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A pillory, 1805. Artist: William Henry Pyne

11 Brutal Torture Devices From History

Here are some particularly brutal torture devices that have thankfully been phased out of our penal systems.

Discover LEGO's Adventures with Mario Starter Course set.

Happy Mario Day 2022, Nintendo Fans: Celebrate With LEGO Sets Based on the Franchise

March 10 is known to Nintendo enthusiasts as Mario Day, and this year fans can celebrate with LEGO starter sets based on the franchise.

'Titanic' was expected to drown at the box office.

When 'Titanic' Was Expected to Be a Huge Flop

James Cameron's $200 million gamble was nearly sunk by irate crew members, bad word-of-mouth, and chowder spiked with PCP.

Some French Poutine Restaurants Have Had to Explain That They’re Not Affiliated With Vladimir Putin

In French, Vladimir Putin’s surname is spelled ‘Poutine,’ which is causing problems for the country’s poutine eateries.

What’s the Smallest Bone in the Body?

The smallest bone in your body is one of a set of three whose collective name literally means ‘small bones.’

Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s Oldest Pub, Might Also Be the World's Oldest Pub

Sean's Bar's 1100-year-old structure makes it the oldest pub in Ireland—and possibly the world.

The still-intact wheel of Shackleton's ill-fated vessel.

Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 'Endurance' Shipwreck Has Been Found After More Than a Century

Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated ‘Endurance’ sunk 107 years ago near Antarctica, kicking off one of the most thrilling survival stories of all time.

An 1858 cartoon shows Death rowing down the polluted River Thames.

How London's Great Stink Turned the Tide of Victorian Pollution

In 1858, Londoners were overwhelmed with the stench rising from the River Thames. Joseph Bazalgette built an entire sewer system to get rid of of the smell.

Incorporate these 'A' words into your vocabulary.

39 Amazing Words That Begin With the Letter 'A'

Don't be agelastic or an ashcat—these words will help even a budding abecedarian advance their vocabulary.

6 Groundbreaking Facts About Elizabeth Blackwell, America’s First Woman Physician

When she graduated from medical school in 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell earned more than an M.D.: she also earned the distinction of becoming America’s first woman doctor.

Your Costco Membership Could Be Getting More Expensive

Costco is due for a membership price increase in 2022, but it won't happen right away.

13 Facts About Siamese Cats

Like most cat breeds, the Siamese’s true origins are cloaked in mystery.

Missing: One Box of Human Heads

The human heads were being taken back to headquarters after being used for a medical training session.

Some old-school G.I. Joes line up for duty.

New on Throwback Video: The Plastic, Fantastic History of G.I. Joe

Who has worse aim than stormtroopers? Probably the heroes and adversaries of G.I. Joe, Hasbro’s never-ending toy story about an elite U.S. combat team facing of

Photo Illustration by Lucy Quintanilla. Image: iStock.

The Quest to Break America’s Most Mysterious Code—And Find $60 Million in Buried Treasure

For the past century, the quest to break the Beale Ciphers has attracted the military, computer scientists, and conspiracy theorists. All have failed.

Ukraine's biggest flag flies some 90 metres above the city...

8 Charities and Organizations Helping Ukraine—and How You Can Contribute

Here are eight charities, media outlets, and organizations that you can support to help the people of Ukraine.

Edgar Allan Poe's Cipher Challenge

Edgar Allan Poe loved ciphers—and in 1841, "The Raven" author issued a cipher-related challenge.

Chernobyl's nuclear power plant is in crisis.

Chernobyl Has Lost Power in Ukraine, Raising Concerns Over Escaping Radiation

It’s a development that could potentially have serious repercussions for Europe.

Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's Most Successful—And Least Known—Wife

Anne of Cleves escaped a joyless family, avoided an unhappy marriage, and jumped at the chance to live her best life.

The World's Tallest Outdoor Elevator Takes Riders Through the Mountains That Inspired 'Avatar'

The world's tallest outdoor elevator takes riders through China's Zhangjiajie National Forest, which inspired the floating mountains in 'Avatar.'

Why Is It Called ‘Plastic’ Surgery?

Contrary to popular belief, plastic surgery’s name origin has nothing to do with breast implants being made of plastic.

Over the course of its history, chocolate has gone from a sacred beverage to a sweet treat.

A Brief History of Chocolate

Chocolate’s worldwide popularity streak has lasted centuries, but it wasn’t always the sweet, easily accessible treat we know today.

A Brief History of Sea-Monkeys

You probably had Sea-Monkeys as a kid without knowing what they were or where they came from. The short version? Sea-Monkeys were a get-rich-quick scheme that actually got someone rich quick—but the long version is worth sticking around for.

Your favorite condiments have unusual origins.

A Brief History of Ketchup and Mustard

How did ketchup and mustard—two condiments with thousands of years of history between them—become associated with hot dogs and hamburgers?

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