curiosities

All About Shirako, The Japanese Fish Sperm Delicacy That Tastes Like ‘Sea Air’

Made from the sperm sacs of male fish, shirako is a Japanese delicacy that can be consumed raw, fried in tempura batter, rolled into sushi, and more.

By Katie Serena • Feb 6, 2026

All About Shirako, The Japanese Fish Sperm Delicacy That Tastes Like ‘Sea Air’

Made from the sperm sacs of male fish, shirako is a Japanese delicacy that can be consumed raw, fried in tempura batter, rolled into sushi, and more.

By Katie Serena • February 6, 2026

When “Blowing Smoke Up Your Ass” Was Much More Than Just A Saying

In the 18th and 19th centuries, "blowing smoke up your ass" was an actual medical treatment employed across much of western Europe.

By Krissy Howard • Feb 6, 2026

When “Blowing Smoke Up Your Ass” Was Much More Than Just A Saying

In the 18th and 19th centuries, "blowing smoke up your ass" was an actual medical treatment employed across much of western Europe.

By Krissy Howard • February 6, 2026

Harold Holt, The Australian Prime Minister Who Went For A Swim — And Disappeared

In December 1967, Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt vanished while swimming at Cheviot Beach in Victoria. His body has still never been found.

By Kara Goldfarb • Feb 5, 2026

Harold Holt, The Australian Prime Minister Who Went For A Swim — And Disappeared

In December 1967, Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt vanished while swimming at Cheviot Beach in Victoria. His body has still never been found.

By Kara Goldfarb • February 5, 2026

What Are Rat Kings, The ‘Super-Rodents’ Made Of Tangled Tails?

A rat king forms when the tails of many rodents become tangled together, creating a disturbing creature that moves as one swarming mass.

By Leah Silverman • Feb 3, 2026

What Are Rat Kings, The ‘Super-Rodents’ Made Of Tangled Tails?

A rat king forms when the tails of many rodents become tangled together, creating a disturbing creature that moves as one swarming mass.

By Leah Silverman • February 3, 2026

The Tragic And Strange Story Of Hannah Upp, The Missing Woman Who Disappeared Three Times

Hannah Upp, who first disappeared in 2008 and then in 2013, has a rare condition known as dissociative fugue, and she hasn't been seen since she vanished in 2017.

By Austin Harvey • Feb 2, 2026

The Tragic And Strange Story Of Hannah Upp, The Missing Woman Who Disappeared Three Times

Hannah Upp, who first disappeared in 2008 and then in 2013, has a rare condition known as dissociative fugue, and she hasn't been seen since she vanished in 2017.

By Austin Harvey • February 2, 2026

Why Being Pressed To Death Was One Of The Grisliest Execution Methods In History

For thousands of years, accused criminals were subjected to being pressed or crushed to death, most famously during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • Feb 2, 2026

Why Being Pressed To Death Was One Of The Grisliest Execution Methods In History

For thousands of years, accused criminals were subjected to being pressed or crushed to death, most famously during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • February 2, 2026

The Story Of Tarrare, The Insatiable Glutton Who Ate Everything From Human Flesh To Live Eels

An 18th-century French showman, Tarrare could eat enough to feed 15 people and swallow cats whole — but his stomach was never satisfied.

By Mark Oliver • Feb 1, 2026

The Story Of Tarrare, The Insatiable Glutton Who Ate Everything From Human Flesh To Live Eels

An 18th-century French showman, Tarrare could eat enough to feed 15 people and swallow cats whole — but his stomach was never satisfied.

By Mark Oliver • February 1, 2026

The Life Of Circus Performer Jean Libbera, The Man With A Parasitic Twin Growing Out Of His Torso

In the early 1900s, Jean Libbera performed in sideshows with his brother Jacques, a parasitic twin who was attached to Jean at the chest and stomach.

By Hannah Reilly Holtz • Jan 29, 2026

The Life Of Circus Performer Jean Libbera, The Man With A Parasitic Twin Growing Out Of His Torso

In the early 1900s, Jean Libbera performed in sideshows with his brother Jacques, a parasitic twin who was attached to Jean at the chest and stomach.

By Hannah Reilly Holtz • January 29, 2026

How Did Charles Manson Die? Inside The Bizarre Death Of The Infamous Cult Leader

After serving 40 years in prison, Charles Manson died on November 19, 2017 — but the strange fight over his corpse and his estate was just beginning.

By Marco Margaritoff • Jan 28, 2026

How Did Charles Manson Die? Inside The Bizarre Death Of The Infamous Cult Leader

After serving 40 years in prison, Charles Manson died on November 19, 2017 — but the strange fight over his corpse and his estate was just beginning.

By Marco Margaritoff • January 28, 2026

Inside The Tunguska Event, The Astronomical Explosion That Rocked Russia In 1908

The largest impact event in Earth's recorded history, the Tunguska explosion occurred in the skies above Russia on June 30, 1908, causing massive destruction.

By Gabe Paoletti • Jan 26, 2026

Inside The Tunguska Event, The Astronomical Explosion That Rocked Russia In 1908

The largest impact event in Earth's recorded history, the Tunguska explosion occurred in the skies above Russia on June 30, 1908, causing massive destruction.

By Gabe Paoletti • January 26, 2026