The rich tapestry of Greek mythology unfolds through a sprawling family tree, tracing the origins of the cosmos and its divine inhabitants. This lineage begins with Chaos, the formless void from which all existence emerged. Chaos serves as the primordial source of creation, giving rise to the Primordial Deities, who embody elemental forces … Read the rest
10 Nursery Rhymes with Dark Origins
“Baa Baa Black Sheep”
This gentle lullaby about sheep might be a toddler’s favorite, but its backstory might raise an eyebrow. It is believed to allude to the medieval wool tax introduced by King Edward I. The King’s share? A third of the proceeds from each sack. In this context, if you had three bags … Read the rest
What’s the Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
It may not be easy for most people to admit, but certain national holidays often get a little muddled in their minds—namely, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Clearly, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has seen and/or been asked about the confusion enough times that it has gone ahead and dedicated some space on … Read the rest
The Reason Why Thanksgiving Is on the Fourth Thursday in November
Almost 170 years after the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe feasted together for the first unofficial Thanksgiving in 1621, the U.S. government decided to make it official. So on October 3, 1789, President George Washington declared that the nation would celebrate a “day of publick thanksgivin” on November 26 that year.
While November 26, … Read the rest
Surprisingly Lewd Origins of the “Rub-a-Dub-Dub” Nursery Rhyme
If you grew up in the English-speaking world, chances are you’ve heard this nursery rhyme before (probably while you were in a bath):
“Rub-a-dub-dub
Three men in a tub,
And who do you think they be?
The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker,
And all of them out to sea.”
Nursery rhyme origins are often … Read the rest
20 Stunning Homes Built Into Nature
As architects and their clients become more conscious of the impact construction has on the climate, many talents are taking pains to make sure their designs not only enhance but protect the environment. Features such as green roofs and passive architecture help connect the dwellings to their sites and offer sustainable alternatives to traditional heating … Read the rest
Comet of the Century to Light Up the Sky in October 2024
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico –
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), dubbed the “Comet of the Century,” is currently on its way toward Earth and is expected to become one of the most thrilling astronomical events in recent memory. Discovered in early 2023 by observatories in China and Hawaii, the comet has generated significant excitement among astronomers and … Read the rest
This Month in History – September 17, U.S. Constitution signed
On Sept. 17, 1787, the Constitution of the United States was completed and signed by a majority of delegates attending the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
Also on this date:
This Month in History: September 15, Birmingham church bombing
On Sept. 15, 1963, four Black girls were killed when a bomb went off during Sunday services at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. (Three Ku Klux Klansmen were eventually convicted for their roles in the blast.)