When people think of the Victorian era, they imagine beautiful mansions, coy women and gallant men. They don’t think of the following facts which are nothing if not weird.

1. Let’s Dress Up!

Those people who lived the good life and were known as the elites at the time had nothing to do which is why they were always bored. Because television and iPods did not exist, they had to find other ways to keep themselves entertained. Therefore, they made bizarre costumes and wore them all around the house. If they were in a good mood, they would also pose for each other.

2. Poorhouses

Poor people and those who were mentally ill had no place in society and were shunned by the privileged sections. Poorhouses were constructed for them where they lived in miserable conditions and had to work to ward off starvation.

3. Fog and Smoke

It was normal to get engulfed by something known as pea-soupers during the Victorian era. These are basically a combination of smoke and thick fog. Naturally, it was very difficult to see through them which is why thousands of people died every year. It also gave serial killers a chance to execute their plans.

4. Bizarre Food

The food that was out listed out in the menus during the Victorian era was anything but tempting. People at the time loved to eat offal on a daily basis. They loved to eat organs like the heart and munch on the brain. Turtle soup was very popular too, mainly because the animal’s fat is gelatin-like and quite delicious.

5. Painful Surgery

Surgery is never fun but it was especially horrifying during the Victorian era. Neither painkillers nor anesthesia had been invented at the time. The operation went on for hours and was excruciatingly painful.

6. Gothic Novels

Some of the best gothic novels were written during the Victorian era, namely, the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as well as Dracula. The writers at the time sure knew how to scare people to death but with great class and elegance.

7. Jack the Ripper

Jack the Ripper is the mysterious serial killer who slaughtered prostitutes during the latter half of the 1800’s. The thick fog must have made it easier for him to escape unnoticed each and every time. The fact that nobody really knows who the man was makes him quite mystifying.

8. So-Called Freaks

Those who were not completely perfect during the Victorian era were said to be ‘freaks of nature’. They were made to walk about on stage and show off their flaws to entertain the ‘normal’ people. The most well-known participant was Joseph Merrick or the Elephant Man.

9. Creepy Photography

Photography was new at the time and therefore, very expensive. Therefore, people could only afford having their photographs taken with a deceased friend or family member. The corpse was made to look ‘more alive’ and family members posed around it. Now if that is not disturbing, what is?

10. The Queen

Queen Victoria was slightly eccentric and never really tried to hide it. She wore black after her husband died and continued to do so till her time arrived. She also stopped going for public events. The most ironic part is that she wanted a purple color theme for her own funeral because she detested the color black and was against dark funerals.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Most natural calamities occur on a large-scale which is why they are terrifying. The following are the worst of the worst that have taken place over the years.

1. Typhoon Tip

This natural calamity took place in October, 1979 and took over 99 lives. On this day, the air pressure at sea level was as low as 870 mbars. It destroyed 8 ships and broke a massive freighter in half. This was the largest cyclone ever recorded.

2. The Limnic Eruption in Lake Nyos

Lake Nyos is about 682 feet deep and has a magma chamber which releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the water which soon turns into carbonic acid. The lake erupted in 1986 and a gigantic carbon dioxide cloud was released into the air. It entered several clusters of villages and killed bout 1,800 people.

3. Earthquake in Chile

This earthquake took place in 1960 in Chile and over 6,000 people lost their lives. Many others were saved because the authorities prepared them for the natural calamity. Unfortunately, about half of the houses in the country were thrown into the air.

4. The Heat Wave in Europe

Because Europe is not used to hot summers, heat wave in 2003 killed about 14,802 people. The harsh temperature triggered off a number of forest fires in Portugal because of which 2,000 people were killed. Germany saw over 250 deaths, 140 people died in Spain and over 1,400 in the Netherlands.

5. Massive Storm

This cyclone lasted for an entire day and it was massive enough to throw the weather off balance. Birmingham and West Virginia were covered with 16 inches and 3.5 feet of snow respectively. Over 250 people froze to death and trees fell all over the place because of extremely strong winds.

6. The Flood in China

This flood took placed in central China which is surrounded by three rivers, all of which flooded massively. This happened because the snowfall was particularly heavy that year and the water melted and became a part of the river. The spring saw heavy rains and 10 cyclones hit the battered region as well.

7. The Explosion in Tunguska

In 1908, a comet fell into the Tunguska River and exploded. It destroyed over 80 million trees and the explosion stretched across 772 miles. Even though nobody died, people were injured and houses were destroyed.

8. The Tornado in Bridge Creek F5

This tornado went on for 3 days and took 36 lives, about 8,000 houses were destroyed and vehicles fell apart. Thankfully, residents were told to hide under mattresses or in ditches which is why many lives were saved.

9. The Tambora Eruption

Mt. Tambora erupted in 1815 and rated pretty high on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. All the plants and trees were removed from the soil and washed away and about 92,000 lives were lost.

10. The Lituya Bay Megatsunami

This natural calamity caused waves to reach a height of 1,720 feet and according to studies, enough power was generated to completely destroy the strongest skyscrapers in the world. It removed all the grass and the soil and washed it into the ocean.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Everybody likes to read something in the bathroom- be it a magazine or a book. If you need something good to read and pass the time, the following are meant for you!

1. Kamasutra

This book was written during the sixth century and the images leave nothing to imagination. Each and every position is clearly described and the techniques are so detailed that you will be able to practice the art with ease- if that’s what you want!

2. 1001 Books to Read before you die

This book has basically compiled the names and descriptions of 1001 books that should not be missed out on. If you don’t like reading, you can always glance through these recommendations and sound smart in front of a man or woman you want to impress.

3. Poop Culture

This book is so informative, that you will find yourself turning red after a few chapters. When Dave Praegar started writing this book, he obviously wanted to shame the readers but make them laugh at the same time. By the time you finish the book, you will be very well informed about the history and facts of poop, that is, human waste.

4. The Art of War

Written by Sun Tzu, this book is short and sweet enough to be read in single sitting. Maybe it’s not what the author intended, but his ideas are being appreciated by management students who get bored on the toilet all over the world!

5. Grossman’s Cyclopedia

If you have always wanted to say words like ‘cheers’ and ‘bottoms up’ in Korean or Gaelic, this book has been made for you. You will also find answers to various questions related to different alcoholic beverages.

6. Make the Most of Your Time on Earth

This book features such characters that are always on the look out for adventure. It is extremely well-written and the protagonists are endearing and relatable. The author will accompany you through the journey and tell you about those places in the world that you always wanted to visit but never could.

7. How Soccer Explains the World

One cannot deny that the beautiful game of Soccer is the focus of many sports lovers all over the world. However, Franklin Foer says that this may not always be positive and explores the realm of globalization with the help of the game. Even though his conclusions may be slightly overwhelming and over the top, they may seem believable, especially when the book is read in the bathroom.

8. 1001 Movies to see before you die

If you love movies but never know what to watch, you should pick up this book and make your life easier. You will realize that there are plenty of films out there that you will adore but have never heard of.

9. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

This book is considered to be moving, wonderful and disturbing- all at the same time. It’s a good book which is why you will walk out of the bathroom with numb legs till you finish it.

10. What’s your poo telling you?

The main aim of the authors of this book was to dissect poo- not literally though, thank God! It is extremely funny and if you are not careful, you may fall off the commode with tears of laughter running down your face!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Many colleges all over the world have changed their curriculum to include inane and unnecessary courses. There are many more but the following are the best of the worst.

1. The Unbearable Whiteness Of Barbie

A course called The Unbearable Whiteness Of Barbie is mandatory for those who enroll themselves in Occidental College. This course explains how every element of racism has come together to create the popular Barbie doll. Students are supposed to read pieces by Karl Marx and Sandra Kisneros but really, why?

2. The Theology of Eating

This course is a part of the curriculum at Loyola College. It explains how there is an undeniable link between the act of eating and God. The religious angle to picking up a fork and eating some noodles is given serious thought.

3. Stupidity

This course is a part of Occidental College as well and no, students do not need to be stupid to study it. It explains how stupidity does not equal ignorance but is actually ‘double of intelligence’ and not its opposite. Students will have to read pieces by the likes of Friedrich Nietzche.

4. The Joy of Garbage

This course is definitely a waste of time and is offered by Santa Clara University. It attempts to explain the difference between the features of waste, garbage and discard. It is said to be a scientific course for those who don’t really care about the subject. The students will be required to carry out research through the year and work around with data that is most likely to be some garbage.

5. The Art of Sin and the Sin of Art

This course is offered by The Rhode Island School of Design and those who are a part of it will have to analyze and scrutinize the moral elements of both modern and classical artists. Keeping in mind that RISD is quite artsy, the course may just be doing well.

6. Philosophy and Star Trek

Those who are a part of this course will have to read Aristotle and understand the philosophy behind Star Trek. They will also have to understand how the theory of metaphysics has been used in science fiction.

7. Zombies-The living dead in Literature, Film and Culture

This course is taught at University of Alabama. It explains that Zombies and Americans have something in common as far as ‘consumption’ is concerned. He also says that the world thought of America as a zombie, that is, a soulless when George W. Bush was ‘in charge’. It may be a little far-fetched but students enjoy the course.

8. Maple Syrup: The Real Thing

This course is a part of the curriculum at Alfred University. The students will have to study the production process involved in the development of this syrup and the so-called subtleties that are involved. Certain techniques are dissected and alternative methods are suggested.

9. The Art of Walking

This course is in a college in Kentucky called Centre College. When the course ends, the students will understand nature. They will be taken on walks and be told to hand in assignments and will have to walk about a lot.

10. The Phallus

The Phallus is the third unnecessary course at Occidental College. Students are meant to understand why it is important and how it is related to fetish, masculinity, the organs and femininity.

Popularity: 5% [?]

One can find strange looking creatures all over the world but the following really take the cake.

1. King Vulture

Regular vultures are revolting looking with their large bodies and black feathers. However, the King Vulture is very colorful- half of it is black and the rest is white. Its head is streaked with colors like purple, red, yellow and orange.

2. Japanese Spider Crab

The Japanese Spider Crab is gigantic and can weigh up to 20 kilograms. Not only that, but it can reach a height of 13 feet and live more than a 100 years! If you want to have nightmares for the rest of your life, you should look for this creature’s photograph.

3. Whip Scorpions

These scorpions are quite different from the kinds we are used to. They can spray chemicals like formic acid and octanoic acid as well as acetic acid! They are black with massive whips and you will find yourself running for your life if you happen to see one.

4. Upside-down Catfish

These fish like to swim upside-down. According to studies, they do this because they want to consume those particles that are too light to sink to the bottom of the ocean. While most fish have darker upper bodies and lighter bottoms, these catfish are upside down in that respect too!

5. Vampire Moth

This moth looks like a mosquito but has two needle-like structures that protrude out of its head. They like to suck on blood and are extremely ugly and usually yellow in color. If you happen to see a Vampire Moth drinking your blood, do not panic- you will not contract any disease. You will be alarmed because it is not too normal too look at but that’s not as important.

6. Megalopyge Opercularis

The Megalopyge Opercularis belongs to the moth family and is so hairy during its initial years that it resembles a Persian cat. You may want to reach out and touch the soft fur but try not to unless of course you want to inject some venom into your body.

7. Giraffe Weevil

A Giraffe Weevil has a long neck which it uses to build its nests. They are quite startling to look at as they have red bodies and black necks. Some say that they are ugly enough to induce projectile vomiting but that really depends on how strong your stomach is.

8. Andean Cock-of-the-rock

Not only is its name funny, but this creature also looks quite odd- their crests are bulge-like as far as the appearance is concerned and marked with red and orange hues. An Andean Cock-of-the-rock’s feathers are orange, red, grey and black. Yes, it is very colorful but equally ugly.

9. Coconut Crab

The Coconut Crab can weigh up to 4.1 kilogram and likes to eat coconuts. The younger ones have shells which they shed off once they reach a certain age. They love the nuts so much that they adorn the shells and walk about every now and then. Their hobbies include climbing trees and stealing sparkly objects.

10. Barreleye Fish

A Barreleye Fish is undoubtedly the most unusual looking creature on the planet. It has a black body but its head is transparent. Their eyes are placed in this transparent area and are round and green which makes it easier for them to look for food.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Cats can be quite sweet but then again, they can belong the following breeds- which basically means that they are far from looking ‘cute’.

1. Devon Rex

This breed originated in the 1960s and contrary to popular belief is not related to the German Rex breed. These cats do not have ‘guard hair’ and their fur is very fine. They have very large eye as well as low-set and large ears. Even though they are quite playful, they should be avoided because they look quite ugly.

2. Scottish Fold

A Scottish Fold cat’s ears are very close to their heads. This is because their genes are slightly mutilated which causes their ears to fold over because of which they look quite funny and sometimes, angry. These cats can be cute if you really love cats but otherwise, they are not too appealing.

3. Japanese Bobtail

These cats have puffy tails and tend to hop about like rabbits instead of run like normal cats. Their eyes are usually gold or silver in color and while they are quite expensive, they aren’t too popular as they can be quite startling with all that hopping.

4. Khao Manee

These Siamese cats can have different colored eyes- while one can be green, the other is usually blue. Even though these cats are considered to be a symbol of luck and have been around for hundreds of years, they can look quite scary with their odd-colored eyes.

5. Savannah

Cats belonging to this breed have odd markings which includes spots and stripes that are irregularly placed on their bodies. They are quite large and can weigh up to 16 kilograms. Savannahs can be very friendly and love to play fetch and are known to be as loyal as dogs. However, the fact that they greet their owners and others by shoving their head into them, is quite unusual. These cats like to jump a lot and instead of drinking the water in their bowls, they will bat it out with their paws.

6. Teacup Persians

These cats may look very cute and have become quite popular recently but this does not rule out the fact that they should be avoided. This is because they are susceptible to several problems including lupus, cancer, urinary tract disorders and eyelid cysts.

7. Munchkin

Munchkin cats have very short legs because they suffer from a genetic mutation. However, this does not mean that they cannot jump or run as fast as other cats. People tend to avoid this cat breed because they feel that suffer from a genetic disease. Apart from the short legs, Munchkins also have spinal deformities and oddly shaped chests.

8. Pixie-Bob

Pixie-Bobs are large and look like small bobcats. They are known to be very intelligent and like to exercise and play fetch. The only odd thing about them is that instead of meowing, they chirp and tend to stick to their owners in the house.

9. Minskin

This breed is relatively new and originated in 1998. They belong to a particular category of cat breeds referred to as the Dwarf Breed. Not much is known about this cat as it is still new but they are definitely not adorable or cute so it is okay if you want to avoid the breed.

10. Sphynx

This cat is also known as the Canadian Hairless and is born without any fur. As it grows older, it develops a soft fur with very short hair and thankfully, normal looking eyebrows and a few whiskers here and there. The creature is quite lovable once you get used to its odd appearance.

Popularity: 7% [?]

The term ‘danger’ is usually associated with animals like bears, tigers and lions- carnivores, basically. However, the following top10 list of the top 10 most dangerous herbivores will tell you about those herbivores that may look gentle but can be extremely dangerous.

1. Gelada Baboon

Gelada Baboons have massive manes and flat faces that look severe no matter what. They are native to Ethiopia and their diet consists of grass and leaves. While they quite peaceful most of the times, they will eat you alive with their sharp and terrifying teeth if you happen to irritate them.

2. American Bison

The American Bison was left behind after the extinction of the Ice Age and can weigh about one ton. Humans tried their best to kill the species off but the Government intervened which is why a few are still around in zoos and national parks. They are dangerous only if you show signs of hurting their offspring or if you enter their territory.

3. Gorilla

A gorilla can weigh about and more than 200 kilograms and is extremely strong. They are quite peaceful and may even smile at you if you are lucky but if you try to hurt its family or threaten it in anyway, the gorilla will attack you without thinking. They have huge arms and their canines are sharp and knife-like and because they can run faster than any human on the planet, an irritated gorilla can kill you within a few seconds.

4. Cassowary

These birds are the largest in the world and are native to New Guinea and Australia. These vegetarians eat only fruit but if you manage to irritate them, the Cassowary will kick you with it dagger-like claw and disembowel you in no time.

5. Rhinoceros

All the species of rhinos are native to Asia and Africa. Because they are big, strong and have horrible tempers, they can be very dangerous. Even though a rhino’s horn is made of hair, it can enter an enemy and watch it bleed to death.

6. Wild Boar

Wild Boars are not pure vegetarians and may or may not eat a lizard or frog, depending on its mood. They can weigh more than 250 kilograms and their sharp teeth can rip open any predator, big or small. Females are equally dangerous, especially if their piglets are in danger.

7. Cape Buffalo

Even though Cape Buffaloes look like cows, they are among the most dangerous vegetarians in Africa. Their horns are long and sharp and their hooves are very heavy. Cape Buffaloes are known to move with their herd which means that if one is injured, the rest will finish the attacker if need be.

8. Elephant

This may come as a shock because elephants are usually considered to be very peaceful and friendly, but fact remains that they have killed many zookeepers over the years. Once they decide that their babies need to be protected or that their personal space is being violated, they will retaliate.

9. White Lipped Peccary

The White Lipped Peccary is native to part of South America and Mexico. They have very sharp canines which become even sharper every time the animal shuts its mouth as they rub against each other. Like Cape Buffaloes, they move in herds of about 1000 and if you happen to get attacked, run up a tree as fast as you can.

10. Hippopotamus

A Hippopotamus is known to attack more people when compared to leopards, crocodiles and even lions. Even though it is quite fat, it can run extremely fast and trample over its victim.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Earthquakes are the most horrifying natural calamities to hit earth. Most damages happen due to the non-predictability of earthquakes. In history, there have been some earthquakes which were more deadly than others and here are the top 10.

1. Shaanxi, China: 1556

This is the most deadly earthquake ever recorded in the history of earth and it happened in Shaanxi province in China. This earthquake measured 8.0 and more than 820,000 feared dead. The factor that contributed to this quake is yaodongs, the artificial dugouts. It is also said that this deadly quake razed the mountains, ignited fires all over for days together and changed the course of various rivers.

2. Indian Ocean: 2004

In our lifetime, this is the horrible earthquake ever happened. This quake had its epicenter ‘off the west coast of Indonesia’ and this quake created tsunami and hit the regions alongside the Indian Ocean and this quake even triggered earthquake as far as Alaska as well. This quake took 280,000 lives and caused environmental and humanitarian concerns. The quake recorded 9.1 on Richter scale.

3. Haiyuan and Tansghan China: 1976 and 1920

A severe earthquake struck Tansghan region of China in 1976. It is a deadly quake and took around 240,000 lives and in 1920, the quake took around 770,000 lives. It is important to note that both the communist leader Tse-tung and prime minister Zhou Enlai died the same year and most of the people think that it is a omen that has come to end an era.

4. Aleppo, Syria: 1138

The total number of casualties in this quake is about 230,000. It was the first quake between 1138 and 1339 to hit that area. In the 12^th Century, the region was witnessing many crusades and this earthquake brought down the citadels of both Muslim and Christian armies.

5. Ardabil and Damghan, Iran: 893 and 856

In 856, Damghan, Iran was hit by a massive earthquake tolling the casualties around 150,000 and 40 years later quake hit another city o Iran called Ardabil and death toll was more than 137,000. Again, Iran was struck by an earthquake in 1996 cost lives 960 people.

6. Hokkaido, Japan: 1730

Seismically, Hokkaido is an active place just like many other parts of Japan. When the earthquake hit Hokkaido in 1730, 137,000 lives were lost and again in 1993 due to tsunami 200 lives were lost.

7. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: 1948

When the city of Ashgabat in Turkey was hit by the earthquake, the communist leaders of USSR denied much higher casualties and that time the entire city lost its contact with rest of the world. Today, it is very much believed that this earthquake took 110,000 lives and to keep this earthquake alive, a monument is built.

8. Great Kanto, Japan: 1923

The city of Great Kanto, Japan was struck by an earthquake in 1923 and the total death toll was about 100,000. It is said that the 93-ton statue of great Buddha slid forward by tow feet. The cause for the casualties was fire, which occurred due to typhoons.

9. Messina, Italy: 1908

When the earthquake hit the town of Messina, Italy, the neighboring coastal cities was hit by tsunami waves, which were about forty feet in height and the total death toll was about 100,000.

10. Lisbon, Portugal: 1755

This quake is called as great Lisbon earthquake. The earthquake hit Lisbon and most of the people died due to tsunami, fires and thus the total death toll was about 100,000.

Popularity: 4% [?]