by The Awl

The strange, strange story of Steve Ludwin, who injects himself with snake venom. All the time. And says he feels amazing. Is the future going to be all of us having snake venom cocktails all the time? (No.)

I first heard this a couple of weeks ago off of a not uninteresting mix and it snuck up on me while I wasn’t paying attention and now I am in its thrall. Cursory Googling does not yield much in the way of revelation, although the love life of the Soviet-era pop star who recorded the original track makes for the kind of story around which Pushkin would construct an epic poem were he alive today. In any event, this sounds like a lost Cocteau Twins demo recorded from a playback through tinny speakers and I love everything about it. My only caveat is that I know no Russian, so if this is a white-power anthem or a paean to wife-beating or a parade of various slurs against gays obviously I would be less enthusiastic. Enjoy.

In Praise of Soju, the Korean Firewater

by The Awl

Did you know that soju outsells vodka world-wide? FUN FACT for trivia night. Spoiler: it’s cheap.

by The Awl

Sampat Pal Devi is the founder of the Gulabi Gang — the “Pink Gang” — which brings women together to help fight sexual assault in India.

by The Awl

Here in rural northeast China is one of six bitcoin mines that together were grossing about $1.5 million a month.

by The Awl

The “FPV” in “FPV racing” just stands for “first-person view.” The more you know! Also it’s awesome. What else would you do with your drone?

by The Awl

How your tax dollars supported the Afghan reconstruction in Kabul — and how Rio de Janeiro “cleaned up” society for the Olympics.

by The Awl

Inside the new California Dust Bowl, a farmland in drought.

by The Awl

The evil Canadian beavers that rampage and destroy Patagonia — and the hunters who bring them to justice.