Throughout history cats have made their mark. Going back to ancient Egypt, cats were revered. They played such a big role in their culture, that the mere export of cats was strictly prohibited. Further evidence can be seen in their goddess Bastet, commonly depicted as a cat, or woman with a cat’s head. Bastet was the keeper of hearth and home, a guardian against evil spirits and disease. Today, cats are mere pets, part of the family, or even bad luck, if you cross their path. Whether you love cats or hate them when it comes to the game, “Cat Scratch” it doesn’t matter.
Continue reading “Games: Cat Scratch”Mercy Brown: The Last New England Vampire
Imagine if you will, a disease so deadly, that hospitals were built specifically for those who contracted it. A disease that killed one in seven people, and those who had it, were given an 80% chance of dying. A disease that was highly contagious and believed to be genetic. A disease called “consumption” due to the rapid weight loss it caused (leading people to believe it was consuming them from the inside) in addition to fatigue, night sweats, coughing up white phlegm and in some cases, foamy blood. The disease is Tuberculosis, and in the 1800’s, was believed to be caused by vampirism. Poor Mercy Brown was thought to be one of those vampires.
Continue reading “Mercy Brown: The Last New England Vampire”Steven Stayner: Lost, Found, Freed
Today, the idea of a 7-year old walking home from school alone is almost unheard of. The world is a crazy place, full of unknown dangers. Parents today are very protective of their children, and for good reason. When 800,000 children disappear every year worldwide – 460,000 of these from the United States alone, you tend to keep your children close. But, in 1974, things were much different as the family of Steven Stayner would discover.
Continue reading “Steven Stayner: Lost, Found, Freed”What’s in the Water: Carmen Esparza
Water is the essence of life. Approximately 60% of the human body is made up of water. A person can only survive 3-4 days without water. Today, we have the convenience of buying bottled water, or getting it from the tap at home. Sure, we know what’s in our water when it comes with a label, but what about when it doesn’t?
Continue reading “What’s in the Water: Carmen Esparza”The Price of Fame: Bob Dylan
Some people, talented or not, have that “star quality” that grants them access to millions of fans, fame, and fortune. Some people have great talent and have to work hard, struggle, and fight to get to the top. Then there are those who have talent beyond measure, but for some reason just can’t grab hold of their piece of the spotlight. In these cases there are few options; keep on fighting, settle for smaller victories, or give up and pursue other aspirations. But what if there were another option?
Continue reading “The Price of Fame: Bob Dylan”The Vampire of Düsseldorf
Children are young and impressionable. They are innocent, and deserve our protection. Many would argue that parents are the first line of defense, while others will point out that some parents aren’t fit to take care of someone so precious. One thing I think both parties will agree with, is that no child should be a victim of sexual exploitation.
Continue reading “The Vampire of Düsseldorf”The Clown Motel: Haunted + Clowns
At the edge of the desert, just 80 miles north of Death Valley National Park, lies the town of Tonopah, Nevada. With a population of just 2,346 (2019), this town is considered one of the best locations in the United States for star-gazing, is known for its vast mining history, and is home to America’s scariest motel, also known as the Clown Motel.
Continue reading “The Clown Motel: Haunted + Clowns”Leonarda Cianciulli: The Soapmaker
A mother would do anything for her son. It doesn’t matter how old he gets, he will always be her baby boy. She has been there from the beginning, first to feed and care for. Next she watches over him, kissing his boo-boo’s. She watches as he grows up, meeting a girl, getting married, starting a family of his own. Through all of this, he is still her little boy. So, what would a mother do when her son is about to head off to war? Whatever it takes to keep him safe.
Continue reading “Leonarda Cianciulli: The Soapmaker”Carl Tanzler and the Corpse Bride
Love, true love, often strikes from out of nowhere. Life is grand, you’re living your life, and then boom! It smacks you. You can’t control who you fall for, and that often leads to the vow, “‘Til death do us part.” But is death truly the end of your love story? It wasn’t for Carl Tanzler.
Continue reading “Carl Tanzler and the Corpse Bride”The Scratching in Your Ear
Vacation is a wonderful time to kick back, relax, and enjoy some much needed time away from the day to day hustle and bustle. Sometimes we vacation locally, spending time at home, or at local parks and amusement parks. Sometimes vacations take you away, to another state or country to experience something entirely different from what you’re used to. One woman got more than she bargained for after her vacation to Peru.
Continue reading “The Scratching in Your Ear”