When news reached the United States that on November 18, 1978, more than 900 members of a cult called the Peoples Temple died in a mass suicide-murder under the control of cult leader Jim Jones at the Jonestown settlement in Guyana, South America, relatively few knew much about Jones or his followers. But in the […]
The Reverend Jim Jones: Profile of a Megalomaniac Read More »
Shrek is one of the most iconic animated characters of the last century. For years many have believed that a real-life man, Maurice Tillet, inspired the green ogre. Dreamworks has neither confirmed nor denied this, but the similarities are uncanny. The Early Life of Maurice Tillet Maurice Tillet, most commonly known by his professional wrestling
The Life of Maurice Tillet, The Man Who May Have Inspired Shrek Read More »
Before World War One, Germany was a prosperous nation. In the decades since its unification, it had become an industrial powerhouse leading Europe in fields like chemicals, machinery, and optics. Its gold-backed currency traded at comparable rates to the British shilling, Italian lira, and French Franc (about 4-5:1 against the U.S. Dollar). Nine years later, hyperinflation hit its
German Hyperinflation Made A Loaf of Bread Cost 200 Billion Marks in 1923 Read More »
While the concept of a flood of beer filling the streets of your city does not sound frightening at first, the London Beer Flood of 1814 was a terrifying disaster that took eight people’s lives. The streets of London and many other cities during this period were narrow and cramped. Many people also lived below
Death by Beer: The London Beer Flood of 1814 Read More »
The Chippewa people are a powerful northeastern native nation in North America with a rich and storied history as both diplomats and activists. One of North America’s most powerful first nations was the Chippewa tribe. Also called the Ojibwe people, this nation spread across a large section of the northeastern part of the continent and
The history and culture of the Chippewa Tribe Read More »
When most people think of the Industrial Revolution, they think of scientific and technological advancements. During this time, tools and methods were invented that greatly sped up the time it took to produce items such as thread, textiles, and cotton. Additionally, countless innovators discovered new ways of smelting iron and ore, and James Watt invented
What Was Child Labor Like During the Industrial Revolution? Read More »
Every so often, a genius emerges whose innovative ideas have the power to transform our world and shape our future. Nikola Tesla was such a visionary. A man who harnessed the power of electricity to usher in a new era of technological advancement, Tesla left an indelible mark and paved the way for a brighter,
What were Nikola Tesla’s most important inventions? Read More »
When we think of the distinguished British actor Cary Grant, one of the most poised and debonair film stars in cinematic history, we don’t automatically associate him with a drug like LSD. But maybe we should. Though it’s not uncommon for a movie star to have a troubled or even traumatic past that leads to
Cary Grant’s infamous fascination with LSD Read More »
Grover Krantz was an anthropologist best known for his research on Bigfoot, also known as the Sasquatch. Krantz’s journey into Bigfoot research was a strange and controversial one that has left a lasting impact on Bigfoot studies and beyond. This article explores the peculiar legacy of the Bigfoot hunter, Grover Krantz. Interest in Bigfoot Born
The strange legacy of the Bigfoot Hunter, Grover Krantz Read More »
In the 1980s, the FBI launched a courageous initiative to combat fraudulent behavior in Congress: The Abscam operation. Its daring undercover sting featured agents pretending to be wealthy Arab sheiks and businessmen, successfully resulting in numerous indictments of Congress members and other public officials on accounts of bribery. It’s an incredible story that illustrates how
Inside Abscam: The FBI Sting to Expose Corruption in Congress Read More »
