What Scares You?
In the middle of Prague’s Old Town, lies the Kostel Sv. Jakuba Vetsiho (Church of St. James the Greater). The church is considered to be the most beautiful and valuable church in Prague. It is known to be the second largest church in Prague, but it is also known to be one of the scariest places in Old Town.
Imagine if you will, being a young girl, a student at an all-girls school in New Orleans, Louisiana. This was a new school, a primary school for young African-American ladies. A place to learn and grow. But unfortunately, that’s not all that would happen. You would be physically assaulted, running to your teacher with your sleeve rolled up, showing your forearm, scratched and bruised. You can’t help but cry, and when the teacher would ask, “Who did this to you?” the only thing you could say was, “That woman.” What woman would do such a thing? Who, or rather what, was in that school? What if I told you, that the school was once known as the LaLaurie Mansion?
Continue reading “The Ghosts of LaLaurie Mansion”
When we think of plants, we generally think of gardens, flowers, vegetables, and herbs. There are plants we keep in our home, in our garden, or visit when out in nature. Some plants are pretty and smell nice, some provide shade, some are even used for medicinal purposes. Then there are those we rarely think of. Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, all of which tell us in their name to stay away. There are others though, that can be far more deceiving. The Gympie-Gympie plant is an excellent example. Based on its name alone, one would think it’s something small, cute, harmless. In reality, the gympie-gympie plant is one of the most dangerous plants you can come into contact with.
Andrew Ure was born on May 18, 1778, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The son of a wealthy cheesemonger, he received an expensive education, studying at both Glasgow University and Edinburgh University. He received his MD from the University of Glasgow in 1801 before spending a brief time with the army, serving as a surgeon. In 1803, he finally settled in Glasgow; becoming a member of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons.
In 1804, at the newly formed Andersonian Institution (now the University of Strathclyde), Ure became a professor of chemistry and natural philosophy. He gave evening lectures on chemistry and mechanics, which he encouraged the average working man and woman to attend. With audiences of up to 500, his lectures inspired the foundation of numerous mechanical institutions throughout Britain.
Continue reading “Mad Scientist: Andrew Ure”
If you drink whiskey, or even if you don’t, you’re likely familiar with “Jameson Irish Whiskey.” John Jameson was born in 1740 in Alloa in Scotland. He began his career as a lawyer, but after he married Margaret Haig in 1753, his future would be forever changed. Margaret just so happened to be the daughter of John Haig, the famous whisky distiller in Scotland. In 1774, John joined the Convivial Lodge No. 202, of the Dublin Freemasons, and by 1780 his Irish whiskey distillation began. He worked for the next 41 years, building up the business, then passed it on to his son, John II in 1851.
The number of vampire movies created to date is incredible. From films based on the stories of Nosferatu and Dracula, to Camilla and Bathory, (and let’s not forget the Twilight series) vampires have enthralled audiences for years. There’s something fascinating about a creature of the night, immortal, surviving only on the life-blood of the living. Vampires are dark and sensual beings, some would even argue they’re akin to gods. But movies, and vampires, are just stories. Vampires don’t exist, to most of us.
Have you ever seen a ghost? Have you ever seen those photos posted online where someone swears there is something supernatural in it? Have you ever tried to take a picture of a ghost yourself? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we have just the game for you (and your friends). Enjoy the picture game.
When is a game no longer a game, and instead a ritual? Games and rituals have many things in common; set up, game play or ritual elements, and the end. Games are generally risk free, whereas a ritual comes with its own set of consequences – whether you complete it correctly, or not.
At a time when having a child out of wedlock was frowned upon, a time when abortion wasn’t an option. A time when contraception was either non-existent or difficult to come by. In the late 1800’s in New Zealand, this was a problem for many women. Fortunately, there was a woman willing and able to step up, step in, and help out. Introducing Minnie Dean, the Baby Farmer.
Continue reading “Minnie Dean, the Baby Farmer”
When someone passes, you can feel empty, lost, confused. In many cases, you may have questions, or even apologies to make. You can talk to the heavens, pray that they can hear you, or you can try to make a phone call. While the Shoebox Telephone doesn’t promise results, it could be worth trying.
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