You may recognize the phrase hocus pocus as the title of a popular Disney Halloween film, but it has a long history of use in magical circles. Hocus pocus is a phrase that refers to an illusion or a meaningless distraction that fools you in some way. But did you ever wonder where the phrase …
Consider a world where the only way to die was in a sudden accident, such as a car accident, falling down the stairs, or being struck by lightning. But did you know how long people would live given that there were no external factors? An analysis based on insurance industry data concluded that without aging …
During the 1920s, the author of Ulysses met Ernest Hemingway in Paris. Despite being both well-known heavy drinkers, they began to frequent cafes and bars together. James Joyce was unathletic and had failing eyesight, but his drinking buddy was tall, strapping, and prone to violent outbursts. But did you know that James Joyce depended on …
The only gemstones in the world that originate from living things are pearls. These priceless gems are created by mollusks like oysters and mussels, which humanity has sought since ancient times. But did you know that a fisherman from the Philippines found the largest pearl weighing 24 kilograms? The giant pearl measures 30 cm wide, …
Salamanders are solitary creatures. Several myths and legends about them have emerged over the centuries. Many ancient people thought salamanders were fireproof and cold-blooded enough to extinguish flames. But did you know why people during medieval times thought they were fire-resistant? Salamanders were thought to be resistant to fire due to their habit of hibernating …
The Pendle Witch Trials in 1612 are among the most famous witch trials in English history, as well as some of the best documented of the 17th century. The twelve accused were charged with the murders of ten people using witchcraft in the area surrounding Pendle Hill in Lancashire. But did you know that Alice …
The Salem witch trials took place in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. More than 200 people were charged with witchcraft or the Devil’s magic, and 20 were executed. Eventually, the colony admitted that the trials were a mistake and compensated the victims’ families. Those accused of witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials did not …
Socrates was a well-known and controversial figure in his native Athens, so much so that he was frequently mocked in comic dramatists’ plays. But did you know that he never actually wrote anything? Socrates left no writings. Everything we know about him comes from accounts by members of his circle, primarily Plato and Xenophon, as …
Mount Vesuvius is a somma-stratovolcano in Campania, Italy, about 9 km east of Naples and a short distance from the coast. It is one of the volcanoes that make up the Campanian volcanic arc. Vesuvius is made up of an enormous cone partially surrounded by the steep rim of a summit crater formed by the …
The most daring, grueling, and impossible horseback ride in American history occurred in 1855, when a cattle trader raced overland nearly 700 miles in winter to beat a steamship sailing from Sacramento to Portland, Oregon. The rider’s life savings in gold were at stake, which he could save if he could reach Portland before the …
