National Geographic is banned in Iran because it identifies the Persian Gulf as also the Arab Gulf.

It’s against the law in Boston to open a nightclub called the Coconut Grove due to the 1942 fire at the Coconut Grove that killed 492 and injured 166 (the worst nightclub fire disaster in history).

About 24,000 metal knife-shaped objects have been discovered in roadside guardrails throughout Japan. Police and local officials are baffled as to their origin and purpose.

Scientists cannot explain the giant crack that recently opened up in the ground near Claude, Texas. Some parts are more than 30 feet deep.

Well-to-do men in ancient China had wives and concubines. When they needed a place to relax, they went to brothels.

This article appears in July 22 • 2005.

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