jello
Meet the Duo Molding the Weird, Wondrous Future of Jelly
From disturbingly realistic gelatin portraits to a jiggling Buckingham Palace, Bompas & Parr are pushing the wobbly envelope.
All Stories
story
Why Isn’t the Most British of Masks in the Most British of Museums? (Updated)
The iconic Guy Fawkes mask is everywhere—except where you might expect to find it.
ferries
The Curse of the Viking Sally, the Baltic’s Most Ill-Starred Ship
The one-time floating pleasure palace left a legacy of murder and maritime disaster in its wake.
ao loves halloween
How Homes in Bali Are Designed for Harmony—and to Keep Demons at Bay
All the subtle ways traditional dwellings offer spiritual security.
micro-nations
Podcast: Kalakuta Museum
Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
halloween
In Scotland, Trick or Treaters Sing (And Tell Jokes) For Their Candy
This tradition dates back hundreds of years.
monster mythology
Five Vampire Stories You Haven’t Heard Yet
From Dracula’s Indian inspiration to just how long it would take these mythical bloodsuckers to annihilate humanity.
ancient terrors
Beware the Skinwalkers, Werewolf Witches of the American Southwest
These canine-humanoid shapeshifters travel between worlds using magical doors.
library
Podcast: The Portland Treasure Map
Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
ice castles
The Time a Russian Empress Built an Ice Palace and Forced Her Jester To Get Married In It
Cruel joke, power move, or both?
murals
Podcast: The Battle of Atlanta Cyclorama
Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
curious kitchenware
4 of History's Most Epic Punch Bowls
If your party doesn't feature enough alcohol to float a rowboat, you're doing it wrong.
monster mythology
Monsters Are Everywhere in the Bible—And Some Are Even Human
Scholars are learning what bestial and depraved characters can reveal about ancient authors and cultural attitudes.
wolves
Podcast: Endangered Wolf Center
Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
crosswords
Puzzle Monday: It's Cold Inside Crossword
will-o-wisps and spooklights
What's Really Behind the Ghost Lights of Colorado's Silver Cliff Cemetery?
Tucked between rugged mountains, this lonely graveyard is home—allegedly—to ethereal, glowing orbs that dance among the headstones.
livestock
This Man Wants You to Rethink Everything You Know About Cows
It's time to change our 10,000-year relationship with cattle.
research
How One Tiny Bead Can Reveal A Global History
Hint: There is a laser involved.
