World’s Strangest

1. Laika. You might have heard of little Laika, the first animal to enter the final frontier. Not much was known about space at the time – we weren’t even sure if humans could withstand entry beyond a certain point. So poor Laika the 11-pound stray dog was sent to test that out aboard Sputnik [...]

At a site south of Paris, France, archaeologists Cécile Buquet-Marcon and Anaick Samzun discovered what they believe to be evidence of a successful and intentional arm amputation: The man, who lived in the Linearbandkeramik period, when European hunter-gatherers began subsistence farming, was found to be missing his forearm and hand bones.[...] Pain-killing plants such as the hallucinogenic [...]

January is National Hot Tea Month, and to celebrate, we at Neatorama invite you to brew a cup of your favorite variety and curl up for some good old fashioned facts about one of the most popular beverages in the world — second to only water. Before we begin though, let’s make one thing clear; [...]

One of the most glorious sites in France is the Les Invalides, a complex of buildings featuring a hospital, museum, and mausoleum where the spirits of soldiers and the turbulent past of France make this site a memorable experience. The Église St. Louis des Invalides was the grand initiative of Bruant and his successor Mansart. On [...]

Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s most famous novel is Slaughterhouse-Five. You may have read it — it’s taught in many high school English classes in the U.S., though in others it has been banned. So it goes. Anyway, Slaughterhouse-Five is partially autobiographical; it’s based partly on Vonnegut’s experiences as a Prisoner of War in World War II, [...]

Cannibalism, as repulsive as it is, can be understood in cases where consuming the deceased is an alternative to certain starvation. Those who eat human flesh by choice, however, tend to be the kind of people who will torture and murder to satisfy their curiosity. Be warned that some of the following links are disturbing. 1. [...]

While we would never condone anyone breaking out of the joint, we can’t help but be impressed with these folks who did so using brains (and dental floss) over brawn. 1. FedEx-Con While in jail, accused murderer Jean-Pierre Treiber worked in the prison’s stationery manufacturing department. In September 2009, Treiber constructed a cardboard box like he did [...]

By Eric Furman Just hearing the word “champagne” conjures up images of sparkling wine, popping corks, and wild celebrations. But mentioning that other Champagne—as in the northeastern region of France—evokes a much more complex bouquet. Filled with wars, political clashes, and controversy, the bubbly region and its eponymous drink have produced a rich history worth toasting [...]

Did you know that in Switzerland people ring in the new year by dropping a dollop of cream on the floor? Or how about how Armenians bake special bread with “good luck” and “best wishes” stamped into it? We thought you didn’t. So in honor of 2010, here are 10 unusual traditions observed by different [...]

Frank Woodruff Buckles is the last living American veteran of World War I; he’s now 108 years old. He was only 16 when he enlisted, but lied about his age to Army recruiters. He drove ambulances in England and France, and escorted prisoners of war back to Germany after peace came. But WWI wasn’t the [...]