ancestors–not the South Beach Diet cookbook you bought and plan on opening this coming Friday. Does your heritage align with this map?

By All That's Interesting • Nov 25, 2013

The Diverse Ancestry Of The United States

Thanksgiving is just around the corner; and if you’re about to binge on carbohydrates, sodium and fats, thank your ancestors–not the South Beach Diet cookbook you bought and plan on opening this coming Friday. Does your heritage align with this map?

By All That's Interesting • November 25, 2013

Six Animal Signs That Planet Earth Is Sick

Perhaps animals are smarter and more sensitive than homo sapiens give them credit for. Take, for example, the theory that animals can predict earthquakes, a notion that dates all the way back to 373 B.C., when historians reported that creatures such as rats, snakes and weasels hightailed it out of...

By All That's Interesting • Nov 24, 2013

Six Animal Signs That Planet Earth Is Sick

Perhaps animals are smarter and more sensitive than homo sapiens give them credit for. Take, for example, the theory that animals can predict earthquakes, a notion that dates all the way back to 373 B.C., when historians reported that creatures such as rats, snakes and weasels hightailed it out of...

By All That's Interesting • November 24, 2013

The Glamorous And Gruesome History Of The Masquerade Ball

The Masquerade Ball has inspired death, lust, and decadent costume parties for centuries — and has a shockingly gruesome history.

By Savannah Cox • Nov 23, 2013

The Glamorous And Gruesome History Of The Masquerade Ball

The Masquerade Ball has inspired death, lust, and decadent costume parties for centuries — and has a shockingly gruesome history.

By Savannah Cox • November 23, 2013

The Haunting Ruins Of The New York City Farm Colony

Within the least populated New York borough of Staten Island there lies a forgotten forest, home to over two dozen crumbling buildings that once made up the historic compound known as Seaview Hospital. In 1915, Sea View expanded to absorb twelve nearby buildings that until then had been operating as...

By Erin Kelly • Nov 15, 2013

The Haunting Ruins Of The New York City Farm Colony

Within the least populated New York borough of Staten Island there lies a forgotten forest, home to over two dozen crumbling buildings that once made up the historic compound known as Seaview Hospital. In 1915, Sea View expanded to absorb twelve nearby buildings that until then had been operating as...

By Erin Kelly • November 15, 2013

The Fascinating Origins Of Six Friendly Gestures

Friendly Gestures: The High Five The high five’s origin is an extraordinarily contentious issue, given its association with camaraderie and celebration. The low five had long been used between black Americans and became popular during the Jazz Age as a response to “slap me some skin.” However, the cultural phenomenon...

By All That's Interesting • Nov 13, 2013

The Fascinating Origins Of Six Friendly Gestures

Friendly Gestures: The High Five The high five’s origin is an extraordinarily contentious issue, given its association with camaraderie and celebration. The low five had long been used between black Americans and became popular during the Jazz Age as a response to “slap me some skin.” However, the cultural phenomenon...

By All That's Interesting • November 13, 2013

The World’s Weirdest Celebrations

If there’s one thing at which humans excel, it’s celebrating. Hanukkah, Halloween and Easter all rock up at the same time each year, but why not extend that festive savoir-faire to those lesser known holidays, like Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day, or even Fruitcake Toss Day? If you’re in the...

By All That's Interesting • Nov 6, 2013

The World’s Weirdest Celebrations

If there’s one thing at which humans excel, it’s celebrating. Hanukkah, Halloween and Easter all rock up at the same time each year, but why not extend that festive savoir-faire to those lesser known holidays, like Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day, or even Fruitcake Toss Day? If you’re in the...

By All That's Interesting • November 6, 2013

Odd Collections And Their Even More Eccentric Owners

It’s fair to say that at some point in our lives, we’ve all had a collection that, if others saw it, might make them question our sanity. For you, it might be old magazines, cigarette lighters or even, say, antique seat cushions. But for a handful of people, a collection...

By All That's Interesting • Nov 5, 2013

Odd Collections And Their Even More Eccentric Owners

It’s fair to say that at some point in our lives, we’ve all had a collection that, if others saw it, might make them question our sanity. For you, it might be old magazines, cigarette lighters or even, say, antique seat cushions. But for a handful of people, a collection...

By All That's Interesting • November 5, 2013

The Weirdest Wedding Traditions In The World

From dumping soot and flour onto a bride to avoiding the bathroom in the name of love, people have crafted some of the weirdest wedding traditions ever.

By All That's Interesting • Nov 3, 2013

The Weirdest Wedding Traditions In The World

From dumping soot and flour onto a bride to avoiding the bathroom in the name of love, people have crafted some of the weirdest wedding traditions ever.

By All That's Interesting • November 3, 2013

10 Of The World’s Most Bizarre Parades

Bizarre Parades: Coney Island’s Mermaid Fest The Mermaid Parade of Coney Island, NY takes the carefree spirit of Mardi Gras and combines it with celebrating the beginning of summer. This show is most notable for the thousands of ladies adorning mermaid costumes, often keeping with the Mardi Gras tradition of...

By Erin Kelly • Nov 2, 2013

10 Of The World’s Most Bizarre Parades

Bizarre Parades: Coney Island’s Mermaid Fest The Mermaid Parade of Coney Island, NY takes the carefree spirit of Mardi Gras and combines it with celebrating the beginning of summer. This show is most notable for the thousands of ladies adorning mermaid costumes, often keeping with the Mardi Gras tradition of...

By Erin Kelly • November 2, 2013