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Francis I of France is inevitably compared to Henry VIII. Both kings had big personalities, big love affairs, and big scandals that rocked the face of Europe. But there’s a lot more to Francis than just the similarities to the Tudor counterpart. From his unlikely ascension to the throne to his brutal defeats and torturous later years, Francis did not languish in his neighbor's shadow.

VIDEO

A gentleman to some and a menace to others, John Dillinger put America in a frenzy with a spree that led to the formation of the FBI itself—until his luck ran out.

VIDEO

Imagine a world where burly Norse warriors discover a new continent—and then just... walk away. Wild, right? Get ready for a story into why the Vikings pulled the ultimate “not interested” move on North America. But first, an introduction.

VIDEO

Field Marshal Bernard Law “Monty” Montgomery was instrumental in defeating the Axis forces during WWII. His strategic brilliance, however, was second only to his massive ego and total lack of tact. More people need to know about Bernard “Monty” Montgomery, the man who Winston Churchill himself described as, “In defeat, unbeatable; in victory, unbearable”.

VIDEO

Ernest Hemingway and his notorious reputation loom large over the 20th century...but to be honest, most people don’t even know the half of it. This hard-drinking, fast-living, bad-loving writer had a life most people only get nightmares about, and it all led up to his infamously tragic end. Get out your tumblers and highball glasses, because you’re going to need them for this one.

VIDEO

Meg Ryan has been a Hollywood fixture for the better part of four decades. Best known for rom-com romps such as Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, the actress’s off-screen life has been equally romance and comedy-filled....

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PEOPLE

Tsar Alexander II of Russia's incredibly scandalous personal life could only be matched by his violent and disturbing end.

EDITORIAL

Jane Avril inspired the character Satine in the musical film Moulin Rouge—and her life was just as tragic as Baz Luhrmann’s interpretation of her.

PEOPLE

In December 1976, a crew filming The Six Million Dollar Man inside a fading California amusement park needed to move a battered dummy. Then its arm broke off. What appeared beneath the layers of wax and paint brought police rushing to the scene—and began unraveling a secret that had been traveling across America for 65 years.

PEOPLE

Carl Switzer went from child star to adult felon. His short, tragic life was an absolute train wreck—but, as the story unfolds, just try and look away.

PEOPLE

Big Nose George blazed a trail of terror across the Wild West, but he met a brutal end.

PEOPLE

Near the end of her life, Zora Neale Hurston faced immense backlash and scandal—yet somehow, her death was even more horrific.

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THINGS

So notorious that its name is synonymous with madness, the history of Bethlem Royal Hospital, or Bedlam, is filled with some of humanity's darkest moments.

EDITORIAL

The history of Mexico City stretches back almost two centuries before the Spanish ever set foot in the Americas. Rather, the Spanish built their capital on top of the ashes of one of the most beautiful and unique cities in history: Tenochtitlan.

PLACES

Alcatraz was only in operation for less than 30 years, but in that time it gained the reputation as one of the most notorious prisons in American history.

PLACES

Area 51's workers don't drive there. They fly in on a classified US Government airline known only as "Janet."

PLACES

We may be standing on the shoulders of giants—and, if some legends are believed, that phrase might be shockingly literal.

PLACES

The Camp Logan mutiny of 1917 brought deadly violence to wartime Houston, followed by mass trials, executions, military reforms, and a historic reversal more than a century later.

THINGS

Years before the Twilight Zone disaster, Vic Morrow had an eerie premonition: He believed he’d die in a helicopter crash. Sadly, he was right.

THINGS

So notorious that its name is synonymous with madness, the history of Bethlem Royal Hospital, or Bedlam, is filled with some of humanity's darkest moments.

THINGS

“A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know” —Diane ArbusThe best photos reel us in and force us to engage with them. Sometimes enlightening, sometimes inspiring...

EDITORIAL

We wouldn't be here without the sun, but have you ever wondered why is the sun so hot? The answer is both very simple, and very complicated.

THINGS

This list explores the secret stories behind the most iconic Disney characters, proving that—in the end—happily ever after isn’t always what it seems.

EDITORIAL

Louie Louie by the Kingsmen is an early rock and roll classic. It's also a complete and utter mess—but that's all part of the magic.



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