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ancient terrors

Beware the Wendigo, the Frostbitten Flesheater of North America’s Chilly Heartland

This terrifying creature has evolved over millennia—but never lost the need to feed.
October 12, 2022
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fast food

Podcast: Navajo Code Talkers Burger King

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
October 12, 2022
Gastro Obscura
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cookies

In Malta, ‘Dead Men’s Bones’ Are a Sweet, Spiritual Tradition

The cookies are just one way that the island nation remembers the dead.
October 11, 2022
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road trip

Podcast: Emily Graslie Curates a World of Wonder

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
October 11, 2022
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aboriginal

Mapping the Many Monsters of Aboriginal Australian Lore

A "terrifying pantheon" of ogres, sorcerers, and malevolent mermaids reflects a diversity in geography and environment.
October 10, 2022
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long now locations

Podcast: SubTropolis

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
October 10, 2022
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ao puzzles

Puzzle Monday: Living With the Dead in Madagascar

October 10, 2022
Gastro Obscura
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middle east

In Jordan, an Ancient Bread Tradition Rises Again

Al Barakeh Wheat Project resurrects the nation's heritage grain and, with it, a bygone communal culture.
October 7, 2022
Gastro Obscura
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jello

Meet the Duo Molding the Weird, Wondrous Future of Jelly

From disturbingly realistic gelatin portraits to a jiggling Buckingham Palace, Bompas & Parr are pushing the wobbly envelope.
October 7, 2022
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ferries

The Curse of the Viking Sally, the Baltic’s Most Ill-Starred Ship

The one-time floating pleasure palace left a legacy of murder and maritime disaster in its wake.
October 6, 2022
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ao loves halloween 2022

How Homes in Bali Are Designed for Harmony—and to Keep Demons at Bay

All the subtle ways traditional dwellings offer spiritual security.
October 6, 2022
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micro-nations

Podcast: Kalakuta Museum

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
October 6, 2022
Gastro Obscura
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halloween

In Scotland, Trick or Treaters Sing (And Tell Jokes) For Their Candy

This tradition dates back hundreds of years.
October 5, 2022
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monster mythology

Five Vampire Stories You Haven’t Heard Yet

From Dracula’s Indian inspiration to just how long it would take these mythical bloodsuckers to annihilate humanity.
October 5, 2022
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ancient terrors

Beware the Skinwalkers, Werewolf Witches of the American Southwest

These canine-humanoid shapeshifters travel between worlds using magical doors.
October 5, 2022
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library

Podcast: The Portland Treasure Map

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
October 5, 2022
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ice castles

The Time a Russian Empress Built an Ice Palace and Forced Her Jester To Get Married In It

Cruel joke, power move, or both?
October 4, 2022
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podcast

Podcast: The Battle of Atlanta Cyclorama

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
Sponsored by Discover Atlanta