As a woodpecker relentlessly pecks at tree trunks, its tongue retracts into its skull and encircles the brain, providing essential protection from the intense vibrations. This remarkable adaptation is just one of the many unique traits of woodpeckers, who also possess specialized beaks and robust neck muscles, enabling them to efficiently drill into trees in… Read More »
During the 1930s, New York City’s sole commercial airport was located in New Jersey. In a bold act of protest, NYC Mayor LaGuardia refused to disembark in New Jersey when his ticket read “New York City,” compelling the pilot to fly him to NYC instead. This event highlighted the pressing need for a proper airport… Read More »
In 1981, American Airlines introduced the “lifetime unlimited AAirpass” at a cost of $250,000, which would be equivalent to around $870,000 in today’s currency. This exclusive pass granted lifetime access to unlimited first-class flights, and an additional companion pass could be obtained for an extra $150,000. The airline hoped that this initiative would generate substantial… Read More »
In the 2000s, major companies like Google, Apple, Adobe, and Intel, along with other corporate giants, conspired to avoid poaching each other’s employees in an effort to suppress wages. This collusion ultimately resulted in a $400 million class-action lawsuit. This illegal practice, known as a “no-poaching” or “anti-poaching” agreement, stifled employee mobility and salary growth… Read More »
Between 2001 and 2009, the United States experienced widespread health concerns related to Chinese drywall. During this period, large quantities of this imported drywall were brought into the country, primarily due to rebuilding efforts in the South-East following hurricanes. The drywall would gradually emit harmful chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide, leading to the corrosion of… Read More »
Judaism ranks as the second most prevalent religion in New York City, boasting a Jewish community larger than the combined populations of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This vibrant metropolis is home to a diverse array of Jewish traditions, including the Hasidic, Modern Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements. New York City’s Jewish heritage can be traced… Read More »
Ronald Read, a Vermont gas station attendant and janitor, had accumulated a net worth of nearly $8 million at the time of his death in 2015. Described as “a blue-collar guy with blue-chip smarts,” Read invested in a diverse range of companies that paid generous dividends, focusing on well-established businesses and avoiding technology stocks. His… Read More »
Don Quixote, a groundbreaking work regarded as one of the earliest modern novels, ingeniously employs meta-fictional techniques, with the author feigning that his narrative is sourced from historical documents, requiring him to scour for lost manuscripts and translations to complete the tale. This literary masterpiece, penned by Miguel de Cervantes in the early 17th century,… Read More »
The revered Celtic druids enjoyed numerous privileges, including exemption from taxation and military conscription, and were held in such lofty regard that they possessed the authority to halt conflicts between clashing armies. In addition to their roles as spiritual leaders, these Druids were also responsible for preserving cultural knowledge, maintaining the oral tradition, and serving… Read More »
Voltaire, the famed French philosopher and writer, amassed considerable wealth by exploiting a flaw in the French lottery system of the early 18th century. Alongside mathematician Charles Marie de La Condamine and a group of collaborators, they seized a lucrative opportunity presented by the French national lottery, which was designed to promote bond purchases. In… Read More »
Lanai, the sixth-largest island in Hawaii, is predominantly owned by Oracle’s co-founder, who acquired 98% of the island (equivalent to 88,000 acres) for $300 million in 2012. He pledged to invest an additional $500 million over five years to transition the island to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, benefiting its 3,000… Read More »