The Oxford English Dictionary defines “poison” as “a substance that is capable of causing the illness or death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed.” At first glance, that seems to […]
How much will kill you?
Research Proves Benefits When Doctors Prescribe Ice Cream
It sounds like the stuff of fairy tales or a thing that could only happen in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Imagine a doctor writing the words “ice cream” on a prescription […]
Depression, Tragedy, Suicidal Thoughts, and the Man Who Overcame Them
He had so many nicknames and titles throughout his life that we’ll just call him G.E. for now. His name isn’t nearly as important as his symptoms. It doesn’t take a psychiatrist […]
Play the Game That Was Invented to Help a President Lose Weight
Dr. Joel T. Boone had a problem with one of his patients. The man under his care was in a stressful job and was in danger of working himself to death. His […]
The Ironic End of the Scientist Who Discovered R.E.M. Sleep
Although we spend, on average, one-third of our lives sleeping, the scientific study of the activity is relatively new. Officially known as somnology, the study of sleep began in earnest in 1936 […]
How a King Who Lost His Edge Gained Fame By Encouraging Waste
The King had lost his edge. There was no sense denying it. The loss of his edge cut deeply, and it was obvious to anyone who knew him. He started off with […]
How a Multi-Talented Actor Is Mainly Remembered as a Monster
Ted Cassidy was different from other boys his age. Yes, it’s true that his physical appearance made him stand out from everyone else, but that wasn’t the only thing. Physically, intellectually, and […]
Pitiful Perishing Under Pachyderm Poop
We acknowledge from the beginning that we have our doubts about the authenticity of this story. It has a been reported on several websites, such as this one, this one, and this […]
How to Lie With Statistics
You may have heard someone say that there are three types of falsehoods: lies, darn lies, and statistics. Despite the imputation, statistics can be very compelling. Adding a statistic to your argument […]
How an Unknown Drowning Victim Became The Most Kissed Person in the World
The young girl’s body was dragged out of the Seine River. Police investigators found no signs of trauma or a struggle. The utter absence of bruises and cuts led them to the […]
The International Organization That Makes The Pieces Fit Together
The most amazing coincidence happened to us the other day. Our mechanical pencil ran out of lead. Fortunately, our interns are always grateful for a chance to emerge from the basement and […]
Can A Person Be Shocked Back to Life After Flatlining?
How many times have you seen it? You are watching a dramatic scene that takes place in a hospital’s operating room or emergency room. The slow, steady beep of the EKG abruptly […]
Was Elizabeth I Poisoned By Her Makeup?
”If looks could kill…” No, we’re not talking about the imperious glare for which Queen Elizabeth I was feared. The killing looks in this case refer to the appearance of Her Majesty. […]
If You Swallow Gum Will It Stay In Your Stomach For Years?
“If you swallow your gum, it will stay in your stomach for ten years.” This was the sage warning given by our 7th-grade science teacher, and we took it to heart. Of […]
Warning: These Warnings Warn About Worrying Warnings
In an earlier article, we discussed the reason for the lengthy warnings that always show up at the end of pharmaceutical commercials. That did not answer the question, however, about why some […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 