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Top 3 Notorious Gangs in the United States: A Glimpse into the Underworld

New York City, USA, May 2018, facade of the Hells Angels Headquarters building in East Village
Photo by depositphotos.com

Long before Netflix documentaries and sensational headlines, the American underworld was busy forging its own legends. From motorcycle clubs with global reach to warring street factions that have shaped urban landscapes, these groups continue to capture public fascination—even as law enforcement cracks down on their every move. Below, we explore three of the most infamous gangs in U.S. history, tracing their origins, their rivalries, and the shadowy cultures they created.

1. The Hells Angels
The name alone sparks visions of roaring bikes, leather vests, and a rebel streak a mile wide. Formed in 1948 by a group of World War II veterans in Fontana, California, the Hells Angels quickly gained notoriety for an unwavering loyalty to their brotherhood—and frequent brushes with the law. Over time, they expanded across state lines and eventually into more than 30 countries.

Wartime Ties and Rebellion
Their founders were restless ex-servicemen who refused to quietly fade into civilian life. The open road offered new frontiers, and a camaraderie forged in battle now thrived in the club’s rebellious spirit.

Infamous Moments
In 1965, they famously declined to join an anti-Vietnam War rally in Oakland, choosing instead to write to President Johnson and offer their services as a “crack group of trained guerrillas.” More recently, the Netherlands banned the Hells Angels outright in 2019, making it the first country to prohibit the club at a national level—a decision reaffirmed by the country’s highest court in 2022.

Law Enforcement Scrutiny
Over the decades, numerous members have landed in jail for offenses ranging from drug trafficking to extortion. While some chapters remain relatively quiet, others have consistently attracted police attention for alleged links to organized crime.

2. The Crips
Launched in Los Angeles in 1969, the Crips started out with a very different mission: to unify neighborhood kids under one banner—sometimes described as a kind of “neighborhood watch.” Yet, as the group grew, it morphed into a loose network of “sets,” developing its own culture, symbols, and longstanding rivalry with the Bloods.

Origins and Evolution
Raymond Washington and Stanley “Tookie” Williams founded the Crips in an effort to stop other gangs. Early members were said to fight with fists rather than guns, though that quickly changed as violence escalated in later years.

A Name That Stuck
Originally called “Cribs,” members carried canes to flaunt their so-called “pimp” status. Neighbors teased them as “cripples,” and the shortened nickname “Crips” took root.

Contradictory Lives
Co-founder Stanley Williams famously juggled two identities: by day, an anti-gang youth counselor; by night, an overboss entangled in violent feuds with the Bloods. He eventually sought redemption but was executed in 2005 for crimes linked to his gang activities.

3. The Bloods
Formed in Los Angeles during the early 1970s, the Bloods were less a single gang and more a coalition of smaller groups banding together to counter the power of the Crips. From these loosely knit alliances emerged a collective identity, symbolized by the color red and accompanied by distinctive codes and hand signs.

Rise to Counter the Crips
Frustrated by the growing dominance of the Crips, smaller neighborhood sets united under the name Bloods. What began as a reaction soon grew into a formidable force, carving out its own territories in Southern California and beyond.

A Tragic Rivalry
The Crips’ founder, Raymond Washington, reportedly became disillusioned by the escalating violence between his group and the Bloods, even hoping for a truce. Sadly, his life ended in a drive-by shooting, underscoring how deeply ingrained the feud had become.

Pop Culture Crossovers
In a bid to foster peace, Michael Jackson famously enlisted Bloods and Crips for his “Beat It” music video. The collaboration briefly highlighted a more hopeful side to street life—though gang tensions persisted well beyond the set.

Five Unusual Marriage Insights That Might Surprise You

Has marriage been on your mind lately? Perhaps you’re gearing up for the big day, or you’re already well into the wedded life. Either way, it’s fascinating to discover how different cultures—and even different legal systems—treat marriage in surprising ways. Below are five stories that just might leave you scratching your head.

1. Wedding Loans and “Less Demanding” Brides

According to a BBC investigation, nearly 80% of personal loans taken by men in the UAE were meant to cover wedding costs. This financial strain led many Emirati grooms to look for what they called “less demanding” foreign brides. In response, the government set up a special fund to help local men by providing monetary support—so long as they married Emirati women. Complicating matters, the UAE lacks US-style bankruptcy laws, which means failing to repay these marriage-related debts can land you in jail.

2. Posthumous Nuptials in France

Yes, you read that right. In France, it’s perfectly legal to wed someone who has already passed away. Historically, a handful of women used this law to marry fallen soldiers shortly after their deaths, completing the ceremony through a stand-in proxy. It’s a bit of a legal throwback, meant to bring some solace during trying times—though today, it remains a seldom-invoked option.

3. The Minister with 31 Marriages

If you think you’ve heard everything, try this on for size: the most divorced individual, at least within traditional one-partner-at-a-time unions, was a Baptist minister who tied the knot 31 times. Most of his brides were teenagers, and he claimed he just “spoke their language.” Interestingly, only five of these marriages ended when a spouse passed away—meaning the rest fizzled out for other reasons entirely.

4. Virginia’s Unusual Restriction

Plenty of folks associate Virginia with the slogan “Virginia is for lovers,” but there’s one kind of union the state won’t recognize: step-siblings tying the knot. Regardless of whether their parents stay together, step-siblings in Virginia aren’t allowed to marry. Oddly enough, this stands out because all other US states permit step-siblings to wed (though the social norms around it can still raise eyebrows).

5. A Game Proposal Gone Wrong

When a devoted fan of the 2018 Spider-Man video game asked the studio to include his marriage proposal in the game, the developers obliged by placing “Maddie, will you marry me?” on a theater marquee. Sadly, the relationship had ended before the game’s official release. As players swung through a virtual New York City, that poignant question remained—unanswered and bittersweet.

A Surprising Peek into Japanese Work Culture: From Quitting Services to Workplace Naps

Passengers sleeping on a late night train in Hiroshima Japan
Photo by depositphotos.com

For many of us, it feels as though we spend most of our waking hours working to cover bills and keep food on the table—some even juggle two jobs at once. Ever wonder how other countries handle work-related pressures? Take Japan, for example, where the professional world holds a central place in everyday life. In many Japanese workplaces, punctuality, diligence, and unwavering loyalty are par for the course.

Following are some very interesting and also unexpected facts about Japanese work culture that can potentially transform the way you approach your own work.

1. Hiring a Professional “Quitter”

In Japan, some workers outsource the uncomfortable task of resigning. Specialized agencies will step in, inform your employer of your departure, and handle any awkward back-and-forth. These services are particularly handy when companies push back against people who want to leave.

2. Lifetime Employment—and the ‘Banishment Room’

Many large Japanese firms hire fresh graduates with the intention of retaining them until they retire. These employees are selected for potential rather than specific skills, with an unspoken promise of job security. However, if layoffs are off the table, there’s an unsettling alternative: the so-called “banishment room.” Workers may be assigned meaningless tasks in hopes they’ll resign on their own if the monotony becomes too much to bear.

3. ‘Karoshi’: Death by Overwork

Japan coined a sobering term, karoshi, for death caused by extreme overwork. Reports of individuals clocking 110 hours in a single week or logging thousands of hours a year—sometimes without a single day off for more than a decade—illustrate just how severe the phenomenon can be. Tragically, it’s an all-too-real hazard in a culture that often prizes dedication above all else. In 2015, the tragic death of 24-year-old Matsuri Takahashi, an employee at advertising giant Dentsu, thrust karoshi into the national spotlight. She had regularly clocked over 100 hours of overtime per month before taking her own life. Reports indicate that in a note left for her mother, she wrote: “Why do things have to be so hard?” Public outcry following her death led to heightened scrutiny of Japan’s grueling work demands and spurred discussions on much-needed labor reforms.

4. The ‘Johatsu,’ or the ‘Evaporated’

Work stress, personal strains, or family trouble sometimes push people to simply vanish. Known as the johatsu—literally, “evaporated people”—they rely on discreet “night-moving” services to quietly slip away and begin life anew. It’s a poignant reminder of how cultural pressures can become unbearable for some.

5. Napping on the Job—Encouraged, Even Faked

In Japan, sleeping at work isn’t just accepted—it can be viewed as proof of one’s commitment. Called inemuri, dozing off in a meeting or at your desk suggests you’ve worked yourself to the edge of exhaustion. Some employees even pretend to nap to seem hardworking, which contrasts sharply with the strict, no-nonsense reputation many offices hold.

Brainy Wonders: Five Surprising Quirks of Higher Intelligence

“First, get your facts straight, then distort them at your leisure.” – often attributed to Mark Twain

Is having a sharp mind really the key to a happier, more prosperous life? There’s a lingering assumption that a higher IQ magically paves the way for personal triumphs and professional success. Yet, when you scratch beneath the surface, it’s never that simple. For one thing, “being smarter” might lead to unexpected habits—some good, some not so great. Below, we’ll unravel five eye-opening discoveries about higher intelligence that might just make you think twice before envying the so-called genius next door.

1. “Bullsh**ting” and Brilliance

In an intriguing pair of studies involving over a thousand participants, researchers found that the art of feigning expertise in nonexistent fields was often correlated with higher intelligence. In other words, the people who excelled at confidently bluffing their way through made-up subjects happened to score higher on vocabulary, abstract reasoning, and similar tests.

It’s a reminder that confidence—even if it’s a bit of hocus-pocus—can camouflage gaps in genuine knowledge. Perhaps Mark Twain’s advice rings true for a reason.

2. The High IQ–Substance Abuse Connection

Surprisingly, a number of studies suggest that more intelligent people are at greater risk of abusing alcohol and drugs. One possible explanation is that highly curious minds might lean toward experimentation and seek out novel experiences—including substance use. Another theory holds that those with higher IQs are often under more pressure, and self-medication can become a coping strategy. Whatever the cause, it’s clear that a brilliant mind doesn’t always translate into squeaky-clean habits.

3. Madness and Genius: A Real Link?

From the “mad scientist” caricature to the tortured artist trope, there’s a long history of tying high intelligence to mental health struggles. According to ongoing research, there’s some evidence that highly intelligent individuals have higher rates of conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A collective of scientists who have navigated their own mental health challenges is delving deeper into this relationship. While the nuances are still being studied, it does raise the question: does an exceptionally vibrant mind sometimes spin out of balance?

4. The Limits of IQ on the Job

Think a soaring IQ guarantees star performance at work? Not so fast. Studies show that emotional intelligence (EQ) can be a better predictor of professional success. Sure, brilliance matters, but being in tune with others—understanding what motivates people, how to communicate effectively, and when to empathize—can trump raw cognitive horsepower. In many cases, connecting on a human level isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s the game-changer.

5. Trust and the Brainy Bunch

Perhaps counterintuitive, but research indicates that more intelligent folks are actually more inclined to trust others. Why? One explanation is that they might be better at judging character, so they know whom to trust—and when to walk away. Another theory: they’re more adept at weighing risks and rewards, figuring out when there’s a strong incentive for mutual cooperation. Interestingly, people who trust others also tend to enjoy better health and greater happiness, suggesting that taking a leap of faith can pay off—especially if you’re shrewd about whom you’re leaping with.

Final Thoughts

Higher intelligence may dazzle on paper, but it’s a mixed bag that doesn’t guarantee a smoother journey through life. There’s more than one way to thrive—sometimes, it’s about balancing intellect with emotional awareness, a mindful curiosity, and genuine connections. So, if you’ve ever envied the so-called geniuses of the world, remember that their brains may burn brightly, but that glow can come with hidden shadows.

Embrace whatever intelligence you have, keep learning, and don’t forget: sometimes the best things are discovered beyond that mental comfort zone.

Lost & Found: Unbelievable Stories of Survival in the Alaskan Wilderness

Many dream of escaping the noise of civilization—trading city lights for the shimmering northern sky, living off the land, and breathing in crisp, untamed air. The idea of solitude in nature, surrounded by wildlife, hunting, and fishing for sustenance, is alluring. But the Alaskan wilderness is as unforgiving as it is beautiful. Some survive. Others don’t. Here are some extraordinary stories of survival—and tragedy—in one of the world’s most remote frontiers.

1. The Tragic Tale of Carl McCunn

Photographer Carl McCunn had a vision: months of solitude capturing the raw beauty of Alaska. He arranged for a bush pilot to drop him off deep in the wilderness, but in a tragic oversight, he forgot to schedule a return flight. As his food supplies dwindled, hope faded. When a state trooper’s plane flew overhead, McCunn mistakenly signaled that he was fine—raising a fist, a common aviation sign for “ALL OK—DO NOT WAIT.” The plane left. Alone, starving, and facing an inevitable fate, he set his remaining fuel ablaze for one last moment of warmth. In his diary, he wrote:

“Dear God in Heaven, please forgive me my weakness and my sins. Please look over my family.”

McCunn left instructions for his father, even offering his rifle to whoever found him. His final entry read:

“They say it doesn’t hurt.”

He ended his life with a gunshot. When troopers discovered his body, they also found his undeveloped film—capturing the stark beauty of his final days.

2. The Man Who Chose Isolation: Richard Proenneke

Richard Proenneke at Snipe Lake filming movie clips in 1975
Photo by nps.gov

Not all stories of survival end in despair. Richard Proenneke turned his back on modern life and embraced the wilderness by choice. At 51, he flew to a remote Alaskan lake, built a log cabin by hand—complete with a stone fireplace, a secure food cache, and handcrafted door locks—and lived alone for 30 years.

Unlike McCunn, Proenneke was prepared. He grew his own food, hunted, and documented his life in journals and film. He found joy in simplicity:

“I have found that some of the simplest things have given me the most pleasure. They didn’t cost me a lot of money either. They just worked on my senses.”

While many romanticize living off the grid, few have done it as successfully as Proenneke.

3. The Man Who Watched Too Much YouTube: Tyson Steele

Some survival stories are pure luck. Tyson Steele, an Alaskan outdoorsman, found himself in a nightmare when he accidentally burned his cabin to the ground—his only shelter in sub-zero temperatures. With little food and no roof over his head, he survived for three weeks in the harsh Alaskan winter.

His training? None.

“I’m not exactly trained, I’ve just always been in the outdoors,” he said. “Watched a lot of YouTube videos.”

Clad in only layers of scavenged materials and eating scraps of charred food, Steele managed to survive until rescue teams spotted him, scrawling “HELP” in the snow. It turns out, binge-watching survival videos can actually pay off.

4. The Deadly Obsession with ‘Into the Wild’

Some survival attempts aren’t driven by necessity or choice, but by a dangerous sense of adventure. Ever since Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild became a bestseller, fans of Chris McCandless—who perished in an abandoned bus after venturing into the wilderness unprepared—have risked their own lives trying to visit the site.

Over the years, several people have died attempting the treacherous journey, while countless others have had to be rescued. Eventually, authorities airlifted McCandless’s infamous “Magic Bus” from its location near Denali National Park to prevent further tragedies.

5. Alaska’s Missing People Mystery

Alaska isn’t just a place where people get lost in the wilderness—it’s a place where people vanish without a trace. The state has the highest number of missing persons per capita in the U.S., with 42.16 missing persons per 100,000 residents. The next highest? Arizona, at just 12.28.

And in true Alaskan fashion, survival isn’t just a skill—it’s a school requirement. In Ketchikan, Alaska, eighth graders face the ultimate final exam: a two-night survival trip on an uninhabited island. If you can’t make fire, find shelter, and fend for yourself, you fail.

The Alaskan wilderness is stunning, but it doesn’t forgive mistakes. For every story of self-reliance and adventure, there’s another of loss and tragedy. Whether you dream of solitude in the wild or just love reading about it from the safety of your warm home, one thing is certain—nature always has the final say.