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Roald Dahl welcomes you to the <em>Way Out</em>.
31 days of halloween

In 1961, Roald Dahl Hosted His Own Version of 'The Twilight Zone'

Looking back at the macabre delights of the famous author's forgotten TV horror show.
Eric Grundhauser October 28, 2016
The cupping and hand dipping room for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, c. 1935.
food

Was It Hershey or Reese That Made Peanut Butter Cups Great?

The surprising story of how "two great tastes" came together.
Hallie Lieberman October 27, 2016
The brand new Atlas Obscura battle standard!
features

We Asked a Vexillologist How to Design a Great National Flag

Behold our new flag!
Eric Grundhauser October 27, 2016
A close up of the mineral vivianite on a piece of bone.
31 days of halloween

The Vivid Blue Mineral That Grows on Buried Bodies and Confuses Archaeologists

Just mix together a dead person, some iron, and lots of water.
Chris Drudge October 25, 2016
One of these things is not like the other, but their uniforms tell the story.
halloween

How to Read The Secret Language of Starfleet Uniforms

They're more than just goofy jumpsuits.
Eric Grundhauser October 25, 2016
An illustration of tomatoes from an 1893 catalogue of seeds.
31 days of halloween

When Tomatoes Were Blamed For Witchcraft and Werewolves

People have feared tomatoes for 600 years.
Romie Stott October 24, 2016
The video for Phil Collins' <em>Against All Odds</em>.
music

Why Brazil’s State-Sponsored Brass Bands Are Constantly Playing Phil Collins

Against all odds, it's happening around the country.
Keith Barry October 21, 2016
Modern seances use electric candles.
31 days of halloween

We Tried to Talk to the Dead at New York's Only Spirit Church

A relaxing night at an inner-city seance.
Eric Grundhauser October 20, 2016
Backmasking: hidden messages in songs.
31 days of halloween

The Fight to Save America From Satan's Subliminal Rock Messages

In the 1980s, many politicians were convinced there were devious, secret messages hidden inside popular records.
Bryan Gardiner October 20, 2016
The walls of Eastern State Penitentiary.
haunted

What It's Like to Be a Haunted House Worker Inside a Real Prison

Doing time at the Eastern State Penitentiary's very creepy haunted house.
Shannon Brown October 19, 2016
Gene Fleming and Andy, the famous Footless Goose with Shoes.
murder

The Goose Who Wore Nikes, and the Mystery of Who Murdered Him

The Nebraska celebrity bird delighted all—until he was brutally killed.
Cara Giaimo October 19, 2016
A postcard from Marineland, where Lamme worked in the '40s.
archaeology

Stolen Artifacts! Drunk Teens! And More True Tales of Florida's First State Archaeologist

Vernon Lamme was not your average archaeologist.
Sarah Laskow October 19, 2016
Close up of spider web threads.
31 days of halloween

Why UFO Conspiracists Have So Many Opinions About 'Angel Hair’

The mysterious silky substance is the source of much speculation.
Naomi Russo October 18, 2016
Sometimes, patients would dip the sharp needles into the oil.
objects of intrigue

The 1800s Medical Device That Promised Cures by Repeatedly Stabbing Patients

The Life Awakener contraption gave patients "healing" pustules.
Lauren Young October 18, 2016
31 days of halloween

Dial-a-Ghost on Thomas Edison's Least Successful Invention: the Spirit Phone

Building devices to talk with the dead was a popular diversion for inventors in the 1920s.
Natalie Zarrelli October 18, 2016
Just making some kid happy!
mcdonalds

The Strangely Glamorous World of a 1980s Ronald McDonald

A fast-food journey from Hamburger University to celebrity-filled Hollywood parties.
Eric Grundhauser October 18, 2016
The interior of St. Anthony's Chapel.
relics

Only the Vatican Has More Christian Relics Than Pittsburgh

St. Anthony’s chapel is home to some 5,000 important relics.
Susanna Weyandt October 17, 2016
Horseshoes, 61 nails, an axe and billhook are part of the rent London owes to the Queen.
royalty

London Is Still Paying Rent to the Queen on a Property Leased in 1211

In a small annual ceremony the city hands over an axe, a knife, 6 horseshoes, and 61 nails.
Sarah Laskow October 17, 2016