5 Mind-Blowing Facts About North Korea You Probably Haven’t Heard

Fountain with sculptures of sentries with flags and musicians in park of Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun. Mausoleum of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il
Fountain with sculptures of sentries with flags and musicians in park of Kumsusan Memorial Palace of the Sun. Mausoleum of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il
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North Korea is one of the most secretive, mysterious countries on earth. Beyond the typical headlines, its history and culture are peppered with bizarre, surprising, or even ridiculous tales, full of material worthy of a spy novel or dystopian fiction. From covert operations to peculiar culinary experiments, here are five mind-blowing facts about North Korea.

1. The Secret Tunnels Beneath the DMZ

North Korea has made repeated attempts to dig tunnels under the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating it from South Korea. These tunnels were intended to enable a surprise attack on the South. So far, four have been discovered, and experts believe there are more still hidden. South Korea has turned three of these tunnels into tourist attractions, offering visitors a chilling glimpse into the tensions of the Korean Peninsula. These tunnels aren’t just narrow passageways; some are wide enough to transport entire battalions. The scale of the effort highlights the extent of North Korea’s militaristic ambitions and the high-stakes chess game between the two nations.

2. Pizza: A Luxury Food for the Elite

For most North Koreans, pizza is an unattainable luxury. During the 1990s, Kim Jong Il developed a fascination with Italian cuisine and decided to bring pizza to his country. He went so far as to hire Italian chefs to train local cooks in the art of pizza-making. But this wasn’t about creating a nationwide love for pizza—it was reserved for the elite. Ordinary citizens couldn’t dream of affording it, as the ingredients and preparation were prohibitively expensive. Pizza’s presence in North Korea is symbolic of the vast divide between the ruling class and the everyday people.

3. An Orthodox Church in an Anti-Christian State

Despite its anti-religious policies, North Korea is home to an Eastern Orthodox Church. Why? Because Kim Jong Il thought it was “cool” after visiting one in Russia. When a Russian diplomat asked Kim if there were Orthodox believers in Pyongyang, Kim assured him they’d be “found.” Of course, none existed at the time. So, North Korea established the Korean Orthodox Committee, which then sent four freshly baptized North Koreans—ironically former intelligence officers—to train as priests in Moscow. The entire operation seems to have been more about international appearances than genuine religious tolerance. Today, the church stands as a peculiar symbol of Kim’s whims, blending politics, image management, and religion in a way only North Korea can.

4. Nixon’s Nuclear Fury

In April 1969, North Korea shot down a U.S. spy plane, killing 31 crew members. This enraged then-President Richard Nixon to the point where he reportedly ordered a tactical nuclear strike on North Korea. The story goes that Nixon, known for his unpredictable temper, told his generals to prepare a list of targets for the attack. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed—Henry Kissinger and military commanders agreed to stall until Nixon sobered up in the morning. By morning, the nuclear plans were quietly shelved. This incident underscores the razor-thin line between war and diplomacy during the Cold War era.

5. The CIA’s Doomed Paratroopers

In one of the most tragic and morally questionable operations of the Cold War, the CIA parachuted hundreds of agents into North Korea during the 1950s. These individuals, tasked with building resistance networks, were often captured or killed shortly after landing. Despite almost no communication from the field and mounting evidence of failure, the CIA persisted with the mission for years. It wasn’t until the 1970s that an internal inquiry questioned the ethics of continuing such operations. This program stands as a haunting example of how Cold War paranoia led to sacrificing lives in a gamble for intelligence. Many of these agents were ordinary Koreans trained in South Korea, making their missions not just high-risk but near-suicidal. Their stories are largely untold, buried in classified documents and the fog of history.

With its weird mix of secrecy, propaganda, and bizarre choices, North Korea is one of the most interesting countries to check out. Each of these facts shows off a different part of its complicated and somewhat unsettling history. Whether it’s hidden tunnels, fancy pizzas, or Cold War spy stuff, North Korea always keeps the world on its toes.

6 Facts About Red Lobster: A Dive Into the Rise, Fall, and Legacy of a Seafood

Red Lobster storefront in Houston, TX
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Red Lobster used to represent casual fine dining for many families across the United States. It simply had a special place in people’s hearts, often reserved for big nights, such as prom dinners or fun family nights. With candles on tables and cocktails in those really cool signature glasses, Red Lobster felt fancy but still very cool. But like many long-standing chains, it faced challenges in adapting to changing times. Recently, the conglomerate managing Red Lobster’s operations shocked the nation by closing numerous locations and filing for bankruptcy. While many point to the infamous “all-you-can-eat” shrimp promotion as the final nail in the coffin, Red Lobster’s journey is one of innovation, excess, and cultural relevance. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about this iconic seafood chain.

1. Red Lobster’s Founder Was a Pioneer for Equality

Bill Darden, the founder of Red Lobster, started his restaurant journey at the age of 19 in 1938 with a luncheonette called The Green Frog in Waycross, Georgia. What set him apart was his refusal to segregate customers, despite segregation being mandated by law in Georgia at the time. His commitment to equality laid the foundation for a brand that would later become a household name.

2. From Humble Beginnings to Corporate Backing

In 1970, when Red Lobster had only five locations, General Mills acquired the chain. This corporate support fueled rapid expansion throughout the 1980s, helping the brand establish a stronghold in the United States and even crossing into Canada. Interestingly, many of Red Lobster’s early Canadian locations were former Ponderosa Steakhouse sites. This period marked the chain’s golden era as it became synonymous with casual seafood dining.

3. The Infamous “Endless Crab” Promotion

Red Lobster once ran a highly ambitious “endless crab” promotion. Unfortunately, the executives behind the campaign drastically underestimated just how much crab Americans could consume. The result? The company lost over $3 million, a costly miscalculation that became a cautionary tale in the restaurant industry. It also solidified Red Lobster’s reputation as a place where diners could indulge to their heart’s content—sometimes at the company’s expense.

4. Beyoncé Put Red Lobster Back on the Map

In 2016, sales at Red Lobster skyrocketed by 33% after Beyoncé name-dropped the restaurant in her hit song Formation during the Super Bowl halftime show. The unexpected endorsement brought the brand a fresh wave of cultural relevance and attention, proving the power of celebrity influence even for struggling chains.

5. The “All You Can Eat” CEO Fiasco

Years ago, Red Lobster’s CEO lost his job after a disastrous “all-you-can-eat” promotion. The campaign was meant to drive foot traffic but instead exposed the perils of underestimating American appetites. By 2024, the current CEO had learned from history, famously declaring that endless shrimp promotions would never return under his watch, remarking, “I know how to do math.” While some customers lamented the loss of the beloved endless shrimp nights, the decision underscored the chain’s ongoing struggle to balance indulgence with profitability.

6. Red Lobster Once Served a Rare Blue Lobster—and It Was So Unique, They Donated It to an Aquarium

In 2020, a Red Lobster location in Ohio discovered an extremely rare blue lobster in their seafood shipment. Blue lobsters are so uncommon that scientists estimate the odds of finding one are about 1 in 2 million. Rather than serving the lobster to customers, the restaurant decided to spare its life. They named it “Clawde” after the company mascot and donated it to the Akron Zoo, where it now lives in an aquarium. This move didn’t just save an amazing creature; it also showed off a cool and surprising side of the seafood chain.

Dive Into Japanese Folklore and Mythical Creatures

Ashiaraiyashiki
Ashiaraiyashiki is a giant, unwashed foot that appears before you, demanding to be washed.

Japanese folklore is such a cool place; it’s where all those weird, surreal, and just bizarre things come to life. You have everything from nightmare-eating monsters to haunted umbrellas to giant ears of corn-these stories give you a peek into this world where nature and the supernatural kind of mix together. But these tales aren’t just forfun; in real life, they actually show us some deep cultural beliefs, fears, and values of Japan. Buckle up to dive into crazy Japanese mythology, where every creature or legend has its tale, and nothing really is as it seems.

1. The Baku: A Nightmare-Eating Beast
The baku is a mythical creature that has been comforting children for centuries. Known for its ability to devour nightmares, the baku was often called upon by saying, “Baku-san, come eat my dream” three times. This practice was particularly popular during the Meiji period. However, the baku’s appetite is insatiable, and if it remains hungry after consuming bad dreams, it may devour the dreamer’s hopes and desires as well, leaving them feeling hollow and unfulfilled.

2. The Kappa: A Polite but Dangerous Water Spirit
Kappa are amphibious beings known for their peculiar obsession with politeness. These mythological creatures are said to steal the shirikodama, a mystical ball containing a person’s soul, located in the anus. However, their politeness can be used against them. If a person bows deeply, the kappa will reciprocate, spilling the water stored in the dish on its head. Without this water, the kappa is powerless and immobilized. Interestingly, should someone refill the dish, the kappa is bound to serve them for eternity. Another of the kappa’s vulnerabilities lies in its detachable arms. If an arm is pulled off, the creature will barter favors or valuable knowledge for its return.

3. Kasa-Obake: The Haunted Umbrella
In Japanese mythology, even inanimate objects can develop a life of their own. The Kasa-Obake is an example of a tsukumogami—an object that gains a spirit after being neglected for a long time. This one-eyed, one-legged umbrella demon is said to hop around mischievously. While often harmless, it serves as a reminder to respect and care for even everyday items.

4. Kamikiri: The Hair-Snipping Trickster
The Kamikiri is a stealthy and mischievous creature known for its peculiar obsession with cutting people’s hair. Often depicted as small and bird-like, it appears out of nowhere to snip away locks without its victim realizing. The Kamikiri’s antics are said to symbolize the cultural importance of hair in Japan, where hairstyles often reflected social status or personal identity.

5. Ashiaraiyashiki: The Dirty Foot That Demands Respect
One of the more bizarre tales involves the Ashiaraiyashiki, a giant, unwashed foot that crashes into homes, demanding to be cleaned. Refusal results in the foot rampaging through the house, causing destruction. This strange myth underscores the importance of cleanliness and hospitality in Japanese culture.

6. Tanuki: The Trickster Raccoon Dog
The Tanuki is a beloved creature in Japanese folklore, often associated with humor and good fortune. Recognizable by its large, magical testicles, Tanuki are also regarded as master tricksters, capable of shapeshifting and deceiving humans for their own amusement.

7. Ubasute: A Grim Practice of Sacrifice
While not a creature, Ubasute is a mythical practice tied to Japanese folklore. It describes the grim act of abandoning an elderly parent on a remote mountain to die, typically during times of famine or hardship. Though likely more myth than fact, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the harsh realities of survival and the moral dilemmas faced in desperate times.

8. Cats in Japanese Mythology: Evil Felines
In Japan, cats are often seen as malevolent beings in folklore. Particularly feared are old gray or orange cats with long tails, as well as tricolored cats. These animals are believed to possess supernatural powers, bringing bad luck or even curses. The mistrust of cats may stem from their mysterious and independent nature, which contrasts with the loyalty of other domesticated animals.

9. Tōmorokoshi no Obake: Haunted Corn
One of the strangest legends in Japanese mythology is that of the Tōmorokoshi no Obake, or haunted corn. Corn, introduced to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese traders, occasionally displays physical abnormalities due to environmental factors. These deformities—such as oversized kernels, discolorations, or unusual growths—were thought to be the work of spirits. Tales arose of haunted corn that appeared as grotesque monsters, although they were said to be harmless. These stories highlight the human tendency to find explanations for natural phenomena, blending agricultural reality with supernatural imagination.

10. Rokurokubi: The Stretching Neck Spirits
The Rokurokubi are one of the eeriest beings in Japanese mythology. By day, they appear as ordinary humans, often women, blending seamlessly into society. However, by night, their true nature is revealed as their necks stretch to incredible lengths, allowing their heads to roam freely. These nocturnal transformations are said to occur as a curse or punishment for past sins, with some tales portraying them as malicious beings who spy on or frighten unsuspecting victims. Others suggest they are harmless, wandering only out of curiosity. Regardless, the Rokurokubi serves as a haunting reminder of the hidden secrets people may carry.

Crazy, isn’t it?

5 Facts About Gifts to Think About This Holiday Season

Woman placing christmas gift in row
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So, with Christmas just around the corner, it is time to get into the whole season of giving and think about some cool gifts. Gift-giving is such a sweet tradition all around the world; however, there are some pretty weird quirks and stories you might not expect. From unused gift cards to surprising legal stuff and fun family traditions, here are five cool facts about gifts that might change how you see the holiday season.

1. America’s $21 Billion Gift Card Problem

Gift cards may seem like an easy and practical present, but many of them go unused. In the United States alone, unused gift cards amount to a staggering $21 billion. Nearly two-thirds of people own at least one unused card, and half of these individuals will lose or forget about it entirely before redeeming it. While businesses benefit from this—unused balances and overspending by customers who do redeem cards—this highlights how even well-intended gifts can go underutilized. This holiday season, consider a personal touch to ensure your gift isn’t forgotten.

2. Engagement Rings: A Legal Gray Area

Engagement rings might symbolize love and commitment, but in some U.S. states, they are classified as “conditional gifts.” This means the giver has the right to ask for the ring back if the engagement is called off, as the gift was given under the condition of marriage. Interestingly, proposing on a birthday or Christmas could make the ring an unconditional gift, leaving no legal recourse to reclaim it. While the legalities are fascinating, it’s worth reflecting: if you’re already worrying about what happens to the ring in a breakup, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the relationship itself.

3. When Should You Open Gifts? It Depends on Where You Live

The tradition of opening Christmas gifts varies across the globe. In English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the UK, unwrapping presents on Christmas morning is a beloved tradition. However, in many European and Latin American cultures, the gift exchange happens on Christmas Eve. This difference often ties back to religious customs and local traditions, showing how one holiday can bring diverse expressions of joy around the world.

4. The Ultimate Re-Gifting Challenge: A Pair of Pants

For over 25 years, two brothers turned a simple pair of pants into a legendary re-gifting tradition. Each year, they returned the pants to one another in increasingly elaborate and absurd packaging. The pants were hidden in a 600-pound safe, sealed inside a double-glazed window, launched in a 16-foot rocket, and even crushed inside a car, with a card that read: “Merry Christmas, the pants are in the glove box.” This tradition is a reminder that sometimes the joy of giving isn’t about the gift itself but the creativity and love that go into it.

5. Auschwitz’s Unexpected Gift Shop

In a sobering twist, Auschwitz, the site of one of history’s darkest atrocities, has a gift shop. The existence of a gift shop at such a solemn site raises deep ethical and emotional questions. While the shop sells books, educational materials, and memorial items to help visitors learn and remember, it also sparks debate about the commercialization of history and how we honor the past. This fact challenges us to think carefully about how and why we give and receive gifts, especially in contexts that carry profound historical weight.

Hey, this holiday season, while you’re out buying gifts or getting intofamily traditions, let these cool stories get you thinking about whatgiving really means. Whether it’s the thought that goes into a gift, the traditions you keep alive, or the lessons you share, just remember that the best gifts usually aren’t just what’s sitting under the tree.

6 Fascinating Facts About the Moon and Beyond

Full moon background
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The moon, along with its cosmic friends, had always managed to capture people’s attention. From all the cool scientific discoveries to the outlandish theories, all that stuff going down around our closest space pal keeps blowing our minds. In this article, we’re going to look at six awesome facts that reveal all the cool connections between moons, planets, and everything linked to them.

1. The Hypothetical “Moonmoon”

Did you know that moons can theoretically have their own moons? These secondary satellites are charmingly called “moonmoons.” While no moonmoon has been observed in our solar system, scientists have identified four potential candidates that could host such a body: Earth’s Moon, Jupiter’s moon Callisto, and Saturn’s moons Titan and Iapetus. While the concept remains hypothetical, future advancements in space exploration might one day confirm the existence of these elusive companions orbiting moons.

2. Titan’s Incredible Hydrocarbon Reserves

Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is a treasure trove of organic materials. According to data from the Cassini spacecraft, Titan’s surface contains hundreds of times more liquid hydrocarbons than all of Earth’s known oil and natural gas reserves combined. These hydrocarbons exist as lakes and seas of methane and ethane, making Titan not only an object of fascination but also a potential resource-rich body for future exploration.

3. Underground Lunar Caves: Potential Homes for Humanity

The Moon’s harsh surface might not be an ideal environment for humans, but beneath it lies a promising refuge. Researchers have discovered a cave 150 meters below the surface in the Sea of Tranquility, reachable from the Moon’s deepest known pit. This cave is approximately 45 meters wide and 80 meters long, equivalent to 14 tennis courts. Even more intriguing is the steady temperature within some lunar pits, measured at a comfortable 63 degrees Fahrenheit. These stable conditions make underground lunar caves prime candidates for future human habitation.

4. The Moon’s Fiery Origin: A Buried Planet Within Earth

Earth’s moon owes its existence to a cosmic collision with a planetary body named Theia approximately 4.5 billion years ago. While much of Theia merged with Earth or formed the Moon, remnants of this ancient “buried planet” remain deep within Earth’s mantle. These findings provide insight into the chaotic and violent processes that shaped our solar system during its infancy.

5. Miranda: A Moon That Might Harbor Life

Miranda, one of Uranus’ moons, is turning heads in the scientific community. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Dakota have uncovered evidence suggesting the presence of subsurface oceans on this icy moon. If true, these hidden reservoirs of liquid water could potentially support extraterrestrial life, making Miranda a compelling target for future space missions.

6. “Once in a Blue Moon” and the Quirks of Lunar Cycles

The phrase “once in a blue moon” refers to a rare occurrence, typically happening every 2.7172 years. Intriguingly, this number is close to the mathematical constant “e.” While most blue moons follow this pattern, there are rare exceptions. For example, if a full moon occurs at both the beginning and end of January (as in 1998), a second blue moon can occur in March. This quirky phenomenon is due to February’s shorter length, as the cycle between full moons averages 29.5 days.