Neal Litherland

Neal Litherland

Neal Litherland has been a professional freelance writer since 2008. He received a Bachelors of Criminal Justice from Indiana University, and he's willing to follow the coin of the writing realm from reporting to fiction, and everywhere in between if the gold's good.
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Indiana University, Bachelors of Criminal Justice

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  • How to Put Someone in the Guillotine Choke Hold
    5/24/2012
    Any enthusiasts of grappling and mixed martial arts have seen the Guillotine in action, whether they know it or not. A relatively simple choke hold, it can be a fight ender if you get your hands on your opponent.
  • Cat Facts: The Amazing Superpowers Every Housecat Has
    5/24/2012
    Housecats have been companions of mankind for thousands of years, but we tend to forget that just because they tolerate us giving them silly names and wearing collars that they have an armory of abilities granted by evolution.
  • Make Money Online by Using Revenue Sharing Internet Bookmark Sites
    5/21/2012
    Creating bookmarks to your website or to your online content is a great way to increase your page views and increase your SEO standing... but what if you could get paid for the bookmarks you make? Well, you can!
  • How to Knock Someone Out with the Sleeper Hold
    5/16/2012
    The Sleeper Hold is something that was popular on televised wrestling for years, but the real move is surprisingly simple to execute... if you can get in close and get your arm in place fast enough.
  • The Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate
    5/15/2012
    Chocolate is generally lumped in with all of the other unhealthy treats and snacks that you allow yourself to indulge in... but once you see what chocolate can do for you, you might want to indulge a little more often.
  • Thor Shield: The Most Stylish Way to Stop a Taser
    5/14/2012
    Thor Shield is a revolutionary item that will change the playing field of self-defense and less-than-lethal law enforcement; body armor that will render a Taser practically useless.
  • What is a Magus? and Just Who Were the Magi?
    5/9/2012
    The word magus or magi (for plural) has come to be used in the modern day to refer to those that wield magic. However, if you track down the word, you'll see it has more spiritual connotations than modern users know.
  • Blast Knuckles: A 950,000 Volt Right Hook!
    5/7/2012
    Stun guns and Tasers have been available to the public for some time, but in the spirit of ingenuity and creativity the Blast Knuckles combine the brute force of cestus with the shocking efficiency of a lightning bolt.
  • The Fist Gun: A Hands Free Handgun
    4/13/2012
    History is full of bizarre and unusual weaponry, and the Haight Fist Gun is a footnote in a much bigger list. However, it is an interesting and bizarrely specific armament.
  • Grog: History and Recipe for This Sailor's Drink
    12/21/2011
    Grog is a label that's been stuck on everything from coffee to mixed drinks; but the origins of this unusual drink begin with the British Navy. Which is only fitting, since that's where most horrible things seem to come from.
  • The Watchmaker's Daughter - a Short Story of New Avalon, the City of Steam
    12/15/2011
    Students accepted to the University tend to be the brightest minds in a city filled with the lights of science. However, like Icarus, if you reach too high too fast you're likely to plummet. A lesson learned by the Watchmaker's Daughter.
  • Paladins: The Word for the Knights of Charlemagne
    12/12/2011
    The word paladin has come to represent the finest spirit of knighthood, men that will charge into glory despite their impending deaths. Oddly enough this word comes, not from the Medieval period, but from the Renaissance.
  • Bartitsu- the Grandaddy of MMA
    12/12/2011
    Bartitsu, practiced by the great detective Sherlock Holmes, was invented by William Barton-Wright around the turn of the 20th century. Lost to time, it was nearly a hundred years ahead of the mixed martial arts curve.
  • Kick Your Sex Drive into High Gear with Exercise, Studies Say
    12/7/2011
    Sexual health is an important aspect of your body and your life. For those looking for a way to remain active and healthy in bed, the key might be getting to the gym a little more often.
  • The Juggernaut - the Unstoppable Force of ... Krishna?
    12/7/2011
    The idea of a juggernaut is of something unstoppable, a great force that crushes all who get in its way. However, despite the overwhelmingly European sound of the word, it's a reference to Indian culture and religion.
  • Fencing Rapiers: An Evolution of the Sword Spurred by the Gun
    12/7/2011
    Rapiers are famous parts of history today, seen used by Renaissance heroes like the Three Musketeers, and villains like the Phantom of the Opera. However, this unusual sword developed in response to the gun.
  • The Net Gun: A Great Non-Lethal Form of Self Defense
    12/5/2011
    When you hear the term net gun it sounds like something out of a 1960s comic book. However, these inventions are real, and they're used all over the world as a less than lethal solution in dangerous situations.
  • Grimalkin: Witch Familiars or Old, Ornery Cats?
    12/5/2011
    Grimalkins, or greymalkins, are thought by many to be the angry, ill tempered feline familiars of witches. However we can probably blame Shakespeare, and in a roundabout way Scotland, for this word.
  • The Origin of Swashbuckling: Nothing to Do with Pirates!
    12/5/2011
    The word swashbuckling has become associated with acts of derring do and masterful sword play. In fact, when it first showed up in English, it meant more or less the exact opposite of these things.
  • Ninja Facts: A List of Things You THINK You Know About Japan's Shinobi
    12/1/2011
    Ninja have become a central theme in the consciousness of America and other Western countries. Of course what you think of when you think of ninja is most likely cut with enough myth to kill the truth.
  • The Hand of Glory: A Grisly Black Magick Charm
    12/1/2011
    The Hand of Glory, the severed hand of a hanged murderer altered and preserved with magic, is one of the gorier myths of black witchcraft. And unlike many supposed rituals, there are still examples of these hands in museums.
  • What is a Witch?
    11/28/2011
    Witches are one of the traditional bogeymen that we see in most folklore... however the modern word and how it transformed over time reflects how the idea of what a witch is also changed.
  • Dead Man's Bluff- a Wild Tale of the Weird West
    11/20/2011
    James Garnett is just one more professional gambler making his way across the cow towns of the West. But just because you don't believe in luck doesn't mean it doesn't believe in you; and Garnett's luck is about to turn bad.
  • What is a Wizard?
    11/8/2011
    The word wizard conjurers up the image of an old man with a long white beard who tends to be wise in the ways of magic, science or both. But why do these particular images come to mind?
  • What is the Pirate Code?
    11/8/2011
    The idea of a "pirate code" is a relatively modern invention. However if you dig back a little bit further, you can find the bedrock that the myth is built upon in the golden age of piracy.
  • What is an Ogre?
    11/7/2011
    Ogres are known in folklore as giant, brutish creatures with unholy appetites for human flesh. Of course the origin of the word itself comes from only a few hundred years ago.
  • Kali: Hindu Death Goddess
    11/2/2011
    Hindu mythology can seem complicated, particularly to those not familiar with Indian history and culture. However Kali is perhaps one of the most recognizable figures in the Western world, despite how little of her myth is known.
  • What is the Krampus?
    11/2/2011
    Santa Claus may be the hero of Christmas, but you can't be a hero without a villain. And in the case of Old Saint Nick he has the oft forgotten Krampus to punish all of the naughty children.
  • Who Are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?
    11/2/2011
    The Four Horsemen of the apocalypse have become such a large part of Christian mythology that no one seems to notice the liberties that have been taken for creative license.
  • Pirate Costume and Buccaneer Fashion: What Did Pirates Wear and Why?
    11/1/2011
    The traditional image we have of pirates is typically of a man dressed in a variety of colors, with an eye patch and an ear ring swinging a cutlas. Of course we have to examine where these ideas come from and what purpose they might serve.
  • Tears of Pandora- a Steampunk Short Story of the City of New Avalon
    11/1/2011
    Alchemist's Alley is a place where the unreal can become commonplace. But if you buy a dream from an alchemist you'd best bite the coin to be sure that what you have is in fact what you wanted.
  • What is a Sorcerer?
    10/30/2011
    The word sorcerer has generally come to mean a person that uses magic in some way. However, if you track it back through the etymology, you'll find it has a very specific meaning.
  • The Gadsden Flag- a History of "Don't Tread on Me"
    10/28/2011
    The Gadsden flag is very easily identified, since it sports a rattlesnake and a yellow background with the proud blazon, "Don't Tread On Me." Of course the history of this flag shows that it was an early rallying point for Americans.
  • What is the Flying Dutchman- Has Science Solved the Mystery?
    10/28/2011
    The legend of the Flying Dutchman has been around since the 1700s, kept alive in the stories of sailors who had traveled the world and seen it all. But has science put this ghost ship to rest?
  • Winchester House: The Strangest Haunted House in America
    10/24/2011
    Sarah Winchester, the window who inherited the Winchester fortune, became convinced that she was being haunted by all those killed by the company guns. So to confuse the dead she took all of her money and built a house for them.
  • The Origin of the Confederate Flag
    10/24/2011
    There has been a lot of argument over the Confederate flag... of course it would help if the argument was ever about the right flag in the first place.
  • The History of the Anarchist Cookbook
    10/21/2011
    The Anarchist Cookbook has achieved a lot of infamy over the years. The sheer amount of violence associated with it is astounding, but even more so once you realize how wildly inaccurate and dangerous using the book can be.
  • What is a Troll? A Lesser Known Part of Norse Mythology
    10/20/2011
    Though ubiquitous today, the word troll is actually a survivor from a very, very long ago age. When Vikings roamed the seas on the dragon-prowed ships, they knew strange beings hid in the forests. Those beings were trolls.
  • Who was Davy Jones?
    10/19/2011
    The character of Davy Jones is best known to the current generation due to his appearance in the film "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." However, Jones was a sailor's myth long before this.
  • Racism and Segregation: The Origin of the Christian Right
    10/19/2011
    The religious right is a huge force in American politics. You can barely read a newspaper or watch television without seeing some argument or debate going on. However, the movement all began to defend a single, racist act.
  • The Dead Man's Hand: A Poker Urban Legend
    10/18/2011
    Wild Bill Hickok was a famous Western figure that died in an unfortunately common way for the time; shot in the back. However, part of his legend involves the Poker hand he was holding when he died.
  • Caffeine Cures ADHD, Cancer, Asthma Attacks, Headaches and Monday Mornings!
    10/17/2011
    Caffeine is perhaps the most ubiquitous stimulant in the modern day. However, as science has proved, it goes way beyond getting rid of your early morning hangover. It can in fact help you fight almost any sort of condition, from ADHD to Cancer.
  • Jesus Christ, Socialist?
    10/5/2011
    There has been a lot of bandying around with the question "what would Jesus do?" and despite separate church and state he's mentioned almost everywhere. Where then is the mandate of charity that seems to fill the new testament?
  • The Medusa Model 47: A Revolver that Will Fire Anything!
    10/4/2011
    The Medusa Model 47 was a revolver that had the unique ability to fire at lest 25 different types of ammunition ranging from the .380 to the .357 Magnum round. Unfortunately due to lack of demand, it's a footnote in history.
  • Love is a Broken Clock- a Romance in the City of Steam
    10/4/2011
    In New Avalon, the city of steam, anything is possible. Even in the decrepit remains of the old boilerhouses and machine shops called the Grates you can find miracles to lift the heart. If you look hard enough.
  • History of the Jack O Lantern
    10/4/2011
    Jack O Lanterns, faces put on carved out pumpkins, are perhaps one of the most traditional images associated with Halloween. The story traces back a long ways, though not quite as far back as the holiday's roots.
  • Cotard Syndrome: A Unique Form of Depression
    10/3/2011
    Originally thought to have been a unique form of depression, Cotard's disease is a mental disorder where the person feeling it fully believes they're dead. This comes with a whole host of supporting delusions.
  • The History and Origin of Halloween
    9/26/2011
    Halloween is often thought of as a children's holiday, or at least one that's purely secular in nature. However if you trace is back, All Hallows began as a pagan Celtic ceremony with many elements that survive to this day.
  • Science and Sex: Birth Control Options for Men
    9/26/2011
    Though women have had reliable chemical birth control since the 1960s, the other shoe's been threatening to drop for decades. Though very few methods are complete, science is working on contraception for men.
  • Mistranslated Bible Quotes: "Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch to Live"
    9/26/2011
    The phrase from the King James Bible "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live," has lead to a lot of tension, animosity and violence over the centuries. Even today this quote causes problems; ironic because it's mistranslated.
  • How Do Bullets Come Out of a Gun?
    9/22/2011
    Guns have been a popular weapon for centuries, and today they're created in record numbers and variety. However all guns essentially work on the same principles.
  • Pirate Flags: Origin of the Jolly Roger
    9/22/2011
    The term "Joly Roger" has been attached to pirate flags for what some people think of as time immemorial. However, there are several theories as to where this particular nickname had its origin.
  • Halloween Stories: The Facts on "Dangerous" Candy
    9/21/2011
    The myth of deadly, poisoned or otherwise booby trapped candy has been with us for more than half a century in America... which is amazing since it's never, ever happened in the way the media portrays.
  • Ragnarok: The Last Battle of Norse Mythology
    9/21/2011
    Ragnarok is the last battle between the forces of the gods and the forces of the giants in Norse mythology. Rather than being an end to everything though, it is an end to one cycle and the beginning of another.
  • The Shroud of Turin: The Truth About the 'Relic'
    9/19/2011
    The Shroud of Turin is thought by many people to be one of the holiest artifacts in existence, proof of Jesus' existence. Unfortunately basic observation and science, combined with history, exploded this decades ago.
  • What is Mace? How Does Pepper Spray Work?
    9/15/2011
    Pepper spray and mace are two popular products for self defense that are less than lethal. However, it always pays to know about a tool before you think about using it yourself.
  • The Malleus Maleficarum: A Witch Hunter's Guide to Prosecution, Torture and Confession
    9/15/2011
    The Malleus Maleficarum was one of the most popular books for "exposing" witches and heretics during the witch craze in Europe, and to a lesser extent in England. Modern curiosity has lead to a re-reading and to horror at what was done.
  • Mammon: A Demon that Brings Wealth?
    9/13/2011
    The Bible is full of the mentions of devils and demons, few of which are mentioned by name. Mammon is not one of these, but pop culture has turned this simple word into the name of a powerful devil.
  • Goliath of Gath: A Real Giant or a Biblical Metaphor?
    9/12/2011
    The story of David and Goliath is one of the most popular and well known stories from the bible. But the question of our villain, and whether or not he was real, has lead to a lot of speculation.
  • Iblis: The "Satan" of Islam
    9/6/2011
    Islam, Judaism and Christianity are all Abrahamic faiths that worship the same God. Nowhere is this clearer than in comparing the stories of the Christian Satan to the Muslim Iblis. It's evil-by-the-numbers.
  • What is a Taser? How Does a Stun Gun Work?
    9/6/2011
    Taser, which is an acronym for a space-aged weapon given to a modern less-than-lethal-device, seem to fill the niche between guns and non-violence perfectly. But before you go out to buy one, you should understand how they work.
  • Baron Samedi: A Voodoo Loa of Death, Sex and Saturday Night
    9/6/2011
    Baron Samedi is one of the most easily recognizable of the loa, the powerful spirits or gods that are recognized in the religion of voodoo. A man in tails with no eyes and a skull face has been a favorite among Hollywood horrors that don't do him justice.
  • The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: Origins and Overview
    9/2/2011
    The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is arguably one of the most influential groups of philosophers and cultural contributors to shape Western ideas of the occult and mysticism. Of course, much of what we know now is smoke and mirrors.
  • Nephilim: The Sons of God- Angels or Aliens?
    8/31/2011
    The word Nephilm, found prominently in Genesis, is often traslated as "giants," but there is a lot of speculation as to just who or what the Nephilim are. Angels, aliens, a secret line of royalty? Or something else?
  • Leviathan: Another Dinosaur in the Bible?
    8/25/2011
    The beast Leviathan is a greatly feared creature in the Bible, mentioned as many as 7 times (more than the archangels). However, could what the ancient peoples thought was a demon in fact be a dinosaur?
  • Surtur: King of the Fire Giants in Norse Mythology
    8/25/2011
    Surtur is the king of the fire giants in Norse mythology. A powerful, though usually distant force Surtur is really only mentioned when it comes to talk of Ragnarok, and what he will do when that day arrives.
  • Beelzebub; Lord of the Flies or Demonized Pagan God?
    8/24/2011
    Beelzebub, commonly referred to as the Lord of the Flies both by biblical scholars as well as by popular fiction such as Milton's "Paradise Lost," is depicted as a lord of demons. However, he was originally a Lord among gods.
  • Behemoth in the Bible; Job and the Dinosaur?
    8/22/2011
    Science and theology often disagree on many things... but when you use scientific fact to interpret biblical passages, all can be made much clearer. Especially with the information we have now that they didn't have then.
  • Why is Magic Sometimes Spelled Magick?
    8/22/2011
    The practice of spelling the word magic with a more esoteric looking -ck on the end of it is a practice that has plagued modern paganism. However, the reasons behind the spelling change are as much stylistic as practical.
  • The Spear of Destiny: A Product of Conspiracy Theories and Misinterpretation
    8/22/2011
    The Bible is supposed to be the handbook of Christianity, the text where lessons are drawn and history found. However, huge swaths of modern Christianity are made up of conjecture and fantasy; parts like the Spear of Destiny.
  • What was the Mark of Cain?
    8/22/2011
    Early on in Genesis, after the first murder of Abel by his brother Cain, it is said that God placed a mark on Cain's forehead to ensure he would not be killed. But just what, exactly, is this mark?
  • Forseti: The Norse God of Justice
    8/17/2011
    Norse mythology is a rich collection of epic tales and heroic successes. However, even the gods had to deal with the more hum-drum parts of life, including legal battles and accusations. Forseti, god of justice, was the arbiter in such matters.
  • The Devil Azazel: The Corruptor of Men and Leader of Fallen Angels
    8/15/2011
    The Bible, the Koran and the Torah all contain references to events that happened in the Abrahamic faith. One figure in that faith that isn't talked about much is Azazel, a fallen angel who bestowed knowledge on man.
  • The Origin of Gargoyles: Practical Protectors
    8/12/2011
    Gargoyles have been used since ancient times, but the gargoyles served a purpose beyond mere decoration. And this practical use may have given rise to the idea of gargoyles as mystical protectors.
  • The Alfar: The Origin of Elves
    8/12/2011
    The idea of elves, even down to the language used, comes from the Viking mythology. Far from being tiny, weak creatures though, Alfar were demi-gods and spirits, who held very important places in the world's cosmology.
  • The Origin of the Barber's Pole: Bloodletting and Hair Cutting
    8/9/2011
    The barber's pole is perhaps one of the oldest symbols of a profession that we have today. However, while everyone knows what the pole means, most people don't think about the grisly connotations it has.
  • Bragi, the Norse God of Poetry and Eloquence
    8/8/2011
    The god of eloquence and poetry, in addition to the patron of skalds, was said to be Bragi. However, some theorize that he was a man who, through time, achieved the status of a god.
  • Spring Heel Jack; One of London's First Terrors in the Night
    8/6/2011
    Urban legends fascinate and horrify in equal measure in the modern day, but many urban legends have at least a toe hold in reality. The continuing legend of Spring Heel Jack, who originated in London, makes us wonder where he sprang from.
  • The Archangel Uriel: The 4th Archangel
    8/6/2011
    Archangels are the most powerful sort of angel. There is some argument about how many there are, and what they do, but reaching outside of biblical canon brings a lot of additional angels to the table. Like Uriel.
  • What Are Voodoo Dolls?
    8/4/2011
    Voodoo dolls are perhaps one of the more famous or infamous tools of voodoo, which is ironic because they originally came from Europe. But the magic is no less potent for the mixing and merging.
  • Ever Wonder Why You Throw Coins into a Wishing Well?
    7/31/2011
    Wishing wells are everywhere, and there are some that would argue any well open to the public can operate as a wishing well. But why do we throw in coins, close our eyes and make a wish? The answer, like the wells, is very old.
  • Arabic Mythology: The Ifrit
    7/31/2011
    In both Middle Eastern mythology and in the Koran there are mentions of beings called Ifrit. Though often depicted as brutal and wicked, there is nothing that states Ifrit must act in such a manner.
  • The Baphomet: The "Demon" of the Knights Templar
    7/31/2011
    The Baphomet, despite popular theories and occult stories, is actually a creature that was made up whole cloth from the threads of desperation spun under torture.
  • Nuada of the Silver Hand, the King of the Tuatha De Danann
    7/31/2011
    Nuada, said by some to be the first king of the Tuatha De Danann when they came to Ireland, is a powerful mythological figure. His story is one which bleeds into many other stories of the pantheon, granting him a sort of immortality.
  • The Valknot: Odin's Mark and the Symbol of Heathen Conviction
    7/30/2011
    The Valknot, or Valknut, is a symbol associated with the Norse god Odin, and with the death of warriors. However, there are many potential interpretations for this powerful, ancient symbol.
  • The Origin of the Scottish Claymore
    7/25/2011
    The claymore is perhaps the most easily recognized weapon of Scotland, second only to the dirk. However, the weapon is actually newer than many people think, but still far older than the kilt.
  • The Archangel Raphael; Healer, Protector and Guardian Angel
    7/25/2011
    Though some faithful believe there is only a single archangel, other schools believe there are 7 that stand before the lord's throne. One of them is Raphael, the archangel of healing and protection.
  • Meat Made from Poop... Safe or Tasty?
    7/18/2011
    In Japan it appears that innovation has taken the driver's seat away from what most people would call common sense to come up with a renewable and useful purpose for human excrement. What was created is cyclical eating.
  • The Hitch Hiker- More Urban Legends that Barely Happened
    7/18/2011
    Of all the popular urban legends in America, a number of them seem to involve a hitch hiking serial killer and/or rapist. However, the stories seem to be rooted in a single event, and in some cases no event at all.
  • The Celtic Goddess Brigid
    7/16/2011
    Celtic myth, though most of it was lost because so little was written down or remembered, is still a powerful source of religious conviction even in the modern world. And perhaps the most enduring goddess is now called Saint Brigid.
  • What Does the Bible REALLY Say About Homosexuality?
    7/14/2011
    In the United States the Bible and the teachings in it are often used to alienate and dehumanize those of homosexual orientation. However, if you study the verses, the history, the meaning and the context, it's clear that isn't what's being said.
  • Idun, the Norse Goddess of Youth and Immortality
    7/9/2011
    In almost every religion, the gods are considered immortal or close enough so that it doesn't matter. But it's telling that in Norse mythology the gods aren't simply born that way; they have to eat the golden apples to stay young.
  • What is a Familiar, and What Does it Do?
    7/9/2011
    Part of the legends of witchcraft, perhaps stemming all the way from mythology, is the myth of a familiar. A spirit in the form of an animal that witches are given to assist in their magic. The opinions and feelings on them vary.
  • The Archangel Gabriel: The Herald Angel of Mercy
    7/8/2011
    Though there is an argument as to how many archangels there are that appear in the Bible, most scholars agree that Gabriel is one of the most important members of the divine host.
  • What is the Difference Between Communism and Socialism?
    7/6/2011
    Ever since the 1960s the words socialism and communism have been political swears in America. However, as a result of this a huge portion of the population actually has no idea what socialism or communism actually espouses.
  • The History of the U.S. Motto "In God We Trust."
    6/30/2011
    The phrase "In God We Trust," is a familiar phrase to any American that's ever had pocket change. But the phrase, far from being a declaration of faith, is perhaps the biggest piece of propaganda in America.
  • The Origin of the Word Lesbian; Where Does it Come From?
    6/30/2011
    The person from the island of Lesbos, a small place in the Aegean sea off the coast of Turkey, is what the word lesbian originally meant. But due to one famous resident, that meaning changed in the 1800s.
  • What is the Difference Between a Devil and a Demon?
    6/26/2011
    In modern context the words demon and devil are used fairly interchangeably, but this is actually a failing to understand the nuances of words, as well as the intricacies of the explanation given in the Bible.
  • Valhalla: Odin's Hall and Place of the Honored Dead
    6/26/2011
    Valhalla is the hall of the god Odin in Norse mythology. While he lives in the hall, and keeps many items of power there, it is also where he trains his army of fallen warriors and where great feasts are held each night.
  • The Hook: A Terrifying Urban Legend
    6/26/2011
    "The Hook" is one of the major American urban legends that's circulated, and it's become imbedded in our mass culture, seen in "Candyman," and "I Know What You Did Last Summer". However, there's no proof of something like it ever happening.
  • Who is Dagda, 'the Good God,' of the Ancient Celts?
    6/24/2011
    Dagda, often mentioned in legends of the ancient Celts, is one of the most powerful gods of the Tuatha De Danann. And unlike many other gods, Dagda appears to have been created to be the best at everything there is.
  • Some of the Most Insane Medical Practices Ever
    6/24/2011
    Medical history is filled with insane ideas, crackpot philosophies and people taking their health into their own hands. It's no wonder that anyone who looks at the pedigree of modern medicine might feel a little wary.
  • Aegir and Ran, the God and Goddess of the Ocean
    6/24/2011
    Aegir and his wife Ran are depicted as the rulers of the deep oceans in Norse mythology. However, there are thoughts and hints that these two might personify forces older even than the gods.
  • The Origin of the .357 Magnum
    6/24/2011
    Guns are tools that mankind has used for centuries now, and the changes that came to firearm technology can be traced directly to the need that the guns fulfilled. As such, the .357 Magnum is a place holder in the early days of organized crime.
  • Devilish Names: Why Lucifer is NOT the Name of Satan
    6/24/2011
    The Bible is the source material for the Christian faith, but it can only be as good as the translators. Unfortunately big mistakes, such as the name Lucifer, sometimes show up and get blown quite far out of proportion.
  • The Golem: A Man of Clay that Has No Soul
    6/24/2011
    The golem is a creature of Jewish mythology, and while it is often depicted as a helpful servant, it is also shown as a force that can slip the leash and run amok among the people it was meant to protect.
  • What is the G Spot and How Do You Find It?
    6/20/2011
    The G Spot wasn't made popular until the 1980s when it was put in a book about sex and sexuality titled "The G Spot and Other Recent Discoveries About Human Sexuality." Finding the spot's easier than finding the book.
  • The Lilim- Children of Lilith
    6/13/2011
    Lilith is the supposed first wife of Adam. While her name is listed once in the Bible she is an important figure that's meant to demonize the goddesses of older religions and instill fear in couples to maintain proper sexual practices.
  • Who is Bloody Mary?
    6/13/2011
    Bloody Mary is a popular campfire story told in a number of places. Though there may once have been a local figure she was based off of, there appears to be no one, agreed upon person that is Mary.
  • The War on Women: Actions and Consequences of Abortion Legislation
    6/8/2011
    Abortion is a divisive issue in America, and it always has been. However, with the actions that have been taken by the right wing and conservative movement, it's become clear that someone isn't looking at consequences.
  • The Morrigan, Celtic Goddess of Battle, Death, Fate and Fertility
    6/5/2011
    The Morrigan is perhaps one of the best known members of the Tuatha De Danann, the pantheon of old Celtic gods. Though terrible, the Morrigan is also powerful and occasionally beneficial to those who worship her.
  • Just How Healthy is Soy for You?
    6/5/2011
    Eating healthy is very important, and you need to balance out what you take in. While some people swear by soy for diet and weight loss, there are two sides to the soy coin when you flip it.
  • Why Are Prostitutes Called Hookers?
    6/1/2011
    The word hooker has been used to describe sex workers for more than 100 years now... but there are a variety of theories and coincidences about where this particular term came from.
  • Skadi, the Goddess of Winter and Daughter of the Frost Giants
    5/16/2011
    Norse myth shows several shots of the gods and the giants at war and uneasy peace. One of the most famous stand offs happened between the Aesir and the daughter of the frost giant Thiassi.
  • Who is Michael, the Archangel?
    5/16/2011
    Though seen as a patron saint and angel that looks out for victims of violence and those who fight evil, Michael's mentions in the source material of the Bible are few and far between, making us wonder where all this hype comes from.
  • What is a Succubus, and Her Counterpart the Incubus?
    5/14/2011
    The legends of demons that attack people in their sleep have been around since the times of the Old Testament, but the succubi and the incubi are still fairly well known, even if people don't remember where the legends came from.
  • Uller, Stepson of Thor and God of Winter
    5/11/2011
    Norse mythology is filled with stories of gods and goddesses. Some of them are in nearly every story, and others, though important and powerful, only show up in a handful. Uller is one of those gods.
  • The Salem Witch Trials: Truth About the Trials
    5/10/2011
    The Salem Witch Hunt is perhaps one of the most well-remembered panics in the history of the United States. While many people have romanticized or fictionalized the accounts, what actually happened is an unfortunate pattern in the United States.
  • Anabolic Steroids: Is Roid Rage Real?
    5/10/2011
    Roid rage, a phenomenon that's used to describe when users of steroids lose all control and go berserk, is something that's been hyped by the media. However, science and anecdotes alike both agree that this is rarely if ever the case.
  • The Slender Man: Internet Meme or Rising Conspiracy Theory?
    5/9/2011
    Though he originally began as an Internet meme, the Slender Man has risen to the point that most people who spend time online recognize him, and many who don't also know the bizarre, child stealing figure.
  • Who was Lilith?
    5/7/2011
    The story of Lilith is often thought to be biblical in nature, however there is a lot of argument and controversy over just where she comes from and what, exactly, Lilith is or was.
  • Who Are the Einherjar?
    5/5/2011
    Though there are many options for your afterlife in Norse mythology, the manner in which you die will decide largely where you go. The Einherjar are those who are selected for one of the highest honors.
  • Riding Shotgun: The Origin and Meaning of the Phrase
    5/5/2011
    While calling out "shotgun" is common practice for reserving the front passenger seat in a car, the actual origin of where the phrase came from is not as simple as it might first appear.
  • Heimdall, the Guardian of the Norse Gods
    5/5/2011
    Guardians are a common theme in myth and legend, and it's rare to find a mythology where at least one god isn't the one that stands watch over the world and the other gods. In Norse myth, that position is held by Heimdall.
  • Why is the Mad Hatter Mad?
    5/5/2011
    While most people know of Lewis Carroll's famous character the Mad Hatter, most people don't know why the hatter is mad, and that the character is actually a representation of a hazard of the job.
  • What is Nymphomania?
    4/29/2011
    Nymphomania is often regarded as a mental and sexual disorder that leads women to be increasingly sexually active, often with several partners at once. However, this disease has been debunked and debated for centuries.
  • Who is the Norse God Njord?
    4/26/2011
    Njord is one of three Vanir deities which came to Asgard after the end of the great war between the Aesir and the Vanir. Njord and his two children bore this unique responsibility and were welcomed among the Aesir.
  • Who Are the Old Celtic Gods, the Tuatha De Danann?
    4/24/2011
    Old Irish myths are full of the strange beings called the Tuatha De Danann. However, the view of this race has altered many times over the years, until no one can be sure if they are gods, or simply the Fair Folk.
  • What is a Ghoul?
    4/21/2011
    Though the word ghoul is often used in modern context, very few people seem to know the exact nature of what a ghoul is, and what it supposedly does that makes it so monstrous.
  • Who is Hermod, the Messenger of the Norse Gods?
    4/19/2011
    Though not mentioned often in the great Norse sagas, Hermod does play a central role in one of the main turning points in Norse mythology.
  • Did Prohibition Create Nascar?
    4/19/2011
    While it's one of those unusual historical coincidences, yes, if not for the 18th amendment chances are that Nascar as we know it would be a very different beast.
  • Where Did Teddy Bears Come From?
    4/15/2011
    While most people grew up with a stuffed bear or other animal, an actual Teddy bear wouldn't have existed before the year 1902, according to the historical accounts.
  • Where Did the Days of the Week Come From?
    4/15/2011
    The days of the week that we have on our calendars were named by peoples much older than we are. However, the origin of just where the names came from, and in what language, is a study in cultural evolution.
  • Who is Vidar, the Silent God?
    4/15/2011
    The prophecy of Ragnarok in Norse mythology is a major part of the religion. In fact the prophecy lead many of the gods to make a variety of preparations, including insuring the birth of new gods like Vidar.
  • What is the Significance of the Ace of Spades?
    4/14/2011
    The Ace of Spades is perhaps the most famous card in a deck of cards. However, that history has a surprising number of twists and turns in it.
  • What is the Nutritional Value of Drinking Blood?
    4/10/2011
    Many people claim that they have to drink blood from other people in order to gain energy and health. However, scientifically there isn't much to support this claim.
  • Who is Jormundgand, the World Serpent?
    4/9/2011
    Jormundgand is one of the most dangerous and lethal creatures in all of Norse mythology. However, what he represents and what he is mythologically speaking is complicated at best.
  • Smoking Culture: Are Cigars and Pipes Healthier Than Cigarettes?
    4/8/2011
    There's a perception among many people that smoking cigars or pipes is not only more retro, but it's healthier for the smoker. However, examining the facts shows that this simply isn't true.
  • The Origin of Mountain Dew
    4/7/2011
    Mountain Dew is a trademarked soda that's as famous as any in the Pepsi company's line. However, the drink was responsible for saving a fledgling company from going under before it became a soda celebrity.
  • The Origin of Tarot Cards
    4/6/2011
    Tarot cards are one of the most common forms of divination that people use today for spiritual and magical purposes. However, the origin of the deck has very humble origins.
  • Was the United States Founded as a Christian Nation?
    4/5/2011
    Though many people argue that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, there is very little historically speaking to support this viewpoint, and a lot to discredit its validity.
  • Where Did the Joker Come From?
    4/5/2011
    The modern deck of cards is something that almost everyone is familiar with... but very few people actually know where the cards in the deck come from. The Joker, though famous, is one of these cards.
  • Who is Fenrir?
    4/4/2011
    In Norse mythology one of the greatest threats to the world's safety and continued existence is a monstrous wolf called Fenrir, the son of Loki. Though eventually bound, Fenrir is destined to escape at Ragnarok.
  • What Did Jesus Christ Really Look Like?
    4/4/2011
    Modern artistic interpretations of Jesus Christ give him a variety of looks... however if you read through the Bible, there are some very subtle clues that should give you a hint as to his real appearance.
  • What is a Blue Moon?
    4/3/2011
    The saying "once in a blue moon" is a common phrase... but most people who use it don't even know what it refers to.
  • What is Opus Dei?
    3/29/2011
    There are a number of organizations within any religion that may seem strange, secret and even nefarious to many people. Among Catholics Opus Dei is one of the well known, but poorly understood societies.
  • Where Did the Suits of Hearts, Spades, Clubs and Diamonds Come From?
    3/28/2011
    The modern deck of cards is a commonly known accessory for gaming of all varieties, but the suits we have today are shrouded in as much mystery as where playing cards themselves have come from.
  • Why is Hemp Illegal?
    3/28/2011
    Most people assume that hemp and marijuana are the same thing, but they're not. Not only is hemp not a drug, but it has a slew of other uses that are all being banned by the U.S. government.
  • Why Do Men like Big Breasts?
    3/25/2011
    The question of whether or not "more than a handful" is really too much has been debated hotly by humanity for years. However, a man's (or woman's) preference for large breasts might be more than just a personal taste.
  • How Does "Natural Family Planning" Work for Conception and Birth Control?
    3/24/2011
    Natural Family Planning, or NFP as it's commonly called, is a form of birth control that utilizes the naturally occurring rhythms in a woman's body to either assist in or prevent pregnancy. While there are horror stories and skeptics, it works for some.
  • Who Were the Norse Gods Balder and Hod?
    3/24/2011
    Norse mythology has an enduring legend of Ragnarok, the last battle at the end of the world. One of the first signs of this apocalypse concerns Balder, the god of beauty and light and his twin brother Hod.
  • Who is the Suicide King?
    3/22/2011
    There's a lot of myth and legend surrounding a traditional playing card deck, ranging from who the royalty is supposed to be to why the portraits are shown the way they are. The King of Hearts is one such card.
  • Who is Frey, the Norse God of Fertility and Prosperity?
    3/21/2011
    Though not as often followed as his sister, Frey is the male half of fertility, nature and seasonal change. Also of the Vanir, Frey is a major god whose place in the end times is set in stone.
  • What is Aspartame? What Does it Actually Do?
    3/21/2011
    Aspartame is a big ingredient in many diet sodas because it cuts calories to nearly nil, and it takes genuine sugar out of the equation. However, there are many people who simply don't trust the stuff.
  • Who was William Wallace?
    3/19/2011
    William Wallace, who's been immortalized in a number of different tales and legends, is considered one of the most famous heroes of Scotland. However, not much is actually known about this heroic rebel.
  • What's so Special About One-Eyed Jacks?
    3/16/2011
    The phrase "one-eyed Jacks" has become an embedded part of card playing lingo... but what is the actual significance of the phrase beyond that?
  • Who is Hel, the Norse Goddess of Death?
    3/12/2011
    While there are many potential places for those who die in the afterworlds of Norse mythology, Helheim, ruled by the goddess Hel, is by far one of the worst fates for any Northman.
  • What is a Knave? and Why is He a Jack?
    3/10/2011
    Everyone knows who the King and the Queen are... but who exactly is the Jack in playing card decks? Answering that question might require turning back the pages and taking a look at how playing cards became what they are today.
  • Who is Frigga, the Queen of the Norse Gods?
    3/9/2011
    Frigga, or simply Frigg, was the wife of Odin and queen of the gods in Norse mythology. However she is a complicated deity, with a great deal of roles in the complex mythology of the Vikings.
  • Sif: More Than Just Thor's Wife
    3/7/2011
    Sif, the Norse goddess who was the wife of Thor, is often seen as a sideline to the main mythology. However, there is compelling evidence that she is in fact a major figure among the Aesir.
  • Staring at Boobs Helps You Live Longer!
    3/5/2011
    It's no secret that sex and sexual arousal is good for you. However, a German study shows that sometimes just thinking about sex can lead to a healthier life.
  • The Myth of Mead
    3/3/2011
    Despite the traditional cultural image that mead has, it's actually a very fine that is both expensive and difficult to make. Which, if you listen to the myth of how it was made, only makes sense.
  • Where Did Easter Come From?
    3/2/2011
    While Easter is celebrated by Christians as a sign of Jesus's resurrection and the end of Lent... the Christian faith is only the latest in a long line to take a whack at the dead horse of spring celebrations.
  • Who was Tyr, the One-Handed Norse God?
    3/1/2011
    While some gods are more famous than others, there is no one in the Norse pantheon who was willing to make as great a sacrifice, or to show as much bravery, as Tyr. Though beyond the loss of his hand, not much is concrete.
  • What is the Wild Hunt?
    2/27/2011
    Though the face and description of the Wild Hunt change from one locale to another, belief in this mystical chase across the winds was once spread across most of Europe, especially concentrated in the North.
  • Who Were the Jesuits?
    2/24/2011
    The Jesuits, who have remained a powerful force in the Catholic church almost since their creation, have been made much of in speculation and rumor. The facts, though, are not as sensational.
  • The American Myth: Censorship in the Classroom
    2/24/2011
    When you think of censorship images of movie rating systems or books being taken off shelves comes to mind. But the results of censorship in school, and the waves it generates, can have many adverse effects.
  • The Birth Control Shot: Protection Over Time
    2/24/2011
    There are a number of birth control options available, but the birth control shot, which comes in 1 month and 3 month dose options, is considered to be one of the better methods available.
  • Who Were the Goths?
    2/23/2011
    The goths were a tribe of barbarians who came from Northern Europe, originating in Scandinavia. In less than a handful of centuries they became the most prominent kingdoms in Europe, only to be lost again soon after.
  • Real Vampires: What is a Psychic Vampire?
    2/22/2011
    While many people may not be aware of it there is a sub-culture of people who live and breathe as avowed vampires. One of these versions, the so-called "psychic" vampire is growing in popularity as a movement.
  • Obama and Guns: The "Plot" to Take Away American's Guns Explained
    2/22/2011
    There has been a lot of rumbling and fist shaking about the supposed "crack down" on guns since President Obama took office. However, if you back up and wave away the smoke the issue's easier to see clearly.
  • What is MSG? Is it Bad for You?
    2/21/2011
    MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a chemical that's added to a lot of food such as processed meat and Chinese food. Many people claim that this chemical is harmful and should be avoided at all costs, but what's the truth?
  • Why is Red Lipstick Sexy?
    2/18/2011
    Two of the most popular looks in makeup are red lipstick and slick looking lip gloss. It's not an accident that men are attracted to these looks either.
  • The Origin of St. Patrick's Day
    2/18/2011
    St. Patrick's Day has spread to large partis of the globe, spanning the United Kingdom, America, Canada, Australia, Japan and even Russia. However, how this holiday began and just who St. Patrick was are still rather vague.
  • What is Hell Like? What Does the Bible Really Say?
    2/17/2011
    The commonly accepted view of hell in the West is an endless pit of fire, death, agony and torture where demons flay the flesh of sinners and Satan rules over all like a despotic king. However, none of this is biblical... except the fire.
  • What is a Valkyrie?
    2/17/2011
    The valkyries are an important part of Norse mythology, and they act as demigoddesses of death. Their names mean "choosers of the slain", and they pick who is valiant in battle.
  • Who was Loki, the Norse Trickster God?
    2/17/2011
    Almost every religion has their trickster, and for the Norse that was Loki, god of fire, mischief and trickery. Like many who are more clever than wise though, his troubles caught up to him in the end.
  • What is Warrior Dash?
    2/17/2011
    Coming of age tests like climbing mountains and swimming rivers might be something most people associate with the past, but Warrior Dash, a 6K run and obstacle course, begs to differ.
  • What is an IUD, and How Does it Work?
    2/14/2011
    Intrauterine devices, or IUD's, are technologically advanced forms of birth control that have a high success rate. However, they may not be an option for everyone.
  • Real Vampires: Sanguine, or Blood Drinking, Vampires
    2/10/2011
    There are real vampires among us, however they aren't afraid of the sun, aren't harmed by garlic and generally speaking don't have any real supernatural powers. Those who do drink blood are called sanguine vampires.
  • Volkswagen History: Created by Hitler?
    2/10/2011
    While Volkswagen is one of the popular brands of cars in the world today, this "people's car," has a very interesting origin story.
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
    2/4/2011
    High fructose corn syrup is an artificial sweetener that's the distant cousin of corn oil you find in the supermarket. Though tests are inconclusive, many people consider HFCS to be as healthy as toxic waste.
  • Freya: The Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, Battle and Magic
    2/3/2011
    Typically when you see a love and fertility goddess she takes an inferior role to many gods and is seen as weak. Freya, the Vanir goddess, breaks that stereotype.
  • The Evolution of the Condom
    1/29/2011
    The condom, a name that no one seems to be able to pin down, has been with humanity pretty much since we figured out that sex causes children. However it's taken a number of forms over time.
  • February 14th: The Origin of Valentine's Day
    1/25/2011
    Valentine's Day is now a holiday for couples both young and old to delight in being together... however the origin of the holiday is much more visceral and shocking to modern sensibilities.
  • What is a Zombie? The Original Voodoo Undead
    1/24/2011
    Zombies are commonly portrayed in modern fiction and movies as ravenous, reanimated corpses who must prey on the flesh of the living. This is very little, if anything, like the source material of voodoo.
  • Real Vampire Myths: Peeling Back Hollywood
    1/24/2011
    While vampires might be huge in popular fiction and culture, most of what we see in the movies has been invented and bears little resemblance to the original creatures that are supposedly being portrayed.
  • Who was Odin, the All Father of the Norse Gods?
    1/23/2011
    Odin is the chief god of the Norse pantheon, and he is a god of battle, war, death, knowledge, wisdom and also of poetry and mead. However there is more to the All Father than these simple descriptions.
  • What Does Catnip Do to a Cat?
    1/23/2011
    Catnip has an intense, and often hilarious, reaction when given to roughly half the cats out there. However why it does this, and the chemistry in this mint family member, is an interesting story.
  • Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
    1/21/2011
    Every dog owner who's seen a dog eat poop, whether their own or someone else's, has had that moment of disgust go up their spine. However, often times there's a reason why the dog does this.
  • What is the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA)?
    1/20/2011
    The SCA, or Society for Creative Anachronism, was born out of happenstance, enthusiasm and love of the medieval period as well as high fantasy. Today it's grown into something quite large and infamous.
  • What is a Bard?
    1/20/2011
    The word bard has been bandied about in a lot of different settings. However, the original class of Celtic storyteller it was used to refer to has a great deal of important history associated with it.
  • Werewolves: History of the Legends
    1/18/2011
    Werewolves, like vampires and dragons, are one of the most widespread supernatural myths in the world. While the flavor might change from place to place, there are many similarities in the folklore.
  • Who was the Real Dracula?
    1/17/2011
    Vlad Tepes Dracula is the name of the brutal and savage Prince of Wallachia who ruled over Romania in the mid-14th century. Immortalized as the popular, fictional Count Dracula, Vlad Tepes was a bigger monster than the book ever hinted at.
  • What Are Kiva Micro Loans?
    1/13/2011
    When you need money to start up a new business you go to the bank and ask for a loan. Many in the third world can't go to a bank, but they can often go to a company named Kiva to get what they need.
  • What is the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster?
    1/13/2011
    The Flying Spaghetti Monster is the center of the universe, and he changes our lives with his noodly appendage. To understand what this means, you need to go back to 2005, and the Kansas State Board of Education.
  • Who Were the Celts?
    1/10/2011
    We tend to think of the Celts as ancient Britains... but the group we now know as Celts extended much further and is far older than we may think.
  • What is a Skald?
    1/10/2011
    A skald was a man who held a unique place in Viking society. One part warrior, one part satirist and one part entertainer, it was quite a volatile mixture that lead to Norse poetry and the men who composed it.
  • What is Wicca?
    1/10/2011
    Wicca is one of the most popular neo-pagan religions currently practiced. However, it's also a difficult religion to really get a handle on because of its decentralized nature.
  • Who was the "Blood Countess" Elizabeth Bathory?
    1/8/2011
    Elizabeth Bathory was a woman of breeding and status, but her claim to fame were acts considered so heinous and perverse that her legacy as a true vampire has been assured in the history books.
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