modern history

Why Thomas Crapper’s Name Is Synonymous With The Toilet Even Though He Didn’t Actually Invent It

A number of myths surround Victorian-era sanitary engineer Thomas Crapper, namely that he invented the flush toilet and that the word "crap" comes from his name.

By Marco Margaritoff • Mar 26, 2022

Why Thomas Crapper’s Name Is Synonymous With The Toilet Even Though He Didn’t Actually Invent It

A number of myths surround Victorian-era sanitary engineer Thomas Crapper, namely that he invented the flush toilet and that the word "crap" comes from his name.

By Marco Margaritoff • March 26, 2022

The Wrongful Conviction Of Ryan Ferguson, Who Served Nearly 10 Years In Prison For A Murder He Didn’t Commit

Ryan Ferguson spent nine years and eight months behind bars for the murder of Kent Heitholt — but he eventually won his freedom and even appeared on The Amazing Race.

By Jessica O'Connor • Mar 25, 2022

The Wrongful Conviction Of Ryan Ferguson, Who Served Nearly 10 Years In Prison For A Murder He Didn’t Commit

Ryan Ferguson spent nine years and eight months behind bars for the murder of Kent Heitholt — but he eventually won his freedom and even appeared on The Amazing Race.

By Jessica O'Connor • March 25, 2022

The Disturbing Story Of Steve Banerjee, The Murderous Founder Of Chippendales

In 1979, Steve Banerjee created the world's most famous male stripper troupe — then put a hit out for anyone who got in the way of his success.

By Kaleena Fraga • Mar 24, 2022

The Disturbing Story Of Steve Banerjee, The Murderous Founder Of Chippendales

In 1979, Steve Banerjee created the world's most famous male stripper troupe — then put a hit out for anyone who got in the way of his success.

By Kaleena Fraga • March 24, 2022

The True Story Of Karl May, The Adventure Writer Who Became Hitler’s Favorite Author

In the 19th century, a German author named Karl May wrote a series of novels set in the American West — which later influenced the worldview of Adolf Hitler.

By Jessica O'Connor • Mar 23, 2022

The True Story Of Karl May, The Adventure Writer Who Became Hitler’s Favorite Author

In the 19th century, a German author named Karl May wrote a series of novels set in the American West — which later influenced the worldview of Adolf Hitler.

By Jessica O'Connor • March 23, 2022

How Serial Killer Albert Fish’s Letter To The Parents Of One Of His Victims Finally Landed Him In Prison

In 1934, Albert Fish wrote a letter to Grace Budd’s mother and described how he'd murdered her before cutting her into pieces and eating her flesh.

By Marco Margaritoff • Mar 23, 2022

How Serial Killer Albert Fish’s Letter To The Parents Of One Of His Victims Finally Landed Him In Prison

In 1934, Albert Fish wrote a letter to Grace Budd’s mother and described how he'd murdered her before cutting her into pieces and eating her flesh.

By Marco Margaritoff • March 23, 2022

44 Unsettling Images Of Life Inside The Hitler Youth, The Nazis’ Army Of Brainwashed Children

From the rise of the Third Reich and into the post-war era, the Hitler Youth were molded to be faithful devotees of the Nazi regime — and to turn on even their own parents if they spoke ill of Hitler.

By John Kuroski • Mar 23, 2022

44 Unsettling Images Of Life Inside The Hitler Youth, The Nazis’ Army Of Brainwashed Children

From the rise of the Third Reich and into the post-war era, the Hitler Youth were molded to be faithful devotees of the Nazi regime — and to turn on even their own parents if they spoke ill of Hitler.

By John Kuroski • March 23, 2022

The Tragedy Of Kitty Menendez, The Beverly Hills Mother Killed In Cold Blood By Her Own Sons

Lyle and Erik Menendez claimed their mother was a neglectful drunk — and so in August 1989, they got revenge on her and their father.

By Marco Margaritoff • Mar 22, 2022

The Tragedy Of Kitty Menendez, The Beverly Hills Mother Killed In Cold Blood By Her Own Sons

Lyle and Erik Menendez claimed their mother was a neglectful drunk — and so in August 1989, they got revenge on her and their father.

By Marco Margaritoff • March 22, 2022

Michael Hutchence Was One Of The World’s Biggest Rock Stars — Then He Choked Himself To Death In A Sydney Hotel

On November 22, 1997, INXS frontman Michael Hutchence was found naked and choked to death with a snakeskin belt tied to his hotel door — leaving many to wonder if his death was a suicide or an accident.

By Marco Margaritoff • Mar 22, 2022

Michael Hutchence Was One Of The World’s Biggest Rock Stars — Then He Choked Himself To Death In A Sydney Hotel

On November 22, 1997, INXS frontman Michael Hutchence was found naked and choked to death with a snakeskin belt tied to his hotel door — leaving many to wonder if his death was a suicide or an accident.

By Marco Margaritoff • March 22, 2022

The Chilling Story Of Simon Monjack, The ‘Disturbed’ Husband Of Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy was married to Simon Monjack for just two years before she met an untimely death in December 2009. Eerily, he would also die five months later.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • Mar 21, 2022

The Chilling Story Of Simon Monjack, The ‘Disturbed’ Husband Of Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy was married to Simon Monjack for just two years before she met an untimely death in December 2009. Eerily, he would also die five months later.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • March 21, 2022

Inside The Terrifying Kidnapping And Miraculous Rescue Of Shawn Hornbeck

Shawn Hornbeck was held prisoner for more than four years by pizza shop owner Michael Devlin — until he was rescued in January 2007 alongside a second boy named Ben Ownby.

By Jessica O'Connor • Mar 21, 2022

Inside The Terrifying Kidnapping And Miraculous Rescue Of Shawn Hornbeck

Shawn Hornbeck was held prisoner for more than four years by pizza shop owner Michael Devlin — until he was rescued in January 2007 alongside a second boy named Ben Ownby.

By Jessica O'Connor • March 21, 2022