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Have you ever found yourself pondering the existence of a world where the cacophony of everyday life is but a distant memory, where even the murmur of a breeze becomes a deafening roar? Such is the enigmatic allure of the quietest room in the world, a chamber engineered to defy the very essence of sound itself. But as we peered into this realm of absolute silence, we found ourselves drawn deeper into the shadows, where secrets lurk and whispers of the forbidden beckon. As Socrates said, “I know that I know nothing.” In our look today at the quietest room in the world, a place where no human can stay for long, we thought we’d also take a look at some of the most obscure or off-limits places on Earth. Places of secrets, silence, and solitude. Places that transcend the boundaries of ordinary existence. From the depths of the Mariana Trench to the remote reaches of North Sentinel Island and the conspiracy theory/urban legendary Area 51, we’ll delve into the enigmatic corners of our world, guided by an insatiable curiosity and a hunger for the unknown. Sometimes it seems to us that there are very few unexplored corners left in the world. In fact, there is still very much hidden from our eyes. Join us today as we navigate the murky depths of secrecy and intrigue, peeling back layers of mystery to reveal the hidden wonders and forbidden territories that lie beyond the reach of everyday life, and sometimes beyond even the threshold of human perception. Prepare to be fascinated and perhaps a little unnerved as we embark on a voyage to the quiet and concealed places. From the clandestine corridors of government bunkers to the secluded sanctuaries of private islands. Places where silence speaks volumes and the forbidden beckons with an irresistible allure. The Quietest Room in the World: Scientists have created a room so quiet that people can have hallucinations after entering. In fact, no one has been able to stay in the room for more than 55 minutes. The anechoic test chamber at Orfield Laboratories in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA is 99.9% sound absorbent with a measured background noise that is nearly 25 decibels below the threshold of human hearing. It’s so quiet that you can hear how your internal organs are working. You can hear your heart beating and your lungs breathing. When you move, your bones make a grinding noise and eventually you will lose balance because the absolute lack of reverberation sabotages your spatial awareness. Called “anechoic” because it simply creates no echo at all, the room has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the quietest place on earth. North Sentinel Island: Located in the Bay of Bengal, North Sentinel Island is home to one of the last uncontacted tribes in the world, the Sentinelese. This indigenous, isolated tribe, known for their hostility toward outsiders, has fiercely resisted outside contact for centuries, repelling any attempts at exploration or interaction. Indian authorities have implemented strict regulations prohibiting outsiders from approaching the island, citing the need to protect the Sentinelese people and preserve their traditional way of life. As a result, North Sentinel Island remains one of the most off-limits and enigmatic places on Earth. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault (aka The Doomsday Seed Vault): Located on the remote Norwegian island of Svalbard, the Doomsday Seed Vault serves as a global repository for seeds of essential food crops, safeguarding the worlds agricultural heritage against the threat of a global catastrophe or extinction. Built to withstand natural disasters (it’s carved into permafrost so samples will stay frozen in the event of a power failure), climate change (it’s 130 meters above sea level to protect against flooding if Greenland or Artic ice melts), and human conflict (it can withstand a nuclear missile attack or the force of a plane crash), the subterranean fortress houses millions of seeds from around the world. Access to the Doomsday Seed Vault is restricted, with only a select few individuals granted permission to enter its secure chambers. Protected by layers of security and climate-controlled conditions, the seed vault represents humanity's efforts to ensure the preservation of vital genetic resources for future generations. The Bank of England's Gold Vault: Situated beneath the bustling streets of London lies one of the largest repositories of gold in the world: the Bank of England's Gold Vault. Housing a significant portion of the United Kingdom's gold reserves, as well as gold belonging to other nations and institutions, the vault is heavily fortified and protected by advanced security measures. Access to the vault is restricted to authorized personnel only, with stringent protocols in place to prevent unauthorized entry and theft of the precious metal. The Mariana Trench: Nestled deep within the Pacific Ocean, the Mariana Trench plunges to depths of over 36,000 feet (10,900 meters), making it the deepest known point on Earth. Its forbidding depths remain largely unexplored, shrouded in darkness and mystery. Only a handful of manned expeditions have been able to descend into its abyssal depths, where crushing pressures and extreme conditions make survival a daunting challenge. Despite advances in technology, much of the Mariana Trench remains a tantalizing enigma, holding secrets that have yet to be unveiled. Sadly, despite its remoteness, humans have already left their mark. A recent study showed that the Mariana Trench has higher levels of overall pollution in certain regions than some of the most polluted river in China. It’s theorized that the chemical pollutants in the trench may have come in part from the breakdown of plastic in the water column. The Lascaux Cave Paintings: Nestled deep within the limestone hills of southwestern France, the Lascaux Cave Paintings provide a unique glimpse into the prehistoric world of our ancestors. Dating back over 17,000 years, these cave paintings offer a rare window into the artistic and spiritual practices of Paleolithic humans. Discovered in 1940, these ancient artworks depict a rich tapestry of hunting, rituals, and wildlife preserved in remarkable detail. Due to concerns over deterioration caused by human activity and environmental factors, the original Lascaux cave complex has been closed to the public since 1963. In its place, a meticulously recreated replica known as Lascaux II allows visitors to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of these Paleolithic masterpieces while ensuring the preservation of the delicate originals. Club 33, Disneyland, California: Hidden within Disneyland's New Orleans Square lies one of the most exclusive and secretive clubs in the world, Club 33. Originally conceived as a private retreat for Walt Disney and his guests, Club 33 has since evolved into an invitation-only haven for celebrities, dignitaries, and VIPs. Access to Club 33 is strictly limited, with a pricey initiation fee, yearly membership dues and a lengthy waiting list ensuring exclusivity. Within its opulent confines, members can enjoy fine dining, impeccable service, and a respite from the hustle and bustle of the theme park. Area 51: Situated within the remote desert of Southern Nevada, Area 51 has long been synonymous with secrecy and intrigue. This highly classified military installation, within the Nevada Test and Training Range, has been the subject of countless conspiracy theories, fueling speculation about extraterrestrial encounters and covert government experiments. Access to Area 51 is strictly prohibited, guarded by armed patrols and surveillance measures. While the truth behind its activities remains shrouded in secrecy, Area 51 continues to capture the imagination of conspiracy theorists and curiosity seekers alike. The Bohemian Grove: Nestled within the redwood forests of Northern California, the Bohemian Grove is a secluded retreat for the world's elite and influential figures. Each summer, the 2,700-acre (1,093 hectares) campground hosts a more than two-week encampment. Members of the Bohemian Club gather at this exclusive enclave to engage in a mixture of socializing, networking, and secretive rituals. Founded in 1872 by a group of male artists, writers, actors, lawyers, and journalists, all of means and interested in the arts and culture. Today the invitation-only membership has grown to around 2,500, including several former US presidents, high-ranking politicians, and military officials. The Grove's strict privacy policies and extensive security measures ensure that its activities remain veiled in secrecy, leading to speculation and conspiracy theories about its true purpose and influence over global affairs. The Island of Socotra: Located off the coast of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, the island of Socotra is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes and unique biodiversity. Home to a myriad of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, Socotra has been dubbed the "Galápagos of the Indian Ocean." Despite its ecological significance, Socotra remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, with limited infrastructure and access restricted by the Yemeni government. As a result, the island retains an air of mystery and intrigue, drawing intrepid travelers and researchers eager to explore its hidden wonders. The Vatican Secret Archives: Housed within the walls of Vatican City, the Vatican Secret Archives hold centuries worth of historical documents, manuscripts, and papal correspondence, dating back to the 8th century. Despite its name, the archives are not shrouded in secrecy for nefarious purposes but rather for preservation and protection of sensitive materials. Access to the Vatican Secret Archives is highly restricted, with only accredited scholars and researchers granted permission to delve into its vast collection under strict supervision. Within its labyrinthine corridors lie untold stories of intrigue, diplomacy, and religious history, making it one of the most elusive and intriguing repositories of knowledge in the world. Snake Island: Situated off the coast of Brazil, Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known as Snake Island, is home to one of the most venomous snake species on the planet, the golden lancehead viper With an estimated population of up to 4,000 snakes (or 1 snake per square meter) inhabiting the island's dense vegetation, Snake Island is a perilous landscape where human presence is strictly prohibited. Brazilian authorities have declared the island off-limits to the public in order to protect both visitors and the endangered snake population. As a result, Snake Island remains an untamed wilderness, untouched by human interference and shrouded in myth and legend. The White House Situation Room: Tucked away beneath the West Wing of the White House lies the nerve center of American national security, the Situation Room. This highly secure facility serves as the command center for monitoring and responding to crises, both domestic and international. Access to the Situation Room is strictly limited to authorized personnel, typically high-ranking government officials and military advisers. Within its confines, classified briefings are conducted, contingency plans are formulated, and crucial decisions are made, making it one of the most closely guarded and secretive locations in the world of geopolitics. The Church of Scientology's Gold Base: Located in the deserts of Southern California, the Gold Base serves as the international headquarters of the Church of Scientology. This heavily fortified compound is shrouded in secrecy, with high walls, surveillance cameras, and armed guards deterring unauthorized access. Within its borders, Scientology's top leadership resides and conducts operations, shielded from the prying eyes of the outside world. The Gold Base's secretive nature has sparked controversy and speculation about the inner workings of the Church of Scientology and its practices. Mount Athos, Greece: Known as the "Holy Mountain," Mount Athos is a rugged peninsula in northern Greece that is home to some of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Orthodox Christianity. Access to Mount Athos is strictly controlled, with only male visitors granted permission to enter after obtaining a special permit. The mountain is considered a spiritual haven, where monks live in seclusion, dedicating their lives to prayer, contemplation, and the preservation of ancient religious traditions. The Tomb of China's First Emperor: Located at the northern foot of Lishan Mountain, northeast of Xian, the Mausoleum of China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang has lain buried, deep underneath a pyramid, for more than 2,000 years. It is one of the greatest discoveries of all times but remains a mystery for historians and archaeologists. Believed to be filled with treasures, artifacts, and an army of life-sized terracotta soldiers, the contents of the tomb are mostly sealed and unexplored. It is said that the burial complex is comprised of various things that Qin Shi Huang would need in the afterlife. To pay respect to the ancient site, the Chinese Government has prohibited excavation of the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang and it is one the most forbidden places in the world. The Coca-Cola Recipe Vault: Guarded within the hallowed halls of the World of Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, USA lies one of the most closely guarded secrets in the corporate world: the original recipe for Coca-Cola. Housed in a state-of-the-art vault equipped with security cameras and motion detectors, the recipe is rumored to be protected by a combination lock known only to a select few Coca-Cola executives. Despite numerous attempts to uncover the recipe's ingredients over the years, the vault remains impenetrable, ensuring that the formula for the world's most iconic soft drink remains a closely guarded secret – and a marketer’s dream. Niihau Island: Often referred to as the "Forbidden Isle," Niihau is one of the most enigmatic and restricted destinations in Hawaii. Situated just southwest of Kauai, Niihau is privately owned by the Robinson family, who have maintained strict control over access to the island for generations. With a population of fewer than 200 residents, largely consisting of native Hawaiians, Niihau retains a traditional way of life that is largely untouched by modern influences. Access to Niihau is highly restricted, with outsiders typically allowed entry only by invitation or through guided tours organized by the island's owners. This exclusivity has earned Niihau a reputation as one of the most secretive and off-limits places in Hawaii. The island's isolation has helped preserve its pristine natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, making it a tantalizing destination for those curious about its storied past and tightly guarded present. Despite its allure, Niihau remains shrouded in mystery, with limited information available to the public about its inhabitants and way of life. While the Robinson family has occasionally allowed select visitors to experience the island's rugged landscapes and rich cultural traditions, much of Niihau's allure lies in its status as a secluded sanctuary, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern society. As a result, Niihau continues to captivate the imagination of those who dream of exploring its hidden treasures and uncovering the secrets of the Forbidden Isle. The Room of Requirement: While not a physical location in the traditional sense, the Room of Requirement, from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, is a magical space that appears only when someone is in need. Situated within Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Room of Requirement manifests itself differently for each individual, providing whatever is necessary at the time. Whether it be a place to hide forbidden objects, practice spells, or simply find solace, the Room of Requirement remains one of the most mysterious and elusive spaces within the wizarding world. And that brings us to the end of our journey into the realm of the quiet and concealed places. From the eerie silence of the quietest room in the world to the secluded sanctuaries of private islands, we've explored the depths of secrecy and intrigue that exist beyond the boundaries of everyday life. Peeling back some of the layers of mystery to glimpse the hidden wonders that lie beyond the reach of ordinary perception and limits. Reflecting on this odyssey into the unknown, we're reminded of the timeless allure of forbidden places, where silence deafens, and secrets lurk in the shadows. Whether delving into the depths of the Mariana Trench or unlocking the enigma of the Coca-Cola Recipe Vault, each destination offers a glimpse into a world shrouded in mystery and intrigue. As always, we raise a glass to these testaments to the enduring human spirit of curiosity and exploration. As we continue to uncover the secrets of our world, let’s never lose sight of the wonder of discovery and the thrill of the unknown. For, in the realm of mystery and forbidden places, there are always new horizons waiting to be explored. New secrets waiting to be revealed. Tell us about your hidden places in the comments below. #quietestroom #india #island #tribes #norway #doomsday #seedvault #england #london #gold #vault #marianatrench #pacificocean #pollution #france #lascauxcave #art #disneyland #california #club33 #private #exclusive #area51 #offlimits #military #aliens #ufo #bohemianclub #bohemiangrove #socorta #yeman #vatican #pope #brazil #snakeisland #washingtondc #whitehouse #situationroom #scientology #greece #mountathos #monks #china #xian #firstemperor #forbidden #cocacola #softdrink #atlanta #georgia #hawaii #niihauisland #harrypotter #jkrowlings #roomofrequirement #hogwarts #anyhigh

In a world where animal courtship often involves flaunting the most vibrant feathers or executing the flashiest dance moves, human flirting seems to operate on a different wavelength altogether. From the lofty realms of ancient Rome, where a well-placed eyebrow raise could start a scandal, to the intricate instructions of the Hindu Kama Sutra, which probably made medieval lovebirds feel downright inadequate, the art of wooing has seen more twists and turns than a Shakespearean comedy. Enter the Middle Ages, where courtly love reigned supreme, and chivalrous knights penned sonnets to their beloveds with quills sharper than their swords. Fast forward to the roaring 1930s in Berlin, where the dance floors pulsed with the rhythm of forbidden desires and smoky gazes spoke volumes in the shadow of looming political turmoil. And now, here we are, in the age of Tinder and digital dalliances, where a simple swipe left or right holds the power to determine the trajectory of modern romance. In a world where emojis reign supreme and "Netflix and chill" has become a universally understood language, the evolution of flirting has taken on a new dimension—one where subtlety and nuance compete with the blunt force of instant gratification. According to a large body of supporting evidence, males across many different species produce courtship signals that honestly advertise their quality. The cost of producing or performing these signals maintains honesty, such that females are typically able to choose the best males by selecting those that produce the loudest, brightest, longest, or otherwise highest-intensity signals, using signal strength as a measure of quality. Set against this background, human flirting behavior, characterized by its frequent subtlety or covertness, is mysterious. Against the backdrop of signaling theory and the biological imperative to attract mates, human flirting remains an enigma wrapped in a mystery. How did we evolve from the grand gestures of our ancestors to the often not-so-subtle nuances of contemporary courtship? Or were our ancestors more direct in their flirtatious advances than we realized? Join us as we embark on a journey through the ages, unraveling the tangled web of human flirtation and decoding the signals that have shaped the course of romantic history. This week we take a brief look at the art of flirting: from Ovid to Tinder. While we’d like to start at the very beginning (apple sharing aside) there’s really not much we can know about how prehistoric humans flirted with each other. But we do think it’s pretty safe to assume that “caveman” courtship didn’t involve clubbing (in the oldest sense of the word). Research has found that early humans seem to have recognized the dangers of inbreeding at least 34,000 years ago and developed sophisticated social and mating networks to avoid it. Some elements of flirting, however, are eternal. Believed to have been written sometime around the 2nd century BCE, the Kama Sutra, the classic Hindu sexual instruction manual, includes several suggestions on ways for men to flirt successfully with women. Some are completely understandable and hold true to this day. For example, regarding physical appearance, men are advised to maintain good hygiene and dress to enhance their attractiveness; men should cultivate charm and wit as part of their seductive repertoire and having a sense of humor is good; the Kama Sutra advocates for the use of romantic gestures and acts of kindness to woo a woman. These gestures may include offering gifts, writing love letters or poetry, planning thoughtful dates, and creating memorable experiences that resonate with the woman's interests and preferences. On the other hand, some are, to this day to most of us, still a puzzle and an enigma. For example, the Kama Sutra suggests that men should possess a deep understanding of female psychology and emotions. It says that by being attentive and empathetic to a woman's needs and desires, men can establish emotional intimacy and build trust. Well, we did get away from the whole inbreeding thing, so maybe there’s hope that we’ll be able to figure this one out someday as well. Jumping ahead a few years to ancient Rome we come upon another instruction book, Ar Armatoria, written by one of Rome’s favorite sons, Ovid. Ovid was a law school dropout who became a poet. His poetry was invariably about love, and of a far more emotional style than was the norm for his day. He loved women, and by the age of 30 had been married three times and divorced twice. In Ar Amatoria Book 1, his seduction manual for men on how-to pick-up girls, he purports to teach any student how to do what he knows how to do. “Let anyone who lacks the art of love read on, and having read, his ignorance is gone!” he declares. Here are a couple excerpts: To Pick Up Girls, Go Where They Are “She won’t come down from thin air, straight down from clear blue skies,” Ovid says. You must go to where she is. Just as “the hunter knows just where the stag will find his snare, and knows the gnashing boar’s most likely lair”, the romantic, too, must know how to find women. Unsurprisingly, one top recommendation is Rome: “Rome will yield so many pretty girls each day that ‘Here is all the world’ is what you’ll say. … Like teeming fish; like birds amidst the leaves, or stars their skies? Far more, the girls who haunt this Rome.” But, Ovid says, “theaters are best, where seats curve up in layers.” The theaters will answer your prayers for a girl. “You’ll find there one to love, or one to only play with; someone to sample, or someone to stay with.” Like lines of ants or swarms of bumblebees in meadows “the smartest women crowd the shows in numbers, till my faltering judgment goes.” And, in a prescient tip of the toga to Tinder, he says “they come to see and be seen, in the theater. A place that’s lethal to all chastity.” How to Pick Up Girls at the Roman Circus There’s no need for secrecy at the Circus, Ovid says, “Just sit beside her; it’s the open-seating plan, so nudge against her thigh the best you can. Like it or not, the seats mean closeness, and that’s good; tight spaces leave you touching where you should.” Ovid advises small talk, saying, “Look for an opening for harmless social chat, starting with public words (what’s wrong with that?).” He then suggests you ask which horses are coming in, and whichever are her favorites, tell her you think those will win. When the parade of gods goes by, clap loudly and unashamedly for Lady Venus (the goddess of love and beauty) – in other words, make it very obvious to her you’re quite fond of love and the fairer sex. Chatting Up Girls at a Victory Parade When the Roman legions return home from a conquest abroad, and they’re parading the defeated leaders of the conquered enemy nation through the streets in chains, find a celebrating girl and answer her questions about what mountain they’re from, or what land, or what king is being paraded. Not sure who they are? Make a name up, says Ovid! “If you don’t know, respond as if you did: ‘This one’s Euphrates, wreathed with reeds; and that one there is Tigris with the deep-blue, dripping hair. Those? They’re Persians, from the race of Danaë. That? Some quaint Parthian place. Each one will be some chief; give him his proper name – or not. If you don’t know, it’s all the same.” Now granted, Ovid might not have had the tact or sophistication of the Kama Sutra, but he evidently struck a chord since he’s still one of ancient Rome’s most renowned citizens. Flirting has taken many strange forms in different cultures. There are the Slovakian herders who court their future spouses by cracking their whips—believing that the snapping rhythms are conducive to romance. (Obviously to some.) In some parts of Australia, the bullroarer is believed to compel a woman to fall in love with a man at a distance of eighty kilometers. In medieval Europe, the best way to a woman’s heart was apparently through the nose. In some accounts, European men would wear handkerchiefs underneath their armpits before attending a dance. Afterwards, the man would use his sweat-scented hankie to wipe the perspiration off his love interest’s face. Presumably, the girl would find the scent irresistible and fall madly in love with the man. In traditional Japanese culture, the exchange of poetic love letters on folded fans, known as "hakusen," was a cherished romantic tradition. These intricately decorated fans served as a canvas for heartfelt expressions of love and longing, often accompanied by delicate brushstrokes and lyrical poetry. The act of composing and exchanging hakusen was considered a deeply intimate and romantic gesture, allowing individuals to articulate their deepest emotions in a beautifully crafted work of art. Speaking of fans, did you know that European’s once had a fan language? During the 18th century in Europe, particularly in countries like France and England, the language of the fan became a sophisticated form of non-verbal communication among the upper classes. Different gestures and movements with the fan held specific meanings, allowing individuals to convey messages discreetly in social settings. For example, touching the tip of the fan to the lips could signify coquetry or flirtation, while closing the fan abruptly might signal rejection or disinterest. There was an infinite variety of emotions that could be communicated in just the flutter of a fan. There was the angry flutter, the modish flutter, the timorous flutter, the confused flutter, the merry flutter, and, of course, the amorous flutter. The Victorian Era was a truly complicated time for flirting because the Victorian man or woman needed to be well-versed in the specific language of many different inanimate objects in order to not give the wrong signal to their intended flirtee. There was, for example, the handkerchief: the glove: the hat: the parasol: the windows: and even postage stamps could send their own messages And flower giving was no less complicated as evidenced by the romantic notes of Victorian Tussie-Mussies. Tussie-mussies, also known as "talking bouquets," were small, fragrant bouquets of flowers popular during the Victorian era. The language of love was conveyed through flowers and every educated young lady and gentleman knew the meaning of each flower presented. By presenting a tussie-mussie to a potential suitor or love interest, individuals could convey complex messages and sentiments and express their feelings in a subtle and romantic manner, with each flower speaking volumes without the need for words. In the United States, things have always been a bit more relaxed. The language of love, we think, was always more direct. For example, in the late 1800’s, ‘acquaintance cards’ were a slick way of establishing a meeting. The cards were emblazoned with notes meant to spark conversation with, or express interest in women. Imagine if you got your Tinder bio printed on business cards and then started giving them to random strangers. That was how they flirted in the 1880s. Here’s a few samples that we found particularly interesting: We tend to think that one of our current ways of finding potential love interests, via online, is pretty cutting edge. But the process of staring, judging, and messaging potential suitors from afar—hallmarks of modern dating apps—is not new. Beginning in the 1920s, nightclub-goers in Berlin who feared face-to-face encounters could communicate with beautiful strangers from across a crowded room. All they needed to do was turn to the nearest pneumatic tube. Two Berlin nightclubs pioneered the trend – the Resi and the Femina. In addition to food, drink, live bands, and large dance floors, each had an elaborate system of table phones and pneumatic tubes allowing for anonymous, late-night flirtation between complete strangers. Phones were fixed to individual tables, above which was a lighted number. Singles needed only to look around the room until a fetching stranger caught their eye, note the number, and then direct a message to that table. In 1931, during the heyday of this across-the-nightclub flirtation, The Berliner Herold described the process of receiving a call from an amorous stranger: “the tabletop telephones buzzed, and the acquaintance with the blonde, raven-haired or redheaded, or monocle-wearing beauty was made, one was no longer alone, and had twice as much fun.” For those who were too shy to pick up the phone, the pneumatic tubes offered a perfect alternative. The tubes were built into the handrails, and one was located at each table. The nightclub provided paper on which to scrawl notes. Patrons only had to specify where they wanted their missives sent. Just like messaging on a dating app, but with, you know - tubes. Eager flirters needed to be careful however because messages sent by tube were checked by female ‘censors’ in the switchboard room in an early form of comment moderation. This “table mail service” allowed patrons to send more than just a handwritten note to that handsome stranger across the way. The Resi offered a long menu of gifts that visitors could dispatch via pneumatic tube including perfume bottles, cigar cutters, travel plans, and, according to sources, cocaine. Which neatly brings us right up to the present, where navigating the maze of flirting and finding dates resembles a high-stakes game of romantic-roulette. Enter Tinder, the digital den of desire where swiping right has become the digital equivalent of winking across a crowded bar. Here, hopeful’s upload their most flattering selfies and craft witty taglines in the pursuit of that elusive swipe of approval. It's like window shopping for companionship, where a well-timed swipe can land you a date faster than you can say, "Is this pic Insta-worthy?" The Tinder dance begins with a flick of the finger. Left for "nah, not my type," and right for "hello, potential soulmate." (Though that might be overstating the true intent…). It's a delicate balance of judging books by their cover while hoping for a plot twist worthy of an adult movie. And let's not forget the art of the bio - a canvas for showcasing your personality in 500 characters or less – remember those acquaintance cards? Yet, amidst the chaos, connections can spark like digital fireworks, leading to flirtatious banter and more. In this brave new world of digital courtship, love may be just a swipe away, but so is a perplexing array of unsolicited eggplant emojis. So, strap in and swipe on, for the Tinder rollercoaster stops for no one. Diving deeper into the flirting jungle is Bumble, the queen bee of empowerment in the digital dating hive (at some point, Ovid probably said something to the effect of, “we are but drones to the queen”). In this realm, women wield the scepter of initiation, as matches languish in limbo until a decision is made to make the first move. Here, women reign supreme in the art of courtship (though there was that whole thing with the apple that sorta started all this…). With its buzzing hive of potential suitors, Bumble offers a twist on the traditional dating dynamic. So, gentlemen, as you enter the royal court prepare, for in the realm of Bumble, it's the queen bees who call the shots. For still more opportunities, enter Hinge, the digital matchmaker with a penchant for serendipity and shared connections. Here, compatibility reigns supreme as users curate their profiles with a smorgasbord of conversation starters and quirky anecdotes. It's like attending a digital cocktail party where everyone knows someone you know, and the six degrees of separation collapse into a single swipe. But then, who needs cocktails and small talk when you’ve got a Nobel-Prize-winning algothorim? With its emphasis on meaningful connections and curated conversations, Hinge offers a breath of fresh air in the sometimes murky waters of online dating that many are skinny dipping in. Hinge labs researchers claim to be ‘love scientists’. Kinda like the Masters & Johnson’s of the 21st century we guess. And now, the end of our look at the timeless art of flirtation is near. Through these few examples we’ve tried to illustrate the diverse and imaginative ways in which humans have expressed romantic interest and courtship through the years, highlighting the universal desire for connection and intimacy across cultures and time periods. In the intricate tapestry of human history, the art of flirting has woven its threads through the ages, evolving and adapting to the changing landscapes of society. From the grandiose gestures of ancient Rome to the coded language of Victorian courtship, to the digital dance floors of today’s dating apps, the methods may have shifted, but the underlying desire for connection remains unchanged. In today's digital age, the landscape of flirting has undergone a profound transformation, with new avenues for connection and exploration coming with each phone update. Technology has opened a new world of possibilities for modern romantics. Yet, amidst the algorithms and emojis, the fundamental essence of flirting remains unchanged—a dance of vulnerability, courage, and hope in the pursuit of love and connection. As we navigate this brave new world of digital courtship, let’s not forget the timeless wisdom of the ages and continue to embrace the journey of the heart with a willing and adventurous spirit! By the way Flirting Day is celebrated on February 18th so mark your calendars. #love #romance #flirting #history #rome #ovid #kamasutra #india #middleages #tinder #bumble #hinge #apps #dating #sex #poetry #women #men #fans #flowers #berlin #anyhigh

In the grand tapestry of language, there exists a character as mysterious as the shadows lurking in the hearts of mankind. A character that stands apart, an enigmatic figure cloaked in mystery and intrigue. This is the saga of the letter X, that cryptic symbol nestled amidst the familiar cadence of our alphabet. A symbol cloaked in enigma and shrouded in the depths of antiquity. Its very presence conjures images of treasure maps and secret codes, of forbidden pleasures and enigmatic strangers, beckoning us to unravel the mysteries hidden within its angular embrace. The letter X. Such a mysterious, impenetrable character in the grand narrative of the English alphabet. Like a clandestine agent in a world of linguistic espionage, X has woven itself into the fabric of our language with an air of intrigue and mystery. But who among us can claim to truly understand the essence of X? Maybe Elon Musk, with his SpaceX, his Tesla SUV which he named the Model X, his re-naming of Twitter to X Even his children weren’t spared his enthusiasm for the letter, naming one of his children X Æ A-12 - or “X” for short. What secrets does this silent sentinel guard behind the stoic facade that, by its very essence, is barring us entry from understanding? What exactly is the X factor? Today we’re going on a voyage into the linguistic cosmos. We’ll embark on a quest to unlock the enigma of the letter X, delving into its origins, exploring its strange and wondrous uses, and uncovering the profound impact it has wielded upon society and culture. The Origins of X: A Journey Through Time To comprehend the essence of X, one must journey back to the cradle of civilization, where ancient tongues whispered secrets lost to the sands of time. Its genesis lies veiled in the mists of myth and legend, its lineage obscured by the fog of ages past. Some whisper that X was born of celestial conjunctions, a celestial harbinger of cosmic alignment. Others contend that it was etched upon the tablets of destiny by the hands of capricious gods, imbued with the power to bind the fates of mortals. Before any standard writing systems were invented, X showed up as a mark in cave drawings. The X as we know it appeared for the first time in the writings of the Romans, but its origin likely goes back to the Phoenicians, whose writing system emerged around 1050 BCE. In their script, X was represented by a symbol resembling a crossed pair of lines, denoting the sound of 'kh' as in the word 'khamsin'—a fittingly exotic beginning for a letter destined for intrigue. With the Romans X continued to evolve, becoming more than just a letter but also the Roman numeral symbol for 10.  It was also used in words like 'rex' and 'lux,' casting its silent shadow across the pages of ancient manuscripts. But as Rome faded, the letter X embarked on a journey that would see it transformed from a mere numeral into a harbinger of untold riches and forbidden pleasures. The X-Files: Uncovering Strange Uses Throughout history, X has been the subject of fascination and experimentation, popping up in unexpected places like a linguistic jack-in-the-box. Consider, if you will, the twilight zone realm of mathematics, where X reigns supreme as the symbol for the unknown—a tantalizing placeholder that beckons mathematicians to unravel its secrets, to solve equations and unearth hidden truths. From algebraic equations to Cartesian coordinates, X serves as a silent sentinel, guarding the mysteries of the numerical universe with stoic resolve. And let’s not forget the realm of nomenclature, where X has carved out a niche as the mark of the extraordinary. From the Stan Lee’s X-Men, those superhuman mutants who walk the thin line between hero and villain, to the X-Files, where truth lurks in the shadows of conspiracy, X serves as a beacon for the extraordinary and the unknown—a symbol of possibility and trickery. In the annals of literature, X became a symbol of the unknown, a harbinger of hidden truths lurking beneath the veneer of reality. From the clandestine corridors of Edgar Allan Poe's macabre tales to the shadowy recesses of Arthur Conan Doyle's detective mysteries, X cast its long shadow across the landscape of imagination, beckoning the intrepid to unravel its mysteries. The Impact of X: Shaping Society & Culture But what of X's impact on society at large? How has this singular letter shaped the course of human history, leaving its indelible mark on the cultural landscape? The answer lies in the realm of symbolism, semantics, and sex. In Hinduism, the X mark is known as the swastika and is an ancient symbol of good luck and fortune. In Native American cultures, the X mark is often used as a mark of respect and honor. In some African cultures, the X mark is used as a symbol of love and affection. In Japan, the X mark is known as batsu and is used to indicate that something is wrong or incorrect In Western cultures, the X mark is often used as a signature when signing documents. Consider, for a moment, the power of the signature—the act of affixing one's mark to a document as a symbol of identity and intent. Even in this digital age, the indomitable 'X' still holds sway as a potent symbol of consent and agreement, often replacing a signature as a form of electronic authentication. A reminder of our shared humanity in an increasingly virtual world. And let us not overlook the realm of language and literature, where X has inspired poets and wordsmiths to craft tales of wonder and whimsy. From the opulent Xanadu of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's imagination to the xenial hospitality of Homer's Odyssey, X serves as a potent symbol of the unknown and the exotic—a literary passport to realms uncharted and dreams unrealized. In the murky depths of the Caribbean Sea, when pirates roamed like specters of the night, X emerged as a symbol of plunder and terror as well as a marker denoting the location of buried treasure, hidden away from the prying eyes of civilization. It became a talisman of greed, a siren song luring sailors to their doom in pursuit of riches beyond their wildest dreams. As the centuries marched on and the world plunged headlong into the tumult of industrialization, the letter X found itself embroiled in a new realm of controversy and scandal—a realm where morality clashed with desire, where taboo teased with temptation in the shadows of society's dark recesses. In the seedy underbelly of urban metropolises, X became synonymous with the clandestine world of adult entertainment. A symbol of titillation and taboo, a mark of forbidden desire intertwined in a deadly dance of temptation and consequence. It adorned marquees and movie posters, beckoning the curious into a world of forbidden pleasures and illicit desires. Even so, at the same time representing, along with its fellow letter ‘O’, the unrequited hugs and kisses expressed in letters, emails, and even candies. Beneath its veneer of mystery and intrigue, beneath the layers of symbolism and scandal, the letter X remains a silent observer—a witness to humanity’s follies and triumphs, a mirror reflecting the ever-shifting contours of society, exploration, and culture. And as long as the human heart beats with desire and ambition, so too shall the letter X endure, an eternal symbol of the complexities and contradictions that define the human experience. A Farewell to X In the end, perhaps the true significance of X lies not in its form or function, but in the questions it inspires, in the boundless depths of imagination it unleashes, in the stories it whispers to those who dare to listen. For, in the dark recesses of the human psyche, the letter X remains an ever-present reminder of the mysteries that lie just beyond the horizon, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to seek them out. As we bid goodbye to this singular letter, let us not mourn its passing, but celebrate the mysteries it has helped to reveal and the adventures it has inspired. For X is more than just a letter - it is a gateway to possibility and potential, a symbol of research and discovery in a world fraught with uncertainty, a reminder of the boundless horizons that stretch before us, waiting to be explored and embraced. But fear not, for our journey does not end here. No, it is but a prelude to the adventures yet to come, a tantalizing glimpse of the wonders that lie beyond the horizon. We will set sail once again, with X as our compass and curiosity as our guide, as we chart a course through the boundless realms of language and lore. By the way, in case you weren’t aware today, February 29th, is National Toast Day. We thought that, since it only comes around once every four years, you’d want to be sure to celebrate it. You can take a piece of toast to lunch, let the toast pick what you watch on tv tonight, or even take a French exchange-toast into your home. The decision is yours. So – as we always like to do at about this point in our story - let us raise a toast. No. Now you know we didn’t mean that kind of toast. Yes, that’s what we’re talking about! Let’s raise a toast to X, that intrepid voyager in the alphabet sea, and a toast to the endless adventures that await us on the shores of the unknown. What are your thoughts about the letter X? What are your thoughts about toast? Let us know in the comments below. #x #letters #alphabet #x-men #x-files #symbol #legend #myth #elonmusk #tesla #twitter #rome #roman #math #Stanlee #edgarallanpoe #arthurconandoyle #hindu #africa #japan #pirates #xxx #adult #porn #toast #nationaltoastday #anyhigh

Let’s face it, people are opinionated about their food. We are too, to a certain extent (just ketchup on our hot dog if you please). There is hardly a topic that both unites and antagonizes people as much as food. Food is not only a necessity of life, but also a seemingly inexhaustible source of curiosities and unbelievable stories. Beyond our personal preferences lies a world of gastronomic history filled with surprises and oddities. Consider this, have you ever said to yourself, “I would kill for a sandwich right now?” Well, historically you’re not alone. Throughout history, wars have been fought over food. Food wars began with recorded time and are still happening in the 21st century. Some were comical and harmless, while others reshaped the world. Some were caused by misunderstandings, while others were used as a convenient excuse in territorial disputes. At the same time, food is an essential part of culture. Food is not just sustenance, it’s a touchstone that shapes people’s identities and the perceptions of others. Even the names of some foods attest to their national origins. But if someone told you that french fries are Belgian, or that tempura was actually Portuguese, would that change anything? If you’re hungry for something different, then dig into this menu of some strange foods through the ages, foods whose national origins aren’t what they seem, foods that caused wars, and some just plain interesting food facts that sound too bizarre to be true. But please, we ask you to please bring your own condiments for the feast. Food Through The Ages In his novel, “The Go-Between”, author L.P. Hartley said, “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.” This holds especially true of the food people used to eat. Melas Zomas: Known for their discipline, warrior culture, fearsomeness in battle and, if the film “300” is to be believed, for killing thousands of Persians while wearing only cloaks, helmets, and leather underpants, the Spartans were a race apart back in the days of Ancient Greece. When they weren’t butchering their enemies or throwing unworthy infants off cliffs, the Spartans liked to sit down to a dish of ‘melas zomas’, or ‘black soup’. Consisting of boiled pig meat and pig blood, black soup was flavored only with salt and vinegar and was, by all accounts, inedible to anyone who wasn’t a Spartan. 'I know now why the Spartans do not fear death,' was the verdict of one outsider who had the misfortune to try this disgusting sounding dish. Fish Bladder Jam: In the 1800’s, the Victorians just couldn’t get enough of this stuff. The gooey substance they squeezed out of the bladders of sturgeon, and eventually cod fish, was called ‘isinglass’. Isinglass was commonly used as a thickening agent, having first been used as one of the main ingredients for making glue. How someone looked at glue and thought, 'We could make jam out of this' is a mystery, but that’s exactly what happened, and people happily chewed their way through gallons of fish bladder jam and confectionary until gelatin became a cheaper alternative. Spoiler alert - today, isinglass is used in the brewing industry to speed up the sedimentation process, which might come as a bit of a shock to all those vegans and vegetarians out there who may have been blissfully unaware that they’ve been downing pints of delicious fish bladder ale for years. Ambergris: Ambergris has been used as an ingredient in food and drink for hundreds of years. England’s King Charles II’s favorite dish was a mixture of eggs and ambergris, and he insisted it be used to flavor everything from cigarettes to hot chocolate. But what, you may be asking, is ambergris? Sometimes referred to as ‘whale vomit’ or ‘floating gold’, ambergris is formed in the intestinal tracts of sperm whales over many years. Ambergris is a greyish-brown, waxy substance produced by the whales to help ease the passage of objects they have eaten but can’t digest before being expelled the same way whales expel fecal waste. Sort of a natural whale laxative. Usually found floating in the sea or washed up on beaches, ambergris has not only been the foodstuff of choice for royalty, but also has been a firm favorite of the perfume industry thanks its strong and long lingering scent. Nowadays, ambergris has fallen out of favor as a food additive – possibly because people found out what it was and where it came from – but it is still used in the perfume industry. The Cockentrice: British royalty never ceases to amaze and amuse. There was once a time when not just real animals, but also imaginary ones were served up in the palaces of the high and mighty. The cockentrice was one such creation that became popular at the courts of the Tudor kings and queens. Two varieties were ‘bred’ in the kitchens of Hampton Court and Whitehall Palace. One was the upper body of a suckling pig sewn onto the bottom half of a turkey; the other was the front end of a turkey sewed onto the bottom half of a pig. The resulting creature was then roasted on an open spit and presented as the star of the show at Tudor banquets. This unusual delicacy, which has to take the crown as the ultimate culinary chimera, eventually fell out of fashion. But we’re betting it’s pretty safe to assume that cockentrice tasted like chicken. And pork. Cock Beer: No, no, no, it’s not what you’re thinking. This hilariously named beer was made by tossing a dead cockerel, along with a selection of strong-smelling herbs, into a bag and depositing the bag into a barrel of beer. Sometimes, a live cockerel was used instead, which seems a bit excessive. Why was this done to lovely, delicious beer? Well, it wasn’t to produce dead chicken-flavored beer (which is why strong herbs were used to overpower the taste of chicken.) The reason for ruining perfectly good beer with a giant chicken teabag stemmed from the belief that the beer would be infused with the cockerel’s characteristics of strength, vigor, and courage. It was therefore mainly drunk by big, manly men who wanted to become even bigger, even more manlier men. Happily, cock beer eventually fell out of favor and now people drink beers that taste of beer instead of dead chickens. Well, most people anyways. Food – Where’d It Come From? “Food, like language, is a living thing. It evolves, it mutates, it adapts to new circumstances. What we perceive as ‘national’ cuisine is often a mosaic of influences from across the globe, reflecting centuries of trade, migration, and cultural exchange.” Anonymous. The dish: Tempura Survey Says: Originated in Japan Reality Bites: Originated in Portugal Tempura, battered and fried seafood or vegetables, is considered a Japanese food. But it was actually introduced to Japan by Portuguese Jesuits – traveling on a Chinese ship - during the mid-16th century. Once the Portuguese had their footing in Japan, they remained for nearly a century, exchanging goods, ideas, and recipes. The traditional Portuguese dish, "peixinhos da horta," left an indelible mark on Japan. Translated to "little fish of the garden," peixinhos da horta was made by battering and frying green beans. The Japanese renamed it tempura, derived from the Latin word "tempora," indicative of prohibitions on eating meat during Lent. The dish: Sauerkraut Survey Says: Originated in Germany Reality Bites: Originated in China Often served alongside traditional German sausages, sauerkraut is thought to have been brought to Europe during the 13th century. Pickled cabbage made its way into Germany thanks to Genghis Khan and the Mongols, having been eaten in China for centuries. Sauerkraut, which literally means "sour cabbage," was not the first fermented vegetable present in Europe, however. Greek physician Hippocrates mentioned fermented vegetables in his work, praising them as healthy. Roman scholar Pliny the Elder wrote, "The cabbage helps to provide plenty of milk for breastfeeding mothers, it helps for cloudy eyes, positively affects headaches and is supposed to work as a cure after alcohol consumption." The dish: Spaghetti & Meatballs Survey Says: Originated in Italy Reality Bites: Originated in USA Reminiscent of traditional Italian polpettes - meatballs eaten as standalone meals - meatballs were served with tomato-based sauces and pasta only when Italian immigrants came to the United States. As Italian immigrants flocked to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought their food preferences with them. The majority of these immigrants were improvished and had only been able to afford meat occasionally in Italy, but it was much more affordable in the US. As Italian restaurants paired starches and proteins to form meatballs, canned tomatoes and dry pasta offered cheap, quick dining options in Italian-American homes. And soon, spaghetti and meatballs was added to the melting pot of American cooking traditions. The dish: Croissants Survey Says: Originated in France Reality Bites: Originated in Austria The first record of croissants in France didn't appear until the mid-19th century. Austrian baker August Zang opened a shop in Paris in 1838, introducing Viennese croissants to the city. French bakers soon began making Austrian kipfel with puff pastry, heaping innovation upon a long-established bread-baking tradition. Bite down into a crescent-shaped Austrian kipfel - a pastry made from butter, sugar, and flour - and it might remind you of a French croissant. While a modern kipfel resembles a half-moon-shaped cookie, the origins of the croissant - one of France's most identifiable foods - do, in fact, reside in this Austrian treat. Pastry-like breads are thought to have been made by pagans in antiquity as well as by Germanic groups throughout Europe. Documentation from the 13th century indicates that Viennese bakers presented Duke Leopold with kipfel in 1227. The dish: French Fries Survey Says: Originated in France Reality Bites: Originated in Belgium French fries were most likely the creation of French-speaking Belgians during WWI. According to lore, when American soldiers observed Belgian fishermen frying potatoes, they called the food "french fries" because the men spoke French. In both France and Belgium during the mid-19th century, fried potatoes were a common street food. It's difficult to know exactly who tried it first. While one of the most common American meals - a hamburger and french fries - may be a giant misnomer, it gets worse. Ground-beef patties were introduced to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century, indicating that hamburgers aren't entirely American in origin either. But to be fair, the hamburger - beef and bun - was allegedly invented at the World's Fair in St. Louis in 1904. Food Fights Some scholars suggest that human warfare may have evolved alongside our move from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle into an agricultural one, given that any growing population (even a prehistoric one) will likely strain its available resources sooner or later. As Neil Gaiman mused in 'Good Omens', “civilization is 24 hours and two meals away from barbarism.” The Pastry War: One might say that the French take their pastries a little too seriously. Following Mexico’s independence from Spain, the country was in a chaotic state as competing leadership factions, European nationals, and just about everybody else struggled for a better place in the new order. Clashes in the street reportedly destroyed the bakery of one French chef. One thing led to another until the French government demanded 600,000 Mexican pesos (including 60,000 for the pastry shop, which was worth about 1,000 pesos) as reparations for his losses and other French businesses that had been destroyed. French King Louis-Phillippe was already miffed at Mexico over the matter of un-repaid loans, so he allowed these pastries to be the ones that broke the camel’s back. He dispatched his fleet to Veracruz and kicked off what would be a three-month conflict between the countries from 1838 to 1839 with France blockading Mexican ports and ransacking Veracruz and Mexico declaring was on France and conscripting an army. With the help of mediation, Mexico eventually paid France the 600,000 pesos they were demanding. The Pig War: Often enough, reasons given for the eruption of a war will involve some minute detail or other that leaders have chosen for their "breaking point." In the case of the Pig War, also known as the San Juan Boundary Dispute, an 1859 conflict between British and American forces on the West Coast of what's now Washington state, the "shot heard round the world" was fired at one very special porker. An uneasy truce existed between American and British inhabitants of a group of islands caught between the coasts of Canada and the state of Washington which made it difficult to determine exactly who belonged where. With tensions running high, representatives of the British Hudson Bay Company suddenly found themselves living next door to U.S. settlers. When a British pig (worth either $10 or $100, depending which party you asked) wandered onto a nearby American's farm, ate some potatoes and was shot for its trespass, both competing powers were ready to throw down. An American commander sent an infantry company to the island and the British responded by sending war ships. Fortunately, no shots were fired, and there were no casualties—except for the pig. The Lobster War: The Lobster War of 1961-63, though seemingly whimsical in name, reveals the depths of national maritime absurdity. What began as a battle over spiny lobsters (also called rock lobsters) escalated into a geopolitical tango between Brazil and France. As Brazil staked its claim to territorial waters, France's lobstermen, armed with crustacean catchers and a penchant for provocation, ventured into contested seas. The stage was set for a maritime comedy of errors, with lobster boats replacing warships, and diplomatic squabbles over the nature of lobsters – were they fish that swim or crustaceans that crawl? As tensions bubbled, Brazil placed its navy on high alert and the French dispatched its then state-of-the-art destroyer Tartu to the region adding a dramatic twist to this oceanic opera. Brazil's naval response, coupled with flyovers by B-17 bombers, turned the lobster dispute into a spectacle of international brinkmanship. Beneath the surface, geopolitical currents swirled, with Brazil resenting U.S. influence/interference and asserting its regional dominance, took the matter to the International Court at the Hague. The Lobster War became a symbol of sovereignty and a struggle for control over maritime resources, all entangled within the spindly legs of crustaceans. Diplomats danced delicately through the churning waters, urging arbitration and negotiation to avoid a full-scale maritime melee. Eventually, sanity prevailed as Brazil expanded its territorial waters and permitted French boats limited access to the disputed lobster grounds. The First Sioux War (also known as the Grattan incident):  On August 17, 1854, a cow belonging to a Mormon traveling on the Oregon Trail strayed and was killed and eaten by a member of the Miniconjou tribe (a subdivision of the Lakota Sioux) near Fort Laramie, in what is now Wyoming in the USA. Instead of waiting for a local Indian Agent to settle the dispute (as per regulations of the Treaty of 1851), a trigger-happy recent graduate of West Point, Lt. John Lawrence Grattan, brought 28 soldiers to confront the local Sioux, who were hosting the visiting Miniconjou, and demand that the miscreant be delivered to them. Discussions quickly escalated, and a jumpy soldier fired his gun, mortally wounding the tribal chief. The Sioux responded by killing all 29 soldiers. Thus began the First Sioux War, which lasted for two years. However, some historians suggest that almost a quarter of a century of battles between local tribes and the U.S. military were set off by the Grattan incident. The Great Emu War: No, this war was not fought over emus — it was fought against them. In the 1930’s, Australian farmers complained that an overabundant emu population had infiltrated their fields and were consuming their crops. Farmers in the region were World War I veterans, granted land by the government in exchange for their service. Facing a potential PR disaster, the Australian government declared war on the flightless birds. In response, Major G.P.W. Meredith of the Royal Australian Artillery and a small army armed with machine guns embarked on a six-week campaign to rid the region of the flightless birds. As it turns out, giant, conniving birds don’t stand around waiting to be shot. Despite firing almost 10,000 rounds, the soldiers proved no match for the emus, who, capable of running over 50 mph, were faster even than the trucks on which the guns were mounted. The weeks-long effort was later viewed as both a failure and a laughingstock, with many of the birds even surviving being directly struck by gunfire. Major Meredith later stated, "If we had a military division with the bullet-carrying capacity of these birds, it would face any army in the world. They can face machine guns with the invulnerability of tanks." In the end, the army packed up and headed home, leaving ammo in the hands of the farmers so that they could shoot emu for themselves. Alfred Hitchcock, eat your heart out! The Boston Tea Party: You've probably heard this one before, but it bears repeating. In the 1770s, the British imposed taxes on the American colonies for goods such as stamps, spice, and tea, and the colonials were none too happy about it. So, some guys called the Sons of Liberty decided to show Britain what they really thought of the taxes in the best way they knew how - throwing a bunch of tea into the Boston harbor. One might call it a symbolic act of tea-bagging the British. Regardless, it was this Boston Tea Party that essentially started the American Revolution. Bizarre But True "I am not a chef. I am not a journalist. I am not a scientist. I am not a critic. I am, however, supremely curious about all of the above. I am, at times, foolishly fearless and, at other times, wisely cautious. I am an insatiable, omnivorous, adventurous eater of all things interesting." Anthony Bourdain. Lobster Compost: Lobster is a prized dish served at many high-end restaurants, but it wasn’t always a luxury item. When the first European settlers reached North America, lobsters were so plentiful that piles up to two feet high (0.61m) would wash ashore in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, earning lobsters the nickname, “cockroaches of the sea”. There were so many lobsters that Native Americans would use them as fertilizer and fish bait. Because they were so abundant, they were seen as poor man’s food. In the colonial era, prisoners dined on lobsters. And in Massachusetts, servants even negotiated their contracts to say they refused to eat lobster more than twice per week. The most edible stolen good: Believe it or not, cheese is the most stolen commodity in the world. Around 4% of the cheese produced worldwide is being stolen. Evidently, there is actually quite a significant black market around for this fermented delicacy. Moon bacon: After Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin took their history-making first steps on the moon, the pair sat down to eat. The first meal after the ‘Eagle’ had landed included bacon squares, sugar cookies, peaches, a pineapple grapefruit drink and coffee. Bacon is thought to have been the very first food eaten on the moon. One might even say that this was one small step for man, one giant leap for bacon-kind. Waiter, There’s A Foot in my Pie: Pies date back thousands of years. For much of history, people ate savory meat pies. Instead of crust, the ancient Romans filled reed tubes with pies to hold the filling. But medieval English pies took the food to a whole new level. The English called their crusts a "coffyn" for the filling. And what went inside the pie? Chicken, of course. It was easy for customers to see exactly what flavor of pie they were about to eat, since bakers left chicken feet hanging through the side of the crust. The legs weren't just decorative - they were used as handles. Bizarre Foods with….Charles Darwin??: Long before Andrew Zimmern came onto the scene, there was naturalist Charles Darwin. He had quite an adventurous taste in food it seems. During his time at the University of Cambridge, Darwin was a member of the Glutton Club, a group of students who met weekly to eat unusual meat, such as hawk and bittern. Darwin’s palette for interesting foods evolved as he travelled around the world for his research, eating pumas, iguanas, armadillos, and even giant tortoises along the way. Got Frog?: For centuries, before the invention of modern refrigerators, Russians used to put live frogs in their milk to help preserve it and prevent it from going sour. The Russians weren’t sure how this amphibious dairy treatment worked, but they were convinced that it did. Recent research has found frogs have peptides on their skin that has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Pez to Stop Smoking: With its colorful collectable designs, most people would be surprised to find out Pez was originally created to stop people smoking. In 1927, Eduard Haas III invented the peppermint candy in Austria, which was originally sold in wrapped rolls. It wasn’t until 1949 that the first Pez dispenser was created, designed to look like a cigarette lighter as an alternative to tobacco. The colorful characters found on the dispensers today began in the late 50s and marked a turning point for the candy, from adult mints to a children’s treat. Vanilla, Fascinating Vanilla: While vanilla has unfortunately become a synonym for “ordinary,” it’s really anything but. For starters, it’s the only edible fruit to come from orchids, even though they’re the largest family of flowers. And the specific orchids that provide the vanilla beans (remember now, they’re not beans, they’re the fruit of the orchids) from which vanilla extract derives from are found in a very small subsection of the world, with 80% coming just from Madagascar alone. Vanilla gets its name from Spanish conquistadors, who named it after the Spanish word for “vagina.” It must be pollinated by hand using a technique developed by an enslaved 12-year-old named Edmond Albius (we're speaking about the orchid here). And it’s the world’s second most expensive spice (around USD $270/pound) behind saffron. 7Up, up, up, and awayyyyyy: Invented in 1929 by Charles Leiper Grigg, the popular soda we now today as 7UP was originally called the very catchy, Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda, and contained lithium. At the time, lithium, a mood-enhancing salt, had long been used to treat bipolar disorder and depression. The soda was marketed as a mood-booster as well as a delicious fizzy drink. In 1948, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of lithium in soft drinks and 7UP was reformulated two years later. What’s in a Name?: No one was interested in eating Patagonian toothfish. That is until it was rebranded as Chilean Sea Bass in 1994. Now it sells for $29.99 a pound. Marketing Makes the World Go ‘Round: Spice traders used to make up stories about the exotic origins of spices so they could sell them for more money. Cinnamon, it was said, came from giant bird nests and had to be transported using rafts without oars on a treacherous journey that took five years and was powered by courage alone. Black pepper was said to grow in forests guarded by serpents that had to be scared away by setting the trees on fire, which explained why black pepper pods were the color of ashes. Honey vs Vinegar: The adage “you’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar” isn’t really true. Rather, catching flies depends on a host of complex variables including the age (driver’s license please), gender, sex drive, mating status (do fly’s wear wedding rings?), thirst, and stress level of each fly (fly’s get stressed??) - as well as the concentration of the vinegar, the time of day, and the season. Even then, some research suggests you’ll catch even more flies with beer or human semen, with one scientist calling semen “the crack cocaine of the fly world.” And we thought we’d end with that one because, well let’s just say the image of a fly snorting…let’s just say we just figured this was a good place to say “that’s a wrap”. In the culinary arena, where tastes clash and flavors reign supreme, the battleground is as varied as the dishes themselves. From the illustrious kitchens of royalty to the humble origins of street vendors, food has been both the cause célèbre and the catalyst for some of history's most peculiar conflicts. Who knew that behind the innocent facade of a stray cow, or the humble allure of an afternoon tea, lay the seeds of discord and international intrigue? As we’ve peeled back a few of the layers of culinary history, we find ourselves entwined in a narrative as rich and savory as the dishes we so eagerly devour. Yet, amidst the tales of lobster wars and pastry battles, there lies a deeper truth: food is not merely sustenance, but a mirror reflecting the intricacies of culture and the complexities of human interaction. Whether it be the bold maneuvers of emus or the diplomatic nuances of lobster disputes, each culinary anecdote unveils a facet of humanity's insatiable appetite for more than just nourishment. As we navigate through the annals of gastronomic lore, we find ourselves tantalized by the endless possibilities and bewildered by the sheer audacity of culinary innovation. So, as we ask for the check on this weeks’ feast of eccentricities, let’s not forget that the culinary journey is far from over. For in the world of food, where fact blends with fiction and taste transcends borders, every meal is an adventure waiting to be savored. Until next time, may your forks be sharp, your palates adventurous, and your hunger for knowledge insatiable. Bon appétit! Ever been in a real food fight? Tell us about it or your favorite food or meal in the comments below. #food #dining #boymeetsworld #war #bizarre #greece #fish #ambergris #perfume #england #whale #british #royalty #beer #japan #portugal #tempura #germany #china #sauerkraut #history #meatballs #italy #usa #america #unitedstates #croissant #france #austria #frenchfries #hamburger #pastry #mexico #pig #lobster #brazil #emu #australia #boston #tea #bostonteaparty #party #cheese #bacon #moon #pie #frog #froglegs #pez #seinfield #vanilla #7up #FDA #chileanseabass #cinnamon #pepper #neilgaiman #goodomens #honey #cocaine #anyhigh

Would you like to be lounging on a pristine beach with the azure waves lapping at your toes? Would you like to journey to a world where adventure and relaxation are two sides of the same coin? Well, there’s a place in the Balearic Islands (huh??) where you can do these things and more. A place that doesn’t usually make it to the top of most people’s travel itineraries. An island that dances to the rhythm of the Mediterranean. A playground where ancient history meets modern luxury, and where every corner holds a surprise waiting to be discovered. It’s a jewel of an island called Mallorca, and it’s been hiding in plain site from most of us. In today’s blog post, we'll embark on a journey through the enchanting sights of Palma, the sun-kissed bays of Cala d'Or, and the rugged trails of the Tramuntana mountains. Grab your sunhat and your sense of adventure because Mallorca will sweep you off your feet faster than a flamenco dancer in a whirlwind romance. From savoring mouthwatering tapas to getting lost in the maze-like alleys of the old town, Mallorca promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more. Join us as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of this Mediterranean jewel. Adventure awaits—let's dive in! First off, what the heck are the Balearic Islands? They’re an archipelago off the eastern coast of Spain, in the Mediterranean. Four islands make up this autonomous community of Spain –Mallorca (today’s topic), Minorca (the farthest from Spain and famous for its gin and cheeses), Ibiza (a favorite for the rich and famous, known for its all-night clubbing scene), and Formentera (smallest and known for its spectacular diving). Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational activities that make it a popular destination for travelers from around the world. While the British often call the island Majorca, virtually everyone else calls it Mallorca (there appears to be no reason for this other than the British love the letter J rather than L) Here are several reasons why you might want to add Mallorca to your “to visit” list: Rich Cultural Heritage: Mallorca's history is reflected in its charming villages, historic towns, and impressive landmarks. Inhabited since prehistoric times, there are settlements and tombs that have been excavated dating back 8,000 years. One that you can visit is the Son Real Necropolis near the town of Can Picafort. The Necropolis contains 143 tombs which include the remains for 400 individuals plus tools, weapons, and pottery. The Romans occupied Mallorca during their time ruling the world and, under the consul of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus (from whom the islands got their name), founded the capital city of Palmeria – today’s Palma de Mallorca. Palma:  The capital city is home to some must see venues. It’s major architectural landmark is the beautiful Gothic La Seu Cathedral. Begun in 1230, it took 400 years to complete. It's called the “Cathedral of Light” because there are 61 stained-glass windows, the central of which is the largest in Europe. In the 20th century, renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi added some neo-Gothic flavor to the Renaissance original. Located opposite the Cathedral is the Almudaina Palace. Originally built in 1281 as an Islamic fort, it was rebuilt in 1309 by King James II of Mallorca and today is the official residence of the King & Queen of Spain when they visit. The Castell de Bellver, also built by King James II in the 14th century, is the only circular castle in Spain. Intended as a residence for the Kings of Mallorca, it later became a military prison. We guess if you gotta go to prison, doing time in the King’s residence might not be a bad place to do it. Today it’s home to the city’s history museum. The Porto Pi Lighthouse, located in the Palma harbor, was built in 1300 – the first to be built in the Mediterranean. It’s the third oldest working lighthouse in the world today. Stunning Beaches: Mallorca boasts an array of picturesque beaches with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. And we’re sure that if you asked 10 Mallorca experts for their list of best, each would have something different in mind. From S’Aramador, previously selected as the best beach in Europe in a big European vote, to Es Trenc, which is the most popular beach in Mallorca, to Porto Cristo, a lovely beach town protected inside a sinding bay, If you’re looking for sand and sun, you can’t go wrong in Mallorca. Majestic Landscapes: Inland, Mallorca's landscape is marked by rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. In 2011, the stunning Serra de Tramuntana mountain range was awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO for being an area of great physical and cultural significance. The mountains offer fantastic hiking and cycling opportunities, with panoramic views of the island's coast and countryside. Cycling: Mallorca welcomes tens of thousands of cyclists each year for professional training and racing, as well as those that prefer more leisurely biking. The cyclists take advantage of the islands varied and challenging terrain. One of the favorite and most feared routes for serious cyclists is Sa Calobra, a 10 km (6.2 mile) ride that hangs down the side of a mountain. There are 26 hair pin turns climb 668 metres (2200 feeet) at an average 7.1% gradient. Cuisine and Gastronomy: Mallorcan cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional dishes influenced by Spanish, Mediterranean, and North African flavors. Visitors can savor authentic tapas, paella, sobrasada (a type of cured sausage), and ensaimadas (sweet pastries). You can check out some of the best restaurants in Mallorca here. Mallorca produces a lot of tasty and fragrant drinks, and their most famous liqueur is called “Palo”. Made from carob pods, ginseng root, and burnt sugar, it’s supposed to have a beneficial effect on the immune system and many drink a glass before meals. Mallorca is also a paradise for the wine lovers. The red grape varieties - Monastrell, Tempranillo, Manto Negro, and white varieties – Macabeo, Chardonnay, Moscatel can all be found here. There are plenty of the wineries around the island, where you can try or buy Mallorcan wines. Nightlife: While not having the same international buzz as its neighbor Ibiza, in the evenings, the island comes alive with its own vibrant nightlife scene with many of the bars and nightclubs staying open until the early hours of the morning. Some of the most popular nightlife spots include the Paseo Maritimo area in Palma and the resorts of Magaluf and Palmanova. As you can see, Mallorca's diverse attractions and warm Mediterranean climate make it an enticing destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, culture, and gastronomic delights. Whether you're interested in exploring historic sites, soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in the island's vibrant culture, Mallorca has something to offer for everyone. But now we say adios to the sun kissed golden shores of Mallorca. With its rich tapestry of history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Mallorca leaves an indelible mark on all who tread its shores. As we reluctantly depart from this Mediterranean gem, we carry with us the echoes of laughter shared over tapas and Palo, the awe-inspiring vistas of the Tramuntana mountains, and the warmth of the island's hospitality. But Mallorca's allure beckons us back like a siren's song, promising new adventures and discoveries with each visit. So, until we meet again on its sun-kissed shores, may the spirit of Mallorca linger in your heart, igniting a longing for the next chapter of your Mediterranean romance. Tell us about your adventures in Mallorca or any of her sister islands in the comments below. #travel #spain #mallorca #mediterranean #romans #palma #beaches #architecture #cycling #bicycle #wine #booze #cuisine #nightlife #anyhigh

Ok, so originally, we’d planned on posting our monthly travel blog this week. But, like so many others, we got caught up in Super Bowl hysteria. The only difference is that, instead of ‘hysteria’, we thought this week might be a good time to focus on the ‘hysterical’. And yes, while millions of people around the world will be tuning in to watch that ultimate American football game this Sunday, we thought we’d give you some Super Bowl options. Because there is no shortage of other weird sports that you might want to watch instead. Sports is an enormous part of human cultures, with many sports originating ages ago and being handed down to us today in their modern incarnations. We’re lucky enough to live in a time when a lot of us have a lot of free time, which means we’re constantly inventing and re-inventing sports, so it’s no surprise that the world of athletic competition sometimes takes a walk on the weird side. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean the world’s weirdest sports are new; in fact, many of the strangest ones were invented eons ago, before we had the Internet to keep ourselves entertained. From single competitor sports to team competitions, you only need to look at the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic games, or this weekend’s Super Bowl to see that for billions of people around the world, elite sports offer something elemental and irresistible. Yet across the globe, there are some wildly popular alternative sports involving amateurs that are equally…’appealing’ might not be the appropriate word here, let’s say ‘entertaining’. From lawnmower racing to wife-carrying, despite having hardly any multi-million-dollar sponsorship deals and being characterized as deeply strange, there’s no shortage of entertainment on offer. So don’t change the channel as we take a look at some of the weird sports you might want to watch. Grits Rolling Contest – Single Competitor: Back in 1985, the manager of the local Piggly Wiggly supermarket in St. George, South Carolina said that, based on sales, St. George (population around 2,000) must be the biggest consumer of grits, per capita, in the world. And a celebration was born. The annual three-day fest of all thing’s grits (a porridge made from coarsely ground dried maize or hominy cooked in warm salted water or milk) culminates in the Grits Rolling Contest. Contestant’s dive into a kiddie-pool filled with the stuff and have 10 seconds to collect as much as they can on their bodies. Participants are weighed before and after their “swim”, and whoever comes out carrying the most grits wins. Some contestants duct tape their cuffs and sleeves shut for trapping the grits inside, while others wear backward-facing sweatshirts, scooping with their hoods. In 2015, Tiffany McGirr, wearing extra-baggy pants hoisted up by suspenders, collected a whopping 66 pounds (30 kg) of grits. Bog Snorkeling – Single Competitor: This competition began after a conversation in a pub (no surprise there) in Wales in 1985 and has been held every year since. Competitors aim to complete two consecutive lengths of a 60-yard (55 meters) water-filled trench cut through a peat bog in the shortest time possible, wearing snorkel, diving mask, and flippers. They must complete the course without swimming, relying on flipper power alone. Cheese Rolling – Single Competitor: The exact origin of cheese rolling is unclear, but the annual event at the end of May in Gloucester, England used to be just for locals. Now people come from all over the world to compete for glory during the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake. The format is fairly straight-forward. From the top of the hill, a 7–9-pound (3–4 kg) round of Double Gloucester cheese is sent rolling down the hill, which is 200 yards (180 m) long. Competitors then start racing down the hill after the cheese. The first person over the finish line at the bottom of the hill wins the cheese. The competitors aim to catch the cheese; however, it has around a one-second head start and can reach speeds up to 70 mph (110 kph), enough to knock over and injure a spectator. Multiple races are held during the day, with separate events for men and women. Sadly, in the 2013 competition, a foam replica replaced the cheese for safety reasons. Extreme Ironing – Single or Multiple Competitors: This unique “sport” started when an English man, inspired by his eccentric brother who ironed clothes on camping trips, started ironing in bizarre places like an airport or on top of telephone booths. According to the Extreme Ironing Bureau (EIB), extreme ironing is “the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well-pressed shirt.” The first Extreme Ironing World Championship was held near Munich, Germany in 2022 with competitors from 10 nations. Wife-Carrying – Single (sort of) Competitors: If you thought the Finns were progressive and all about gender equality, think again. This is a country that invented the sport of “wife-carrying,” sometimes known as “wife running.” The sport is basically an annual competition where husbands run an obstacle course while carrying their wives on their backs. Legend has it this curious sport is a nod to the ancient custom of wife stealing, whereby gangs of Finnish robbers raided villages and made off with other men’s wives. The most famous competition is held in Sonkjärvi, Finland, where the sport was invented. There are different carrying styles, including piggybacking, fireman’s carry, and the Estonian-style, where the woman hangs upside-down with her legs around the man’s shoulders. The man is penalized 15 seconds for dropping his wife. The winner receives his wife’s weight in beer. Hornussen – Multiple Competitors: The Swiss are known for banking and chocolate and the Alps, but did you know that they invented Hornussen? No, you probably didn't. Described as a hybrid of baseball and golf, Hornussen sees two teams of 18 take turns hitting and fielding the “Hornuss,” a puck named after hornets for its buzzing sound as it whistles through the air.” The “hornuss” is tossed into the air by the striker, who hits the puck with a whip to launch it. Players on the opposing team then try to knock the puck out of the air with schindels, big placards on long sticks, that they toss into the air. With pucks whizzing towards you at speeds akin to an F1 car, stopping them is no mean feat. Teams consist of 18 players and games are played in 4 quarters. Although Hornussen is an old sport (the first recorded incident is a complaint about 2 men playing on a Sunday in 1625), it’s only starting to gain recognition outside of Switzerland, with an international association founded in 2012. Chess Boxing – Individual Competition: Chess boxing, or chessboxing, is a hybrid sport that combines two traditional disciplines: chess and boxing. Two combatants play alternating rounds of blitz chess and boxing until one wins by checkmate or knockout. The first competition took place in Berlin in 2003 with the first world championship being held in Amsterdam that same year. Events are held in a standard boxing ring using standard amateur boxing equipment and rules. The chess round is also played in the ring with the table, board, and seating being moved in and out of the ring for each round. The goal is to strike your opponent hard enough to impair their ability to think while playing chess or confuse them with chess strategies and divert their attention from boxing. Depending on which happens first, you can win this sport by knockout or checkmate. (video Shin Kicking – Individual Competition: First “played” in 1612, shin kicking is a sport, believe it or not. The South of England is a hotspot for this unusual sport. The game's objective is repeatedly kicking your opponent in the shin to bring them to the ground. Before the game begins, you must shove straw down your pants and put on a lab coat for whatever reason, before you can start grappling and kicking your opponent. A referee (also in a lab coat) keeps a careful eye on the game to ensure the regulations are followed. The combatant that wins six out of ten against his opponent is the winner. Ambulance crews also attend the events in case of injury. Shin kicking has been referred to as England’s martial arts. Tuk-Tuk Polo – Multiple Competitors: Tuk-Tuk polo is a sport invented in Sri Lanka in 2016. The sport is a variation of polo, in which players are on motorized vehicles called tuk-tuks. (The sport was developed as a replacement for another version of polo played on elephant backs which was discontinued in 2007 after one of the elephants went on a rampage.) Each team consists of players riding tuk-tuk's. On each tuk-tuk is a driver who is responsible for piloting the vehicle and a player who is responsible for striking the ball. Players use short mallet like sticks to wield the ball. The object is to score as many goals as possible by striking the ball through the goalposts. Bo-Taoshi – Multiple Competitors: Japanese people can often be regarded as reserved and almost always unfalteringly polite, but occasionally that all goes out the window and some much rawer version of the national psyche is unleashed. That’s certainly the case during Bo-Taoshi, a breathtakingly violent game in which a team of 75 must defend a pole against an equal number of attackers. Created as a training exercise for the Japanese military, Bo-Taoshi is bizarre, chaotic, wild, and highly entertaining. It is similar to capture the flag, but much more extreme and will always result in complete mayhem with 75 players on attack and 75 on defense. The attacking team must bring a wooden pole (that is perpendicular to the ground) down to a 30-degree angle. The defending team must stop them, and they do this in a (not very) organized manner with different positions. Pole support holds the pole in position, barriers protect the pole and are the largest part of the defense, interference harass attackers that get within the barrier, scrum disablers eliminate the offensive tactic of spring boarding, and the ninja (easily the best position) sits atop the pole and leans to the opposite side if it is being tilted to counteract the weight. (video Face Slapping – Individual Competition: It’s tempting to laugh about the Russian sport of face slapping, right up until the moment you see it. Hulking men standing angrily at tables are allowed unguarded, open-handed strikes at their opponent’s face. These are then reciprocated. No blocking, no crying. It’s perhaps unsurprising that when a man the size of a Kodiak bear slaps a saucer-sized paw on the face of a rival, knock outs are possible. More surprising is that these violent contests usually end in a hug and a handshake. The match is over when one of the contenders submits or is knocked out. Lawnmower Racing – Individual Competition: Like all the best ideas, lawnmower racing entered the world via a pub. It was 1973 and a group of wannabe racers from West Sussex in England, dreamed of making motorsport – historically the preserve of the wealthy – more accessible to the masses. Over a few pints they came up with lawnmower racing, where competitors race modified lawnmowers, usually of the ride-on or self-propelled variety. Lawnmower racing now has its own governing body – the British Lawn Mower Racing Association the (BLRA) – and a 30-race championship that runs from May to October. Most races are part of larger rural events (where spectators can experience other eccentric pursuits such as ferret racing.) The BLRA advises spectators to bring packed lunches with them to races. After this brief look at some weird, yet strangely entertaining games two things become very clear: 1 – the Super Bowl doesn’t need to worry about losing viewers just yet. And 2 - it’s clear that we should never underestimate humanity’s ability to turn the mad or the mundane into a competitive sport. In our pursuit of amusement, it seems we can create some of the strangest things imaginable to serve as competition. These peculiar pastimes reveal something profound about our collective desire for novelty and amusement, transcending cultural barriers and geographical boundaries. While the mainstream sports capture the spotlight, it's these offbeat competitions that remind us of the boundless creativity and quirkiness within the human spirit. Moreover, these strange sports underscore the universal human inclination towards community and shared experiences. Whether it's chasing wheels of cheese down a hill or snorkeling in a bog, these activities bring people together, fostering camaraderie and shared memories. In a world too often divided by differences, these oddities serve as bridges, connecting individuals through laughter, camaraderie, and the shared pursuit of the extraordinary. Ultimately, this Wide World of Weird Sports challenges us to redefine our notions of athleticism and competition. It's a testament to the human capacity for innovation and the endless possibilities when imagination meets determination. So, the next time you stumble upon a lawnmower race or a face-slapping contest, remember that behind the absurdity lies a profound celebration of the human spirit—an invitation to embrace that weird and wonderful tapestry of life that we keep discovering here. Have you participated in any of these sports? We’d love to hear about it, or any others that we might have omitted, in the comments below. #taylorswift #superbowl #lasvegas #allegiantstadium #patrickmahomes #kansascitychiefs #chiefs #christianmccaffrey #sanfrancisco49ers #49ers #football #sports #fifa #worldcup #olympics #games #wales #england #finland #japan #cheese #germany #switzerland #chess #russia #boxing #srilanka #tuktuk #polo #anyhigh

Fast-Food. We all know the general reality: calorie-heavy, sometimes problematic meals served in spaces that feel more like a pit stop than a dining venue. Regardless, we continue to flock to these joints for a quick fix of fries and questionable meat. Fast-food remains a culinary mainstay around the world as a cheaper and often more convenient option than any other. So, there’s an implicit irony that goes into the thought of a beautiful fast-food restaurant. To facilitate both affordability and speed, fast-food restaurants are generally plain. For many, the interior of our own car offers a more inviting ambience as a dining room to one that features hard plastic benches and swooping digital advertisements on every flat surface. For most major food chains, the difference between one location and another is pretty negligible. After all, isn't part of the appeal knowing, for better or worse, exactly what to expect? But wait, believe it or not, there are fast-food joints out there that are different. The occasional outposts that break the run-of-the-mill mold and become totally unique. Yes, beautiful fast-food restaurants exist. Some set up shop in historical buildings after locals refuse to see them bulldozed. Other times, their beauty is on the outside, as with California’s Linda Mar Taco Bell, which offers a life-affirming ocean view. And surely Colonel Sanders never imagined that one day, there would be a KFC covered in Tang-dynasty Chinese poetry. Yes, there are indeed some fast-food spots around the world where the destination alone is worth a visit. And after you see some of them, we guarantee that you won’t be able look at your neighborhood Pizza Hut the same way ever again. Now for those outraged when massive multinationals seek out glorious surroundings to sling burgers and chicken, don’t fret too much. Only a few years ago, the world’s largest KFC left its haunt, a 1926 train station in Azerbaijan styled as a Moorish palace. It will become a train museum. So, enjoy the high-low beauty of these elegant fast-food restaurants - while supplies last. Linda Mar Taco Bell, Pacifica, California: A meal at Taco Bell is normally illuminated with neon lights and scented with mists of Baja Blast from the soda machine. It’s different here. Here your quesadilla is dappled with sunlight filtering through the Northern California fog. The building from the 1960’s blends in well with the Linda Mar beach it sits on. Out the windows, breaching whales can be spotted. And there’s even a surfboard stand out front. The San Francisco Chronicle newspaper dubbed it “the greatest Taco Bell in the world.” And if all this beauty wasn’t enough, in 2019 it became a Cantina, meaning it also offers alcoholic drinks. So, you can now get your Baja Blast spiked with tequila. Du Fu KFC, Chengdu, China: Du Fu was an eighth-century Chinese poet. Lauded as one of the greatest wordsmiths who ever lived, he wrote lyrically about cooking cold noodles garnished with leaves from the scholartree. But we’re pretty certain he never had a fried chicken sandwich and a Pepsi. Yet at the KFC in the heart of Chengdu, a holographic pyramid beams 3-D images of his hut in spring, summer, winter, and fall. The tables are covered in poems by Du Fu, while tiles on the wall and brush paintings display rich designs of the Tang dynasty. All quite elegant really. But fear not, because etched in neon on one wall is another example of immortal wordsmithery: KFC’s catchphrase, “It’s Finger-Lickin’ Good!” Batumi McDonald’s Batumi, Georgia: The Georgian seaport of Batumi, also known as the “Las Vegas of the Black Sea,” is home to an architectural award-winning McDonald’s. The futuristic glass structure juts into the sky like a spaceship ready for take-off. The polyhedronal structure is softened by a reflective pool streaming around its perimeter and the golden arches logo looks almost like an afterthought against the towering edifice. And, though it’s built on top of a gas station, diners won’t notice the pumps because a sloping garden offers both a green interlude for the dining room, while also serving as a canopy over the gas station. The building’s pool and lush vegetation make the experience of munching on a Big Mac and fries feel less like fast food and more like fine dining. Starbucks, Paris, France: Located near the Opéra Garnier in the center of Paris, the Starbucks along the Boulevard des Capucines is housed in a structure that dates back more than three centuries. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you. Once inside, the elegant chandeliers and intricate 19th-century ceiling murals of this romantic building takes sitting in a coffee shop to a new level. McDonald’s Airplane, Taupo, New Zealand: Who wants to do drive-thru when you can eat your Big Mac and fries in a decommissioned aircraft? The restaurant is on the site of a former car dealership, the Aeroplane Car Company, and when McDonald’s purchased the property in 1990, the DC-3 plane came along with it. With seating for 20 inside the plane, this may be the only place in the world where one can have the chance to join the mile fry club. Minsk KFC, Minsk, Belarus: It’s difficult to miss the irony when you spot the smiling face of Colonel Sanders beckoning you in for fried chicken beneath a dramatic Soviet mural. Here, communism and capitalism collide in a confusing contrast of heroic sculptures and crispy fried chicken. While KFC set up business here in 2015, the Soviet sculpture was carved back in the 1960’s. Perhaps this is how the Cold War was always meant to end, as the workers of the world unite to dine on bargain buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken. The reality is less idealistic, but whether you’re a fan of the Colonel’s fried chicken or not, there’s no doubt that this is one of the most striking KFCs in the world. In fact, it’s probably the most Soviet KFC in the world. Port Pirie Barnacle Bill, Port Pirie, Australia: Barnacle Bill has been operating a chain of franchise seafood outlets in South Australia since 1970. The Port Pirie Congregational church opened its doors in 1879. About five years after the church closed its doors, it was reborn as a Barnacle Bill outlet. The pulpit is now a deep-frying counter, the pews have been replaced by tables and a salad bar, outside the main entrance, instead of Bible study times, a banner advertises the lunch specials. Today the faithful come to worship at the altar of this sacred seafood space. And as for the seafood? We’re betting that it’s quite delicious. But that would just be preaching to the choir. Freeport McDonald’s, Freeport, Maine: In 1984, McDonald’s wanted to build a location in the town of Freeport, Maine. However, building restrictions were strict, wanting the town’s aesthetic not to be disturbed. Ipso facto, no golden arches. McDonald’s solution was to remodel an existing structure, the Gore House built in 1850, which the Freeport Historical Society describes as “a mix of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture.” Entering, one could be forgiven for thinking they might be walking into a posh tavern. However, you won’t find prime steaks and fine wine in this one. It’s burgers and fries all the way. Buenos Aires Burger King, Buenos Aires, Argentina: All along Buenos Aires downtown Florida street you will find beautiful historic buildings. One of these, the former residence of the Elortondo Alvear family, built in 1880, became the home of a king. Yes, Burger King took up residence here about 20 years ago. Dining areas of the restaurant, outfitted with elegant furniture, are located on two floors and connected by a wide staircase with carved rails. And the ceiling on the second floor retains its original stained-glass windows. Take a quick tour here. McDonald’s “Behind the Mosque, King Faisal Causeway, Bahrain: McDonald's claims to serve over 50 million customers a day around the world, and their location on the King Faisal Causeway (connecting Bahrain's man-made islands to Saudi Arabia) proves their dedication to making sure no one is deprived of their Big Mac’s and McNuggets. So it should come as no surprise that the fast-food giant placed a store right behind a mosque-- with helpful directions on the sign for hungry, wayward worshippers Muslims who strictly follow Halal can relax while enjoying their Big Macs with the knowledge that all McDonald's restaurants in the Middle East serve “pure Halal prime-cut beef.” Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Chelsea, New York: This store in the heart of New York’s Meatpacking District is the pinnacle experience around all-things-coffee, from small-batch roasting to single-cup brewing. It’s nearly 23,000-square-foot sprawl includes five bars: two for coffee, and one each for cocktails, takeaway beans, and pastries. The space here is full of New York design details spread across a working coffee roaster, tubes in the ceiling that carry freshly roasted beans to the coffee bar, tons of seating, 10 bathrooms, and every kind of coffee brewing style one can imagine. And, though this one is still just what you might call a “pie in the sky” dream, we had to include Domino’s Pizza’s plan to build a Domino’s on the Moon. Yes, some time ago the Japanese branch unveiled plans to build a dome-shaped Domino’s Pizza on the moon. The plans feature a drive-thru for those with space-motorcycles. Estimated cost to build – USD $21.8 billion – with about USD $7.3 billion required just to get the materials to the moon. Some 15 rockets would be required to deliver 70 tons of construction materials and pizza-making equipment to the moon. A Domino’s spokesperson had said “we have not yet determined when the restaurant might open.” And while we can’t help but think that “never” might be an appropriate answer to that question, we don’t deny that the views of Earth would be worth 1,000 pizza pies! In a world where fast food often conjures images of fluorescent-lit interiors and hastily devoured meals on the go, the concept of beautiful fast-food restaurants might seem like a paradoxical daydream. Yet, as we’ve seen, scattered across the globe, there exist culinary sanctuaries that defy convention. Establishments that redefine fast-food dining. They challenge our perceptions, offering not just sustenance, but an experience worth savoring. These remarkable eateries, nestled within historical buildings or boasting futuristic designs, beckon travelers and locals alike to indulge in the unexpected. They tell stories of cultural collisions and of culinary innovation. These aren’t just places to grab a quick bite; they’re destinations that blur the line between fast-food and the experience of fine dining. As we marvel at these architectural wonders and ponder the possibility of a Domino's on the Moon, we're reminded that the world of fast food doesn’t have to be mundane. It can be a realm where creativity knows no bounds, where tradition dances with modernity, and where every bite is infused with a taste of adventure. So, the next time you find yourself craving a quick meal, dare to seek out the extraordinary. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a hidden gem that leaves you hungry for more. Have you found a unique fast-food experience? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below. #fastfood #restaurant #mcdonalds #burgerking #dominos #pizza #starbucks #kentuckyfriedchicken #kfc #moon #california #maine #buenosaires #argentina #paris #france #newyork #coffee #bahrain #australia #belarus #newzealand #barista #georgia #china #tacobell #audreyhepburn #experience #dining #anyhigh

Few creatures capture the imagination quite like dragons. Serpent-like and wise, these mythical creatures appear in many forms around the globe. Dragons, the original overachievers of the fantasy realm, have managed to dominate our collective nightmares with an efficiency that should make corporate marketing executives jealous. These mythical marvels have been giving errant knights and fire insurance agents sleepless nights for centuries. Sometimes, they’re terrible monsters, while others are friends to humankind. Not all are fire-breathing lizards; some dragons are furred, the bringers of rain and good fortune. So, what do the dragons of the world have in common, and what sets them apart? Do they have a common ancestor? And what if, in the quiet moments when we’re alone with our thoughts, we wonder whether dragons might be more than just a figment of our overactive imaginations? Spoiler alert: they’re not. But let’s dive headfirst into the world of dragons – a place where scales gleam, wings span, and the real question isn’t if they exist, but how we managed to turn reptiles into the original rock stars of folklore. Two major theories have attempted to explain the origin of dragons. The first, and perhaps most widely accepted, is the presence of dinosaur bones. People of the past had no way of knowing these bones belonged to ancient reptiles over 65 million years ago. Enormous bones and fearsome skulls may have inspired most dragon stories. And, let’s face it, what’s more awe-inspiring than the idea of a prehistoric, fire-breathing T-Rex? A separate theory posits that dragons are a construct of universal human fears and local wildlife. Ancient humans, this theory suggests, were naturally afraid of animals like snakes, leopards, and eagles, and so our collective subconscious combines them into a dragon-like form. Animals like crocodiles and large snakes may also have factored into local depictions of dragons. However, this theory doesn’t account for myths where dragons are benign and lucky beings, guardians of humanity rather than their predators. Joseph Campbell, perhaps the foremost authority on world mythology and author of many books including the classic “The Hero’s Journey”, will be assisting us in our journey today through the many varied worlds of dragons. Campbell’s concept of the monomyth (one myth) refers to the theory that sees all mythic narratives as variations of a single great story. This is based on the observation that a common pattern exists beneath the narrative elements of most great myths, regardless of their origin or time of creation. And dragons are possibly the most common magical creature to appear in myths throughout history and legends the world over, with each culture interpreting the dragon in their own unique ways and in accordance with their own societal preoccupations and anxieties. We find dragons everywhere. From the monstrous serpents of Mesopotamian antiquity, the wyrms of northern Europe, the many varied forms seen in Viking legends, the demonic dragons of Christian medieval western Europe, to the all-powerful dragons of China and Japan this mythical reptilian beast seems to have a special resonance with the human psyche. Mesopotamian Dragons Some of the earliest dragon myths come from the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia. Several different serpentine and lion-based dragons figure in Mesopotamian worship and mythology. Tiamat, for example, is a goddess representing the chaos of the seas and creation. She is sometimes depicted as a sea serpent. Her consort, Abzu, was a benevolent serpent of fresh waters. Together, they gave birth to a generation of younger deities. Then there is the Mushhushshu, a creature that combines the traits of a snake, lion, eagle, and scorpion. Egyptian Dragons Serpent monsters and deities also feature heavily in the mythology of Ancient Egypt. The most notable of these is Apep, another serpent deity associated with darkness and primordial waters. The great enemy of the sun god Ra, Apep is said to have been born of Ra’s umbilical cord. The snake lurked in the deep waters of the underworld, through which Ra passed each night to bring the rising sun. During the kingdom’s long history, one of the major duties of ancient Egyptian priests was to pray for the safe passage of Ra each night. Aboriginal Dragons In Aboriginal Australian cultures rainbow serpents, a dragon-like deity, feature prominently and are seen as the giver of life due to their association with rain and water, shaping the earth with their movements. There are many Dreaming stories about rainbow serpents, and not all agree about their nature and characteristics. They travel between watering holes, their paths marked by rainbows. According to regional beliefs, there may be a single rainbow serpent or many. The Dreaming stories featuring rainbow serpents take place in the past, present, and future all at once, making these entities an eternal presence in the lives of Aboriginal Australian people who practice traditional worship. “The dragons of the mountains have scales of a golden color, and in length excel those of the plain, and they have bushy beards, which also are of a golden hue. And their eye is sunk deep under the eyebrow, and emits a terrible and ruthless glance.” - Greek Scholar Philostratus (AD 170-245) Viking Dragons In Norse mythology, creatures referred to as “dragons” were called Ormr which meant snake, worm, serpent, as well as dragon. They didn’t breathe fire and were considered neither good nor bad. They were simply a part of the understood universe. Dragons were powerful and could bring about destruction, but they also played a part in constantly progressing cycles. Viking ships were decorated with large dragon heads on the front of their vessels. When these were spotted on the horizon, they immediately sparked fear and awe. Thanks in part, perhaps, to the Vikings, it was Christianity that changed views of dragons to beasts associated with evil and hell with Christian figures like Saint George tasked with slaying dragons. European Dragons Which brings us to the version of the dragon we’re most familiar with today which comes from medieval European lore as a wicked, dangerous, scaly, fire-breathing wyrm – the old English word for dragon. Campbell explains, “…European dragons represent greed, really. The dragon guards things in his cave, and what he guards are heaps of gold and virgins. And he can’t make use of either of them, but he just guards. There’s no vitality of experience, either of the value of the gold or of the female whom he’s guarding there.” These creatures are generally portrayed as large reptiles having a fiery, poisonous breath with four legs, bat-like wings, and a long neck and tail. They are likely descendants of the Mesopotamian dragons, Greco-Roman dragons, and Biblical monsters. These influences in highly Christian societies gave European dragons an evil reputation. They were seen as demonic creatures and it took a brave and virtuous warrior to defeat them and claim their treasures. Mesoamerican Dragons Ancient American civilizations ranging from the Mayans to the Aztecs and Incas all had their own dragon myths. One of the most famous is the Quetzalcoatl from Aztec culture. Quetzalcoatl was a god known as the Plumed Serpent: a mix between a bird and a snake. He was the creator of the world and mankind. He was also associated with the wind and was the bringer of rain clouds. In Incan mythology, the Amaru is a huge double-headed serpent that lives at the bottom of lakes and rivers. In paintings, it often has bird-like feet and wings. This mysterious dragon was able to cross between the boundaries of the spiritual and mortal realms. Campbell explains that the dragon figure represents our own greed. “Psychologically, the dragon is one’s own binding of oneself to one’s ego, and you’re captured in your own dragon cage. And the problem of the psychiatrist is to break that dragon, open him up, so that you can have a larger field of relationships. Do you see what I mean? This is killing the dragon. And you have fears and things, this is the dragon; that’s exactly what’s that all about. 'Killing the dragon' is getting rid of your own fears.” Chinese Dragons “None of the animals is so wise as the dragon. His blessing power is not a false one. He can be smaller than small, bigger than big, higher than high, and lower than low.” - Chinese scholar Lu Dian (AD 1042-1102) - Chinese dragons have an ancient literary tradition, going back 5,000+ years. Unlike in Western culture, Chinese dragons symbolize imperial authority and good fortune. They’re powerful beings connected to the innate magic of the earth, commanding power over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. The Chinese consider dragon years to be the most auspicious. Campbell says, “The Chinese dragon is different. It represents the vitality of the swamps, and the dragon comes out beating his belly and saying “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.” You know, that’s another kind of dragon. And he’s the one that yields the bounty and the waters and all that kind of thing. He’s the great glorious thing.” In Chinese folklore, the Yellow Emperor, the first ruler of China, was immortalized as a dragon at the end of his reign. The Yan emperor, another legendary ruler, was said to have been born of this mother’s telepathy with a dragon. Because of this, Chinese people sometimes refer to themselves as the descendants of the dragon. Some myths claim that those born with a dragon shaped birthmark are destined to become future rulers. If you’ve ever attended a Chinese New Year celebration, you’ll surely have seen the famous dancing dragon puppet bringing good fortune to households. Vietnam According to Vietnamese legend, the rocky islands of Ha Long Bay were spat out by a dragon that guarded the country in ancient times. The name of the bay means “descending dragon”. Japan A dragon king was once said to live in a pond at Shinzen’en, the imperial garden of Kyoto. During times of drought, Buddhist monks held ceremonies there to persuade the dragon king to rise and bring rain. So, the dragon has been an enduring source of fascination for cultures around the world throughout history. It exercises a unique hold on the human imagination even up to today. But what does it all mean? “Ultimately,” says Joseph Campbell, “The real dragon is in you. That’s your ego, holding you in. What I want, what I believe, what I can do, what I think I love, and all that. What I regard as the aim of my life and so forth. It might be too small. It might be that which pins you down. And if it’s simply that of doing what the environment tells you to do, it certainly is pinning you down. And so, the environment is your dragon, as it reflects within yourself.” How do we slay our dragon? According to Campbell, “Follow your bliss, find where it is… and do not be afraid to follow it. If the work that you’re doing is the work you chose because you enjoy it, then you’ve found it. But if you think, “oh I couldn’t do that…” That’s your dragon locking you in.” As our flight through the vast realms of dragon lore comes to an end, one profound truth seems to have become evident: dragons aren’t just mythical creatures; they are reflections of the dragons within ourselves. Joseph Campbell, our guide through this mythical odyssey, whispering wisdom into the winds of time, reminds us that the real dragon is the ego that binds us. The power to slay our personal dragons, Campbell asserts, lies in following our bliss – the pursuit of what genuinely ignites our passion and purpose. We should take note of the dragons of legend and identify the dragons that lurk within ourselves, holding us captive in their fiery grip. The most extraordinary adventures often begin with the decision to confront our inner dragons by fearlessly following our bliss. Of course, the quest for self-discovery, much like the legendary tales of knights fighting dragons, is not for the faint of heart. But the rewards are as boundless as the skies these mythical beings call home. Tell us about dragon's you may have slain in the comments below. Bill Moyers & Joseph Campbell - “The Power of Myth” - Slaying the Dragon Akira the Don & Joseph Campbell Music Video – "Kill the Dragon Save the World": #dragons #mythology #myth #josephcampbell #lizards #history #legend #egypt #australia #vikings #europe #america #mesoamerica #inca #aztec #maya #china #japan #vietnam #music #musicvideo #billmoyers #powerofmyth #anyhigh

The universe is a vast and fascinating place so it’s not surprising just how much new information, scientific or otherwise, there is to discover. We’ve said it before, but we just love some of the crazy, mind-blowing, and just downright weird facts that we keep stumbling across. For example, did you know that there was once a chicken named Mike who lived without a head for 18 months? (More about him later.) Today we thought we’d venture into to the realm where reality outshines fiction, the mundane dances with the bizarre, and where the absurd meets the scientific in a waltz of wonder and awe. Prepare to be astounded as we share an amalgam of some of these little-known facts that made us say what???! Prepare to encounter a parade of eccentric truths that will make you question the very fabric of existence. From the mind-bending revelations of quantum mechanics to the downright bizarre behaviors of the animal kingdom, we shall roam recklessly across the landscape of the extraordinary. During our expedition, we will unveil the mysteries that lie just beyond the veil of normalcy, proving once again that truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Get ready to be amused, astonished, and perhaps even mildly disgusted, as we delve into the realm of the inexplicable and emerge with a newfound appreciation for the wonderfully weird world we call home. Which came first, the match or the lighter? Simple right? I mean, after all a match is just a piece of wood or pressed paper, while a lighter is a mechanical device. Simple assumption would tell us that the match came first. But of course, that would be wrong. In 1823, a German chemist named Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner created what was known as “Dobereiner’s Lamp”. The early lighter was a jar-like container. When you turned the valve on top, hydrogen was released and catalyzed by zinc metal in the jar, causing a flame. Workable but not exactly a ‘flick your bic’ of simplicity. Matches weren’t invented until three years later, in 1826. The first matches weren’t terribly successful, and it wasn’t until they started being coated in (toxic) white phosphorus that they really took off. And we do mean this literally as these matches would often ignite on their own. Redheads Feel Pain Too:  Natural redheads have a genetic resistance to anesthesia and an unusually high tolerance for pain. (Maybe the latter is there to compensate for the former?) Yes, strange though it may seem, redheads experience pain differently than the rest of the general population. Among other things, they frequently require more anesthesia in order to stay sedated – about 20% more in fact. They need more topical analgesics, and they seem to have less skin sensitivity, meaning it’s harder for them to detect things like shock and needle pricks. This is apparently because their skin’s pigment-producing cells lack the function of a certain receptor. The lack of which causes changes that tip the balance between pain sensitivity and pain tolerance. How do you Weigh a Cloud? Most of us think about clouds as lighter than air. They are floating across the sky after all. However, like pretty much everything else, a cloud too has substance. First off, air itself has weight, though it’s more commonly referred to as ‘pressure’. In fact, air weighs about 14.5 pounds per square inch. The other factor in determining a clouds weight is density. Oil floats on water because water is denser than oil. The same is true for clouds. They float in the sky because they’re less dense than air. But they’re not weightless. A cloud is just an accumulation of moisture, and every drop of that moisture weighs a fraction of a gram. Which means that 1 cubic kilometer of cloud weighs about 1.1 million pounds. So, the next time you’re standing under a cloud, just be happy that it can stay up there. Toilet Paper Splinters? People have been pooping for a very long time and our ancestors used many varied tools to handle their business. (This may be a good topic for a future blog post…) However, toilet paper in the form that we’re familiar with today didn’t come about until the latter half of the 19th century. Improvements in sanitation in the 20th century led to greater demand for, and competition in the manufacture of, said toilet paper. And in 1935, companies began advertising “splinter-free” toilet paper. Which implies that, before this, toilet paper came with splinters. All we can say is “YIKES”! What Exactly is Behind Blue Eyes? Did you know that, at one point, everyone on Earth had brown eyes? That’s because the melanin in a person’s iris is naturally brown. The only reason we have green, hazel, or blue eyes is because of genetic mutations that happened long ago. And for people with blue eyes, their genetic mutation can be traced to a single individual, most likely in Denmark, between 6,000 – 10,000 years ago. Since there is just this one origin for blue eyes, that means that all blue-eyed people today are related in some way. Six degrees? In the USA, approximately 27% of the population has blue eyes. And it drops to between 8-10% for the entire world. But in Denmark nearly 65% of the population has blue eyes. Waiter, There’s A Cockroach in my Coffee. Did you know that scientists who work with cockroaches often become allergic to pre-ground coffee? According to entomologist Douglas Emlen, cockroaches that infest large piles of coffee beans are often just ground up with the beans instead of removed, since it would be too difficult to eliminate them completely. In the USA, the Food & Drug Administration allows a certain amount of “insect filth” to be included in coffee and other foods, as long as it doesn’t exceed a pre-established percentage. Thus, since it’s actually pretty common for researchers to develop acute allergies to the specimens they study, entomologists who become allergic to cockroaches also become allergic to things like pre-ground coffee and chocolate. That’ll Cement the Issue: This factoid just blew us away. And you may be familiar with it as Bill Gates blogged about it after seeing it in the book “Making the Modern World: Materials and Dematerialization.” China used more cement in three years – between 2011 and 2013 – than the US did during the entire 20th century. According to estimates from the US Geological Survey, the US used 4.5 gigatons of cement between 1901 and 2000. And according to the International Cement Review, between just 2011 and 2013, China used 6.6 gigatons of cement. If You’re a Clownfish, It’s a Man’s World – Until It’s Not: Yes, all clownfish are born male. However, they also all carry reproductive organs. Any given group of clownfish are led by the dominant female, who is the largest, followed by the breeding male, and a clutch of other immature males. Whenever a dominant female dies, it’s replaced by a male when it changes its sex. This change, unsurprisingly, is irreversible. Scientists think that what causes this sex change has something to do with the clownfish’s habitat – the sea anemone. Beware of Killer Grass: Strangely, the smell of freshly cut grass is actually a distress signal from the plants themselves. Many plants emit a substance called green leaf volatiles, and some of these are emitted after a plant experiences some sort of trauma. In one study, the chemicals from the plant interacted with the saliva of grass-eating caterpillars to make them more attractive prey for their predators. So, the smell that grass emits after it’s getting cut is intended to mark whoever hurt the plant so that predators of the animal would eventually start to associate the smell with prey. Therefore, your lawn is literally trying to kill you once you start hurting it. Soup to Butterfly: Butterfly caterpillars don’t make silk cocoons; they morph into a chrysalis. And if you were to cut into a caterpillar chrysalis, you’d essentially be cutting into the caterpillar itself since their body actually forms the hard wall of the chrysalis. And again, if you did cut into the chrysalis, you’d be subjected to a load of goo seeping out that used to be said caterpillar. Because, when a caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly, it breaks itself down to mush to complete the metamorphosis. The caterpillar does this by literally digesting itself. It releases enzymes that break down their body tissue. In this soup, there are a few body parts that don’t break down completely, called imaginal discs. These discs use high protein materials floating around them to start a kind of rapid cell division, which begins to create the basis of the butterfly. A Kiss is Just a Kiss – But Chocolate Really Packs a Punch: Maybe there’s a reason why chocolate has long been associated with date nights and romantic evenings. Scientifically speaking, Chocolate is more stimulating than kissing. It turns out that chocolate can affect our minds in pretty powerful ways. A study measured the level of relaxation-related brain activity (called alpha bands) that people experienced when kissing and when eating chocolate. They found that both kissing and letting chocolate melt on your tongue had spikes in this relaxed way of thinking in the brain. And it turned out that chocolate delivered a more significant spike, and its effects lasted longer than a kiss. Now, this is all well and good, and, while relaxing is a great thing, we don’t necessarily feel that relaxation is what most people are looking for when kissing. The relaxing part usually comes waaaay later. You’re a Lobster and you Look Marvelous: Lobsters don’t display senescence, which is the deterioration of the body as it ages. Lobster’s molt, shedding their exoskeleton as they grow. Their bodies are continuously growing, and their exoskeletons get heavier and heavier, thus when they molt into a new exoskeleton it takes more and more energy to take off the old one. Eventually they die because the exoskeleton just becomes too heavy to shed. This makes us wonder, if people could somehow assist the lobster with shedding the too heavy exoskeleton, does that mean you could have a lobster that would never die?? Monkey porn: Two neurobiologists conducted an experiment that explored the viewing habits of male rhesus monkeys seated in a laboratory. If a test monkey chose to look in one direction, it received a squirt of cherry juice. If it looked in another, it received a slightly larger or smaller squirt of juice, plus one of several images to look at: the face of a higher-status or lower-status monkey or the attractive back end of a female monkey. The results of the study, called “Monkey Pay Per View” wouldn’t surprise certain types of theater operators in Times Square. With remarkable consistency, the monkeys were willing to forgo a little juice – in essence, to pay extra – to look at some monkey booty. Entertainment moguls, take note. Paris Hilton Sex tape: And speaking of….well, strange as it may seem, did you know that the famous Paris Hilton sex tape of long ago starts with a memorial screen to those who died in 9/11? This is what the monkey’s told us anyway. Why Isn’t the US on the Metric System? Pirates are at least partly to blame. In 1793, Joseph Domby, a botanist and Paris aristocrat, set sail from France with two standards for the new metric system: a rod that measured exactly one meter, and a copper cylinder called a “grave” that weighed precisely one kilogram. He was journeying across the Atlantic to meet then US Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who hoped to persuade the US Congress to ‘go metric’. However, Domby’s ship was raided by pirates who took him hostage, looted his equipment and auctioned it all off. By the time new ones were sent, Jefferson was no longer Secretary of State and no one else seemed very interested in taking up the new system. Had Your Corn Flakes This Morning? John Harvey Kellogg, who invented corn flakes in the 1890’s and started the Kellogg brand, was a health reformer and a proponent of what he called “biological living” which centered around nutrition. He believed that modern diets led people to carnal sins and that cereal was the dietary remedy and an excellent way to prevent masturbation. He felt that bland foods would lead to a reduced sex drive. While we may never be able to look at cornflakes the same way again, we can say from personal experience we are very happy that Kellogg was wrong on both counts. And we don’t even want to know what was on the mind of the inventor of Grape Nuts. Basketball Ooops: In 1891, James Naismith, a 31-year-old graduate student at what is now Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, created basketball. He approached the school janitor in his search for two square boxes to use for goals and the janitor came back with two peach baskets. Naismith nailed the baskets to the lower rim of the gymnasium balcony, one on either side. The students would play on teams to try to get the ball into their team’s basket. He had a person stationed at each end of the balcony to retrieve the ball from the basket and put it back into play. While the sport caught on, it took nearly 20 years before someone figured out that it might be a good idea to cut the bottom of the baskets out to make retrieving the ball a lot easier. The Goddess of Love Planet: Often called Earth’s evil twin, Venus spins backwards on its axis, has a surface temperature hot enough to melt lead, and has an atmosphere so thick that, from the surface, the Sun is just a smear of light. But what really blew our minds was that a day on Venus (one complete rotation around its axis) is longer that a year on Venus (a complete revolution around the sun). For some reason, that’s just a really hard concept to wrap our minds around. And Speaking of Mind Bending: In the time it takes you to read this sentence, you’ve traveled approximately 2,200 miles through space relative to the cosmic background radiation. Though humans don’t perceive it, the Earth is moving at a very high rate of speed on its rotation around the sun, approximately 66,667 mph (107,290 kph). At the same time, it’s also spinning on its axis at approximately 1,040 mph (1,675 kph). And most mind-blowing of all, the entire solar system is moving at roughly 228.6 miles per second (365 kps) relative to the cosmic background radiation. That means, in just 10 seconds, you will have traveled approximately 2,200 miles through space. Dude, Where’s My Bomb? Did you know that the US Air Force lost a nuclear bomb somewhere off the coast of Georgia? Yep. On February 5, 1958, a B-47 bomber carrying the nuclear bomb collided with an F-86 jet fighter off the coast of Georgia. The impact ripped the left wing off the F-86 and heavily damaged the fuel tanks of the B-47. The pilot of the B-47 was afraid the bomb would break loose when he landed, so he ditched the bomb in the ocean before landing the plane at Hunter Air Force Base outside Savannah, Georgia. The Navy searched for the bomb for months but never found it and today recommends it should remain in its resting place – wherever that may be. And that about wraps up our look at the wild, weird, and wonderful world of little-known facts. Amidst the laughter and astonishment, there’s a subtle reminder hidden within these crazy facts. They remind us of the infinite complexity and boundless wonder that surrounds us every day. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear the whispers of tales of resistance, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of understanding in a world that often defies explanation. But wait! We promised to tell you the story about…. Mike the Headless Chicken: Lloyd and Clara Olsen were chicken farmers in Fruita, Colorado. On September 10, 1945, they were doing what they always did, killing chickens on their farm. Lloyd would decapitate the birds and Clara would clean them up to ready them for sale. But one of the 40 or 50 birds that went under Lloyd’s hatchet that day didn’t behave like the rest. One was still alive and walking around. And it didn’t stop. Lloyd placed the headless bird in an apple box on the farm’s screened porch for the night, and when the couple came out the next morning, the chicken was still walking around. Word spread around Fruita about the miraculous headless bird. The local newspaper picked up the story and, a couple weeks later, a sideshow promoter called Hope Wade traveled nearly 300 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah to see the bird. He had a simple proposition for the Olsen’s – take the chicken on the sideshow circuit and make some money. They said why not. First, they went to the University of Utah, where Mike was put through a series of tests. Then Lloyd, Clara, and Mike set off on a tour of the USA. Mike was fed with liquid food and water that the Olsen’s dropped directly into his esophagus. They fed him with a dropper and cleared his throat with a syringe. Then tragedy struck. The night Mike died the Olsen’s were awoken in their motel room by the sound of the bird choking. When they looked for the syringe, they realized they’d left it at the sideshow, and before they could find an alternative, Mike had suffocated. But don’t despair, by any measure Mike, bred as a fryer chicken, had had a good run. How did Mike manage to hang on for so long? For a human to lose his or her head would involve an almost total loss of the brain. For a chicken, it’s a bit different. Most of a chicken’s brain is concentrated at the back of the skull. It’s suggested that Mike survived because all or most of the brain stem remained attached to his body and that a timely blood clot prevented him from bleeding to death. Thanks to Mike and their cross-country tour, the Olsen’s earned enough to by a hay baler, two tractors, and a 1946 Chevy pickup truck. Mike is still remembered today with a statue honoring him in the Fruita, Colorado town square. Who knows what other wonders lie just beyond the horizon, waiting to be uncovered in the ever-enigmatic tapestry of existence. Tell us about something we missed in the comments below. Although it's not about a chicken, this Warren Zevon song was as close to a tribute to Mike as we could find. #facts #truth #chicken #toiletpaper #clouds #blueeyes #kevinbacon #butterfly #nemo #coffee #basketball #porn #monkey #parishilton #lobster #chocolate #venus #earth #warrenzevon #anyhigh

Sometimes known as “Corazon de Sudamerica”, which translates as “the Heart of South America”, Paraguay is one of the least visited countries in South America. This is a country so underrated that even Google Maps is struggling to find it. Which, naturally, put it at the top of our list for the first country in South America that we decided to visit in our monthly travel blog post. Forget about the overrated wonders of the world; here we’re talking about the hidden gems, the secret spots, and a land of surprises where even the chickens have a spring in their step and the hummingbirds perform salsa in mid-air. In Paraguay the national pastime isn’t soccer but “yerba mate” – a traditional tea sipped through a straw that the locals clutch with a dedication that would make a squirrel hoarding nuts blush. More about that later. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, but the enthusiasm for life speeds up. Where cows have the right of way on the roads, and where the phrase “hurry up” is met with an amused chuckle and a sip of yerba mate. American essayist and political satirist P.J. O’Rourke once said that Paraguay was “nowhere and famous for nothing.” He then took a business trip there, fell in love with the country and proceeded to move there. We think you too may be swept off your feet as we embark on a journey through the heart of South America’s best-kept secret. Paraguay is a symphony where its culture and natural environment combine harmoniously with the rhythm of that spicy Latin American flair. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a wild ride through a land where laughter is the local currency, because in Paraguay, a fiesta awaits! With a population of 7.3 million, this landlocked nation is surrounded by Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina. Notwithstanding its lack of coastline, Paraguay is home to the world’s largest navy among landlocked countries. It also has a river defense corps, a coast guard, and naval aviation. There’s some debate about how Paraguay got its name. One theory states that the word means “River of the Paiaguas” after the native tribes. Another version is that the name may also mean parrot as it’s believed that the first Jesuit priests befriended a parrot named Frank. If the latter story is true, then the country could just as easily have been named “Frank” we guess. For reasons lost to history, apparently, at one point, these priests turned to Frank and made dinner out of him. Paraguay is one of the few countries that has two official languages with its native tongue – Guarani – coming first and Spanish second. 90% of the population speaks Guarani meaning the majority of the non-indigenous population still speak Guarani, which is very rare. Guarani is what’s known as an onomatopoeic language in which most of its words imitate natural sounds of animals and the surrounding environment, like music. Paraguayans often mix the two languages when speaking, a combination known as “jopara”. Sort of their version of “Spanglish” we guess. For those of you who would like to brush up on your Guarani, here’s a quick refresher for you. Paraguayans love their beer and wine, and while wine has been produced here for more than 400 years, it’s generally accepted that Paraguayan produce doesn’t match up to the prestige or flavor of the country’s Argentinian or Chilean neighbors. And although there are some great national breweries, most beer is imported from other Latin nations or the USA. The closest thing you can get to a genuinely local alcoholic beverage in Paraguay is Cana Rum. The brewing processes for this light and sweet liquor were first laid down by the Paraguayan Jesuits in the 16th century. Its formulation was perfected throughout the 20th century, and it’s now recognized as one of the nation’s iconic drinks. And if you’re looking for a never-ending supply of ice for your cocktails, look no further because Paraguay is home to the world’s largest water reserve. The Guarani Aquifer, located underneath Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, has a volume of 40,000 cubic kilometers (9,600 cubic miles) and stretches 1.2 million sq. kilometers (464,000 sq. miles). It could supply fresh drinking water to the entire world for around 200 years. Paraguay is famous for its locally created cotton thread and a hand-woven technique women use to create beautiful designs called Ao Po’i. Ao Po’i in the Guarani language means “fine knitting” and is often used as formal wear. The cotton is cleaned and converted into thread, which is then placed on a loom, a process which can take up to a day. After weaving, it is placed in both hot and cold baths, along with yucca starch, then left to dry out in the sun. Each stitch and pattern has its own name in the Guarani language. For example, “ju’I rupi’a” means “frog’s eggs”, and is a stitch of several dots in on group Another stitch, “tatu pire”, means “armadillo shell”, and another “margarita poty”, means “daisy”. Paraguayan tablecloths crafted from Ao Po’i cloth are renowned around the world for their intricacy. Just one can take over a year to make. If you’re just pissed off at someone, Paraguay could be the place for the two of you to visit because pistol dueling is still legal here. You’ll both, however, need to be a registered blood donors to take part. And you’ll also need a professional medic on hand, for the inevitable….. Paraguay’s flag is unique among national flags as on one side it features the country’s coat of arms while on the back it has the country’s treasury seal. The red and white colors represent equality, patriotism, and courage whereas the blue represents freedom and justice. The national emblem consists of a coat of arms, an olive branch, and the nation’s motto “Paz y Justicia” which means Peace and Justice. Paraguay runs on hydro-powered electricity, in fact it makes up 100% of the country’s electricity requirements, proving that land-locked doesn’t have to mean energy-locked. The Itaipu Dam, built in 1984 at a cost of nearly USD $19.6 billion (USD $472 billion today!), was the largest dam in the world until the opening of the Three Gorges Dam in China in 2008. Built on the Parana River, the second largest river in South America after the Amazon River, and jointly run by Paraguay and Brazil, the dam is 196 meters (645 feet) in height and 8 kilometers (5 miles) long. Paraguay boasts brilliant biodiversity and bird lovers will, well, love it as the country is home to over 1,000 different types of birds. It’s also home to the America’s largest cat – the Jaguar. At the Jardín Zoológico in the capital, Asuncion, you can visit a jaguar refuge center. Ocelots and panthers prowl the country. There are hundreds of snake species, most of them harmless, except the eight species of coral snake. The piranha fish lives in Paraguay too, but – in contrast to what we’ve learnt from James Bond – they actually pose no threat to humans. The Lapacho tree, known as the Pink Trumpet Tree, is found in many South American Countries. It’s also Paraguay’s national tree. Famous for its beautiful pink leaves, it’s also known for its medicinal properties. It’s believed that the Inca’s used the Lapacho tree as an important medicine. Mate is the traditional drink for the Guarani indigenous people and, considering Paraguay is one of the few countries in South America to retain its Guarani native heritage, it’s no surprise that it’s also the national drink. Mate is an infused tea made with the yerba mate plant and boiling water. It’s usually served hot and sipped through a metal straw that’s used as a filter, but there’s a cold version of it – Terere – that is also popular in the summer. Yerba mate is a relative of common holly. Sharing a mate with friends is considered a social activity and an important part of the culture. Although frequently overlooked by travelers en-route to the rest of South America, Paraguay beckons you with its hidden wonders. And while it might be trickier to get to than most places on the continent, there’s good reason to visit. Outdoorsy types can take their pick from wildlife-rich wetlands, sand dune islands, record-breaking waterfalls and Instagrammable rock formations, while those who like the finer things will find a plethora of cocktail bars, museums, and excellent steak houses. It’s a country where time moves at its own pace and where sharing a mate is more than just a tradition – it’s an invitation to connect. So, as you contemplate your next travel destination, remember that Paraguay is more than just a place; it’s a symphony of nature, history, and laughter. Just open your mind to the unexpected and get ready for a journey through the heart of South America’s best-kept-secret. Because Paraguay isn’t just a destination; it’s an immersive experience waiting to captivate your senses, leaving you with memories as vibrant as the Lapacho tree’s pink leaves. Don’t just dream about it; let Paraguay turn your wanderlust into a fiesta of discovery. Vamos a Paraguay!! #paraguay #southamerica #yerbamate #wildlife # jaguar #paranariver #piranha #fish #latinamerica #guarani #spanish #rum #brazil #asuncion #inca #travel #explore #lonelyplanet

We’re big fans of the strange and sometimes seemingly deliberately obtuse “national days” that we keep coming across. It seems there is one for nearly everything under the sun. At some point there’ll probably be a “National Day for Penguins who Part Their Hair on the Left”, or an “International Hand Puppet Appreciation Day”. And no one country has a monopoly on the weird. For example, Japan has its National Bean Throwing day, also known as Setsubun. It takes place one day before the start of spring, usually around February 3rd. It’s a popular time in Japan, on a par even with lunar new year. On this day, and throughout the accompanying Setsubun Festival, the Japanese throw soybeans around their houses and in other places to scare off ogres and evil spirits. South Africa has its National Cleavage Day which falls (or rises…) sometime in March or April. Sponsored, unsurprisingly, by Wonderbra and a Johannesburg-based radio station, it’s all for a good cause. Events are held to raise money for the Sunflower Fund, which helps South Africans affected by blood diseases. Because nothing says ‘Let’s fight blood diseases’ like a well-supported cleavage! Then there’s Wikipedia Day. Yes, it has an official day. Each year on January 15th, Wikipedians (those folk who write and edit articles for said site) all around the world set aside their algorithm-generating keyboards for the day. Generally, they get together and eat cake or something of the sort, and revel in the 5 million+ English articles on the Wiki database. Every December 23rd, in Oaxaca, Mexico people gather to celebrate the “Night of the Radishes” (okay, so it’s a ‘night’ rather than a ‘day’, but it still counts). It’s been going on since 1897 and basically consists of everyone partaking in some hardcore radish carving. The grand prize winner takes home 15,000 pesos (about usd$900) and, presumably, more radishes than they’ll be able to eat before the next “Night” comes around. International Nose Picking Day. Uhhhh….well, ya. From what we could tell, it seems that no one really nose (sorry, couldn’t help it) when, why, or how this ‘day’ first appeared but it is observed every April 23rd. We thought, instead of a pic for this one, a hashtag might be more appropriate - #InternationalNosePickingDay And since it’s the first week of the new year, we thought we’d devote today’s blog post to a national day that happens every January 4th, National Trivia Day. This is a day that celebrates all those who accumulate and hoard tidbits of useless information. The collectors of the unconnected, the irrelevant data, factoids, history, quotes, etc. But remember, trivia isn’t necessarily trivial In ancient times, the term “trivia” meant something very new. Over time, it’s come to refer to obscure and arcane bits of dry knowledge along with nostalgic remembrances of pop culture. Things like, in 1984, over 20 million editions of the game “Trivial Pursuit” were sold in North America.  Or like, did you know that the world’s largest trivia contest is held each year in Stevens Point, Wisconsin? Spanning 54 hours with eight questions per hour, typically around 400 teams, ranging from 1 to 150 players each, participate. So, grab your knowledge caps, because we’re going to take a deep dive (well, it’s really going to be more like a quick dip) into some of the most interestingly useless information that we came across that you can use to impress, astonish, terrify, or just plain bore your friends and family with at the next gathering that you’d really rather not be at. Did you know (DYK) that the US Air Force almost nuked the moon? Yes indeed. In 1958 the US Air Force launched Project A119 involving some of America’s top scientists including a young graduate student from the University of Chicago by the name of Carl Sagan. It was the dark days of the Cold War and the Soviet Union had just shot Sputnik into space. The USA had to do something bigger and more visible, so the idea was to shoot the moon with a hydrogen bomb for the sheer visible spectacle of it. Fortunately, the plan disintegrated, mostly because the visual spectacle imagined wasn’t going to be as grand in reality. They did come up with a plan B and landed on it instead. DYK that the Matrix code is just a bunch of sushi recipes? Yep, it’s true. Among the many things that The Matrix launched into the pop-culture lexicon – like the idea that we’re all living in a vast simulation – one of the most eye-catching was its vision of digital rain. This stuff: The green lines of code that represented the technological underpinnings of reality became their iconic opening and were used at the climax of the first movie. It launched a thousand screensavers, becoming a permanent touchstone of cyberpunk iconography. Designed by Simon Whitely (who went uncredited in the films), he explained in an interview with CNet that he scanned the characters from his wife’s Japanese cookbooks. “Without that code,” Whitely said, “there is no Matrix.” (Do you suppose this means that the Matrix films are really all just a metaphor for one man’s mastery of Japanese cuisine? In which the agents are actually restaurant critics? And the attack of the Sentinels is actually just an E. Coli outbreak? That ultimately that brave sushi chef has to become a sushi Jesus in order to save the restaurant industry? It’s almost more powerful when you think of it that way.) DYK that OJ Simpson was considered for the Schwarzenegger role in The Terminator? He didn’t get it because the producers feared he was too nice to be a killer. Nuff said. DYK that your kitchen sink is dirtier than your toilet bowl? Disturbingly, it seems there’s more E. coli bacteria per square inch in your kitchen sink than in a toilet after you flush it. Bacteria feed on the food that people put down the drain and what’s left on dishes in the sink. It’s an ideal breeding ground since it’s wet and moist. That’s probably why dogs drink out of the toilet – because there’s less E. coli in it. DYK that the Eiffel Tower gets taller in the summer? When a substance is heated, its particles move more and it takes up a larger volume – this is known as thermal expansion. Conversely, a drop in temperature causes it to contract again. When the iron in the tower heats up in the summer, the tower can be up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) taller. DYK that Switzerland prohibits the ownership of just one guinea pig? Since guinea pigs are such social creatures, one guinea pig would get lonely so having one is considered animal abuse in Switzerland. DYK that a shrimp’s heart is in its head? Well, it is, along with other vital organs. Since the head is covered with an exoskeleton, it’s the most protected part of the body. It does make one wonder, if shrimp’s had arms, would they be wearing their heart on their sleeve? DYK that a flea can accelerate faster than the Space Shuttle? A jumping flea can reach dizzying heights of about eight centimeters (3 inches) in a millisecond. Acceleration, often measured in “g’s”, is the change in speed of an object over time, with one “g” equal to the acceleration caused by gravity on Earth (9.8 meters/32.2 feet per square second). Flea’s experience 100 g’s while the Space Shuttle peaked at around 5 g. DYK that sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins? Dolphins need to come up for air every 10 minutes, but by slowing their heart rate, sloths can actually hold their breath for up to 40 minutes! And they’re really good swimmers to, just FYI. DYK that human remains are being deposited at Disney parks once a month on average? No, not an urban legend. For many people, the idea of being “interred” at the happiest place on Earth is an attractive proposition, so the parks have become popular places for people to scatter their loved ones’ remains. Disney, obviously, discourages the practice. But whenever one slips through the net, Disney staff call for a “HEPA cleanup”, which designates the specific type of vacuum cleaner necessary. The most popular place where people do scatterings? The Haunted Mansion of course. DYK the Roman Catholic Church classified beavers as fish? Yep. When Europeans came to North America and Canada, they brought the church along with them. The indigenous population slowly began converting to this religion, but one thing they couldn’t accept was the no-meat rule during Lent. The Catholic Church, in an unusual twist of nimbleness, simply decreed the beaver was a fish. DYK that Elvis Presley never did encores? That’s how the phrase “Elvis has left the building” came into being. Once his performance was over, Elvis left the building. It eventually became the sign-off for Elvis’s announcer, Al Dvorin, to signal to the hungry crowd that the evening was over. As Elvis exited the stage, Al would announce to the crowd, “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building. Thank you and goodnight.” DYK where Three Musketeers bars got their name from? The original candy bar from the 1930’s had three different kinds of nougat: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry – hence the name. DYK that Jennifer Lopez inspired the creation of Google images? The popular tool was launched in July 2001 in response to demand for pictures of Lopez in her famous green Versace dress that she wore at the 2000 Grammy awards. One of the most distinctive red-carpet outfits in history. DYK that a Blue Whale’s heartbeat can be detected up to 2 miles away? Their hearts do weigh nearly 400 pounds after all. DYK that M&M’s are named after their creators? Yes, two businessmen, Forrest Mars (of Mars Bars fame) and Bruce Murrie (son of Hershey candy executive William Murrie), came up with the iconic candies. Granted a patent in 1941, the candies were exclusively sold to the military during World War II, enabling the heat-resistant and easy-to-transport chocolate to be included in the American soldiers’ rations. By the time the war was over, the GI’s were hooked. In 1950 the candies began to be imprinted with the “m” and customers were encouraged to “Look for the M on every piece”. The same qualities that made them durable wartime rations made them perfect for space travel and, at the request of the crew aboard NASA’s first space shuttle, Colombia, M&M’s become the first candy to rocket into space in 1981. DYK that you can’t hum while pinching your nose? Give it a shot. DYK that the longest walking distance in the world is 14,000 miles? You can actually walk from Cape Town, South Africa to Magadan, Russia without needing a vehicle. DYK that pigs can’t look up into the sky? That’s right. Because their bodies evolved in a way to prioritize finding food, their neck muscles and spine don’t bend enough to allow them to look up at the sky. They can, however, roll on their backs and look up. Difficult to take off from that position however so this may be one of the main reasons why pigs can’t fly – only in their dreams. DYK that each human tongue print is unique? Just like our fingerprints, humans have unique tongue prints as well. The color, shape, and surface features are characteristic of every individual, and this can serve as a tool for identification. The ongoing search for new secure personal identification methods has led to the use of the lingual impression or the tongue print as a method of biometric authentication. So, sometime in the not-too-far-off-future, you may have the option of unlocking your phone by licking it. In the meantime, best be careful where you put your tongue for fear of unwanted identification later. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you.) And speaking of tongues, DYK that it is impossible for most people to lick their own elbows? You’re already trying, aren’t you? While not meaning for this to turn into a study of the many uses of the tongue, DYK that a blue whale’s tongue can weigh as much as a young elephant? Indeed, the tongues of some whales are large enough that even an adult elephant could fit on it. There are so many places we could go with this that we’ll just move right along. DYK that that blob of toothpaste on your toothbrush has a name? It’s called a nurdle. DYK that John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator? Yes, the sixth President of the United States received an alligator as a gift from a French general. Granted, perhaps not the most diplomatic of gifts, we agree. The alligator was kept in one of the White House bathtubs. DYK that all dogs have dreams? And that young puppies and older dogs dream more often than adult dogs? We just want to know how the heck they know this??? DYK that more than half of our bodies are not human? That’s right, said Dr. Jekyll. Bacterial cells outnumber the human cells in our bodies. Research has found that the average human is around 56% bacteria. And there’s no place to Hyde from that! DYK that the universe’s average color is called “Cosmic Latte”? In a 2002 study, astronomers found that the light coming from galaxies averaged into a beige color that’s close to white. Barista’s take note. DYK what the fear of long words is called? This 36-letter word was first used by the Roman poet Horace in the first century BCE to criticize those writers with an unreasonable penchant for long words. It was an American poet, Aimee Nezheukumatathil, who coined the term how we know it today, possibly because she was afraid of her own surname. DYK that the dot over the “I” is called a ‘tittle’? Apparently not. And with that, we’ve come to the end of this first blogpost of 2024. We raise a toast (as always) to the peculiar, the absurd, and the utterly trivial. We hope it’s inspired some of you to embrace your inner trivia. In this vast sea of information, let’s all be sailors, navigating the waters of useless but utterly fascinating facts. We definitely feel that life is too short not to revel in the delight of the weird and wonderful. To embrace the quirkiness that is all around us. We salute the pursuit of knowledge, no matter how trivial. Tell us about some wonderfully useless facts you've come across in the comments section below. And feel free to post a pic of your nurdle or your tittle or a selfie licking your elbow, or your phone, or wherever! #trivia #information #news #barista #dog #dream #aligator #whale #elephant #tongue #pigs #sky #russia #southafrica #candy #m&m #threemuskateers #jenniferlopez #elvis #nasa #carlsagan #beaver #disney #dolphin #spaceshuttle #shrimp #switzerland #eiffeltower #sushi #matrix #moon #mexico #japan #InternationalNosePickingDay #anyhigh

We’re all pretty familiar with this Christmas carol in which the singer brags about all the cool stuff their “true love” gave to them over the course of 12 days of Christmas. Each verse builds on the previous one, serving as a really effective way of annoying family members on road trips. No one, it seems, is completely certain where the song originated. The earliest known version first appeared in a 1780 children’s book called Mirth With-out Mischief. Most historians agree that it was designed as a “memory and forfeits” game, where the singer would test their recall of the lyrics and had to award their opponents a “forfeit” – a kiss or favor of some kind – if they made a mistake. The song that we’re all familiar with today was written by an English composer named Frederic Austin in 1909. As a refresher: Day 1: On the first day of Christmas, My true love gave to me, A partridge in a pear tree. (at this point the song adds a gift for each day, building on the verse before it, until you’re reciting all 12 gifts together by the end) Day 2: Two turtle doves Day 3: Three French hens Day 4: Four calling birds Day 5: Five gold rings Day 6: Six geese a-laying Day 7: Seven swans a-swimming Day 8: Eight maids a-milking Day 9: Nine ladies dancing Day 10: Ten lords a-leaping Day 11: Eleven pipers piping Day 12: Twelve drummers drumming All the gifts seem to make sense, more or less. Assuming of course that the gift recipient is a true bird lover since they’ll have 23 of them by the end of it. And also assuming they had a very large house for, by the end of the 12 days, they would be caring for - and feeding - an additional 50 people. The one that always gave us pause, however, was the ten ‘lords a-leaping’. I mean, who were these guys? A dance troupe fallen on hard times? Some Brits who were expelled from the House of Lords for jumping around and disrupting meetings all the time? It’s always been the main one we’ve had a hard time wrapping our mind around. Dancing lords aside, we found a uniquely wonderful website that calculates the cost of each of the gifts in the song based on current market rates. It’s put out annually by PNC financial services group and is their Christmas Price Index. They’ve been putting it out since 1984 and the total for 2023 comes to $46,729! This is a 2.7% increase over 2022 (in 1984 the total came to just $12,623 which today wouldn’t even cover the cost of those damn lords a-leaping - $14,539). That assumes you gave just one of each gift. If you counted each mention of an item separately (that would be 364 gifts in all) then we’re talking an eye-watering $201,972!! There have been countless versions of this song throughout the years. Some traditional and some, not so much. Here’s a few that we thought you might want to gather the family around and give a watch & listen to: John Denver & The Muppets (This is about as traditional as we get) Alan Sherman’s 12 Days of the Ultimate Santa Non-Wish List (Classic 1960’s comedy) Daniel Ferguson’s 12 Days of Star Wars Christmas (May the force of the holidays be with you) Bob & Doug McKenzie’s 12 Days of Canadian Christmas (Canadians, eh?) Jeff Foxworthy’s 12 Days of Redneck Christmas (We reckon this one speaks for itself) Destiny’s Child 8 Days of Christmas (Ya, we realize this one's only got 8 days, but you get Beyonce, so…) Now, don’t get nervous because we here at AnyHigh.life are not going to sing for you in a video. But, after all this talk about the 12 Days of Christmas, it wouldn’t make much sense if we didn’t give you our own take on the song. With the holidays in full swing, festivities and get-togethers are kicking into high gear. And, in our humble opinion, no party is really complete without a few seasonal (or otherwise) drinks. Drinks meant to warm the body and soothe the soul. Which brings us to Anyhigh’s Consumable Twelve Days of Christmas. The art of the holiday drink takes many forms around the world. Our 12-step gift to you today is a list we’ve put together of what we think might be some of the planet’s tastiest holiday tipples complete with ingredients and recipes. We’re pretty sure that, if you drink enough of these, you’ll find yourself in a pretty festive mood pretty quickly. We suggest starting with one on day one, two on day two, and by the twelfth day you’ll have twelve cocktails to work your way through. That’s assuming you last past day eight! Day 1: On the first day of Christmas my bartender gave to me, A Pear Tree Martini Recipe here Day 2: On the second day of Christmas my bartender gave to me, Two Colada Morada’s Recipe here …and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 3: On the third day of Christmas my bartender gave to me, Three Dark Horses… Recipe here …two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 4: On the fourth day of Christmas my bartender gave to me, Four White Russians… Recipe here …three Dark Horses, two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 5: On the fifth day of Christmas my bartender gave to me, Five Hot Toddy’s… Recipe here …four White Russians, three Dark Horses, two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 6: On the sixth day of Christmas my bartender gave to me, Six Glogg’s from Sweden…. Recipe here …five Hot Toddy’s, four White Russians, three Dark Horses, two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 7: On the seventh day of Christmas, my bartender gave to me, Seven Irish Coffee’s… Recipe here …six Glogg’s from Sweden, five Hot Toddy’s, four White Russians, three Dark Horses, two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 8: On the eighth day of Christmas, my bartender gave to me, Eight Moscow Mules…. Recipe here …seven Irish Coffee’s, six Glogg’s from Sweden, five Hot Toddy’s, four White Russians, three Dark Horses, two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 9: On the ninth day of Christmas, my bartender gave to me, Nine Whiskey Sours…. Recipe here …eight Moscow Mules, seven Irish Coffee’s, six Glogg’s from Sweden, five Hot Toddy’s, four White Russians, three Dark Horses, two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 10: On the tenth day of Christmas, my bartender gave to me, Ten Cousin Eddie’s…. Recipe here …nine Whiskey Sours, eight Moscow Mules, seven Irish Coffee’s, six Glogg’s from Sweden, five Hot Toddy’s, four White Russians, three Dark Horses, two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 11: On the eleventh day of Christmas, my bartender gave to me, Eleven Bombardino’s…. Recipe here …ten Cousin Eddie’s, nine Whiskey Sours, eight Moscow Mules, seven Irish Coffee’s, six Glogg’s from Sweden, five Hot Toddy’s, four White Russians, three Dark Horses, two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini. Day 12: On the twelfth day of Christmas, my bartender gave to me, Twelve Tom & Jerry’s…. Recipe here …eleven Bombardino’s, ten Cousin Eddie’s, nine Whiskey Sours, eight Moscow Mules, seven Irish Coffee’s, six Glogg’s from Sweden, five Hot Toddy’s, four White Russians, three Dark Horses, two Colada Morada’s, and a Pear Tree Martini! As we wrap up this festive exploration into the 12 Days of Christmas, we can’t help but marvel at the absurdity and the charm of a song that’s been perplexing people for generations. Whether you’re pondering the questionable acrobatics of the ten lords a-leaping or calculating the modern-day price tag of the entire gift list, the song remains both a holiday staple and a delightful enigma. It’s a reminder that holiday traditions, much like those lords, can take unexpected leaps into the realm of the comically confusing. And speaking of leaps, we’ve taken a leap of our own this week into the realm of holiday spirits – literally. Our journey through twelve days of cocktails is not just a list: it’s a liquid celebration, a spirited symphony for your taste buds and a “salud” to the holiday season. From the Pear Tree Martini on the first day to the cozy embrace of Twelve Tom & Jerry’s on the twelfth, we hope some of them were new to you and that each drink rings a festive note in the grand carol of your holiday imbibing. If you manage to make it through all twelve concoctions, consider yourself a true holiday mixologist, not to mention someone truly worthy of our admiration! As we’ve raised our glasses, time and time again, we hope you appreciated the diverse interpretations of the classic song. Because these versions showcase that holiday cheer comes in many forms, each as unique as the individuals sharing their own version of it. So, whether you find yourself surrounded by dancing lords or holding on tight to your eighth Moscow Mule, here’s to a season filled with laughter, libations, and the chaos that makes the holidays so unforgettable. May your days be merry, your cocktails be plentiful, and your ice cubes always be shining bright. We’ll see you in the new year. Cheers! #12daysofchristmas #twelvedaysofchristmas #christmas #songs #holidaycheer #cocktails #johndenver #muppets #alansherman #comedy #danielferguson #starwars #canada #jefffoxworthy #redneck #destinyschild #beyonce #martini #colada #whiskey #whiskeysour #moscowmule #hottoddy #irishcoffee #whiterussian #holidays #merrychristmas #sinatra #bingcrosby #cheers #anyhigh