Research conducted by Sherri Mason, a scientist at Penn State University, revealed that bottled water contains an average of 325 plastic particles per liter, while tap water only contains about 5.5 plastic particles per liter. Microplastics are ingested by marine organisms and accumulate within the food chain, affecting a range of species from filter feeders… Read More »
The iconic line, “an offer he can’t refuse,” from The Godfather, is inspired by an intriguing rumor involving mob enforcer Willie Moretti. Allegedly, Moretti used intimidation tactics, such as holding a gun to Tommy Dorsey’s head, in order to secure Frank Sinatra’s release from his binding contract. Interestingly, this event took place during the early… Read More »
In the majority of English-speaking countries across the globe, the letter “Z” is pronounced as “zed.” However, the United States stands out as the sole exception, opting for the pronunciation “zee.” This divergence can be traced back to the late 17th century, when American lexicographer Noah Webster decided to simplify certain aspects of the English… Read More »
Australian artist Peter ‘Pook’ Cook spent 10 to 12 years creating an organic tree-chair using gradual branch redirection. Pooktre, a tree-shaping system developed with partner Becky Northey, produces five unique furniture pieces yearly, including coffee tables, bed-ends, candelabras, and human-shaped trees. The process takes 7-12 years before harvest, resulting in sturdy, waste-free furnishings. British designer… Read More »
In 1931, vending machines experienced a unique innovation when they began selling single lighted cigarettes to customers. These machines provided a convenient way for individuals to purchase just one lit cigarette at a time, offering an on-the-go smoking experience. While there have been numerous unusual and bizarre vending machines throughout history, one of the craziest… Read More »
Australia is shifting approximately 7 cm (2.76 inches) northward each year, making it the fastest moving continental landmass on Earth. This movement is due to the tectonic activity of the Indo-Australian Plate, which is being pushed by the neighboring Pacific Plate. As a result, the Australian continent experiences a gradual increase in the frequency and… Read More »
In 2019, researchers at Union College conducted a study that discovered that although joining a fraternity in college led to a decrease in a student’s GPA by an average of 0.25 points, it also resulted in a substantial 36% increase in their future earnings. This finding highlights the potential trade-off between academic performance and long-term… Read More »
The Ford Aurora II never reached the market, likely due to a failure to meet safety regulations. However, its innovative wrap-around couch and the 180° swiveling passenger seat stand as some of the boldest design feats of the 1960s. Interestingly, the Aurora II also featured other groundbreaking ideas such as a rear-facing third row of… Read More »
In 2009, Hungarian art historian Gergely Barki recognized a long-lost painting by Róbert Berény while watching the movie Stuart Little. The artwork, titled “Sleeping Lady with Black Vase,” had been missing for 90 years and was used as a prop in the film. The painting had been sold for $40 at a charity auction in… Read More »
The distinctive 7-ELEVEn logo features a lowercase “n” amidst uppercase letters, as it was thought that an entirely uppercase design would appear overly aggressive. This choice contributes to the brand’s unique and memorable identity. Logos play a crucial role in brand recognition and marketing, with many famous companies adopting unconventional designs or typography to stand… Read More »
Rebecca Sharrock, a 27-year-old Australian, possesses the rare gift of Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), enabling her to recollect every intricate detail of her life on any specific date. This exceptional condition not only makes her life experiences highly vivid but also offers valuable insights into human memory. Interestingly, individuals with HSAM are few and… Read More »