Articles written by Jenny Ashford

Some scholars assert that the mass hysteria in Massachusetts in the 17th century could have been triggered by a common fungus.

Jul 7, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Though artist Mario Minniti is barely remembered outside of his native Sicily, his work was highly sought after during his lifetime.

Jul 1, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Born of the pulp crime novels of the 1930s, the giallo came into its own on screen, culminating in classic films from legendary Italian directors.

Jun 23, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

From giant moose antlers to stunning peacock feathers, nature may owe a great deal of its beauty and diversity to the sexual impulse.

Jun 15, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

The discovery of a huge cache of pilfered artwork has authorities working to find the rightful owners.

Jun 9, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

While most of the thousands of art thefts around the world are solved rather quickly, a few cases have proved frustrating for authorities.

Jun 1, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Type, contrast and white space, when utilized correctly, can improve your designs immensely.

May 26, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Though H. H. Holmes was undoubtedly a convicted killer, the more lurid crimes attributed to him may have been media hype.

May 11, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

In the dogged pursuit of an hourglass figure, people have subjected themselves to many extreme undergarments.

May 5, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Caravaggio is considered one of the greatest and most influential artists in history, but his genius had an extremely dark side.

Apr 20, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

In the 3.5-billion-year history of life, there have been many relatively sudden reductions in species, five of which are considered major.

Apr 13, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Though the commonly held views of violent chimps and peaceful bonobos is exaggerated, there is some truth behind the stereotypes.

Apr 6, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Since the date of their earliest establishment, coffeehouses have been hotbeds of radical politics and the free exchange of ideas.

Mar 30, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Though claims of its infamous curse are fictitious, the Hope (or "Tavernier") Diamond nonetheless has a history filled with intrigue and mystery.

Mar 23, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Though claims of its infamous curse are fictitious, the Hope Diamond nonetheless has a history filled with intrigue and mystery.

Mar 23, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

A painter of the Dutch "Golden Age," Gerard ter Borch brought depth to a stock style of painting and still amazes viewers with his virtuoso rendering of satin.

Mar 16, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

In the early 1900's Belle Gunness murdered dozens of men and children for insurance money, and may have faked her own death in a fire.

Mar 10, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Though it is one of the most sacred days on the Christian calendar, the trappings of Easter are derived from pagan practices.

Mar 3, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

A strange gathering of intellectual luminaries during one "haunted summer" produced one of literature's most enduring creations.

Mar 2, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Evolution, almost exclusively among scientific theories, generates passionate debate mainly based on false assumptions.

Mar 2, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Despite scientists' certainty that evolution occurs, a large percentage of the population still harbors misconceptions about the theory.

Feb 13, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Archaeopteryx is almost definitely a link between dinosaurs and modern birds, but there is still debate as to how - or even if - it ever flew.

Jan 12, 2009 - Jenny Ashford

Biographers' accounts differ about the nature of the relationship between the musical genius and his strict father.

Dec 17, 2008 - Jenny Ashford

The modern version of Christmas is an amalgam of many pagan traditions from early civilizations, especially that of the ancient Romans.

Dec 5, 2008 - Jenny Ashford

For nearly six centuries, the Catholic Church operated a series of inquisitions for the purpose of wiping out heresy and witchcraft.

Dec 2, 2008 - Jenny Ashford

Language is one of the most successful adaptations of the human lineage, and scientists are striving to discover where it all started.

Oct 20, 2008 - Jenny Ashford

The US, Canada and the UK take very different approaches to providing health care to their citizens, both in funding and dispensing of care.

Oct 15, 2008 - Jenny Ashford

Though Madame X is today regarded as one of the great American paintings, Sargent's masterwork shattered the reputation of its subject, Amelie Gautreau.

Oct 7, 2008 - Jenny Ashford

Explore a real coal mine, visit a mining museum, and learn about the mining industry in South Wales.

Oct 1, 2008 - Jenny Ashford

The National Showcaves Centre in Wales is a beautiful natural attraction, boasting three amazing caves, as well as a dinosaur park, a fossil museum, and much more.

Oct 1, 2008 - Jenny Ashford

Australian singer-songwriter Nick Cave has always had a thing for killing women.

Sep 16, 2008 - Jenny Ashford

Though true believers are keeping the faith, evidence points to a clever fake.

Sep 10, 2008 - Jenny Ashford