Columbus, OH

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In his new book "Our Narrow Hiding Places," author Kristopher Jansma takes a chilling, charged look at a forgotten part of history, when tens of thousands of people in Netherlands died during a Nazi blockade at the end of World War II. The book blends real events - including those experienced by Jansma's family - with fiction. Jeff Glor has more.

Author Kristopher Jansma talks new WWII book "Our Narrow Hiding Places"

Taffy Brodesser-Akner has always been fascinated by fame and fortune. She first achieved recognition as a journalist for her incisive celebrity profiles of people like Gwyneth Paltrow and Val Kilmer. She's also become a bestselling author, writing novels that explore wealth and class. Her debut was "Fleishman Is In Trouble," and it's since become a hit Hulu series. Her latest book is "Long Island Compromise." It's about the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman, and it's loosely based on the experience of a friend of her father's. She says that incident made her think about the ways that people can conflate money and safety.

Taffy Brodesser-Akner explains why she finds fame and fortune so fascinating

Are you in a reading rut? Are you unsure how to find books that you'll love? Well, there is a path out of that. Marielle Segarra, the host of NPR's Life Kit, has more. MARIELLE SEGARRA, BYLINE: When I was a kid, I was a beast when it came to reading. I was gulping down books by the dozen. Reading transported me to another world filled with magic and adventure and possibility. Plus, I had a lot of time on my hands. As an adult, I've lost some of that magic. I get into reading ruts because my time is limited, and I'm not sure what books I'll even like. Traci Thomas is the creator and host of "The Stacks," a podcast about books. She says if you're in a reading rut, get yourself to a bookstore or a library. Wander around. Look for inspiration. See what catches your eye. And ask questions.

Having trouble finding a new book to read? Life Kit is here to help!

If you learned it at school, it’s natural to assume it’s true. But if you ask historians, you might be surprised to learn the stuff your teacher stated as facts in history lessons is often riddled with inaccuracies. Things we assume are real, like Columbus discovering America or...

19 History Facts Taught in School That Are Actually Wrong

With 30 years of reselling under my belt, I’m the go-to guy when friends need a quick appraisal. And over the years I’ve noticed a recurring phenomenon: The vintage items most people consider valuable usually aren’t, and the things they want to toss are often hot collectibles.

3 Vintage Valuables That Might Be Hiding in Your Home

What’s better than a regular-sized historical fiction book? A short historical fiction book that you can finish in the span of a weekend. That’s just math. All of these historical fiction books under 300 pages are short, sweet, and to the point. They’re not going to drag you along for dozens upon dozens of pages on side tangents about the Napoleonic wars (looking at you Victor Hugo). Instead, these books set the historical scene and get straight to the story. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Short Historical Fiction Books To Read In a Weekend

ST. PAUL, MN – Mary Magdalene is one of history’s most enigmatic figures, often shrouded in myth and mystery. Was she a sinner, a saint, or perhaps something more scandalous? For centuries, her true story has been hidden beneath layers of misconception and intrigue. Buckle up as we...

Fascinating Facts About Mary Magdalene: The Untold Scandals and Mysteries Revealed!

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Golden Glitter

The world of the paranormal continues to captivate and mystify, with recent reports of ghostly encounters, haunted locations, and unexplained phenomena coming in from various corners of the globe. As technology advances and the curiosity surrounding the supernatural grows, more individuals are diving into the eerie and often unsettling world of the paranormal. Here are some of the most intriguing recent developments and stories that have emerged in 2024.

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Paranormal: New Stories and Sightings in 2024

Mound Bayou, MS

MOUND BAYOU, Miss. — In the center of this historically Black city, once deemed “the jewel of the Delta” by President Theodore Roosevelt, dreams to revitalize an abandoned hospital building have all but dried up. An art deco sign still marks the main entrance, but the front...

Black hospitals vanished in the U.S. decades ago. Some communities have paid a price

Washington, DC

If you’ve seen a large building made entirely out of concrete built sometime between the 1950s and 1970s, you’ve probably seen the style of architecture known as brutalism. People have a lot of feelings about these buildings. NPR interviewed people on the street in front of FBI headquarters...

Why brutalist buildings should stay, even if people think they're ugly

Herbie J Pilato

[Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all quotes and commentary from Donna Douglas are from an interview with her conducted by the author.]. Donna Douglas, who died of pancreative cancer at 82 in 2015, was an honest-to-goodness Southern Belle who displayed a natural beauty and talent in her portrayal of the hollering, rope-wearing, whistle-happy, and critter-cuddling Elly May Clampett on the 1960s classic TV hit, The Beverly Hillbillies.

TV's Beloved 'Beverly Hillbillies' Actress Donna Douglas: Nine Years After Her Death

The Caribbean’s most legendary paranormal villain, “The White Witch of Rose Hall,” has become an unlikely hero for the tourism industry in Jamaica.

A murderous ghost haunted an exclusive Jamaican resort for centuries. But could she survive a paranormal investigation?

Let's check in now on a decadeslong environmental effort focused on a creature that sounds honestly like a nightmare. MARC GADEN: A tooth-filled mouth, about 100 teeth - The mouth is a suction cup on the end of a snake. HUANG: He's talking about sea lampreys. GADEN: The teeth anchor...

'Like something out of a horror movie': Scientists tackle invasive sea lampreys in the Great Lakes

Secret societies have always sparked curiosity and intrigue. These elusive groups, shrouded in mystery, often evoke images of clandestine meetings, hidden agendas, and powerful members pulling strings behind the scenes. But what really goes on within these secretive circles? Are they just the stuff of legends, or do they hold real influence in our world? From the Freemasons to the Illuminati, secret societies have woven themselves into the fabric of history, culture, and even conspiracy theories. In this post, we'll uncover 35 fascinating facts about these enigmatic organizations. Get ready to dive into a world where secrets reign supreme and the truth is often stranger than fiction.

35 Facts About Secret Societies

Mental_Floss

There’s no tradition more satisfying than cracking open a good book on a sandy beach. Here’s how it all started.

Making Waves: A Page-Turning History of the Beach Read

Ever wondered what lurks behind the doors of haunted hotels? These eerie establishments have captivated the imaginations of thrill-seekers and ghost hunters alike. From ghostly apparitions to unexplained noises, haunted hotels offer a unique blend of history and mystery. Some of these places have been the sites of tragic events, while others have legends passed down through generations. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the stories behind these haunted hotels are sure to intrigue you. Ready to learn more about the spine-chilling tales and paranormal activities that make these hotels famous? Let's dive into 30 fascinating facts about haunted hotels that will leave you both spooked and curious.

30 Facts About Haunted Hotels

Chicago, IL

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Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

Do ghosts exist? This question has puzzled humans for centuries. Some swear by their eerie encounters, while others dismiss them as mere figments of imagination. Ghost stories span cultures, from ancient Egyptian spirits to modern-day hauntings. Believers argue that ghosts are the souls of the departed, lingering due to unfinished business or strong emotional ties. Skeptics counter with scientific explanations, attributing ghostly experiences to psychological phenomena or environmental factors. Whether you’re a firm believer or a curious skeptic, the mystery of ghosts continues to captivate our minds. Let’s explore 13 intriguing facts about these elusive entities.

13 Facts About Do Ghosts Exist

Kate Jackson began her acting career as a silent ghost on TV's classic 1960s gothic daytime drama Dark Shadows but remains alive and well years after two horrific battles with breast cancer. Jackson went on to small screen prime-time stardom on police/detective/crime drama/comedies like The Rookies, Charlie's Angels, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, and more. This is her triumphant story.

'Charlie's Angels' Star Kate Jackson Has Courageously Battled and Conquered Cancer Several Times

The Conversation UK

Can you cook your way to stardom from a small kitchen in a tiny apartment? The answer, today, is a resounding ‘yes’. Look for a recipe, make a TikTok reel of yourself cooking, and unleash unlimited possibilities for public recognition. TikTok, as one New York Times article puts it, is the “fastest way on earth to become a food star”.

Books That Shook the Business World: The Human Condition by Hannah Arendt

NewsBreak

Kristopher Jansma's 'Our Narrow Hiding Places' explores how history is woven into our bodies

In a new book of historical fiction, a woman looks back on her childhood in Holland upended by a brutal war. That war was World War...

Kristopher Jansma's 'Our Narrow Hiding Places' explores how history is woven into our bodies

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