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Bombay. Bambai. Bonbaym. Monbaym. Boon Bay. Whatever you wish to call it, the city officially changed it’s name in 1995 when the Government decided to revert to one it was most easily recognized by locals - Mumbai (pron. muum-buhy). For some, Mumbai is all about freedom, while for others, it's the land of endless opportunity. India’s pulsating heart and economic powerhouse, a city of over 27 million where dreams are forged in the fires of relentless ambition. Boasting a history over two millenia, the most fairly well-known part of which begins with the city being once a cluster of seven islands gifted by the Portuguese to the British. For some, Mumbai is home, but for many, it’s a city of migrants chasing dreams. To some, Mumbai might seem indifferent, but others feel its never-say-die spirit. Some believe it's the city of the future, while others see it stuck in the past. It’s got the glitz and glamour, yet it's also got its fair share of slums and squalor. You’ve got your street food fans, munching on vada pav and bhelpuri, and then there are those who prefer the city's fine dining scene. One thing is certain – from its historic roots as a trading port to its current status as the financial capital of India, Mumbai's journey is nothing short of spectacular. "There's nowhere else like Bombay. It's a feeling. It's a way of life." - Ruskin Bond, Indian author. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a Bollywood fanatic, or simply an urban explorer, this city has something for everyone. Here’s why Mumbai should be at the top of your travel list. First things first- Tourist Traps to Sidestep So, like any famous city, “Aamchi Mumbai” (our Mumbai, a term of endearment in the local Marathi language) is not without its tourist traps, but a savvy traveller knows how to navigate them. Here’s few of the typical itinerary sights – The Gateway of India: a grand, arch-shaped monument built in the early 20th century to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Ironically, it was also the last place British troops departed from in 1948. If you must, consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more peaceful experience. Marine Drive: known as the Queen's Necklace at night due to its streetlights resembling a string of pearls, is a 3.6 kilometer long crescent-shaped promenade along the coast of Mumbai. Known for breathtaking sunsets, cool evening breeze and scenic views. If seeking a quieter experience, consider viewing the coast from vantage points like Bandra-Worli Sea Link, or any of the endless rooftop bars in the area! “From kids frolicking on Marine Drive to the clubs of Bandra and the patchwork lights of Dharavi, when the sun sets, Mumbai rises” – Unknown Quote Crawford Market: bustling Victorian-era market spread over 22 acres, housing over 5,000 shops. It’s known for having an overwhelming variety of goods under one roof - spices, fruits, vegetables, clothes, flowers, household items, and more. Pro tip: in case you do visit, Go early to avoid peak crowds. Elephanta caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these are a group of seven rock-cut cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, carved between the 6th and 8th centuries AD. A short one-hour ferry ride away from the Gateway of India, these caves hold sculptures and intricate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and scenes from mythology. For architecture aficionados, there’s the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Gothic Revival masterpiece will leave you in awe. It took over 10 years to build and was completed in 1888. These locations are all iconic and beautiful, yes, but they can either be overcrowded or overpriced. Explore them either with a guide or during off-peak hours for the best experience! Hidden Gems Worth Your Time For a deeper dive into Mumbai’s soul, embark on walk through its old neighbourhoods. Kala Ghoda in particular, is the city’s famous area known for showcasing all things art & culture (think Mayfair, London or Chelsea, New York). The heritage walk in the Kala Ghoda area is a must, showcasing stunning colonial architecture and vibrant street art. You can of course stroll through the numerous independent art galleries here or visit uber-famous ones like Jehangir Art Gallery. Here’s a quirky fact: Kala Ghoda literally means "Black Horse" and is named after an old statue that once stood in the area. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an annual nine-day long festival held in the area and typically takes place from the first Saturday of February and closes on the second Sunday of February. The festival is a celebration of all things art, with a focus on visual arts, dance, music, theatre, literature, and street art. It features exhibitions, workshops, performances and talks by artists from all over India and the world. It's a great opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of Mumbai. "Mumbai, you're either loved or hated. But one thing's for sure, you never leave anyone indifferent." – Unknown Quote Try checking out the Banganga Tank, an ancient water tank surrounded by temples. often called as Mumbai's own Varanasi (India's spiritual heart), this hidden gem dates back to 1127 AD and offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. There is an interesting ritual where the swans are fed with leftover food from nearby local restaurants. Very sustainable! Kanheri Caves are situated within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, they provide a peaceful escape with scenic surroundings. Dating back to the 1st century CE, these caves were once a thriving Buddhist settlement on the Konkan coast. The caves feature intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and various Buddhist symbols. The complex includes viharas (monasteries) for living and studying, chaityas (halls) for congregational worship, and stupas (dome-shaped structures) containing relics. A great alternative to visiting the Elephanta caves, you will find it significantly less crowded, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Buddhism in India. Really want to go off the beaten path? Take a tour of Dharavi, Asia's largest slum. With an estimated population around 1 million residents, this bustling hub of small-scale industries offers a glimpse at the life of locals where every family hustles and does their bit to contribute to society. Interesting fact: on average, Dharavi generates an estimated $1 billion annually. The residents are mainly involved in cottage industries like handmade leather goods, pottery & ceramics, textile & garments, handicrafts etc. They even have a thriving recycling industry! Not too shabby for a slum huh? Mumbai's high-rises contrast sharply with Dharavi in the foreground Culinary Delights "In Maximum City, the only constant is change, and the only path to survival is adaptation." - Suketu Mehta, Author No visit to Mumbai is complete without indulging in its street food. The ubiquitous vada pav, the city’s answer to the burger was born out of necessity when some vendors wanted to develop a fast food alternative to omelette pav(omelette bun). Vada pav is a slightly spicy, deep-fried potato patty in a bun. Fun fact – Mumbai has a Vada Pav Day celebrated on August 23! Misal pav, a spicy curry made from sprouted lentils served with pav (a local soft bun), is another local favorite. Interestingly, there’s a Misal Pav eating competition held annually! For a taste of Mumbai’s diverse culinary heritage, try dishes from the local Maharashtrian and Parsi communities. Dishes like kombdi vade (chicken curry with a side of fried bread) Koliwada fish fry (wild caught, fried fish) and dhansak(a Parsi lentil-based stew with meat), are not to be missed. Sol-kadhi (a refreshing digestive drink made from coconut milk and dried mangosteen) and ice golas (think sorbet), are a staple during summers. Mumbai chaat (street-food) is uber-famous with countless local vendors and restaurants (even internationally) serving up treats like paani puri and sev puri. Chaat encompasses a wide variety of snacks, traditionally served at streetside vendors (think a heavier version of tapas). Some famous ones include - Pani puri: Imagine tiny, crispy puffs cradling a symphony of flavors - tangy tamarind chutney, cool mint water, creamy mashed potatoes, and a hint of spice. Each bite is a delightful explosion in your mouth! Sev puri: Picture a crispy bed of fried flatbread piled high with a savory mix of crunchy sev (thin fried noodles), chopped vegetables, and a dollop of creamy yogurt. Every mouthful is a textural adventure with a burst of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. But are you familiar with some of the innovative fusion chaat that has popped up lately? Pani puri vodka shots - upgrade your pre-game drinks! Indo-Mexican Papdi Chaat Cups - not your traditional canapés! For underrated food hotspots, visit the lanes of Mohammed Ali Road during Ramadan or the Khau Galli (food street) in the suburb of Ghatkopar for a variety of mouth-watering snacks. A fun fact: Mohammed Ali Road transforms into a bustling food paradise only during Ramadan nights. Bollywood Glitz and Glamour Mumbai is synonymous with Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry. Unlike Hollywood, which produces around 600-800 films a year, Bollywood churns out over 2,000 films annually (as of 2019). The sheer volume ensures a constant stream of content for audiences. Bollywood movies grossed an estimated $2.28 billion in 2020 and contributed over 33% of India’s box office revenue . No doubt Hollywood produces movies with bigger budgets and wider global appeal, but Indian stars like – Priyanka Chopra Jonas Deepika Padukone These famous celebrities are steadily gaining international fame as part of blockbuster projects. Indian megastar Shah Rukh Khan was even featured on the Netflix hit “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman” A visit to Film City in Mumbai is akin to stepping into a dream world, where you might even catch a glimpse of a film shoot. Here’s a quirky tidbit: Film City has over 20 indoor studios and is spread over 520 acres! Cinephiles can visit the iconic Maratha Mandir theatre, which has been showing the Bollywood classic “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (The Braveheart Will Take the Bride) for over two decades. Abbreviated to DDLJ, a beloved Bollywood romance; has been playing since its release in 1995 due to its relatable story, iconic characters, and timeless music, making it a cultural touchstone for families and fans. Much like Hollywood in Los Angeles or Broadway in New York City, Mumbai’s Bollywood buzz is palpable and inescapable. Another fun fact: Mumbai has its own version of the Walk of The Stars in Bandra, where you can find handprints of Bollywood stars. Bollywood is to India what Hollywood is to the world. The glitzy world of Bollywood is woven into the very fabric of the city. Take a Bollywood tour to see the homes of mega stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan or visit the Film City in Goregaon where countless movies are shot. It's like visiting Hollywood in Los Angeles or Times Square in New York City—chaotic, thrilling, and undeniably magnetic. "Mumbai has a way of making you feel both insignificant and invincible at the same time." - Anurag Kashyap, Indian filmmaker The Hectic Yet Lovable Madness Mumbai is a city of contrasts, where the scale and madness can rival any other megacity of the world. The local trains, dubbed the lifeline of Mumbai, ferry over 7.5 million people daily and are an experience unto themselves. A quirky fact: The Mumbai suburban railway operates over 2,300 train services every day! Amidst the chaos, you’ll find moments of unexpected serenity, like watching the sunset from the Bandra-Worli Sea Link or sipping cutting chai at a roadside stall. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, by the way, uses cables that, if laid out, would stretch as far as Earth’s circumference! Mumbai’s charm lies in its ability to be frenetic yet endearing, a city where every street corner has a story to tell, and every story is worth hearing. Did you know that Mumbai’s dabbawalas (lunchbox delivery men) have a six sigma rating for their efficiency, something which many multinational companies aspire to! They even have their own website The City of Dreams In the words of Anthony Bourdain, Mumbai is a "wonderful chaos," a place that assaults your senses and leaves you craving more. The charm of any place usually leaves a lasting impression through the locals. The people of Mumbai, usually referred to as “Mumbaikars”, are a diverse mix that embody resilience and a zest for life. Navigating life’s challenges with unwavering determination and a spirit of joyful celebration. Despite the fast pace and chaos, Mumbaikars maintain a sense of community, mutual respect, and hospitality, defining the unique charm of this bustling metropolis. In Mumbai, every street corner tells a story, every old building holds a secret, and every plate of food is a burst of history and culture. Discovering Mumbai is an exciting adventure, as this city does not wear its history visibly for all to see. One has to be patient and look beyond the obvious as the city does not reveal itself to you easily. It is a place that that dazzles, frustrates, and ultimately, captures your heart. So pack your bags, bring an open mind and get ready to explore the quirky, lovable chaos that is Mumbai. "Mumbai is a city that gets under your skin. It crawls into your heart, and even when you leave, it stays with you." - Gregory David Roberts, author of "Shantaram." Have you visited this vibrant city? What other destinations would you like us to explore next? Let us know in the comments below! #mumbai #cityofdreams #travel #culture #heritage #food #drink #movie #bollywood #hollywood #city #people #architecture #history #anyhigh

For some, history can be a dreaded, boring subject to just get through in school. A question of, “if it’s over and done with, what difference does it make to me?” For others, history can be a fascinating adventure. A look at the “why’s” and “wherefores” of how we got to where we are today. Some aspects of history we hear about over and over again. Names, dates, major events. But beyond the grand narratives and pivotal battles, there lies a trove of obscure and bizarre historical oddities – questions that perhaps you never thought to ask. For example, when and why did ancient Romans started wearing pants or what were electric eels called before there was electricity? These questions might not pop up in your average history class, but they certainly add an animating twist to our understanding of the past. Imagine a history class where you learned that powerful Viking warriors intimidated their foes by flaunting cow intestines as makeshift accessories. Or where a U.S. president's morning routine involved a brisk skinny dip in the Potomac River. You might have paid a bit more attention then, no? Because, while these nuggets of historical trivia might seem like the stuff of fiction, they are very real snippets from humanity’s eccentric tapestry. Such episodes reveal that history isn’t just a dry recounting of events but a collection of astonishing and sometimes laugh-out-loud anecdotes. It’s in these peculiar details that history truly comes alive, offering a scholastically irreverent glimpse into the lives and minds of those who came before us. Have you ever wondered if the Leaning Tower of Pisa was ever straight or when the first pizza delivery in history occurred? Well, even if you haven’t, we think you’ll enjoy this weeks’ post where we look for answers to questions never asked in history class. Each odd fact invites us to look closer and laugh a little louder. So, the next time you find yourself yawning through yet another dry historical documentary, remember that behind every dull date or monumental event, there’s probably a bizarre and hilarious story waiting to be uncovered. What were electric eels called before the discovery of electricity? Electric eels, prior to the discovery of electricity, were called various things by observers in the ancient and medieval worlds. Greek physician Hippocrates (370 BCE) called electric sea creatures "torpedo fish" and found medicinal applications for their electric properties, as did his successors in the Roman world. Ancient Egyptians called electric fish "Thunder of the Nile," and similarly used them to treat pain. Muslim scholars during the 12th century called electric sea creatures “raad” or “raask” - words that translate to "shaker" or "thunder." It wasn't until 1799 that the electric eel found in the Amazon Basin became associated with modern conceptions of electricity. In 1799, electric eels served as inspiration for the first batteries ever created; there are now roughly 250 species of electricity-generating fish known to exist just in South America. Which famous composer had a habit of dunking his head in cold water before composing? Ludwig van Beethoven, the renowned German composer, had a peculiar habit of dunking his head in cold water before composing. This routine helped him stay awake and refreshed, possibly stimulating his creativity and mental clarity as he worked on his musical masterpieces. Which ancient Roman emperor declared war on the sea? Emperor Caligula, who ruled from AD 37 to 41, was infamous for his eccentric and erratic behavior. In one bizarre episode, he declared war on Neptune, the god of the sea. During a military campaign, Caligula's troops were stationed near the English Channel. Frustrated by his inability to conquer Britain and perhaps seeking to display his divine authority, Caligula directed his ire towards the sea itself. He ordered his soldiers to march to the coast and, in a display of sheer absurdity, commanded them to stab the ocean with their swords. The initial target of this peculiar military maneuver was the waves themselves, symbolizing an attack on Neptune. The soldiers, although likely bewildered by their emperor’s orders, obeyed and dutifully slashed at the water. Their reaction is not well-documented, but it's safe to assume that confusion and sense of “WTF” dominated the ranks. Caligula then commanded his soldiers to collect seashells as spoils of their "victory" which were to be presented back in Rome as trophies of their conquest over Neptune. When and where was the first shopping mall built? Deciding which shopping center is the world's first "mall" is an exercise in defining exactly what a "mall" is. Retail exchanges took place regularly in ancient locations like the Athenian Agora and Trajan's Market in Rome, but they weren't covered spaces. Covered shopping promenades and passageways developed during the 18th century. In the United States, The Arcade in Providence, Rhode Island, opened in 1828. Through the 19th and the early 20th centuries, the idea of a "shopping mall" came to fruition. In 1956, the Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota, opened its doors. It's considered to be the first enclosed, temperature-controlled, modern shopping mall in the US. Why do people say ‘cheese’ when getting their picture taken?  Smiling for a picture was pretty uncommon before the early 20th century, largely believed to be the result of concerns about staying absolutely still. Minimizing the risk that a photo - an expensive venture - would be blurry was important, but so was the serious reason behind many pictures: Some people had photos taken of deceased loved ones. Generally referred to as "post-mortem photography," these photographs "were taken in love" as the living marked the passing of their loved ones. Other reasons for somber pictures included fear of exposing bad teeth, a lack of familiarity with the medium itself, and the belief that too much smiling could imply madness. This doesn't mean people didn't smile - they did. To get the perfect grin, photographers needed people to pull back their lips and bear teeth - both things that happen when the sounds “ch” and “ee” come out of one's mouth. It's not entirely clear when "cheese" became the ideal word to say in front of a camera but some suggest it began in the 1940s. In October 1943, an article from The Big Spring Daily Herald titled "Need to Put on a Smile? Here's How: Say 'Cheese'" may have started it all: “Now here's something worth knowing. It's a formula for smiling when you have your picture taken. It comes from former Ambassador Joseph E. Davies and is guaranteed to make you look pleasant no matter what you're thinking. Mr. Davies disclosed the formula while having his own picture taken on the set of Mission to Moscow. It's simple. Just say "cheese," it's an automatic smile.” Davies said he learned the trick from a politician, perhaps Franklin D. Roosevelt, who'd appointed Davies to be ambassador to the Soviet Union. Why is it called “Jaywalking”? During the 19th century, the word "jay" was used to describe someone who was a "hick, rube, dupe." The first application of "jay" in the context of transportation had nothing to do with walking, however. As more and more horse-drawn carriages - and later automobiles - were used on roadways, someone driving down a street the wrong way became known as a "jay-driver." Complaints about jay-drivers soon carried over to "jaywalkers." As early as 1905, an article in the Kansas City Star offered this assessment: “Much annoyance would be obviated if people when meeting others going in the opposite direction would keep to the right and avoid collisions and being called a ‘jay walker’." Jaywalking was evidently a big concern in post-WWI America because The National Safety Council introduced a campaign against jaywalking. In some locations, Boy Scouts would hand out cards about "jay-walking" and how dangerous it was, while in Cleveland, Ohio, "crowds of 'jay walkers'" were paraded around to demonstrate exactly what it was and how to avoid it. By 1930, jaywalking was a well-known word used to describe pedestrians who were in the streets and in the way. When was the first pizza delivery in history? In 1889, the king of Italy, Umberto I, and his wife, Margherita of Savoy, reportedly made the first order for pizza delivery in history. As the story goes, the queen wanted to try local foods when the couple visited Naples. Raffaele Esposito, Naples’ most well-known pizza chef, was called upon to make them one of his signature dishes - a pizza. He made them three different pies. As soon as they were out of the oven, the pizzas were quickly taken to the royals. The pizza with simple red sauce, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil (intentionally meant to represent the colors of the new Italian flag) was reportedly their favorite. Not only is this the first pizza delivery, but it's where the Margherita pizza gets its name. How did medieval knights in full armor go to the bathroom? Full suits of metal armor presented challenges to the medieval knights who wore them. Depending on how it was made and the quality of the craftsmanship, metal armor could restrict movement and helmets offered limited visibility but tending to bodily functions would have been really difficult – because, knight or no knight, when nature was calling it wasn’t going to leave a voicemail. Putting on a suit of armor, a marvel of its time, was cumbersome and required a small army of squires just to get a knight into. Getting out of it quickly was an impossibility, akin to trying to escape from a locked porta-potty in zero gravity. Knights would put on layers of clothing, including chain mail, but the crotch and butt would not have had armor plates because it would have made riding a horse nearly impossible. For those knights caught in a pinch, the most practical solution was the codpiece, an ingenious if somewhat crude, invention. This armored flap covered a knight's more vulnerable parts and could be removed or adjusted to allow for a quick, albeit awkward, release. However, in the heat of battle or during a long siege, there was no time to fuss with clasps and latches. In a pinch, sometimes knights would just relieve themselves where they stood. On long campaigns, the situation was slightly more organized, if no less embarrassing. Knights would dismount and find a secluded spot where their loyal squires would assist in the laborious process of disassembling the lower sections of their armor. It was an intimate and, one might say, a bonding experience that surely tested the loyalty and stomach of many a young squire. Did John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States, go skinny dipping in the Potomac River when he was president? The short answer is ‘yes’. His morning routine, during warmer months, involved skinny dipping in the Potomac River. He believed that this invigorating activity was good for his health and often swam in the river at dawn. The Massachusetts Historical Society digital project editor, Neal Millikan, said it wasn’t really odd that he bathed naked, that’s just the way people swam in the 19th century. Millikan says, “He talks about other people leaving their clothes on the rocks. Sometimes he would go alone. Sometimes if his sons were home from Harvard, they would go with him. Sometimes his valet, Antoine, would go with him.” Adams himself summarized his routine in a July 1818 diary entry: “I rise usually between four and five - walk two miles, bathe in Potowmack river, and walk home, which occupies two hours - read or write, or more frequently idly waste the time till eight or nine when we breakfast - read or write till twelve or one, when I go to the office; now usually in the carriage - at the office till five then home till dinner. After dinner read newspapers till dark; soon after which I retire to bed." Essentially, he’s talking about a 4 or 5 hour workday. Present presidential candidates may want to take note. (By the way, Adams also had a pet alligator that he kept in a White House bathroom. The alligator was a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette.) What peculiar item did Viking warriors use to terrorize their enemies? Viking warriors were known for their fierce and intimidating presence in battle. One tactic they reportedly used was to hang cow intestines around their waist as if they were their own entrails hanging out. This gruesome sight was intended to horrify and demoralize their enemies, giving the Vikings a psychological edge in combat. Now, you may rightly think that’s a bit extreme – even berserk. You’d be a bit wrong. Today to go berserk is synonymous with to run amok or be completely out of control. This makes sense given that the word berserk refers to a particular form of combat practiced by Vikings in which the fighters threw off their chainmail and tunics and fought naked. So, cow’s intestines or completely naked? You’re call. Who were the first to use the Yo-Yo? The first historical mention of the yo-yo was from the ancient Greeks around 500 BCE. Early yo-yos were made of wood, metal, or painted terra-cotta discs with an axle connected by a string. They were called a “disc”. It was customary, when a child turned of age, to offer toys of their youth to certain gods. Although primarily a toy, there are accounts suggesting that it was also used as a weapon, possibly to entangle enemies or as a distraction in battle. What was the first method of contraception? The first record of birth control dates back four thousand years to the ancient Egyptians. Doctors advised that inserting a pessary (essentially a diaphragm) made from crocodile dung and honey into the vagina before intercourse would prevent pregnancy. Shocking? A bit upsetting? Laughable? “Yes” to all of the above. However, according to experts it probably, kinda worked. The dung would have served as a barrier between the sperm and the egg, and the honey would have acted as a powerful antimicrobial agent. Even so, we highly recommend sticking to more modern methods…. When did Romans start wearing pants? Greeks and Romans, among other ancient groups, are known for wearing robes and togas. A toga, in Roman society, demonstrated social status and wealth, and generally gave an individual a sense of self. Pants, on the other hand, were associated with non-Romans - or "barbarians." During the first century BCE, Roman orator Cicero commented on the aggressiveness of foreigners wearing trousers. Roman soldiers, stationed in colder climates and influenced by their interactions with barbarian tribes who wore pants for warmth and practicality, began adopting trousers (called “braccae”) to keep warm. By the fourth century, pants were becoming more common in Roman society, but this was seen as problematic by the powers that be, so both trousers and boots were prohibited. Wearing pants in the city of Rome could actually result in perpetual exile. The connections between barbarians and pants didn't go away, but with Gothic tribes chipping away at Roman imperial authority, the ban on trousers wasn't sustainable. By the sixth century, trousers, often worn under tunics, had become standard fashion. When and where was the first roller-coaster? The first roller coaster ride designed purely for pleasure, known as the "Gravity Pleasure Switchback Railway," was introduced at Coney Island, New York, in 1884, by L.A. Thompson. A six-mph ride would cost you five cents. When it was first presented to the public, some people were terrified by its speed and the unusual sensation of riding it, leading to the mistaken belief that it could be some kind of a weapon. Were Color Televisions Ever Advertised On Black-And-White TV? Color televisions were introduced to the marketplace during the 1940s and 1950s but weren't widely embraced by consumers due to expense. As time passed, prices began to fall and, in addition to print advertising, color tv’s were indeed advertised on black-and-white TV. Consider the bizarreness of the scenario. The commercial announcer enthusiastically describes the rich reds, brilliant blues, and glorious greens that viewers can't see. Instead, they're watching a grayscale display of a product that promises to revolutionize their viewing experience with colors they can only dream about. It's like describing a rainbow to someone who's perpetually wearing sunglasses indoors - comical, yet strangely effective. Despite the irony, the ads worked and, by 1966, color TV sales were booming in the United States, with networks gradually transitioning their programming to color. So, the next time you find yourself explaining a complicated concept using limited tools, remember: if color televisions could sell on black-and-white screens, anything is possible. And this brings us to the end of today’s look at answers to questions you probably never asked in history class. It’s clear that, if you ask the right questions, the past is a treasure trove of peculiarities and hilarity, proving that our ancestors were as delightfully weird as we are. Sure, textbooks might focus on wars and treaties, but the real gems are those moments when a Roman emperor decides to wage war on the ocean or when a composer thinks an impromptu ice bath will inspire his next symphony. These are the tales that remind us that history isn't just a list of dates but a rich tapestry of human folly and, occasionally, brilliance. So next time you're stuck in a dull history lecture, remember that somewhere out there in the annals of time, a knight was desperately fumbling with his codpiece, a president was skinny-dipping in a river, and electric eels were shocking the bejeezus out of ancient physicians. History, in all its quirky glory, is a reminder that humans have always been a bit off-kilter. And isn’t that great? In the grand theater of time, it's these bizarre, sometimes horrifying, sometimes side-splittingly funny moments that steal the show. So, let’s raise a goblet to the oddballs, the eccentrics, and the downright bizarre figures of history. Without them, the story of humanity would be a whole lot duller and far less entertaining. What were the questions you always wanted to ask but never did? Tell us in the comments below. #history #funny #humor #ancientegypt #romans #beethoven #caligula #saycheese #pizza #naples #italy #knights #president #vikings #greeks #birthcontrol #contraception #tv #television #anyhigh

In the corporate world, company culture is often a reflection of broader societal norms, yet it can also serve as a microcosm of human creativity, eccentricity, and, occasionally, downright weirdness. From mandatory nap times to dress codes that include superhero costumes, businesses around the globe have embraced unique practices to foster productivity, engagement, and, ostensibly, happiness. These Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’S) were established as company norms that not only define the working environment but also shape employees' daily experiences in ways that are as varied as they are unpredictable. Take, for instance, the esteemed tradition at a Japanese tech firm where every meeting kicks off with a synchronized group dance routine. Nothing says "let's synergize our core competencies" like a well-choreographed rendition of the Macarena. One might wonder if their performance reviews include both sales metrics and dance grades. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a European startup has taken transparency to new heights by encouraging its staff to share not just their work progress but also their deepest, darkest secrets in weekly confession sessions. The office, once a hub of whispered coffee machine gossip, now resembles a reality TV show where every plot twist is live-tweeted by HR. Employees might be competing for "Most Improved Honesty" rather than "Employee of the Month," but hey, at least they know who ate the last piece of cake in the break room. Today, at the request of one of our loyal readers, we’re going to look at the sometimes misguided world of corporate SOP’s.  SOP’s that were put in place, we’re sure, with the best of intentions. But then, we do know where that paved road of best intentions often leads to… First off, one that succeeded, despite what you might have thought. The Japanese company Happinet Corporation is a prominent Tokyo-based entertainment and toy company known for its unique workplace culture. They instituted a policy that every meeting must begin with a synchronized dance routine. They believed that this would promote team spirit, boost morale, and provide physical and mental health benefits. In Japan, group exercises such as "radio taiso" (a form of calisthenics) are a long-standing tradition in schools and workplaces. Happinet’s morning dance routine can be seen as a modern twist on this cultural practice, blending traditional values with contemporary fun. It’s actually been a big success and has become an enduring and celebrated tradition within the company. Mindvalley, Estonia: This education technology company based in Tallinn, focuses on personal growth and transformational learning, offering a wide range of online courses, workshops, and seminars on diverse topics such as mindfulness, productivity, health, and entrepreneurship, all designed to inspire and empower people to lead more fulfilling lives. In keeping with the spirit of the products they offer, Mindvalley instituted “Weekly Confessional Sessions” for its staff where employees are encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. To, in their words, “express their true selves without fear of judgment thereby promoting a culture of openness and transparency”. They feel this practice helps people to become more empathetic and understanding, thereby improving teamwork and communications within the company. Contrary to what we may have anticipated, this practice has worked well for Mindvalley and continues to be an integral part of their company culture. ·      Amazon's "Two Pizza Rule": Meetings should be small enough that two pizzas can feed the entire group. This is to keep meetings efficient and productive. Zappos, USA: Founded in 1999, this online shoe and clothing retailer, based in Las Vegas, Nevada has instituted some interesting and unique policies. Some have worked well, some not so much. One success story is their “Pay to Quit” policy, which is designed to ensure its employees are genuinely committed to their roles and the company’s core values. New hires undergo a comprehensive training program lasting several weeks. At the end of the training period, Zappos makes a bold offer to its new employees: they can receive a substantial sum of money (generally between $2,000 and $4,000 USD) to quit their job on the spot. If they choose to stay, they forgo the cash but, Zappos feels they’ve then demonstrated a stronger commitment to the company and its values and are genuinely interested in being part of Zappos, not just looking for a paycheck. While paying employees to quit might seem costly upfront, it’s saved the company money in the long run by reducing turnover and ensuring that the workforce is composed of dedicated individuals. ·      Spotify's "Flexible Public Holidays": Employees can swap traditional public holidays for other days that are more relevant to their culture or personal beliefs. Saatchi & Saatchi, New Zealand: The renowned advertising agency is known for its creativity and bold ideas. Their New Zealand office decided to amp up the end-of-week energy with "Music Fridays," a policy where employees were encouraged to bring instruments, play music, and even take turns DJ’ing for the office. The inspiration for “Music Fridays” came from the belief that music can be a great stress reliever. Some frustrated musician in the HR department likely thought, “Live music can spark creativity, bring employees together, and make Fridays something everyone can look forward to.” While the concept sounded harmonious in theory, it quickly hit a few discordant notes in practice. Diverse Musical Tastes: The first major hurdle was the wide range of musical tastes among the employees which turned into a cacophony of clashing genres. Imagine a jazz saxophonist trying to keep up with a death metal guitarist, while a classical violinist valiantly played through it all. The resulting noise likely sounded less like a concert and more like a sonic battlefield. Volume Control Issues: Office acoustics and live music do not always mix well. The sound of drums, electric guitars, and enthusiastic singers quickly drowned out phone calls and any semblance of productive work. Clients on conference calls were often treated to unexpected background renditions of Bohemian Rhapsody, leading to some very puzzled conversations. Talent Gaps: Not everyone was a musical prodigy. Nuff said about that. Productivity Plummet: Fridays turned into mini festivals, with more time spent setting up and jamming than actually working. Projects slowed down as employees were more interested in practicing their solos than meeting deadlines. We’d bet that "Let's take it from the top" was heard more often than "Let's finalize that report." In the end, Saatchi & Saatchi's "Music Fridays" was tuned out in favor of quieter, more conventional ways to celebrate the end of the week, like catered lunches and themed dress days. ·      Heineken, Netherlands: At their Amsterdam headquarters, Heineken employees can enjoy a complimentary cold beer during their lunch break. Hime & Company, Japan: Lovelorn staff at this Tokyo-based marketing company can take "Heartache Leave" - paid time off after a bad break-up. Hime & Company feels that “Heartache Leave” allows staff to cry themselves out and return to work refreshed. "Not everyone needs to take maternity leave but with heartbreak, everyone needs time off, just like when you get sick," CEO Miki Hiradate, whose company markets cosmetics and other goods targeted for women, said. Staff aged 24 years or younger can take one day off per year, while those between 25 and 29 can take two days off and those older can take three days off, the company said. "Women in their 20s can find their next love quickly, but it's tougher for women in their 30s, and their break-ups tend to be more serious," Hiradate said. Hime & Company staff can also take two mornings off twice a year as "Sales Shopping Leave", so they can race to stores to hunt for bargains. ·      Dropbox, USA's "Whiskey Fridays": Dropbox allows employees to wind down the week with a shot of whiskey. Chatroulette: The random video chat website that connects users around the globe, decided to take its spontaneous social interactions a step further with an "All Day Video Chat" policy for its employees, the majority of whom worked remotely from their homes. The idea was that staff would spend their entire workday on video chat, mimicking the platform's core feature, to foster a sense of unity, openness, and continual collaboration. Someone brainiac in HR probably thought, “If video chat is what we’re selling, then video chat is how we should be working!” The hope was that by constantly being on camera, employees would feel more connected and engaged, much like the users of their platform. This overzealous belief in the power of video communication quickly unraveled into a series of hilarious missteps. Privacy Panic: The constant video surveillance led to an unexpected level of paranoia among employees. People started dressing up just to sit at their desks, and impromptu costume changes became a regular feature. Some employees, forgetting their daily video chat for a normal home office day, would stand up in their boxer shorts during meetings, causing eruptions of laughter and swift reaches for the “camera off” button. Technical Troubles: The company’s servers, used to handling random chats between strangers, weren’t quite ready for the constant, high-definition streaming from every employee. The bandwidth strain led to frequent crashes and frozen screens. Focus Fumbles: Constant video chats made it nearly impossible to concentrate. Every facial expression, yawn, and sigh was magnified on screen, leading to endless distractions. It wasn’t long before everyone knew whose cat was the most disruptive, whose spouse walked around in the background, and who had the loudest lawnmower. Productivity plummeted as employees found themselves more engaged in observing each other’s quirks than in their actual work. What started as an innovative idea quickly became an exhausting ordeal. In the end, Chatroulette’s "All Day Video Chat" policy was quietly phased out, replaced by more reasonable communication methods like scheduled video meetings and good old-fashioned emails. The attempt to live and breathe their platform ultimately proved that even in a company built on video chat, sometimes you just need a break from the screen. ·      Salesforce, USA’s "Wellness Reimbursement": The cloud-based software giant practices a policy where employees are given $100 per month to spend on wellness activities such as yoga classes or massages. Nike, USA: Even giants can stub their toe from time to time. The global sportswear giant, known for its slogan “Just Do It”, once attempted to bring a competitive edge into their employee evaluations with a “Competitive Grading System” policy (also referred to by employees who experienced it as “The Hunger Games”). The idea was to rank employees against each other, like athletes in a tournament, based on their performance.  Inspired by their own ethos of striving for greatness, some Nike HR genius probably thought: "Why not apply this same logic to our employees? After all, what's more motivational than a little friendly rivalry?” The system quickly turned into a corporate version of "Survivor”. Employees were no longer collaborating but instead were sabotaging each other’s efforts in subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) ways. Office Olympics Gone Wrong: The grading system turned the office into a perpetual Olympic Games. Employees were constantly trying to outdo each other, not just in their work but in everything. Trust levels plummeted, water cooler conversations turned into espionage missions, and team meetings felt more like tactical briefings for battle. Creative Chaos: In their quest to outshine one another, employees began to adopt increasingly outlandish strategies. Marketing campaigns were pitched with more flair than a Cirque du Soleil performance, and the finance team turned budget reports into epic sagas with plot twists. While the creativity was impressive, the actual utility of these efforts was, well, questionable. It’s hard to take a quarterly earnings report seriously when it’s delivered as a rap battle. Paranoia and Sabotage: The competitive atmosphere bred a level of paranoia usually reserved for spy thrillers. Employees started hoarding office supplies, guarding their ideas like state secrets, and even spreading misinformation to throw off their rivals. Performance Reviews: Performance review meetings became dreaded “Grading Gauntlets”, where managers would dramatically reveal rankings with the suspense of a reality show host. Burnout Bonanza: The relentless pressure to perform led to widespread burnout. Employees were putting in extra hours, not out of passion, but out of fear of falling in the rankings. The office started to resemble a zombie movie set, with over-caffeinated, sleep-deprived workers shuffling through the halls, mumbling about KPIs and synergy. Productivity plummeted as the workforce collectively hit the wall. In the end, Nike’s "Competitive Grading System" was benched in favor of more sustainable and cooperative evaluation methods. Nike realized that while competition can drive performance, it’s cooperation and teamwork that truly lead to innovation and success. ·      Patagonia's "Let My People Go Surfing": The outdoor recreation clothing company encourages employees to take breaks and go surfing or engage in other outdoor activities during the workday, believing it enhances productivity and creativity. Paddy Power, Ireland: This Irish gambling company, known for its playful and sometimes outrageous marketing stunts, once decided to bring a bit of swashbuckling fun to the office with “Speak Like a Pirate Day.” This policy mandated that all employees, from the CEO to the interns, conduct business in full pirate lingo every month. Some HR buccaneer apparently thought this would be a great way to inject some humor into the workday and boost morale. However, it quickly turned into more of a sinking ship. Customer Confusion: Clients calling in for support were bewildered by customer service reps saying things like, “Ye be havin’ trouble with yer account, aye? Let me fetch the quartermaster!” Lost in Translation: Important meetings with partners and stakeholders became absurdly confusing. Trying to negotiate a multi-million-dollar deal while insisting on using terms like “doubloons” and “pieces of eight” or referring to profit margins a “booty” did not exactly inspire confidence. Office Communication Breakdowns: Internal emails and memos written in pirate speak led to serious misunderstandings. A simple request for “more toner” became an epic quest for “more ink for the ship’s parrot.” HR Nightmares: HR was flooded with complaints about pirate jargon that was misinterpreted or taken too far. Referring to someone as a “scurvy dog” didn’t sit well with everyone. The term “walking the plank” also didn’t do much for job security concerns. In the end, the office went back to more conventional ways of boosting morale, like casual Fridays and office snacks. However, Paddy Power’s “Speak Like a Pirate Day” left behind a treasure chest of hilarious stories and a newfound appreciation for just plain English. ·      Evernote's "Paid for Vacation": Evernote not only gives unlimited vacation but also pays employees $1,000 to take a week off, encouraging them to fully disconnect and relax. Hubspot, USA: This developer and marketer of software products for inbound marketing, sales and customer service instituted an unusual stress-relief policy. “One-Minute of Screaming” required that all employees stop work every day for a full minute of cathartic screaming. Someone in HR (who obviously was having a slew of bad days) evidently thought that by vocalizing their frustrations, employees could blow off steam and return to their tasks with renewed focus and energy. While the concept might have sounded great (??) in theory, in practice it was far more disruptive than therapeutic. Noise Complaints: Hubspot prided itself on their open office layout, however, this turned into an acoustic nightmare during the screaming minute. Neighboring businesses and even people on the street started lodging noise complaints. Client Calls: The timing of the scream session often caught employees in the middle of important client calls. “Yes, we can absolutely meet that deadline – AHHHHHHHHH!” Clients were confused, and some even thought they were being pranked. The professional image of the company took a bit of a hit when important discussions were punctuated by blood-curdling yells. Scaring New Hires: New employees who weren’t fully briefed on the policy would be caught off guard by the sudden eruption of noise. Imagine being on your first day, trying to make a good impression, and suddenly everyone around you starts screaming. It’s safe to say some onboarding experiences were more traumatic than intended. Stress Amplification: Rather than reducing stress, the daily scream often heightened it. The anticipation of the screaming minute made some employees anxious, and the sudden loud noise spiked adrenaline levels, making it harder for them to settle back into work afterward. In the end, HubSpot's "One-Minute of Screaming" was phased out, replaced by more traditional stress-relief methods like mindfulness sessions and quiet rooms. As the old saying goes, sometimes silence really is golden. ·      Volkswagen's "Email Curfew": Volkswagen has a policy that stops email servers from sending emails to employees' mobile devices after work hours to ensure a better work-life balance and reduce stress. Square, USA: This financial technology conglomerate, now known as Block, Inc., was founded by Jack Dorsey in 2009. In a bid to infuse some quirky fun into their office culture, they once instituted a “Bring Your Pet Goat to Work Day.” The inspiration behind this unusual policy was twofold. First, Square's leadership wanted to create a unique and memorable experience that would set them apart as a cool and innovative place to work. Second, there was a growing trend of pet-friendly workplaces, and some farmer in the HR department apparently thought, "If dogs and cats can come to work, why not goats?" While the thought of goats wandering around the office seemed hilarious and, we guess, charming in theory, in practice, it quickly descended into chaos. Office Mayhem: Goats, as it turns out, are not known for their office etiquette. Within minutes, they were climbing on desks, chewing on important documents, and headbutting computer monitors. Dietary Disasters: Goats will eat just about anything, which became painfully clear when several laptops, charging cables, and a few potted plants were found half-chewed. Noise Levels: The office ambiance, which was usually a hum of quiet conversation and keyboard clicks, turned into a cacophony of bleats and laughter. Conference calls became a farce with goats interrupting important discussions. “Sorry, what was that? Could you repeat the last – Baaaaah. Sorry, just ignore the goat.” Sanitary Issues: Unlike dogs and cats, goats generally aren’t house-trained. The smell of fresh hay and the need for constant cleanup quickly dampened the initial enthusiasm. Health Concerns: Some employees were allergic to goats, which nobody had considered in the initial planning. The sight of coworkers sneezing uncontrollably while goats frolicked around led to the rapid realization that not everyone found the idea of goats in the workplace delightful. "Bring Your Pet Goat to Work Day" was quickly recognized as a nightmare and the policy was abandoned after just one attempt. We have to wonder, if a staff member happened to not own a goat, did they get a demerit to their personnel file? ·      G Adventures "Adopt a Traveler": This Canadian travel company has a  program where employees can use company funds to support a traveler's journey in meaningful ways, like providing supplies or educational opportunities. It's corporate social responsibility with a personal touch. Groupon, USA: Groupon, a US-based global e-commerce marketplace connecting subscribers with local merchants in 13 countries once tried to shake things up with a “Wear Your Pajamas to Work Week.” The idea behind this ‘casual Friday’s on steroids’ was to create a relaxed, fun atmosphere where employees could be comfortable and focus on their work without the constraints of formal attire. Someone in HR probably thought, “If people can be productive at home in their pajamas, why not bring that comfort to the office?” Well, here’s a couple of reasons why not to. Professional Image Issues: The first Monday of Pajama Week started off great - until an important client dropped by for an unexpected visit. Trying to pitch a new social media strategy while wearing unicorn-themed onesies and fuzzy slippers didn’t quite convey the professional image Groupon aimed for. Productivity Plunge: It turns out, when people are dressed for bed, they tend to act like it. By midweek, the office resembled a giant slumber party more than a bustling tech company. Employees were found napping at their desks, wrapped in blankets, and sipping hot cocoa instead of coffee. Productivity took a nosedive as the line between work and relaxation blurred beyond recognition. Wardrobe Malfunctions: Pajamas, while comfortable, are not always the most practical workwear. There were several incidents of employees tripping over trailing pajama pants or getting sleeves caught in office equipment. Temperature Troubles: The office thermostat became a battleground. Some employees wore lightweight PJs and shivered under the air conditioning, while others in heavy flannel suits sweated profusely. The resulting thermostat tug-of-war led to constant temperature fluctuations, making the office feel like a sauna one minute and an igloo the next. Casual Attire Confusion: Pajama Week led to some confusion about what exactly constituted appropriate office PJs. One person, who might have taken the concept a bit too literally, arrived in nothing but a bathrobe and slippers. HR had to step in with some last-minute “pajama policy guidelines” to maintain a semblance of decency. By the end of the week, it was clear that the cozy comfort of pajamas was best left at home. Groupon quickly retired the idea, ensuring clients would never again be greeted by a team in bedtime attire. ·      Netflix's "No Vacation Policy": Employees can take as much vacation time as they want as long as their work is completed. There's no formal tracking of days off. Hootsuite, USA: The go-to social media management platform for businesses to schedule posts, track engagements, and analyze performance, once decided to add some extra flair to their daily routine with a “Daily Costume Parade.” The idea was to spark creativity, boost morale, and bring a touch of whimsy to the workplace by having employees dress up in different costumes every day and parade around the office. Someone in the HR department, who may have owned shares in a costume company, probably thought, “If we can make social media management fun, why not make the office fun too?” Plus, the idea of seeing your boss dressed as a pirate or a superhero every day sounded like a fantastic way to break the ice and keep things lively. Those who dreamed it up didn’t anticipate what was to come. Creative Exhaustion: Finding a different costume for every single day turned out to be more exhausting than running a social media campaign for a year. By Wednesday, employees had already recycled Halloween costumes from the past decade, and by Thursday, the creativity well had run dry, with some showing up in mismatched pajamas and claiming to be a "Sleep-Deprived Tech Worker." Costume Mishaps: Some costumes were not exactly work-friendly. Inflatable dinosaur costumes knocked over desks and coffee cups during the parade. Someone came as a ghost, but the sheet caused multiple tripping incidents, leading to a temporary office ban on any costume that obscured vision or required constant air pump maintenance. Client Calls Gone Wrong: Important client calls were interrupted by unexpected appearances. Imagine trying to discuss quarterly projections while a coworker dressed as a clown does cartwheels in the background. Clients started questioning the professionalism of the company when they could hear the parades through the phone, “Is that...a marching band?” Workplace Confusion: New hires had a hard time understanding the office dynamic. Onboarding sessions included trying to explain why the head of HR was dressed as a giant taco. In the end, Hootsuite’s “Daily Costume Parade” was cancelled, and the office returned to its regular dress code in favor of more sensible dress-up days. ·      Foursquare’s "Hack Week": This geolocation technology company has a policy where normal work stops for one week and employees can work on passion projects or innovative ideas. Sorta like a summer camp for tech geeks, where the main goal is to create something cool. As we wrap up this look at the occasionally misguided world of corporate SOPs and bizarre corporate policies, it’s worth remembering that even the most peculiar ideas usually come from a place of good intentions. Maybe it's a desperate bid to boost morale, a quirky attempt to foster team spirit, or just plain old HR boredom. Whatever the reason, these initiatives often tell a story about the company’s culture and the lengths they'll go to make (or break) their workplace environment. While some of these policies might seem like they were plucked from the fevered dreams of a particularly imaginative (or stoned) HR manager, they all share a common thread of trying to inject a bit of humanity and humor into the workplace. Whether it’s dance routines in Japan or goats roaming free in Silicon Valley, these initiatives show a willingness to think outside the box - even if it means stepping on a few rakes along the way. After all, the path to innovation is rarely a straight line, and sometimes it meanders through a maze of absurdity. Speaking of HR, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of these folks. The same people who brought us anti-fraternization policies and sexual harassment seminars also thought it was a brilliant idea to mandate costume parades and daily scream sessions. It's like they took the worst of reality TV and mashed it with the corporate handbook. The next time you find yourself grumbling about your office's casual Fridays or your company’s quirky team-building exercises, remember that somewhere out there, an HR team is probably drafting the next bizarre policy destined to become a hilarious footnote in corporate history. Oh well, in the end, whether it's dressing up like superheroes, or being encouraged to share your deepest, darkest secrets with your coworkers, these policies remind us that the corporate world is often as absurd as it is serious. It’s a wild mix of innovation and insanity, with an occasional dash of unintended hilarity. Whether these policies soared or crashed and burned, they all served one crucial purpose: reminding us that even in the buttoned-up world of business, there's always room for a bit of madness. So, embrace the madness, laugh at the missteps, and cherish the stories that make the nine-to-five grind a little more colorful. For, in the grand theater of corporate life, long after the last costume has been put away and the final scream has echoed through the office, it's these offbeat moments that provide us the best stories to tell over a beer #sop #standardoperatingprocedures #japan #happinet #estonia #mindvalley #amazon #zappos #usa #spotify #saatchi&saatchi #newzealand #heineken #netherlands #hime #dropbox #chatroulette #salesforce #nike #patagonia #paddypower #ireland #evernote #hubspot #volkswagon #square #blockinc #canada #gadventures #groupon #netflix #hootsuite #foursquare #hr #humanresources #anyhigh

A public service announcement (PSA) is a message in the public interest, commissioned by a government agency or non-profit organization. They can promote programs, activities, or services and are often related to health or safety issues. They’re disseminated by the media without charge to raise public awareness and change behavior. In the UK, they are generally called a public information film; in Hong Kong, they are known as an announcement in the public interest. For television they’re generally between 30 seconds to one minute in length. One’s made specifically for broadcast in school classrooms can be up to 30 minutes long. But (there’s always a “but”), not all PSAs hit the mark. In fact, some crash and burn so spectacularly that they become legendary for all the wrong reasons. It's one thing to raise awareness; it's another to raise eyebrows - and not in a good way. Whether it’s due to bafflingly poor execution, misplaced earnestness, or just plain bizarre content, some PSAs have carved out a special place in the annals of cringe. Today, we're diving headfirst - without a helmet - into the deep, murky waters of the worst PSAs ever created - those Public Service Announcements that should never have been. These gems of misguided good intentions will make you question everything you thought you knew about public messaging. So, fasten your seatbelt and prepare for a sometimes terrifying ride through the most hilariously catastrophic attempts at saving humanity from itself. You might laugh, you might wince, you might shake your head in wonder, but one thing’s for sure - you won’t forget these disastrous do-gooder flops. We’ll start out gently with two of the most famous and effective PSA’s shown on commercial television in the 1970’s in the United States. These two are examples of PSA’s that successfully got their point across. Keep America Beautiful. The first features Iron Eyes Cody, an Italian-American actor who portrayed Native Americans in Hollywood movies (times were different back then…). “Keep America Beautiful” was an environmental commercial which showed Cody in costume, shedding a tear after trash is thrown from the window of a car and it lands at his feet. The announcer, actor William Conrad, says: "People start pollution; people can stop it." The ad won two Clio awards, incited a frenzy of community involvement, and, according to sources, "helped reduce litter by 88% across 38 states". Prevent Forest Fires. Smokey the Bear came to life as the US Forest Service mascot in 1944 and quickly became a part of American pop culture. The ad campaign and his iconic tag line, “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires”, is the longest running public service announcement campaign in US history. According to the National Ad Council, 80% of Americans are familiar with the PSA campaign. This ad, from 1973, doesn’t feature Smokey directly, but effectively warns that it can only take a minute to wipe out a century’s worth of history. Ok, so enough with the good ones. Now we’ll get to the point of today’s post, the not-so-good ones, entertaining though they might be. Beware Child Driver. This PSA from the early 1970s is a prime example of a public service announcement that aimed high but landed somewhere in the realm of the perplexing. This PSA was designed to warn parents about the dangers of leaving their car keys within reach of children. However, it’s execution turned it into an unintentionally surreal piece of media. Don’t Drink & Drive. This 1980s "Drunk Driver" PSA is a relic that hilariously missed the mark. It features a man so cartoonishly drunk, he's stumbling around like a bad actor in a community play. His slurred speech and exaggerated motions make the whole scene feel more like a slapstick comedy than a somber warning. The over-the-top acting and earnest narration transform what should be a stern message into a laugh-out-loud, retro spectacle. It’s so bad, it's good - like a cheesy B-movie that’s endlessly rewatchable for all the wrong reasons. And if the booze doesn’t kill this guy, the caloric intake from the meal he’s eating most certainly would! Don’t Drink & Drive. This Star Wars “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk” PSA from 1979 must be one of the most 1970’s specific PSAs in history. But who are they to talk? I’m guessing Han Solo flew around the galaxy under the influence on more than one occasion. He was a scoundrel after all! Don’t Smoke. And speaking of Star Wars, in this 1983 public service announcement, C-3PO comes down hard on R2-D2 after he catches the diminutive droid smoking. "R2-D2, you found a cigarette," C-3PO gasps. R2 balefully chirps and bleeps, clearly looking for guidance, and C-3PO warns him in no uncertain terms that "it's very dangerous: Smoking does dreadful things to your lungs, and it's very bad for your heart." C-3PO claims he's perfectly aware that robots don't have organs, but "humans do, and I think we should set a good example." That clinches it for R2-D2 who determinedly drops the cigarette to the floor, despite the fact that both robots are indoors - which doesn't exactly "set a good example," either. What to do with Kids in Cars. We’re not even sure what the point of this PSA, produced by the Automobile Manufacturers Association, was supposed to be. It’s essentially a list of ways to try and make sure your kids aren’t being annoying when they’re crammed in the back of your station wagon on a road trip. Slow Down! It must be said that New Zealand has a knack for creating horrifying PSAs regarding the subject of dangerous driving. As such, you’d have to assume that all New Zealanders are either excellent drivers or that most are too terrified to step behind the wheel again. In any case, 2014’s “Mistake,” designed to get drivers to ease off the gas pedal, has to receive special mention for one of the most haunting we’ve ever seen. Slow Down!! This PSA from Thailand takes the same approach as the previous one from New Zealand, only with a little humor of its own thrown – before slamming head on into a semi. Too Much Water in the Kettle: Ok, so we get that the British are mad about their tea. But this PSA, by we know not who, is just plain ridiculous. Was there really a wave of people over filling their tea kettles at one time in Britain? And on their boats yet??? Lonely Water. When the Brit’s weren’t busy traumatizing their citizens with exploding tea kettles and the like, it tried to traumatize them with public information films instead. Enter “Lonely Water” from 1973 featuring Donald Pleasence voicing the character of the Grim Reaper. Designed to warn children of the dangers of water (apparently via nightmares), “Lonely Water” features a dark, cloaked figure known as the “spirit of dark and lonely water,” watching over children playing by rivers and lakes. What follows is a series of accidents leading to some watery graves for a few unfortunate kids. With overtones of Bergman’s “The Seventh Seal”, we’re guessing Arnold Schwarzenegger got some inspiration from the last line in the PSA. Stop Littering. You may know David Lynch as the enigmatic and extraordinary mind behind such creations as Twin Peaks, Eraserhead, and Blue Velvet. Well, in 1991 the famed director also tried his hand at producing a PSA on the subject of littering. Yes, the legendary David Lynch made a PSA, and of course, the result, aptly titled “Clean Up,” is one of the strangest we’ve ever seen. Shot in black and white and without showing much, there’s an eerie sense of foreboding throughout. And between the rats and the music score, it’s downright unnerving. We’re Not Candy. In 1983, officials in Long Island, New York were apparently worried that children may mistake unbottled prescription pills for blue M&Ms. Cue this bizarre PSA video in which blue "pill puppets” resembling Sesame Street characters sing in a high-pitched voice about why you should avoid them. Lyrics include "We are being serious/We might make you delirious". Stop Speeding. This PSA from Northern Ireland is likely to give you nightmares. It begins with footage of an adorable group of schoolchildren going to the local park. Cut to a man grabbing his keys and heading out in his car. The man speeds around a bend, flips over and crushes all the adorable children with his car. The voiceover at the end says the equivalent of a classroom of children is killed every year by speeding drivers in Northern Ireland. The commercial was sharply criticized for attempting to "improve social conduct through the use of nightmares." In fact, that's a rather good way to describe the mission statement of a lot of these PSAs on the whole. We’re thinking this one might fall into the category of ‘overkill’… Hip Choice. Ever thought about taking drugs? Well, think twice. This 1993 public service announcement - brought to you by Concerned Children's Advertisers & Health Canada - was specifically designed to scare you away from illicit substances for good. And with the help of some memorably misshapen puppets, it just might succeed. In "Hip Choice," we meet two pouty puppet children resembling Botox injected Cabbage Patch Kids. They're clearly on the wrong side of town - perhaps lost at the intersection between Sesame Street and Skid Row. In no time flat, our bulging lipped duo is propositioned by a drug-dealing puppet with a Lou Reed complex and two trembly hands piled full of dirty needles, soggy joints, and unidentifiable capsules. As the children entertain this wholly unappetizing offer, we're subjected to a bizarre black-and-white montage (presented so quickly as to be nearly subliminal messaging) of dead celebrities who struggled with substance abuse: Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, John Belushi, on and on. SMURF’s! You're now entering a corrupt cartoon world - a cold, unforgiving place where the entire Smurf community can be wiped out instantaneously by the ravages of war. Picture a cartoon version of Picasso’s Guernica. We first see our tiny blue friends emerge shyly out from behind various mushrooms and tree trunks, congregating for a carefree afternoon of music and dancing by the campfire. The frivolity is short-lived. Bombs rain from the sky, and Smurfs splutter and splatter. The whole village is destroyed in seconds. How many were lost that day? Count Smurfette among the deceased: she's face down on the ground, one shoe off. Only Baby Smurf survived, crying out into the fiery sky...but, who is alive to hear? In 2005, UNICEF Belgium took this bold and decidedly unconventional approach to highlight the plight of child soldiers with this PSA that was meant to be a stark wake-up call to viewers, drawing a parallel between the innocent fantasy world of the Smurfs and the harsh realities faced by children in war-torn regions. The clip only played on TV in Belgium after 9pm in order to ensure children weren’t traumatized – only adults. Protect & Survive. If you’ve ever wondered, in the case of an unexpected nuclear holocaust, what's the best time and proper place to dispose of the dead bodies littered all over your property, this 1975 Public Information Video from Great Britain gives you the information you need. This "Protect & Survive: Casualties" was part of a series of educational videos and brochures that "provided members of the public with instructions on how to ... survive a nuclear attack." A 30-minute version of this was available for broadcast in classrooms. Duck & Cover. And speaking of nuclear holocaust’s, probably one of the most famous, or infamous, PSAs ever was 1952’s “Duck and Cover” which taught young children the basics of surviving an atomic bomb blast. Basically, all you need to do is duck – and cover. That’s about it. Of course, covering yourself with a thin blanket can also help to ward off the dangers of falling debris, shock waves, and deadly levels of radiation. The film was made by the Federal Civil Defense Administration and came under fire at the time for both instilling a culture of fear and giving incredibly stupid advice. Work Accidents. The Workplace Safety Insurance Board of Canada produced a series of PSAs that focused on workplace safety. A noble endeavor for sure. However, while the message was a good one, the shock value makes it very hard not to crack up just a little bit. Here’s just two from the series that we think proves our point. Workplace 1 Workplace 2 VD is For Everybody. One of our absolute favorites, The American Social Health Association and the National Advertising Council produced this infamously botched PSA in 1969 to spread awareness about the increasingly prevalent problem of venereal disease. Throughout the minute-long clip, in addition to a toe-tappingly catchy song, we meet a lady in a sundress and floppy hat, a gentleman stridently practicing the violin, your friendly neighborhood librarian is evidently among the afflicted, as is the local butcher. Meanwhile, a pregnant woman glows with the promise of new life. The ad ultimately plays like a ringing endorsement for venereal disease. We’re pretty sure an entire generation of children were confused into thinking that they too could be attractive, successful, and happy, if only they could get their hands on some of that VD…whatever that is. Meth – The Musical. We’re not sure that catchy musical numbers are the most effective way to go when you’re trying to dissuade people from doing something. And, while there are plenty of tone-deaf anti-drug PSA’s out there, this anti-meth ad from 1998, produced by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and featuring music by Belinda Carlisle, has to rank pretty close to the top. The pathos of the gritty footage of a strung-out teenage girl cleaning every corner of her house with a toothbrush is largely undermined by the gutsy soundtrack, which seems deliberately primed to throw you right out of the narrative. Key lyric: "Look at me, busy as a bee/Where'd I get all this energy? Ooooh, meth/Mm-mmm, meth!" It gives the impression that housekeepers everywhere should smoke a bowl before going to work. Don’t Smoke Crack Kids. In 1991, Paul Reubens - the comic actor who portrayed the legendary Pee-Wee Herman - agreed to produce an anti-drug video after pleading no contest to indecent exposure charges. Judging from the end result, it seems like Reubens was ultimately subjected to some rather cruel and unusual punishment to get him to agree to do this. His demeanor is stoic and funereal. Harsh floodlights beam down on him as he stares into the camera, face scrunched up with intent. "This is crack," he indicates the vial in his hand. "Rock cocaine. It isn't glamorous, or cool, or kid stuff." Considering the PSA was evidently aimed at kids in pre and elementary school - a demographic not exactly renowned for its out-of-hand crack cocaine problem - it's probably hard to measure how effective the campaign was. Careful With Alcohol. This PSA from Belgium shows that drinking alcohol can be dangerous to your health – in the most unexpected of ways. One thing’s for sure, whatever this guy was drinking is not for us! Drive Like Grans in the Car. This PSA from the UK about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs makes us wonder what the producers were on when they came up with the idea. Gran appears in the toilet, gets flushed away, then winds up in the backseat of the car. Truly, we can’t make this stuff up. If Everyone’s Gay. This PSA from Brazil we’re guessing is for a music festival. As you’ll see, it’s message is fairly consistent throughout so we’re assuming the writing team didn’t incur any overtime for their work. And the final scene is, well, just plain bananas. Don’t Disturb the One’s Working. The Norwegian Association of the Blind has done a whole series of PSAs that are as fascinating as they are funny. This one, about people who are doing average, ordinary, everyday jobs being annoyed by random people in random ways, seems to make no sense at all until the end. Move With Conscience. This PSA by the DGT Mobility Campaign of Spain from 2015 is confusing to say the least. The objective of the campaign was to make all citizens aware of the use of public transport, cycling or simply moving from one place to another by walking to avoid traffic jams, reduce pollution, save money, etc. But it’s hard to tell all that from the PSA. And the music overlay of “The Pennsylvania Polka” in Spain? Well, see for yourself. Farts. The Finnish Cancer Foundation has done a series of PSAs about the dangers of smoking. What can we say about this other than it’s true that flatulence can make pretty much anything funny. Shiny Suds. This PSA, put out by the Household Product Labeling Acts people, is to promote labeling on household cleaning chemicals. At first you think you’re heading into an updated version of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”. Instead, you find the lady showering with a bunch of perverted little scrubbing bubbles. Regardless, we’ll certainly never look at our shower in the same way again. Cartoon All-Stars To The Rescue. It's an old truism: "If the combined forces of Alf, the Ninja Turtles, the Muppet Babies, Winnie the Pooh, Garfield, and George H.W. Bush can't fix something, nothing can." It was with these bold words echoing in their ears that the minds behind "Cartoon All-Stars to The Rescue" leapt into action. The year was 1990, and the War on Drugs was going well. Really well - for the drugs. In a post-Reagan world where young folks had figured out that "Just Say No" to drugs had a foolproof Achilles heel in the form of just saying “yes”, the powers that be were anxious for a new, hip way to convince kids that chemicals designed to make your brain feel fun were a bad idea. And nothing, someone must have decided, is hipper than a Smurfs/Winnie the Pooh crossover PSA. The narrative goes like this: A little girl notices that her older brother is acting strange, so her officially licensed toys come to life to put a stop to things - as, of course, is common in the world of sobriety. Going on an adventure together, the siblings learn of the dangers of ... marijuana addiction from all their favorite cartoon buddies. The whole thing was introduced by George and Barbara Bush and their dog. Then Senator Joe Biden called it "the single most ambitious and important drug education program ever attempted anywhere." While we might beg to differ with that statement, what better way to bring our look at ridiculous Public Service Announcements to an end? As we wrap up this exploration of some of the worst PSAs of all time, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer absurdity, occasional horror, and unintentional comedy they have provided. From muppet-esque pill puppets to grim reaper-esque warnings about water, these misguided messages have left a mark not by their intended impact, but by their sheer oddity and entertainment value. It's as if the creators were given a mandate to raise awareness but decided to take a detour through the realm of the bizarre and unsettling. Consider the Smurfs' harrowing wartime experience or Pee-Wee Herman's solemn crack warning - both serve as stark reminders that not all well-intentioned messages hit their target. In fact, many of these PSAs have become cultural artifacts, preserved in the annals of public service missteps. They remind us that while the road to good intentions may be paved with noble ideas, the execution can sometimes veer hilariously off course, much like a driver in one of those infamous anti-drunk driving commercials. In the end, these PSAs have given us more than just cautionary tales; they've gifted us with endless amusement and a valuable lesson in the power of context and tone. So, the next time you stumble upon a cringe-worthy PSA, remember to laugh, learn, and perhaps thank the stars that our public messaging efforts have (hopefully) evolved past such earnest yet hilariously flawed attempts. Until then, stay safe and aware. And if you’ve had any unusual experiences with anthropomorphic cleaning products with questionable intentions in your shower, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below. #publicservice #psa #ads #commercials #usa #england #brazil #newzealand #finland #smurf #drugs #sex #drivesafe #funny #humor #peeweeherman #spain #norway #IAPB1 #muppets #ninjaturtles #winniethepooh #norway #uk #belgium #duckandcover #ireland #candy #starwars #smokeythebear #keepamericabeautiful #anyhigh

America is a land of diversity, where each state proudly flaunts its own unique quirks and traditions. Forget the sanitized versions from history books and tourist brochures; the real essence of these states is found in their strange customs, peculiar slang, and unofficial mottos that often tell a more accurate story than the official ones. From bizarre festivals that boggle the mind to outdated laws that are still on the books, there’s no shortage of oddities that make the United States, well, uniquely united. Since the 4th of July is fast approaching, we thought it would be a good time to explore the offbeat side of some American states. We’ll discover why some states hold coffin races while others celebrate the bizarre with annual festivals and contests. We’ll look at some states real mottos along with ones that perhaps should have been, reflecting more the true spirit (and sometimes quirkiness) of their people. Things that can leave outsiders scratching their heads, wondering if they’ve stumbled into a different country altogether. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a trivia buff, or just someone who enjoys a good laugh at the expense of regional eccentricities, we hope this exploration of somewhat strange Americana will be both enlightening and entertaining. Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a road trip through the peculiar, wild, and wonderfully weird traditions that make each state a character all its own. Weird Colorado - Frozen Dead Guy Days: Estes Park, Colorado, celebrates a bizarre annual tradition that sounds both a bit unsettling and fun. Frozen Dead Guy Days is three-day festival that includes a race in which teams each carry a coffin with a live person inside through a snowy obstacle course. There's live music, a salmon toss (cause why wouldn’t ya?), and a festive parade of hearses, all done in honor of a very famous frozen dead guy, Bredo Morstoel. Grandpa Bredo Morstoel led a serene life in Norway, reveling in painting, fishing, skiing, and hiking. But after his death in 1989, Grandpa Bredo’s story took a wild turn. Instead of a typical burial, he was packed in dry ice and sent on a transatlantic journey to a cryonics facility in California, then to Colorado to be with his cryo-enthusiast daughter Aud, and grandson Trygve, who stored him in a shed. Legal hiccups and a pesky visa issue for Trygve left Grandpa nearly homeless, but some advocacy towards Nederland laws got around it being illegal to store a frozen human or animal in one’s home, and allowed Bredo to be grandfathered in, letting him stay frozen in his frigid abode. Fast forward to 2023, and Grandpa Bredo got an upgrade. With Trygve’s permission, a team transported Bredo to The Stanley Hotel’s icehouse in Estes Park, dunking him head-first in liquid nitrogen. His new residence? The world’s only museum dedicated to cryonics, where Grandpa Bredo, now a global sensation, continues to chill in style. Speaking of Colorado – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      In Vail, it is illegal to collide with obstacles on a ski slope. (Not to mention dangerous) ·      In Sterling, it’s illegal for a cat to run loose without a taillight. ·      In Westminster, it’s illegal to get lost while driving your car in town between the hours of 9pm and 4am. ·      In Cripple Creek, it’s illegal to bring your horse or mule above the first floor in any building. Colorado official state motto: Nothing without providence. Colorado unofficial state motto: Only place you can legally own a weed farm and a machine gun. Weird Oregon – The Last Blockbuster: As of 2019, the Blockbuster video store in Bend, Oregon, became the last one of its kind. The Blockbuster Corporation had filed for bankruptcy nearly a decade earlier, after the massive decline of video rentals and sales brought on by the rise of streaming services. Slowly, over time, only one was left standing. In Bend, the lone store has adapted to social and economic changes. After being featured in the Netflix documentary The Last Blockbuster in 2020, interest in the store increased. In 2021, Netflix ordered a follow-up series of sorts – one set in the store starring Randall Park. The business also sells merchandise, brings in overnight guests as an Airbnb, and enjoys general support from steadfast Blockbuster loyalists. Speaking of Oregon – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      In Klamath River, it’s illegal to walk down a sidewalk and knock a snakes head off with your cane. (Though, we have to admit, it would be pretty impressive to see) ·      In Portland, it’s illegal for people to whistle when they’re underwater. ·      In Stanfield, it’s illegal for animals to have sex in the city limits. ·      In Marion, ministers are (thankfully) forbidden from eating garlic or onions before delivering a sermon. Oregon official state motto: She flies with her own wings. Oregon unofficial state motto: We have almost as many Californians as California. Weird Illinois – No Pants Subway Ride: Every January, Chicago , Illinois jumps on the bandwagon for "No Pants Subway Ride Day," a cheeky celebration that was started in New York City in 2002 by the group “Improv Everywhere”. Participants nonchalantly board trains in their winter gear - coats, scarves, hats - but conspicuously sans pants, aiming to bewilder and entertain unsuspecting commuters. The objective? To inject a bit of absurdity into the mundane, all while keeping a straight face. It's a day for those who relish a good public prank and have a flair for the unexpected. In Chicago, the event takes on a life of its own. Participants, undeterred by the biting cold, gather to plot their pantless routes and later swap stories of bewildered onlookers. The turnout is impressive, showcasing a shared sense of humor and community spirit among those bold enough to bare their legs and more in January. "No Pants Subway Ride Day" has cemented itself as a beloved, irreverent tradition that brings a dash of whimsy to the daily grind. Speaking of Illinois – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      In Illinois, dogs can legally serve as wedding witnesses – and can sign the marriage license by way of a paw print. ·      In the city of Normal, it’s illegal to make faces at dogs, even if it’s yours. ·      In Chicago, it’s illegal to go fishing in your pajamas. ·      In Cicero, it’s illegal to hum on public streets on Sundays. Illinois official state motto: State sovereignty, national union. Illinois unofficial state motto: If it ain’t Chicago, it’s corn. Weird Wyoming – An AI bot could become Mayor of Cheyenne: Recently, Victor Miller announced his candidacy for mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming. In announcing his candidacy, he boldly declared he wouldn't be making any decisions himself. Instead, he'd defer to chatbot VIC, the Virtual Integrated Citizen. Miller admitted, “This entity is way smarter than me and definitely better than some of the public servants out there.” He added, “VIC will call the shots, and I'll just be its ‘meat puppet’ attending meetings and signing papers.” After filing his candidacy papers, Miller informed the chatbot, which, to no one's surprise, named itself the Virtual Integrated Citizen. This development raises a slew of questions. Are American’s so desperate for decent candidates that a chatbot is the best option? And who in their right mind would vote for someone proudly calling themselves a “meat puppet” to a virtual entity? It seems like the future of Cheyenne's leadership might just be a digital dystopia. Speaking of Wyoming – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      It is illegal to take, wound, or destroy any fish in Wyoming with the use of a firearm. ·      In Newcastle, it’s illegal to make love in a freezer. (Not to mention damn chilly!) ·      Photographing pollution in Wyoming is illegal. ·      It is illegal to take a picture of a rabbit from January to April without an official permit. Wyoming official state motto: Equal rights and let weapons yield to the toga. Wyoming unofficial state motto: We have an elevator. Weird Missouri – The Annual Testicle Festival: Every year, Missouri throws a bash like no other: the Testicle Festival, a rollicking tribute to the most underappreciated of culinary delights - animal testicles. From cattle to turkey, these juicy gems are fried, boiled, and grilled to perfection, served up alongside a smorgasbord of other dishes for the adventurous eater. The festival isn't just about gobbling gonads; it's a full-on carnival extravaganza, complete with rides, games, and more deep-fried delicacies than you can shake a stick at. The origins of this nutty celebration are as curious as the menu. Legend has it that farmers, looking for a way to utilize every part of their livestock, started frying up testicles and found they had a surprisingly dedicated following. What began as a quirky local tradition has ballooned into a full-blown festival, drawing crowds who revel in the absurdity and, yes, the flavor. Whether you're there for the culinary adventure or just the carnival atmosphere, the Testicle Festival promises a ball of a time for all who attend. Speaking of Missouri – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      In Missouri, it’s illegal to drive around with an uncaged bear in your car. ·      In Missouri, it’s illegal to worry squirrels. ·      In St. Louis City, it’s illegal for an on-duty firefighter to rescue a woman who is nude or wearing a nightgown. In order for her to be rescued, she must be fully clothed. ·      In Missouri, there is a law that states that any dwelling that houses four or more unrelated females is considered a brothel, making it fall under the category of illegal sex work. Missouri official state motto: The welfare of the people is the highest law. Missouri unofficial state motto: Missouri loves company. Weird Oklahoma – Annual Sucker Day: Every year, the fine folks of Wetumka, Oklahoma, gather to celebrate one of the most delightfully bizarre festivals around: “Sucker Day”. Named both for gullible folks and for the slippery, not-so-gourmet fish, this event is a quirky homage to culinary oddities and small-town charm. The festival's history is rooted in a classic scam. Back in 1950, a con artist convinced the townspeople to invest in a circus that never came, leaving them with nothing but sucker fish for consolation. Rather than wallow in their suckerhood, Wetumka turned the tables and threw a party, creating a unique tradition that has endured for decades. Sucker Day is now a rollicking celebration of all things fishy, featuring fried sucker fish as the main attraction. The festival includes parades, live music, and the Sucker Day Poker Run, part poker game, part road rally where participants hop on their motorcycles, cars, or even bicycles, and embark on a journey to various checkpoints scattered around Wetumka. At each checkpoint, riders draw a playing card, and the goal is to end up with the best poker hand by the time they reach the final stop. It's a day of irreverent fun, where the town comes together to laugh at their history and revel in their unique brand of community spirit. Speaking of Oklahoma – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      In Oklahoma City, it’s illegal to tip over a casket when paying one’s respects at a funeral. (Not to mention downright rude). ·      It’s illegal to have a fish in a fishbowl when riding on a bus. ·      In Tulsa, it’s illegal to open a bottle of soda on your own. It’s required to have the supervision of a licensed engineer to do this. ·      It is illegal in the state of Oklahoma to take a bite out of another individual’s hamburger. Oklahoma official state motto: Hard work conquers all things. Oklahoma unofficial state motto: Ever seen a house fly? Weird Florida – Annual Mullet Toss: No, it's not a contest to toss someone sporting a mullet. The community of Perdido Key gets together every year to hold a festival in which contestants standing in a 10-foot circle in Florida try to throw a mullet fish across the state line into Alabama. There’s a $20 entrance fee to throw the mullet and apparently, hotels are booked years in advance for this somewhat odd event. We’re assured that the mullets are not alive when being thrown. No gloves or sand is allowed on your mullet, which must be picked out of a water bucket. After throwing, the thrower must retrieve their mullet and toss it back into the bucket. After the event, the tossed mullets are taken to the local alligator farm and tossed a second, and last time to the alligators. Speaking of Florida – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      It’s illegal in the state of Florida to sing in a bathing suit. ·      It’s illegal for an unmarried woman to go parachuting on a Sunday. ·      It’s illegal for men to wear a strapless gown in public. (Doesn’t say anything about any other style of gown however.) ·      In Tampa, it’s illegal to eat cottage cheese after 6pm on a Sunday. Florida official state motto: In God We Trust. Florida unofficial state motto: The further north you travel, the more southern we get. Weird Indiana – Annual Corn Festival: Way back in 1957, someone in the small town of Sullivan, Indiana evidently thought, “Hey, we grow a heck of a lot of corn here. Why not throw a party for it?” And thus, the Sullivan County Corn Festival was born – a celebration of all things corny and Indiana. You've got corn eating contests (who can chomp the cob fastest), corn shucking competitions (fingers crossed for no accidents), a cornhole tournament (the game with bean bags), there’s even the popping - um, make that crowning – of the Corn Queen. There's a parade where floats are decorated with corn motifs, and sometimes even people dress up as giant ears of corn. It's like Halloween, but instead of ghosts, you've got kernels haunting your dreams. And then there’s the butter-slicked corn on the cob. It flows like golden rivers through the streets. And forget cotton candy when you can have corn in every form imaginable? In summary, the Sullivan Corn Festival is Indiana's way of saying, "Corn isn’t just for livestock and popcorn anymore!" It's quirky, it's corny (literally), and it's a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the heart and soul of small-town America's obsession with a humble yellow vegetable. Speaking of Indiana – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      Mustaches are illegal if the bearer has a tendency to habitually kiss other humans. ·      In Elkhart, it is illegal for barbers to cut off children’s ears. (We actually think this oughta be a law in all 50 states.) ·      It’s against the law to catch a fish with a crossbow. (There are of course exceptions. One may use a crossbow to catch “Asian carp, bowfin, common carp, gar, shad, and suckers from streams, rivers and non-flowing waters.” But nothing else!) ·      In South Bend, it’s illegal to force a monkey to smoke a cigarette. (We know what you’re thinking, “There go my weekend plans”). Indiana official state motto: The crossroads of America. Indiana unofficial state motto: Wait, you stayed? Weird New Jersey – The Asbury Park Zombie Walk: This unusual event holds the Guinness World Record for the largest zombie walk. What is a zombie walk you may legitimately ask? A Zombie Walk is an organized gathering of people who dress up in zombie costumes and then converge quickly in a public area to surprise the living. Participants arrive at a pre-determined time (often at a hidden location), then emerge as a group to creep in a somewhat orderly fashion through shocked and amused crowds, towards a final destination (usually a cemetery, club, bar or after party). During the Walk, all participants are encouraged to remain in character as zombies, lurching, shambling, dragging limbs and communicating only in a zombie-like manner (such as grunting, groaning, moaning and slurred calls for “brains”. Zombie Walks are free events featuring makeup artists, zombie vendors, and a fun-filled undead atmosphere. Speaking of New Jersey – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      It’s illegal in the state of New Jersey to raise chickens in bottles. ·      It’s illegal to wear a bullet-proof vest while committing a murder. (Seems a bit like overkill to us). ·      It’s against the law for a man to knit during the fishing season. ·      In Bernards Township it’s illegal for residents to frown. New Jersey official state motto: Liberty and prosperity. New Jersey unofficial state motto: I got your motto right here. Weird Rhode Island – The Big Blue Bug: Providence’s take on the Statue of Liberty or the Eiffel Tower, the Big Blue Bug welcomes Rhode Islanders and perplexed visitors alike to the city from the roof of a pest control company that he helped bring to prominence. Claimed to be the world’s largest artificial bug at 928 times the size of an actual termite, the blue, 58-foot-long, fiberglass termite was built in 1980 as a marketing ploy for the company it sits on top of, New England Pest Control (now Big Blue Bug Solutions). Since then, however, it’s come to represent not just a pest extermination company, but the character of its city and state. It’s even got its own billboard. A contest was held to name the insect with the winning suggestion being “Nibbles Woodaway”. Nibbles has become an icon, a beacon of bug-dom, and an oversized reminder that even the smallest creatures can dream big. What this Big Blue Bug says about the character of Rhode Island is another story altogether, but Rhode Islanders revel in seeing the Bug dressed up for different holidays and seasons (reindeer antlers for Christmas, bunny ears for Easter, and even a mask during the Covid pandemic). So, the next time you’re in Providence, look up and give a nod to Nibbles Woodaway – the Big Blue Bug who put Rhode Island on the map for something other than clams and coffee milk. Speaking of Rhode Island – A couple of laws still on the books: ·      It’s illegal to intentionally bite off someone’s limb in Rhode Island. (Hopefully we’ll never get to know what was going on in Rhode Island that created the need to clearly make biting off someone’s limb illegal….) ·      In Providence, it’s illegal for a store to sell a toothbrush and toothpaste to the same customer on a Sunday. ·      Again, in Providence, it’s illegal to wear transparent clothing. ·      It’s illegal to steal a stone wall in Rhode Island. (Not to mention probably really difficult). Rhode Island official state motto: Hope Rhode Island unofficial state motto: The New Jersey of New England But now we’ve come to the end of our wild ride through the backroads and byways of some of America’s strangest traditions. From the frozen remains of Grandpa Bredo chilling in Colorado to the bizarre allure of the Testicle Festival in Missouri, these quirky customs and truly bizarre laws paint a picture of a country that’s as wonderfully weird as it is vast. These are the things that don’t make it into the tourist brochures but speak volumes about the true character of the places we’ve visited. But it’s about so much more than the odd festivals or the peculiar laws still on the books. It’s about a spirit of community, a sense of humor, a willingness to embrace the absurd, and to laugh at ourselves. Whether it’s dressing up a giant blue termite in Rhode Island or tossing mullets across state lines in Florida, these traditions are a testament to the unique, unpolished charm of the American spirit. So, as we close the book on this chapter of strange Americana, remember: the beauty of this country isn’t just in its grand landmarks and sweeping vistas. It’s in the little things, the local quirks, and the traditions that make each state a character - filled with characters - all its own. So, join us as we raise a glass to the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly unconventional. Because at the end of the day, that’s what makes America America. #frozendeadguydays #frozendeadguyfestival #frozendeadguydays2024 #blockbusterbend #netflix #randallpark #travelok #suckerdayfestival #law #missouri #oklahoma #wyoming #AI #illinois #oregon #colorado #florabama #indiana #corn #newjersey #njzombiewalk #rhodeisland #bigbluebug #anyhigh

Cricket, the sport, not the chirping insect serenading summer nights, has finally landed in the United States for the 2024 World Cup. Yes, you read that right. In a country where the phrase "sticky wicket" might be mistaken for something happening on Wall Street and where most people's knowledge of cricket begins and ends with Jiminy Cricket, the little guy who kept Pinocchio out of trouble, Americans are about to witness the bat-and-ball spectacle that has captivated billions across the globe. Imagine explaining to an American that cricket matches can last longer than a Netflix binge-watching session, and you're halfway there. This is a sport where tea breaks are an official part of the game. Yes, while baseball has its seventh inning stretch, cricket has its leisurely pause for a spot of tea. It's charming, it's confusing, and it's wonderfully eccentric. In a land where instant gratification rules, cricket's patient dance is like introducing a Zen master to a New York minute. So, for those who’re trying to figure out if "googly" is something you need an ointment for, we are going to embark on a journey into the wide world of cricket. We'll take a brief look at its storied past, try to explain a few terms unique to the game, and sprinkle in some fascinating facts along the way. And maybe, just maybe - if you aren’t already - you'll find yourself a cricket convert by the end. Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. A cricket match is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams, each consisting of eleven players. The game is played on a circular or oval-shaped field with a rectangular 22-yard-long pitch at the center. The “run” is the main scoring unit in cricket. Batsmen score runs by running between the wickets, hitting boundaries (4 runs for a ball that reaches the boundary, 6 runs for a ball that clears the boundary without touching the ground), or through extras (additional runs given due to errors by the fielding side). Clear as a cup of Earl Grey tea with milk, no? The game began in England before being brought to many of the UK’s former colonies and has adapted over time into a sped-up version of the original five-day match. Today, the sport is perhaps most popular in those former colonies and surrounding regions - a 2015 game between India and Pakistan, for example, was watched by a billion people! Early Development and Spread Often referred to as the “gentleman’s game”, cricket's journey from a regional pastime to a globally celebrated sport is a tale of colonialism, cultural exchange, and strategic development. Cricket's roots can be traced back to medieval England, possibly as early as the 13th century. It began as a children's game in the rural areas of southeastern England. The first recorded match in 1646 in Kent signifies its growing popularity. By the 18th century, cricket was well-established in England, enjoyed by all social classes. In 1744, the formal laws of cricket were codified, laying the foundation for the modern game. These rules were refined over the years, with significant contributions from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) established in 1787, which became the custodian of the Laws of Cricket. ·      Googly: No, this is not the children’s version of Google. Also known as a “wrong ‘un”, a googly is a deceptive ball delivered by a leg-spin bowler (the player who delivers, or pitches, the ball) that turns unexpectedly to the leg side of a right-handed batsman. Sorta like a curve ball in baseball. The googly is also sometimes referred to as a “Bosie”, named for its inventor, English bowler Bernard Bosanquet. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the origin of googly is unknown, although it might be related to goggle, which describes eyes that are protuberant and rolling. Formation of Clubs and Competitions The formation of the first cricket club in Hambledon, England in the 1760s was crucial. This period saw the rise of county cricket, which further formalized the sport. The introduction of the County Championship in England in 1890 provided a competitive structure that spurred local rivalries and talents. ·      Innings: Refers to the period in which a team bats. In some formats, teams have two innings, while in others, just one. An innings in cricket is analogous to an inning in baseball, except that the plural is always used in cricket, whether about a single innings or more than one (cricket matches usually max out at two innings). To have a good innings means to have a good run or a long life. Global Expansion Cricket spread primarily through the British Empire. British colonists and soldiers introduced the game to their colonies, where it took root and evolved uniquely in different regions. For example: 1.    Australia: Cricket was introduced in the late 18th century, with the first recorded match played in Sydney in 1803. The establishment of the Melbourne Cricket Club in 1838 and the first inter-colonial match in 1851 boosted its popularity. 2.    India: The British brought cricket to India in the early 18th century. The Parsis were the first Indian community to embrace the game, forming the Oriental Cricket Club in 1848. The sport gained widespread popularity, leading to the formation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 1928. 3.    West Indies: Cricket was introduced to the Caribbean islands by colonists and took a stronghold, with the West Indies team making its debut in Test cricket in 1928. 4.    Sri Lanka: British planters and civil servants brought cricket to Sri Lanka in the early 19th century. The Colombo Cricket Club, founded in 1832, is one of the oldest cricket clubs in the country. Sri Lanka's cricketing prowess grew steadily, culminating in their Test debut in 1982 and their remarkable victory in the 1996 Cricket World Cup, which boosted the sport's popularity exponentially nationwide. 5.    New Zealand: British settlers introduced cricket in the early 19th century, with the national team playing its first Test match in 1930. ·      Nervous Nineties: Unlike baseball, there’s the possibility for a lot of runs to happen in cricket. There’s even a terminology set up to describe when a lot of runs are scored by one batter. A ton, also called a century, is when a batter scores 100 runs in one innings (remember that plural thing…) - and no one wants to be the batter who just missed making a ton. The nervous nineties refer to that stretch when a batter has scored 90 to 99 runs and feels the heat to make it to 100. Analogous are the yips in golf, a state of anxiety that causes the golfer to miss easy shots. Global Popularity Cricket ranks as the second most popular sport globally, following soccer. It boasts a fan base of over 2.5 billion people, primarily in regions like South Asia, the UK, Australia, and Africa. The advent of One Day Internationals (ODIs) in the 1970s and the introduction of the Twenty20 (T20) format in the early 21st century revolutionized the game, making it faster paced and more appealing to broader audiences. Of course, “faster-paced” is a completely relative term in this case. An ODI match typically last around 7-8 hours which, you may say, is a damn long time. However, when compared with the traditional format of cricket, known as Test Matches, which typically are played over five days (with breaks for lunch and tea of course), an ODI match must really seem like a New York minute! And for the even faster food fans, a T20 format game lasts only around 3 hours. In 1939, a match between England and South Africa lasted a staggering 14 days….. ·      Snickometer: No, it’s not a tv camera seeking out shots of people munching on snickers candy bars during the match. A Snickometer (snicko for short) is a microphone placed in a stump that debuted in 1999 in the United Kingdom. The device measures sound waves with an oscilloscope, and the data from the Snickometer is then shown to TV viewers and game umpires so they can see whether or not a batter hit the ball or if the bat hit something else (such as the pads or the ground) that made a similar sound. Cricket in the United States Despite its early presence in the United States, cricket did not achieve the same level of popularity as in other former British colonies. Several factors contributed to this: 1.    Rise of Baseball: In the mid-19th century, baseball emerged as the dominant bat-and-ball sport. Its simpler rules, shorter game duration, and American cultural alignment made it more appealing to the local population. 2.    Cultural Factors: Cricket was seen as a British sport, and following the American Revolution, there was a cultural shift away from British traditions and sports. 3.    Lack of Infrastructure and Promotion: Unlike other countries where cricket infrastructure was developed and promoted by colonial authorities, the United States lacked a similar level of investment and organization in cricket. The first public report of a cricket match in North America was in 1751, when the New York Gazette and the Weekly Post Boy carried an account of a match between a London "eleven" (as cricket teams, or "sides," are called) and one from New York City. The New Yorkers won. ·      Duck: Ducks and crickets – what’s going on here you may well ask? A duck is “zero” (similar to the expression goose egg) because a duck’s egg is the same shape as a zero (well, more or less). And just to keep things sufficiently complicated, there’s not just one type of duck in cricket - there are four! And the better sounding the duck, the worse it is for the batter. The standard duck is when a batter is out without scoring a run. When the batter is out after the first legal ball, it’s called a golden duck. A diamond duck happens when the batter is out before they get a chance to swing at a legal bowl. And then there’s the platinum duck. This ultimate duck happens when a batter is out on the first ball of the first innings (yes, remember with an “S”) of the match. Conversely, to break one’s duck means to score a first run in an innings, thus breaking the duck’s egg, or zero score. Modern Era and International Influence In the modern era, the International Cricket Council (ICC) governs the sport globally, ensuring its development and popularity. Major tournaments like the Cricket World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) attract massive viewership, contributing to cricket's status as a major global sport. Cricket continues to grow, with emerging cricketing nations and initiatives to promote the game in non-traditional regions, ensuring its place as a beloved sport worldwide. Even in the United States cricket is growing. In 2006 it was estimated that 30,000 people in the US played or watched cricket annually. By 2017, this figure had risen to 200,000. ·      The Corridor of Uncertainty: A lot can be gleaned from a name. In this case, it’s pretty clear, even to people who know nothing about cricket, that a player doesn’t want to have to deal with something in the corridor of uncertainty. It refers to a delivery (thrown ball) that lands in a spot where the batsman is unsure whether to play or leave the ball. When a bowler throws the ball in the corridor of uncertainty, the batter needs to quickly decide whether or not to play the ball. If they do, the hit may be easy for the fielders to catch. If they don’t, it could hit the batter and then hit the wicket and result in an out. It’s cricket’s very own Bermuda Triangle where a batsman is caught in a Shakespearean dilemma – “to play or not to play?” – while the bowler is fully aware that he’s just unleashed cricket’s most elegant mind game. Bats We’ve talked about crickets, we’ve talked about ducks, there’s even cows involved in cricket (the ‘cow corner’ is an area of the pitch that rarely gets hit to), so now it’s time to talk about bats. No, not that kind of bat! All cricket bats are made from either English or Kashmir willow. English willow tends to come in at a higher price range as they are seen as the superior of the two and the choice for professional cricket players. Kashmir willow, on the other hand, tends to be a dryer and harder bat, coming in at a lower price range. For this reason, they are best suited for beginner or junior players. Choosing the right bat is vital for gameplay, as the right size bat can have a significant effect on technical development. Cricket bats require ‘knocking in’ to prepare them for play.  Doing this involves using a wooden bat mallet and hitting the bat on the face and front edges to compress the willow fibers and reduce the risk of damage to the bat. It is also best practice to oil cricket bats to keep in the moisture content, avoiding the willow from drying too much and causing cracks or splits in the wood. ·      Sticky Wicket: One of the first words you need to know in a conversation about cricket is wicket. The word wicket refers to a set of three stumps with two bails (resembling sticks) on top that are knocked off as one way to get a person who is batting out. There are two wickets on the field placed 22 yards apart, and the bowler - positioned at one wicket - throws the ball to the batter located near the other wicket. A sticky wicket refers to the space in between the wickets. It’s simply an expression used when that space between the stumps (known as the pitch) is wet, and the ball doesn’t bounce well. Similar to sports phrases like knocked it out of the park or home stretch, sticky wicket can be used outside of the sport as well, in this case to describe anything that’s tough to accomplish. A person can find themselves in a sticky wicket after losing their wallet, for example. We can only assume it doesn’t mean this guy has trouble hitting the right notes…. It’s time now to wrap up our little soiree into the grand and occasionally baffling world of cricket, that most quintessentially English game. I mean come on, how many other sports can you name that break for finger sandwiches and tea or cancel play due to inclement weather? And in a year when cricket's World Cup has improbably touched down on American soil, it's a beautiful irony that many locals might still think "googly" is an unfortunate medical condition. Yet, here we are, introducing baseball's boisterous cousin to the land of fast food and faster cars. Cricket, with its gentlemanly veneer and labyrinthine rules, is like dancing a stately waltz at a rave. While American sports often resemble a high-speed chase, cricket saunters in with its tea breaks, lunch intervals, and a casual five-day match structure. It's a sport where patience isn't just a virtue—it's a requirement. But don't be fooled by its leisurely pace; cricket is a game of cunning, strategy, and yes, a touch of madness. So, as the 2024 Cricket World Cup unfolds in the land of the free and the home of the brave, maybe take a moment to appreciate the bizarre brilliance of cricket. From the 'corridor of uncertainty' to tea breaks that would make Downton Abbey proud, cricket is a sport that defies the quick and easy. It’s a saga, a drama, and an elegant dance that’s as complex as it is captivating. And, for our American friends, who knows? By the end of the tournament, you might just find yourself an unlikely fan of this most eccentric of sports. If you’d like to learn more about the history of cricket, below is a video we found that will tell you everything. And if you’re a fan of cricket, we’d love to hear why in the comments below. #cricket #sports #cricketworldcup #worldcup #ipl #icc #india #love #rohitsharma #france #msdhoni #sport #england #teamindia #indiancricketteam #cricketfans #srilanka #australia #pakistan #unitedstates #cricketfever #odi #virakohli #t20 #testcricket #saurabhnetravalkar #usacricket #t20worldcup # #teamindia #bleedblue #cricketclubcafecolombo #anyhigh

The Middle East has long been a canvas painted with broad strokes of conflict and chaos. Headlines scream of unrest, shadows of ancient grudges stretch across sun-scorched deserts, and the haunting echoes of war reverberate through timeworn ruins. For many, this vast and varied region conjures images of peril, a place where the past and present collide with explosive intensity. It's a land that fascinates yet frightens, its stories etched in blood and stone. Yet, amid the turmoil, there's a melody of survival and resilience. Cities rise from the dust with an indomitable spirit, their markets bustling with life, their mosques whispering tales of bygone eras. The people, with their deep-rooted hospitality, stand as pillars of warmth and tradition. They live in the shadow of strife, yet their hearts remain open, their smiles unyielding against the tide of adversity. This is the Middle East - complex, compelling, and misunderstood. And then, there's Jordan. Nestled in midst of this intimidating neighborhood, it stands as an oasis of peace and stability, a safe haven in a region of conflict. It’s a sanctuary where the echoes of chaos fade into the serene silence of the Wadi Rum desert, and the ancient whispers of Petra invite you to explore its hidden wonders. Jordan defies expectations, a testament to tranquility amidst turmoil. Here, the traveler discovers not just a destination, but an oasis, a place where the soul can find solace and the spirit can soar. Welcome to Jordan: “Ahlan Wa Sahlan” – “welcome” – is something you will hear from everyone you meet while you’re here. Jordan's history is a mosaic of diverse cultures and pivotal figures that have shaped its identity. The ancient Nabateans, known for their impressive rock-cut city of Petra, established a thriving trade empire around the 6th century BCE. Today Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The region later came under Roman rule, becoming part of the Decapolis - a group of ten cities that were centers of Greek and Roman culture. Some of the most impressive Roman ruins are found throughout the country today. Following the Romans, the Byzantine Empire held sway until the 7th century when Islamic caliphates took control. In the modern era, the Arab Revolt during World War I was a turning point. Led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca and his sons, including Emir Abdullah I, it aimed to free Arab lands from Ottoman rule. T.E. Lawrence, famously known as Lawrence of Arabia, collaborated closely with the Arab forces. Following the war, the British Mandate established the Emirate of Transjordan in 1921, with Emir Abdullah I as its ruler. Jordan gained full independence on May 25, 1946, officially becoming the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Abdullah I became its first king. His assassination in 1951 led to his grandson, King Hussein, ascending the throne in 1952 at the age of just 17. King Hussein’s reign, lasting nearly five decades, was marked by significant modernization and skilled efforts to maintain stability amidst regional conflicts. Upon his death in 1999, he was mourned as a man of peace by the more than 80 world leaders who came to Jordan for his funeral. His son, King Abdullah II, has continued his legacy, steering Jordan through the challenges of the 21st century. These figures and eras collectively contribute to Jordan’s rich and diverse historical narrative, making it a unique tapestry of ancient civilizations and modern resilience. 6 World Heritage Sites: UNESCO seeks to promote the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage throughout the world that are of great value to humanity. And Jordan is home to six of these! 1) Petra: As you step into Petra for the first time, a sense of awe engulfs you, akin to entering a sacred, long-lost world whispered about in ancient texts. The narrow Siq, a serpentine gorge flanked by towering cliffs, gradually reveals the city’s secrets. Sunlight filters through, casting a golden glow on the rose-hued sandstone, as if illuminating the pathway to an ancient dream. Each footstep echoes with the ghosts of merchants and travelers who once traversed these paths. Suddenly, the Siq opens up, and there it stands - the Treasury, Al-Khazneh - carved with an artistry that defies time. Its majestic facade, sculpted with intricate details, tells tales of a civilization long gone, weaving a symphony of silence and stone. The air is thick with history and mystery, and in that moment, you are not merely a visitor; you are a part of Petra’s eternal story. Also called the “Rose City” (for the rock’s pinkish hue) or “Lost City” (though local Bedouin groups always knew where it was), Petra is among Jordan’s top attractions. Most people know about Petra thanks to the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Treasury is the site for the film’s final act. But no movie or television program can do this place justice. Unknown to the western world until it was “discovered” in 1812, Petra takes your breath away. And three nights a week “Petra by Night” is a light show that allows a limited number of visitors to walk the fabled Siq passageway, all the way to the Treasury, with only candles lit along the pathway to guide them. Once arriving at the Treasury, the entire area in front of the entrance is also lit with candles – more than one thousand of them. Truly a magical experience. 2) Qasr Amra: Built in the early 8th century beside the Wadi Butum, a seasonal watercourse, this desert establishment was both a fortress with a garrison and a residence/pleasure palace of the Umayyad caliphate. The exceptionally well-preserved, small pleasure palace comprises a reception hall and hammam (a bath complex with changing room, warm and hot rooms), all richly decorated with figurative murals. The extensive fresco paintings of the bath building and reception hall are unique for Islamic architecture of this period. The wall paintings show influences from classical pagan themes, Byzantine style portraits and hunting scenes, depictions of animals and birds, and are accompanied by inscriptions in Greek and Arabic. The representation of the zodiac on the domed ceiling of the caldarium (hot room) is one of the earliest known, surviving portrayals of a map of the heavens on a dome. 3) Um er-Rasas: Located south-east of Madaba on the edge of the semi-arid steppe, this archaeological site, which started as a Roman military camp and grew to become a town from the 5th century, is largely unexcavated. It comprises remains from the Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim periods (end of 3rd to 9th centuries AD) including a fortified Roman military camp and sixteen churches, some with well-preserved mosaic floors. Particularly noteworthy is the mosaic floor of the Church of St Stephen with its representation of towns in the region. 4) Wadi Rum: As you enter Wadi Rum for the first time, the desert unfolds before you like a boundless tapestry of ochre and gold, an elemental symphony of sand and stone. The towering sandstone cliffs rise majestically, their ancient faces etched with the whispers of millennia. The vast expanse, punctuated by weathered rock formations, evokes a sense of both desolation and grandeur, as if you’ve stepped into a primordial landscape untouched by time. The sun casts long shadows, creating a dance of light and dark that plays upon the dunes. The silence is profound, a deep and resonant stillness that amplifies the subtle sounds of the desert - the whisper of the wind, the distant call of a bird. Here, in this vast wilderness, you feel the presence of those who came before - conquerors and adventurers, seekers and dreamers - each leaving a trace in the timeless sands of Wadi Rum. Located in southern Jordan, near the border with Saudi Arabia, it features a varied desert landscape. Petroglyphs, inscriptions and archaeological remains in the site testify to 12,000 years of human occupation and interaction with the natural environment. The combination of 25,000 rock carvings with 20,000 inscriptions trace the evolution of human thought and the early development of the alphabet. 5) Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas): Situated on the eastern bank of the River Jordan, nine km (5.5 miles) north of the Dead Sea, this archaeological site consists of two distinct areas: Tell Al-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill) and the area of the churches of Saint John the Baptist near the river. Situated in a pristine natural environment the site is believed to be the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. It features Roman and Byzantine remains including churches and chapels, a monastery, caves that have been used by hermits and pools in which baptisms were celebrated, testifying to the religious character of the place. The site is a Christian place of pilgrimage. 6) As-Salt – The Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality: Built on three closely-spaced hills in the Balqa highland of west-central Jordan, just 35 km (20 miles) outside of Amman, the city of As-Salt, was an important trading link between the eastern desert and the west. During the last 60 years of the Ottoman period, the region prospered from the arrival and settlement of merchants from Nablus, Syria, and Lebanon who made their fortunes in trade, banking, and farming. This prosperity attracted skilled craftsmen from different parts of the region who worked on transforming the modest rural settlement into a thriving town with a distinctive layout and an architecture characterized by large public buildings and family residences constructed of local yellow limestone. As-Salt, is a living testament to the rich tapestry of coexistence and hospitality that defines the region. This ancient city, with its golden limestone buildings cascading down verdant hills, has been a crossroads of civilizations for centuries. Walking through its narrow, winding streets, you are enveloped by the stories of merchants, pilgrims, and settlers from diverse backgrounds—Christians and Muslims, Circassians and Arabs—each thread woven into the city's fabric. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the sound of church bells and the call to prayer, epitomizing a harmonious blend of cultures and faiths. As-Salt's heritage homes and communal spaces stand as monuments to its legacy of tolerance, where hospitality isn't just tradition but a way of life. In As-Salt, the past and present converge, inviting you to experience the warmth of its people and the enduring spirit of unity that makes it a beacon of peaceful coexistence. Amman: The Jordanian capital is the gateway to the rest of the country. An eclectic city where the old merges with the new, and historical sights sit seamlessly along modern streets. There is much to explore in Amman, starting with one of its oldest and most impressive sights, the Amman Citadel. Located in the heart of the city and spread over the seven hills that make up the ancient downtown of Amman, the Citadel dates from Roman times. However, this site is actually considered to be one of the oldest continually inhabited places on earth, with evidence dating back to the Neolithic period (12,000 years ago). The Citadel is home to the Temple of Hercules, the famous Greco-Roman god revered by many in the ancient era. The Jordan Museum has exhibits such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the “Ain Ghazal Statues”, which are thought to be the world’s oldest human statues. The Roman Theatre is one of the most iconic places to visit in Amman. Built around the year 100 AD, and designed to hold 6,000 people, it’s still in use today hosting music concerts and cultural performances. The Odeon also dates from the Roman era. Built to accommodate just 500 people, it’s much more intimate than the Roman Theatre but no less astounding. If you’re more interested in the modern rather than the ancient, then a visit to the Royal Automobile Museum is a must. The museum is home to an eccentric collection of cars that have been owned by the Hashemite Royal Family over the years. You don’t need to be a car connoisseur to appreciate the Royal Automobile Museum, because the cars also help to show a unique side of the country’s royal family and their intertwined histories. To learn more about religious life in the capital, visit the famed King Abdullah Mosque. The mosque is named for King Abdullah, who helped to overthrow the Ottoman Empire in World War I before establishing the Hashemite family as rulers of Jordan. As with nearly everywhere in Jordan, tourists are most welcome to visit. Jerash: Jordan’s largest and most compelling Roman site, the ancient city of Jerash is just a 45-minute drive from Amman. Human habitation here dates back to 6,500 years ago. Alexander the Great transformed Jerash from a tiny village into a regional center. Today it’s considered one of the best-preserved sites of Roman architecture outside Italy and visitors can take in its public baths, squares, and temples. Colonnaded Street is the city’s impressive main road lined with columns on both sides and paved with the original stones still rutted by the wheels of chariots. The Temple of Artemis is one of Jerash’s most striking sights with its stately Corinthian columns that would once have dominated the city from its hilltop setting. It was built between 150 and 170 AD and dedicated to Artemis, the revered goddess of hunting and fertility. The Dead Sea: This enormous Salt Lake separates Jordan from Israel and Palestine. At over 430 meters (1400 ft) below sea level, it’s also the lowest land-based elevation on the planet. The salts and minerals present in the lake have been used in spa treatments for thousands of years. The salinity in the lake is over 34% - 9.6 times as salty as the ocean. People come from all over the world to float in the Dead Sea. And there’s no need for flotation devices, just hop in, lie on your back and relax. The Bedouin: One of the main cultures in Jordan, the Bedouin people are a nomadic tribal group that stretches across the Middle East and North Africa. People today still practice traditional Bedouin lifestyles, and you can meet them while visiting Jordan. There are a variety of ways to learn about Bedouin culture, from joining a group that offers multi-day touristic experiences to hiking with a Bedouin guide, to staying overnight in a Bedouin camp. Bedouins are known for their friendly and hospitable nature, so don’t be surprised if strangers offer to share their meal or invite you to stay in their home. Aqaba & The Red Sea: Aqaba is Jordan’s busy and vibrant port city on the Red Sea. In addition to being Jordan’s only port, its clear waters and balmy temperatures make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Along with ancient ruins, museums, bustling souks, and more, Aqaba is perhaps best known for its spectacular, biodiverse, kaleidoscopic coral garden diving sites. The Aqaba Marine Park is a protected area which runs south of the city, towards the Saudi Arabian border. It stretches for 9 kilometers (6.5 miles), and, if you’re more of a snorkeler, much of the best coral reef in the park is waiting close to the shore. You can find turtles, moray eels, and even sharks just off the beaches. Food: One of the best things about traveling in Jordan is the food. The local cuisine is delicious, and representative of the much-wider Middle Eastern region, with influences from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and more. Lamb, rice, olives, bread, olive oil, tahini, garlic, za’atar, onions, pickles, mint, and sage, are just a handful of the flavors you’ll experience as you taste your way through Jordan. Mansaf: Widely considered to be the “national dish” of Jordan, traditionally designed to be shared, and one of the most beloved dishes in the kingdom consisting of spiced rice, tender slow-cooked lamb, vegetables, and jameeb (a fermented goat’s milk yogurt). Rashouf: In the winter months, Rashouf is one of the ultimate Jordanian comfort foods made with lentils, jameeb, wheat, and sour pickles. Hummus: One of the most well-known Middle Eastern foods that’s enjoyed around the world. Garbanzo beans, lemon, tahini, and olive oil combine to make it to the menu of virtually every restaurant in Jordan. Zarb: This traditional Bedouin dish is made with a mix of meat - generally lamb or chicken - rice, onion, and carrots which are placed in the ground to cook. It’s most commonly enjoyed in the desert. Falafel: Jordan has some of the best falafel in the Middle East. This common street food is a mix of garbanzo beans and spices that are deep fried to crispy perfection. Maqluba: This dish is served upside down. At the bottom is meat or chicken, then the rice is cooked on top with a variety of spices. The pot is flipped over onto a communal plate when served. Shawarma: Layers of thinly sliced meat are wrapped in a warm slice of bread with garlic sauce or tahini and pickled vegetables. Mezze: Meaning “to taste” this is a variety of small dishes served as an appetizer before the main dish. Dolmas, hummus, falafel, pickled vegetables, and olives are popular options in mezze. Kanafeh: Dessert doesn’t get much better than this. Prepared with a thin spun pastry called kataifi, soaked in a sweet rosewater syrup (attar) and layered with a tangy cheese then sprinkled with pistachio or nuts. It is DELICIOUS! For a country where over 95% of people practice Islam, you might be surprised that there is any wine production at all. Jordan has been making wine as a country for about 4,000 years and today the small minority of Christians in Jordan consume wine (as part of church services) and some have created vineyards for this production. There are a handful of labels you can purchase in the few liquor stores across the country, including Mount Nebo and Saint George. Weather: The country’s location in the Middle East means that you can expect warm weather all year round. Jordan has two high seasons, in spring and fall, when the weather isn’t quite so hot as summer but is perfect for exploring. March, April and May are busy times. In April, Amman holds an annual film festival. September, October and November have excellent weather too, and things can be a little quieter. Summer is hot, while winter can be surprisingly chilly, with temperatures in the desert dropping dramatically at night. Amman sometimes experiences an occasional snowfall in winter. If you’re diving at Aqaba, then March, April, and May are when the water is warm, and visibility is at its best. As we conclude this journey, it's clear that Jordan is more than just a destination; it's a feeling. Through millennia of change, from the ancient Nabateans to the modern Hashemite Kingdom, the country's true strength lies not just in its breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks, but in the warmth and generosity of its people. As travelers, we are continually greeted with open arms and a heartfelt "Ahlan wa sahlan," a reminder that hospitality is woven into the very fabric of Jordanian culture. The deep connection between the past and present is palpable in every corner of Jordan. From the echoing silence of the Wadi Rum desert to the vibrant streets of Amman, each encounter with the locals offers a glimpse into a culture rich in tradition and boundless in kindness. Whether it's sharing a meal under a star-lit sky in a Bedouin camp or being guided through the ancient streets of Petra, the genuine warmth of the Jordanian people leaves an indelible mark on the soul. In the heart of the Middle East, Jordan stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. The landscapes, history, and culture are undeniably captivating, but it is the people who breathe life into this ancient land. Their stories, smiles, and unwavering hospitality transform a visit into a profound and moving experience. In Jordan, you'll find an oasis of peace and a community that embraces you as one of their own, leaving you with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. #travel #jordan #amman #arab #middleeast #deadsea #petra #wadirum #lawrenceofarabia #king #hussein #unesco #baptism #jesus #museum #mosque #islam #jerash #bedouin #redsea #diving #snorkeling #food #wine #hospitality #anyhigh

Our lives are filled with so many firsts. Our first pair of baby shoes, first haircut, first day of classes, first kiss. When you think about it, we live our lives in a series of first-time events. Every "first" is a marker, a milestone, a pivot that shifts the trajectory of our personal stories. It's these firsts that punctuate the mundane, transforming the ordinary into the memorable. Consider, then, the firsts that have shaped not just individual lives, but the course of human history. The first flicker of an electric light bulb, the inaugural flight of an airplane, the initial keystrokes on a computer keyboard. These moments weren't just groundbreaking; they were ground-making, laying the foundation for the modern world we inhabit today. Yet, behind each of these innovations lies a cornucopia of trial, error, and oftentimes, just sheer serendipity. But how often do we pause to ponder the origin stories of some of the everyday objects and technologies we now take for granted? From the humble beginnings of the telephone to the revolutionary inception of the internet, each invention has a tale that is as fascinating as it is illuminating. As we delve into these narratives, we'll uncover the curious and sometimes quirky journeys that led to the firsts which continue to shape our lives in ways we might never have imagined. So, let’s embark on this exploration of firsts, and appreciate the ingenuity and audacity of those who dared to dream them into existence. The Eruption of the Bicycle: The eruption of Mount Tambora on the Indonesian island of Sumbawa in 1815 had a significant, albeit indirect, impact on the invention of the bicycle. This catastrophic event, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history, spewed vast amounts of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, leading to dramatic climate anomalies. The following year, 1816, became known as the "Year Without a Summer" due to the severe global cooling effects, which resulted in widespread crop failures and food shortages across the Northern Hemisphere. The agricultural crisis caused by the eruption led to a shortage of fodder for horses, which were a primary means of transportation at the time. In response to this shortage, there was a pressing need to develop alternative forms of transportation that did not rely on animal power. It was against this backdrop that Baron Karl von Drais invented the "Draisine" in 1817. His human-powered, two-wheeled invention, also known as the "running machine" or "hobby horse," was conceived as a practical solution to the transportation challenges posed by the post-Tambora climate disruptions. Thus, the eruption of Mount Tambora indirectly spurred the innovation that eventually led to the development of the modern bicycle. ·      On January 25, 1979, Robert Williams became the first human to be killed by a robot. He died when he was hit on the head by a mechanical arm at a Ford casting plant. WWI Gave us Kleenex: One of many inventions that can attribute its success to World War I is disposable tissues. Before the tissues were known as such, the Kimberly-Clark Corporation developed them as cheaply produced paper-based liners for gas masks. These tissues replaced the inside of wartime respirators only when a cotton shortage occurred, as cotton was a precious commodity for field dressings and bandages. After the war, Kimberly-Clark came up with the idea in 1924 of repurposing these tissues as disposable face towels women could use to remove makeup. By the early 1930’s, through consumer feedback and strategic marketing, Kimberly-Clark realized that people were using these tissues to blow their noses. The company changed its marketing strategy and relabeled the disposable face towels as disposable tissues, and Kleenex was born. ·      In 1903, The Great Train Robbery was released becoming the first action movie, the first fiction film, and the first American western. It was 10 minutes long and had 14 scenes. The First Casino in America: Say the words “America” and “casino” in a single sentence, and most people will picture only one place. Glittering Las Vegas basically is American gambling, and it’s tempting to assume that the first casinos on the continent appeared here. However, you’d have to go back a whole lot further than the founding of Sin City to find the first American casino. In 2015, archaeologists uncovered a treasure trove of gambling material in a cave in, ironically of all places, the US state of Utah. Used long ago by an obscure Native American tribe known as the Promontory people, it appeared to be a place where elites of the time gathered to bet on dice games in multiple caves. This casino existed sometime in the 13th century. It’s thought that the casino might have been a way for the Promontory to build social bonds with their neighbors and thus avoid being annihilated in a war for resources. If that was the plan, it certainly worked. Even as other Utah tribes were in decline, the Promontory were going from strength to strength, proof, perhaps, that there is a positive side to gambling after all. ·      In 1883 Sir Hiram Maxim created the Maxim gun. It was the world’s first machine gun which would go on to revolutionize warfare and was used in both World Wars. The First Ransom Note In US History: When Christian Ross of Philadelphia opened a letter on July 4, 1874, he had no idea that he was holding a slice of US history in his hands. If he had known, it’s unlikely he would have cared. The dry goods merchant was worried sick. His four-year-old son Charles had vanished three days earlier, and the city’s fledgling police department had been no help at all. The official line was that Charles had been taken by drunks who would return him “once they had sobered up.” The letter suggested otherwise. Inside was a demand for $20,000 (more than $550,000 in today’s money) to get Charles back. It was the first ransom letter sent in US history. Even in today’s age of international manhunts and mass media, the reaction to the letter seems remarkable. Terrified of looking incompetent, the Philadelphia police searched literally every single building in the city. They also posted a $20,000 reward, which probably did more harm than good as the parents of over 600 children tried dressing their sons up and passing them off as Charles in order to claim the reward money. Across the country, roughly half a million ordinary Americans helped search for the missing boy, to no avail. Although his kidnappers were either killed in a botched robbery a few months after the kidnapping, Charles Ross was never seen again. Meanwhile, the ransom note itself (and 23 further ones that followed it) vanished forever, or so it seemed. In 2013, they turned up in a school librarian’s house. How they got there is a mystery. ·      In 1976, Cray-1 became the world’s first supercomputer. It was installed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the United States and cost $8.8 million. The Rocket Science Behind the Super Soaker: We assume that the scientists at NASA spend all day working on warp drives and teleporters and such. We figure they're occupied with important science stuff way above our pay grade. Like engineer Lonnie Johnson: He spent his days working in NASA's jet propulsion lab in Pasadena as part of the team that built Voyager, Galileo, and the Mars Observer spacecraft. He helped test the stealth bomber and developed new systems for nuclear reactors. But if you check out his Wikipedia page it barely mentions NASA, instead choosing to focus on other, much more important accomplishments, like a really, really effective toy squirt gun. Johnson's major contribution to society came in 1982 while he was screwing around at home working on something silly and trivial, like a new type of heat pump. Heat pumps normally use Freon gas, but Johnson was trying to make one that worked off of water alone. When he switched on the pump, water fired out and slammed into the shower curtain with way more force than he’d expected, and the idea of heat transfer suddenly seemed a whole lot less interesting than shooting some poor son of a bitch right in the face with it. So Johnson turned his new pumping system into the Super Soaker, and Larami Corporation marketed it with the slogan "Wetter is better" (a suspiciously adult slogan for a children's toy…). The product brought in nearly a billion US dollars after a decade of sales, and Johnson used that money to do the responsible thing: That one silly invention has helped his research company develop new methods for generating electricity from heat and more efficient ways to store energy in batteries. And, more importantly, he created a device that beeps when your baby pees. ·      The first video game. Often a source of controversy, if you bypass the whole digital thing, the first time any game was played on a screen was in 1947. Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann created something called the Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device. It was a missile simulator that used analog circuitry. A Lot Later Than You’d Think: Of all the revolutionary technologies we take for granted nowadays, few are more unassuming than the doorknob. That must be pretty high up there on the list of inventions by chronological order, right? Fire, wheel, beer, doorknob. After all, even the Flintstones' house had a doorknob - and we’re pretty sure that that show was rigorously fact-checked for accuracy... But no, the modern doorknob didn't exist until 1878, when an African-American inventor named Osbourn Dorsey conceived it. Before that, people could only latch doors shut with heavy bars. Dorsey's design aimed to provide a more efficient and practical means of opening and closing doors, enhancing both security and ease of use. In addition, it provided us all an easy way to keep our stuff safe. ·      The first flashmob confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records took place in New York City in a New York City shop in 2003. Police were tipped off beforehand though. The First Female President of the United States: No, that’s not a prediction of things to come, nor is it a misprint. Because, in reality, it’s actually already happened. In October 1919, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a titanic stroke that left him bedridden, incoherent, and in need of constant monitoring. Vice President Thomas Marshall moved to have Congress declare Wilson incapacitated, making him de facto president. Unfortunately for Marshall, Wilson had other ideas – and we’re not talking about Woodrow. Edith Wilson shut her husband up in a bedroom to recover and proceeded to take over as acting president. For the next four months, Edith oversaw meetings, saw governors, senators, congressmen, met with the press and conducted the White House’s internal affairs. While never sworn in, she did everything a president has to do, including making life-or-death decisions that affected millions worldwide. It has even been suggested that she didn’t consult her husband on many of these decisions, meaning that Edith was for all intents and purposes running the country. Of course, calling Edith the “first” female president depends on how you define “president.” Edith never took an oath of office, potentially disqualifying her. She wasn’t elected, either, but then neither was Gerald Ford. On the other hand, she did everything we expect a president to do. ·      The first detection of planetary life by a spaceprobe occurred when the Galileo spacecraft made a flyby of Earth on December 8, 1990. During this flyby, scientists decided to use Galileo's instruments to probe Earth for signs of life as if it were an alien planet. They successfully detected the presence of chlorophyll, oxygen, and methane, all of which are indicators of life. The First Rock: No, we’re not talking about Elvis here. We’re talking about that thing that’s so closely related to a hard place. While we sort of assume that they’ve just been around forever, there actually had to be a first rock on earth somewhere. Well, researchers at McGill University in Canada have discovered the oldest rocks on Earth. As old as 4.28 billion years, these rocks, known as "faux-amphibolites", may be remnants of a portion of Earth's primordial crust - the first crust that formed at the surface of our planet. ·      The first aerial bombardment occurred in 1849 when the Austrians launched several hundred unmanned balloons with the intention of dropping time-triggered bombs over Venice, Italy. Winds were not in their favor and there were very few casualties. The First Strike: The first known strike in history took place in ancient Egypt on November 14, 1152 BC, during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses III. This strike was carried out by the artisans and workers who were constructing the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The reason for the strike was primarily due to delays in the delivery of grain rations, which were a critical part of the workers' compensation. The workers became increasingly frustrated with the lack of supplies and the poor working conditions, prompting them to organize and protest. The strike is significant not only because it is the first recorded instance of a labor strike but also because it was documented in detail on a papyrus. This document provides a vivid account of the events, including the workers' demands and the response from the authorities. According to the papyrus, the workers marched to the mortuary temple of Ramses III and voiced their grievances to the officials. They demanded their overdue rations and refused to continue working until their needs were met. The strike was initially met with resistance, but the persistence of the workers eventually led to negotiations and the fulfillment of their demands. This historical event highlights the early recognition of workers' rights and the power of collective action, setting a precedent for labor movements throughout history. ·      The first perfect Pac-Man score of 3,333,360 points was achieved by Billy Mitchell of the USA on July 3, 1999. A perfect score requires a player to complete all 256 levels without losing a single life and eating every dot, power pellet, fruit, and blue ghost possible. The First Barcode: The first barcode was invented by Joe Woodland, who thought up the concept while on a beach trip in Miami. The idea behind the barcode design was Morse code. It wasn’t until advancements in technology years later that Woodland was able to put his invention into practice. In 1972 the barcode’s first trial was done at a check stand in a supermarket, with much success. However, if there were to be a true change in how supermarkets sold products, a universal code was needed. The first code Woodland had designed was circular, and this required adapting, which George Laurer did by developing a rectangular universal code. On June 8, 1974, the first barcode used on a product appeared on a 10-piece pack of Wrigley's gum. At 8 am, the gum's barcode was scanned at a Marsh supermarket in Troy, OH. Ever since, the barcode has remained practically indispensable to our daily lives. ·      On April 3, 1973, Motorola employee Martin Cooper made the first cellphone call, standing outdoors in Manhattan, to Dr. Joel S. Engel, head of competitor Bell Labs in Murray Hill, New Jersey. Cooper made the call on a Motorola DynaTAC, a device that was nine inches long, had just 35 minutes of talk time, and took 10 hours to recharge. The First Commercial/Passenger Flight: We’ve all heard of the Wright Brothers and their groundbreaking first flight at Kitty Hawk in December of 1903. Well, the first passenger flight hasn’t got quite as much recognition. Aviation history was made on January 1, 1914 when the first commercial flight in aviation history took place. The flight was operated by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, an early airline established by aviation pioneer Thomas Benoist. The journey was made in a Benoist XIV biplane, piloted by Tony Jannus, a noted aviator of the time. The inaugural flight carried a single passenger, Abram C. Pheil, the former mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, who paid $400 for the privilege. The flight covered a distance of approximately 18 miles across Tampa Bay, from St. Petersburg to Tampa, Florida, and took about 23 minutes to complete. This was incredible for the time, as previously it would take travelers 11 hours to travel between St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay by railway. The airboat line was not in business for long, but it is believed to have transported 1,204 passengers while it was. ·      Dave Kunst of Waseca, Minnesota, at 35 years old, became the first verified person to circle the globe on foot, completing the more than four-year odyssey on Oct. 5, 1974. Kunst went through 21 pairs of footwear to complete the 14,500-mile journey, crossing four continents. And Speaking of Flying: On November 21, 1783, Marquis d’Arlandes and Pilatre de Rozier became the first humans to fly when they went up in a hot-air balloon. Their Parisian sky ride lasted for 20 minutes but inspired centuries of inventors, dreamers, and jigsaw-puzzle makers. ·      The first author to earn $1 billion USD from writing alone was J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books. Need we say more? Me at The Zoo: After endless cat and other animals doing funny things videos on YouTube, it’s interesting to think that, at one point in time there had to be a first video uploaded. There was and, perhaps not surprisingly, it was an animal video. The first ever video on YouTube was uploaded on April 23, 2005, by one of the platform's co-founders, Jawed Karim. The video, titled "Me at the zoo," features Karim himself at the San Diego Zoo. In the 19-second clip, Karim stands in front of an elephant enclosure and briefly talks about the elephants' trunks and why they are interesting. This video marked the beginning of YouTube's journey as a major video-sharing platform. It was created to test the functionality of the website and to demonstrate how easy it was for users to upload and share videos online. "Me at the zoo" remains a significant piece of internet history, symbolizing the launch of what would become one of the most influential social media platforms in the world. ·      The first hourglass was created in the eighth century AD by a French monk named Liutprand. It’s said to have played a significant part in the Age of Discovery since it was used aboard ships without being affected by waves, motion, of water. Later, it would become a vital part of board games. The First Marathon Runner: According to legend, in 490 BC, Pheidippides, a Greek messenger, ran the first marathon. He hoofed it 25 miles from the battle of Marathon to Athens to deliver the news that Greece had won, at which point he keeled over and died from exhaustion. This happy tale inspired modern runners to follow suit by running their own 25-mile race. Modern-day marathons are now 26.2 miles, the distance between the lawn of Windsor Castle and the royal box at the Olympic stadium after a request by Queen Alexandra in 1908. ·      The first microwave oven was patented on October 8, 1945. The first test “subject” was popcorn. And the Darwin Award Goes To: The Darwin awards were founded in 1993 to commemorate people “…who tip chlorine into our gene pool, by accidentally removing their own DNA from it during the spectacular climax of a 'great idea' gone veddy, veddy wrong.” Nominee’s must be dead or rendered sterile through their own, generally astoundingly stupid actions. We love the Darwin awards, and the very first winner was an unnamed man who died while trying to steal a soda from a vending machine, inadvertently tipping it over and crushing himself. And we can think of no better to end this week’s post on than with a “tip of the hat” to the Darwin Awards. History is often seen through the lens of grand battles, monumental discoveries, and profound cultural shifts. Yet, it's in the odd and often overlooked firsts where the essence of the human spirit and ingenuity truly shines. These peculiar milestones, from the first labor strike in ancient Egypt to the unprecedented perfect score in PAC-MAN, tell us more about the relentless pursuit of fairness and mastery than many grander tales. They reveal the raw, unfiltered determination that has always driven us, whether carving out workers' rights under the watchful eyes of Pharaohs or pushing the limits of what can be achieved in a pixelated maze. The artisans of the Royal Necropolis, fed up with empty promises and hollow stomachs, didn't just halt their chisels and hammers—they etched their demand for dignity into history itself. Their strike wasn't just about rations; it was a declaration of their humanity and worth. Millennia later, in a different kind of maze, Billy Mitchell didn't just rack up points; he mapped out the seemingly impossible and made it a challenge for everyone who followed. Each power pellet he munched was a small defiance against the game's intended limitations, a testament to human perseverance and obsession. These stories are reminders that the drive for justice and excellence often starts in the most unexpected places. They underscore the truth that every great leap, every stride forward, begins with someone daring to do something differently. In recognizing these strange firsts, we see the threads that connect us to those who came before, each one a quiet rebellion, a step toward a world where limits are tested, and boundaries pushed. It's in these moments of peculiar triumph that we find the raw core of what it means to be human: to strive, to challenge, and to persist against the odds. See you next week! #babyshoes #first #firsts #firsttime #bicycle #volcano #eruption #kleenex #casino #indian #ransomnote #watergun #squirtgun #supersoaker #nasa #videogame #pacman #flintstones #georgecarlin #woodrowwilson #gum #female #president #egypt #strikes #barcode #cellphone #harrypotter #jkrowling #youtube #marathon #microwave #darwin #darwinawards #anyhigh

Last week, we explored the weirdness of the human body—those bizarre quirks that make us scratch our heads and wonder why evolution decided to go all avant-garde on us. From the not-so-silent symphony of our digestive gurgles to the eerie parade of goosebumps marching across our skin, we basked in the strange glow of our own biological oddities. But, if you thought humanity held a monopoly on weirdness, au contraire! Because the animal kingdom is a veritable circus of oddities that make even our weirdest quirks look mundane. While we’ve spent enough time staring at our belly buttons and wondering why they’re there, this week, we're shifting gears to explore the lives of some of the strangest animals on this planet. These creatures are like the walking, swimming, and flying versions of those “strange but true” facts we love so much. A world where evolution seems to have let loose its most whimsical and bewildering designs, where nature's imagination runs wild and untamed. We're talking about animals that defy logic and challenge our understanding of biology with their extraordinary adaptations and downright peculiar behaviors. These aren't just your everyday household pets; these are the true freaks of nature, each one a testament to the boundless creativity of the natural world. If you thought humans had cornered the market on weird, wait until you get a load of what’s lurking in the oceans, crawling through forests, and flying through the skies. So, buckle up and prepare for a journey into the strangeness of the animal kingdom. This week, we're delving into the strangest animals alive today - the bizarre, the beautiful, and the downright unbelievable - creatures that will make you question everything you thought you knew about life on Earth. Get ready to explore the unexplainable and, as always, ponder some fascinating facts along the way. Saiga Antelope: This species surely wins the prize for the weirdest-looking antelope out there. Its strange, bulbous nose actually has a very serious and important function. Living in the semi-desert grasslands of Central Asia (in Mongolia and Kazakhstan) saigas endure very harsh conditions. Not only do they have to contend with hot summers and freezing winters, they also deal with clouds of dust kicked up by the herd during their mammoth migrations. Their big, drooping noses will warm up frigid air before it enters their lungs, as well as filter out dust, helping them to survive in an unforgiving landscape. ·      Did you know that even if a pig could fly, other pigs would not be able to witness it? Because pigs are incapable of looking up! The anatomy of their neck muscles and spine limits the movement of their head, so they can't look totally upwards. ·      Did you know that Koala fingerprints are so close to humans’ that they could taint crime scenes? In fact, they’re so similar to those of humans that in Australia, police feared that criminal investigations may have been hampered by koala prints. So, any koalas who want to commit crimes would be wise to do so wearing gloves. Peacock Spider: Discovered in 2015, these spiders are native to certain areas of Australia. They’re a member of the jumping spider family and have a specialized visual system that allows them to see the full visible spectrum as well as in the ultraviolet range. ·      Did you know that frogs can’t vomit, so they eject their entire stomachs? This is called full gastric eversion, and it's a little like dumping out your pockets. A tidy creature, the frog wipes the stomach hanging out of its mouth with its front feet to remove any stray bits. Then it packs the whole thing back into its body, where it will presumably stay until the next noxious tidbit is eaten. ·      Did you know that a grizzly bear’s bite is so strong that it can crush a bowling ball; the creatures have a bite-force of over 8,000,000 pascals! Axolotl: This remarkable amphibian is native to a small series of lakes and canals near Mexico City. Once numbering in the thousands and providing an important food source for the Aztec, the wild population of axolotl is thought to have dwindled to just a few individuals due to habitat loss. Axolotl can grow to lengths of 18 inches. They don’t have lungs but breath a unique set of external gills. They have the ability to completely regrow lost limbs including jaws, spines and even their brains without scarring. ·      Did you know that the bat is the only flying mammal? While some people may be tempted to put flying squirrels on the list, the truth is those guys can only glide for short distances. Meanwhile, the long, flexible skin that extends over a bat's wings, combined with their many movable joints, make bats great fliers. In fact, they’re much more comfortable in the air than on land. Because their leg bones are so thin, only two out of the 1,100 species of bats can walk on the ground. ·      Did you know that Capuchin monkeys was their hands and feet in urine? Yep, it seems they urinate on their hands and feet when they're feeling randy. "We think the alpha males might use urine-washing to convey warm, fuzzy feelings to females, that their solicitation is working and that there's no need to run away," primatologist Kimran Miller told NBC News. "Or they could be doing it because they're excited." Blobfish: Renowned for its gelatinous, droopy appearance, and a density only slightly above that of water, the blobfish has adapted to the extreme pressures of the deep ocean. Its peculiar visage has earned it the title of ‘world's ugliest animal’. Although that’s perhaps a little unfair given that name was derived thanks to its appearance outside of its natural habitat. It has developed a rather simple hunting technique, simply floating along and waiting for creatures to wander into its mouth. ·      Did you know that the loudest animal in the world is a mere 2cm long prawn? The Pistol Shrimp can snap its claw shut so rapidly, that it creates a bubble which collapses to produce a sonic blast, louder than a Concorde’s sonic boom! The shock wave can reach 230 decibels, also louder than the sound of a gunshot. The imploding bubble for split seconds also generates temperatures of 4,400C, nearly as hot as the sun, killing its prey. ·      Did you know that dolphins use toxic pufferfish to ‘get high’? Yep, it seems that dolphins - god bless’em - deliberately handle pufferfish causing them to release toxins as a defense mechanism. These toxins can be deadly in high doses, but also have a narcotic effect and are a powerful hallucinogenic, which dolphins appear to enjoy. Naked Mole Rat: While it may sound like the name of an alternative rock band, the naked mole rat is a common sight in East Africa, where they burrow into the dry grasslands of Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. The naked mole rat has baffled scientists for decades thanks to a series of unusual biological traits. The only known cold-blooded mammal on the planet, naked mole rats are unusually long-lived for rodents; some have been documented at 32 years of age. They are also resistant to cancer and are capable of living in an environment with just a tiny amount of oxygen for hours on end. ·      Did you know that starfish eat inside out? To catch their prey, they use tiny suction cups to grab hold of their food; next, their stomach exits their mouth to digest the food before re-entering the body when they're done eating! ·      Did you know that there are more than 1.4 billion insects for EACH HUMAN on the planet, according to recent estimates. Ants have colonized almost every landmass on Earth. Their population is estimated as 107–108 billion alone, in comparison to approx. 7 billion humans on the planet. Treehopper: The treehopper is the cyborg of the insect world, with bizarre projections and protuberances sprouting from its thorax. precise function of these extreme enhancements is rather mysterious. They may play a part in physical protection or mate attraction. Camouflage is at least part of the story. And any predator that sees through the thorn-like disguise still has to contend with an arsenal of toxic chemicals harnessed from the sap that the bugs suck from wild potato plants. ·      Did you know that giant anteaters’ tongues are two feet long - the longest of any known mammal? ·      Did you know that the horned lizard is able to shoot blood from its own eyes, up to a distance of 3 feet away? This bizarre and rather disgusting act is a defensive mechanism to confuse predators. Their blood contains a chemical that is noxious to predators. Costasiella Sea Slug: Sheep might be strict vegetarians, but they are mere amateurs compared to this ovine character, which is herbivorous to the point that it becomes part vegetable itself. The Costasiella sea slug - also known as the ‘Shaun-the-sheep slug’ - spends much of its time grazing on marine algae. But it doesn’t digest this plant matter entirely. Somehow, it separates the chloroplasts (the green organelles within a plant’s cells that convert sunlight into chemical energy) from the rest of the meal and embeds them in its own tissues, making the slug a rare example of a photosynthetic animal. ·      Did you know that crocodiles can live to be 100 years old? ·      Did you know that male seahorses have pouches on their stomach which the female deposits her eggs in? This means that the male ultimately gives birth! Penis Snake: Despite the name, this phallic-looking creature is neither a snake - nor a penis. This weird animal is actually a type of caecilian: a limbless amphibian that bears more than a passing resemblance to a certain part of the male anatomy. So naturally, this creature also goes by names such as the ‘manaconda’ or ‘floppy snake’. Little is known about the species, and from its discovery in in the Amazon basin in the late 1800s to its rediscovery in 2011, there were only two preserved specimens. Very little is known about this creature, even including how it survives. ·      Did you know that Dung beetles can pull weights 1,141 times heavier than their own body weight, making them the strongest animal on the planet! ·      Did you know that roosters prevent themselves from going deaf due to their own loud crowing, by tilting their head backs when they crow, which covers their ear canal completely, serving as a built-in earplug? A study showed that their crowing averages over 100 decibels, which is roughly the same as running a chainsaw. Pink Fairy Armadillo: The pink fairy armadillo is sort of like a fuzzy caterpillar crossed with a lobster. It’s the smallest species of armadillo, and at around 13cm in length, it’s small enough to fit in your hand. Living in the sandy plains and dry scrublands of South America, it’s also known as the sand swimmer, thanks to its ability to quickly navigate the subterranean sands. Their unique pink color comes from blood being pumped into their shell for thermoregulation, which helps them maintain a steady core temperature in the hot, arid climate. ·      Did you know that giraffes have purple tongues? Scientists believe this helps to prevent their tongue getting sunburned when they’re eating. ·      Did you know that sloths can take up to a month to digest a single leaf? Everything about life is slow for these sleepy mammals. Most sloths will only have a bowel movement once a week, and it can take them up to 30 days to completely digest leaf. The Great Potoo: In addition to having, what we think is one of the coolest names in the animal kingdom, the great potoo is a master of camouflage. A carnivorous bird that lives mostly in tropical America, it can remain completely still, blending in with its surroundings by mimicking a tree stump or branch as it patiently waits for unsuspecting prey. And it doesn’t even give itself away by opening its eyes. Thanks to tiny openings below their eyelids, this nocturnal bird can see even when its eyes are closed, helping them spot even the most minute amount of movement. ·      Did you know that painted turtles survive winter by breathing through their butts? Not all creatures head to warmer climates when it gets cold out, and that means they need to learn to survive in chilly conditions. Painted turtles need to adapt to frozen ponds, which restrict their access to the air above the water. They do that by breathing through their butts - specifically, the all-purpose orifice called the cloaca. Thanks to a process called cloacal respiration, the turtles can get oxygen directly from the water around them. ·      Did you know that a group of owls is called a parliament? Their legislative powers, however, are still up for debate. Echidna: If the concept of sin was invented for any creature, it was surely the echidna. For within the loins of this spiny little mammal - native to Australia and New Guinea - are hidden a multitude of deadly sins. The first is lust. Every June to September, male echidnas trail after females in vast noisy groups like teenagers at a music festival. Their second sin is envy, because the echidna’s sperm is capable of bunching together into rival-hating blobs 100-sperm strong, whose goal it is to block off other potential suitors in the female’s reproductive tract. The third sin – sloth – applies only to the female echidna, as she is the only animal on Earth capable of being mated with while in the deep sleep of hibernation. The echidna does score lower on the other list of sins, however. They are not venomous, and they score low on the gluttony and greed scales, because - unlike most other mammals - they lack a true stomach. And what about pride you ask, the final sin? Let’s just say that the male echidna is rather well-endowed, with a four-headed penis otherwise unseen in nature. Whether or not you consider this something to be proud of is your call. ·      Did you know that an octopus has three hearts? Yes, octopuses have two more hearts than you do. Two hearts are used to pump blood to their gills, while the third brings blood to the rest of their body. If that's not enough to impress you, they also have nine brains. ·      Did you know that cows produce more milk when listening to slow music? Call it a moo-d. Researchers at the University of Leicester School of Psychology found that cows produced 1.54 more pints per day - a 3 percent increase - when they were played slow music, as opposed to more upbeat tunes. We’re guessing that the Moooo-dy Blues are one of their favorite bands. Alligator Gar: This fearsome looking fish is a relic of the dinosaur age, dating back some 100 million years and growing to over eight feet in length. Their reptile-like snouts house rows of sharp teeth and an adaptation allows this fish to actually breathe air. Though intimidating in size and weaponry, alligator gar are docile creatures that can be found peacefully swimming freshwater rivers and lakes from the Rio Grande to the Missouri River in the USA. ·      Did you know that swifts spend most of their lives flying in the air? Yes, these relatives of the hummingbird, can fly for almost an entire year without ever landing. A study showed that, over a 10-month period, a swift stopped for just 2 hours. ·      Did you know that, even after having its head cut off, a cockroach can still live for weeks? Even more disgusting, a cockroach’s head can actually survive by itself for a few hours too. Star Nosed Mole: Sometimes called the geologists of the animal kingdom, the star-nosed mole can detect seismic waves with 25,000 sensory receptors that make up the fleshy tentacles around its nose. As the only mole to live in swamps and marshes, this weird animal may also be able to detect faint electrical signals from aquatic prey. It can also smell underwater by blowing air bubbles and sucking them back into its nose, one of only two species that can do this (the other is the water shrew). ·      Did you know that hummingbirds can fly backwards? Yes, they’re the only birds known to do this. These amazing creatures can also fly upside down, and they have their wing structure to thank for that. Unlike other birds, hummingbirds have a ball-and-socket joint, or rotator cuff, which provides them a much greater span of movement. This also allows them to hover in one place, which is typically how they eat. ·      Did you know that some albatrosses are lesbians? Albatrosses form bonds for life, returning to the same place every year to raise their young. Some of these bonds are between two female albatrosses, with a study finding that in one breeding area 31% of pairs were two females. ·      Did you know that there are an estimated 8.7 million species on earth and more than 80% of them are undiscovered? Based on current data, complex statistics, and models we can predict how many species there are on Earth, telling us how many are still left to be found. Guestimates are that it will take another 500 years to find them all. And on that stunning note, it’s time to end today’s look at the strangeness of the animal kingdom. We've strolled with the saiga antelope across the steppes of Central Asia, delved into the deep with the blobfish, and marveled at the regenerative wonders of the axolotl. These creatures, with their strange adaptations and eccentric features, remind us that the world is far more bizarre and beautiful than our imaginations could ever conjure. But let's not get too sentimental. The animal kingdom isn't a museum exhibit; it's a wild, untamed carnival where evolution has gone off-script in the most fascinating ways. We've only scratched the surface of its wonders and oddities, each one a testament to nature’s boundless creativity. There’s something profoundly humbling about recognizing how much we don't know about the myriad lives that share our planet, each one a unique solution to the puzzle of survival. Next time you gaze upon a pigeon, a house cat, or even your own reflection, remember: the world is full of marvels far stranger than fiction. Stay curious, stay amazed, and most importantly, stay engaged with this wondrous, weird world.  Because we just never can tell what else is out there, lurking just beyond the horizon. The Donald Trump caterpillar looks identical to the ex-president’s hair. This species of caterpillar, prior to 2016, was known as the Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis). It gained popularity as it is very furry and bright orange, giving it an uncanny resemblance to Trump’s hair (wig?). This ‘fur’ however, is actually composed of multiple venomous ‘hairs’. Grabbing hold of one of these caterpillars is a painful experience. #nature #animals #animalkingdom #birds #insects #fish #monkey #moodyblues #donaldtrump #anyhigh

Let’s face it: human bodies are strange. From the mysterious quirks of our minds to the peculiar functions of our organs, there's no end to the oddities that make us who we are. Should we delve into the wonders of boogers, brains, and beyond? Absolutely. Each strange fact is a gateway to understanding the marvels of biology, offering lessons that celebrate both science and the weirdness of our own existence. The past century has seen a massive increase in scientific explanations for different phenomena. From the theory of continental drift to the complete mapping of the human genome in 2003, scientists have provided plenty of insights into the nature of the universe, as well as why our body does weird stuff. One of the most dramatic scientific leaps has come in the area of medicine as doctors and researchers have begun to explain the most mysterious and complex processes of the human body. However, despite the sheer amount of research done on and for humans, there is still a whole host of things that no one can explain about the body. These lasting enigmas largely revolve around strange bodily functions that seem to either have no purpose or operate in a way that simply baffles scientists. Some of them are part of everyday life, while others are simply weird things that our body does without us ever even noticing. Whatever the case, the human body is a far more peculiar thing than you might ever have imagined. Take, for instance, the inexplicable growl of an empty stomach or the sudden rise of goosebumps when we're cold or scared. These seemingly trivial occurrences are part of the mysteries of human biology, rich with stories that even the sharpest scientific minds haven't fully unraveled. And let’s be honest, we're all pretty weird when you really think about it. Embracing that weirdness can turn every “gross” fact into an amazing discovery. So, the next time you ponder why your body does something bizarre, don’t shy away. Dive into the weirdness. Celebrate the quirks and the questions and remember: every peculiar fact is a testament to the wild and wonderful adventure of being human. Get ready to explore the unexplainable as well as ponder some fascinating facts along the way Laughing is no laughing matter: While many animals can "laugh" (videos of mice or monkeys being tickled are all over the net), only humans have a sense of humor that can provoke laughter without physical touching. Yet (sincere) laughter is completely involuntary and incredibly difficult to fake, suggesting it must have some sort of evolutionary purpose that has helped it to become so ingrained in us. Most of the leading ideas involve humor acting as a mechanism for achieving social superiority and laughter acting as either a communicative tool and signal or a means of relieving sexual and aggressive tension. However, scientists, philosophers, and psychologists have yet to come to a definitive agreement on the roles of humor and laughter, leaving them to conclude that perhaps a single explanation doesn't exist. ·      Did you know that earwax is actually a type of sweat? While not identical to the sweat produced by other glands in the body, it does share many similarities. ·      Did you know that when you calculate all the blood vessels in the human body, there are more than 100,00 miles of blood vessels present? That’s nearly 4 times the circumference of the Earth. Real or Not? Scientists still can’t say how the placebo effect fools us. While a well-documented phenomenon, the placebo effect - the fact that humans can experience benefits from inactive drugs and treatments simply through the belief that they work - continues to baffle almost every researcher who has investigated it. Essentially, the placebo effect is the ability of sugar pills and other non-active medicines to improve the symptoms of a patient for no physiological reason. While researchers have made strides in deciphering the areas of the brain that are involved in the placebo effect, it's still unclear exactly how or why it can have such an impact. ·      Did you know that you’re taller in the morning? Though you may not be at your best first thing in the morning, you are at your tallest. While we stretch out to sleep at night, gravity gradually compresses cartilage in our spines and knees throughout the day, shrinking us a bit. When astronauts come back from space, they are a few inches taller because of the lack of gravity they were exposed to, before gradually returning to their own size. ·      Speaking of shrinkage, did you know that your brain shrinks when you become a parent? Scientists believe that having a baby changes the brain of new mothers, resulting in less gray matter in areas of the brain involved with responding to social signals and general processing. However, new research recently revealed that dads experience similar shrinkage in their brains in regions related to executive functioning and visual processing. So, when kids say their parents don’t know anything, they may be onto something. The mystery of pubic hair: The mere fact that humans have pubic hair at all is strange considering that fact that all other primates, our closest living relatives, are the exact opposite with hair covering everything on their bodies except the pubic regions. The reason for having pubic hair is also difficult to work out when those who remove it do not seem to suffer from any ill effects. Some of the suggested theories for why the human body grows thick hair near the genitals and under the arms include the idea that it provides protection, creates a cozy genital blanket, and acts to stop friction. However, the most prominent idea is that sweet, smelly pubic hairs collect pheromones to help attract mates. ·      Did you know that a quarter of all the bones in your body are in your feet? Yep, for only making up a small portion of your body, your feet contain 26 bones per foot, 52 total, accounting for about a quarter of the bones in your entire skeletal structure of 206 bones. ·      Did you know that when your body experiences extreme starvation, there are chances that your brain will start to eat itself. Nobody Knows Why We Find Kissing Enjoyable: Although there are a very limited number of animals that "kiss," none of them do so romantically like human beings do. In fact, kissing isn't really even a general human "thing" - many cultures from around the world don't kiss, and scientists and anthropologists have discerned kissing to be a western cultural phenomenon. This makes it even more difficult to explain why some bodies seem to enjoy kissing so much. Kissing presents the threat of sharing 80 million saliva bacteria, and at least half of the human world finds it revolting. So why is it so arousing and a fundamental ritual of courtship in some societies? One explanation is that it has evolved culturally as a way of being able to sniff out potential mates, giving people the chance to smell pheromones and genes in a partner to see if they are suitable. Some societies culturally evolved to get really up close and personal to take in pheromones through lip-on-lip contact, while others do it through more general close contact that doesn't actually involve saliva swapping. The root of social kissing, though, has been difficult to pinpoint, leaving it as one of those bodily mysteries for the ages. ·      Did you know that the strongest muscle in the human body is the jaw? Forget working out your lats, biceps, or glutes. You were already exercising the strongest muscle in the human body when you were munching on a burger and talking trash with your buddies, because the strongest muscle in the human body is the masseter, aka the jaw. A healthy jaw is capable of closing a set of teeth with a force of up to 200 pounds. If you were looking for an excuse to refer to snacking as “strength training,” now you have it. ·      Did you know that sperm can survive longer than you might think? Although there is reason to worry about the sperm health of men globally, on an individual level these little swimmers are pretty resilient. Provided that they’re in a woman’s reproductive tract and not a hot tub, sperm can survive for up to five days after ejaculation. This explains why people can become pregnant if they have sex several days before ovulation, and why the famous sperm race scene in the 1989 comedy “Look Who’s Talking” was more of a marathon than a sprint. There’s no explanation for why we go through puberty: We share so much with our primate cousins, including opposable thumbs and the majority of our genetic code. However, one thing they don't have to undergo is a hallmark of human existence: the bittersweet symphony that is puberty. In fact, out of all the animals that live on planet Earth, only humans have the pleasure of experiencing that awkward, pimply, hormonal rollercoaster of physical and sexual maturation. Other creatures simply transition into adulthood in a constant kind of growing, rather than having a "childhood" of small to moderate growth followed by a protracted adolescence.  While scientists can't definitively explain that tumultuous period of human existence, they know that it must serve some purpose since it’s lasted for at least 200,000 years. ·      Did you know that there’s more to the penis than meets the eye? That's because half the length of the penis is inside the body. Just like you don't see all of a big oak tree above ground, you don't see the root of the penis because it’s tucked up inside the pelvis and attached to the pubic bone. ·      Did you know that stomach acid can melt metal? If you’ve ever had heartburn so bad that it felt like your burps could melt faces, you might be onto something. The digestive juices in the gut contain hydrochloric acid, which can dissolve certain metals like zinc and falls just below battery acid on the pH scale. One study found that gastric acid could even partially break down razor blades. But not copper. So it’s a mixed bag. No one really knows why humans and other animals sleep: Even though every animal on the planet sleeps in one way or another for large proportions of its life, sleep is one of the great mysteries of modern science and one of the weirder things our body does. Perhaps to make it even more mysterious, scientists know that sleep is essential to life - humans can actually die if they get too sleep deprived. As far as explanations for it go, though, William C. Dement, founder of Stanford University's Sleep Research Center, once said that, "As far as I know, the only reason we need to sleep that is really, really solid is because we get sleepy." Multiple theories have been offered to explain why we sleep, such as that it's a way to save energy, restore our bodies, and clear the brain of chemical buildups. But none of the explanations have come close to providing a definitive answer. Considering how much time we spend sleeping and the fact that we die without enough of it, it's difficult to think that it does not play some imperative role in sustaining life. ·      Did you know that the human body technically glows in the dark? That’s right, just like glow worms and fireflies, humans are bioluminescent, meaning we emit light. This is mostly because of a metabolic reaction in which free radicals are produced through cell respiration, causing us to glow. The big difference between humans and fireflies is that the light we produce is about 1,000 times weaker than the human eye can detect. However, at least one study has captured the glow though ultrasensitive cameras. Researchers found that the light was at its highest in the afternoon and was the brightest in the cheek, forehead, and neck. ·      Did you know that women blink more often than men? Specifically, women have been found to blink 19 times a minute compared to 11 times a minute for men. Researchers believe this has to do with the hormone estrogen, which can make the cornea more elastic and change how light travels through the eye, making women more susceptible to blinking. As women’s estrogen levels decrease, their rate of blinking also declines. So, sadly, that mysterious beauty may not be batting her eyes flirtatiously from across the room. She just has more estrogen than you do. No one knows why we involuntarily twitch before falling asleep: While you may not be familiar with the phrase "hypnic jerk," there's a good chance that you've experienced one during your lifetime. Hypnic jerk is the involuntary twitch that can occur at night just before you fall asleep, often accompanied by a falling sensation. Exactly why this happens and why it's so common have never been explained. Some believe it may be a leftover quirk from when our ancient ancestors lived in trees. They'd twitch themselves awake to keep from falling from their nighttime perches. Others characterize hypnic jerks as involuntary battles between our wakeful brain and our restful one in which surges of energy from the day suddenly spark through our nervous systems, twitching us back into cognizance.  There's really no data to support either theory, though. ·      Did you know that twins smell the same? If having the same DNA weren’t enough, the weirdest thing about identical twins is that even if they don’t share matching outfits, they still share a scent. Studying the scents of identical twins, Swiss researchers discovered that twins smell 10 times more similar compared to non-related pairs. This was expected, as our body odor is thought to be rooted in genetics. But now you know that dogs probably can’t tell twins apart either. ·      Did you know that part of your DNA isn’t exactly human? Human beings are, genetically speaking, 99.9% the same. As inherently unoriginal as that may be, there is a twist: Not all of our genes are human. Of the approximately 20,000 genes in the human genome, about 8% are made up of ancient viruses, on top of another 40% of repetitive strings of letters that are thought to be viral as well. Scientists suspect that these viral genes can jump throughout the genome and copy themselves, potentially contributing to diseases like multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It seems as complicated as it is scary, but the point is that when it comes down to our coding, we’re not that basic after all. We’re barely half human. Why we yawn and why it’s contagious is a mystery: Yawning is something that every single person on the planet does, and yet no one seems to know exactly why. After all, yawning doesn't appear to have any noticeable effect on you when you do it unlike many other strange bodily functions. For a long time, the prevailing theory was that it may have injected extra oxygen into the blood when levels were low, but this has largely been dismissed. Some researchers have recently suggested it could be a way to control the temperature of the brain, helping keep ambient core temperatures through the injection of a cold, refreshing blast of oxygen. Even more troubling for scientists than what purpose a yawn serves is why they’re so contagious. Seeing someone else yawn, or even reading about the action, can be enough to invoke yawning. The fact that it is involuntary may mean that it's a psychological response meant to be communicative rather than a physiological one. Some scientists even reason that yawning is a herding symbol, intended to help us link up with the others of our species. However, there are no fully accepted theories for the phenomenon. ·      Did you know that new species of ancient humans are still being discovered? As of right now, there are 21 known species of human, and the Homo longi was uncovered as recently as 2018. Scientists have also discovered hybrids of some human species, such as a girl with a Neanderthal mother and Denisovan father known as Denny. In case it’s not clear what species your screaming toddler is, they’re a Homo sapien - allegedly. ·      Do you know how many atoms make up the human body? We didn’t think so. According to what we can tell, an adult is made up of around 7,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (7 octillion) atoms. Why the body has hand dominance is a mystery: Apart from a few select individuals, almost everyone demonstrates hand dominance to some degree. Exactly why this happens has never been fully understood. Possible explanations have to account for the fact that around 10% of people are left-handed, something that evolution should have weeded out a long time ago. Unlike past theories which simply stated that learning to favor one had an environmental cause, the leading thought today is that hand dominance is determined genetically, through complex genetic networks and brain asymmetries. But, as far as a single best reason for why humans manifest hand dominance, researchers still don't have a precise explanation. ·      Did you know that the entire surface of our skin is replaced every month? Which, put another way, means we have about 1,000 different skins in our life! It also means that we shed over 30,000 dead skin cells every minute which means that most of the dust in your house actually consists of you. ·      Did you know that your heart can sync to the rhythm when you listen to music? Well, apparently it can. Nobody knows what consciousness even is: Here's an unsettling mystery of the human self - no one has ever been able to definitely, decidedly explain what human consciousness is or where it comes from. Philosophers, neuroscientists, and psychologists can agree on the fact that it's something intangible that hovers above our conscious decisions and experiences, but what it's "made of" remains elusive. And one of the biggest issues in trying to decipher consciousness is that our brains might actually be too "puny" to reach over and beyond themselves in order to understand how they work. (now, we know we’ve shown this clip before – but it’s appropriate on so many levels. Plus, we love the movie!!) The crazy thing is, many in the know reason we might never have an answer to the mystery of consciousness. ·      Did you know that the fastest-growing fingernail is on your middle finger? ·      Did you know that, spread across a lifetime, most people spend an average of one whole year sitting on the toilet? And on that note, we thought it was time to wrap up today’s curious dive into the bizarre mysteries of the human body. It's clear that our biology is a labyrinth of questions waiting to be answered. From the inexplicable growl of an empty stomach to the contagious yawn that traverse’s minds, these peculiar phenomena are threads that weave together the fabric of our shared humanity. Each strange fact invites us to embrace our inherent weirdness and marvel at the biological wonders we embody. Celebrating the quirks of our bodies isn't just about reveling in the oddities but also about recognizing the profound mysteries that science has yet to unravel. Whether it's the evolutionary conundrum of laughter, the enigmatic placebo effect, or the purpose behind our hand dominance, these mysteries remind us that despite our advances, there’s still so much we don’t understand. This journey through the unknown serves as a testament to the complexity and wonder of being human, urging us to keep exploring and questioning. So, as we navigate the labyrinth of our own existence, let’s embrace the weirdness that defines us. Let’s dive into it with curiosity and wonder, knowing that every odd fact and unexplained phenomenon is a celebration of the human adventure. Cause remember, in the grand scheme of things, we’re all pretty much the same - and we're all pretty weird. After all, isn’t that what makes our journey through life so endlessly fascinating? #health #humans #ears #laughter #sex #earth #science #brain #hair #feet #bones #kiss #sperm #animals #women #men #sleep #twins #dna #atoms #genetics #consciousness #seinfeld #anyhigh

In a world overflowing with culinary marvels, there exists a pantheon of condiments revered by food enthusiasts and casual snackers alike. From the humble ketchup to the tangy embrace of mustard, each saucy contender vies for a spot in the hearts (and stomachs) of the masses. But amidst this flavorful fray, there lurks a silent champion, patiently awaiting its moment in the sun - or rather, in the refrigerator aisle. But let’s not rush headlong into the realm of condiments just yet. First, let us pause to appreciate the art of sandwich-making - a delicate dance of flavors and textures that has captivated taste buds for generations. Picture the perfect symphony of ingredients: bread of your choice, crispy lettuce, succulent tomatoes, a portion of savory deli meat, perhaps a slice of cheese. And yet, something’s missing from this culinary masterpiece. Yes - the crowning glory, the piece de resistance that elevates a mere sandwich to a sublime feast fit for the gods. Some aficionados refer to that certain something as “a symphony in white”. We just call it “mayonnaise”. Yes, mayonnaise - the unsung hero of the sandwich world, the creamy enigma that defies expectations and tantalizes taste buds with its velvety embrace. Born from the humblest of ingredients - eggs, oil, vinegar - mayonnaise is a testament to the power of simplicity. But make no mistake, for behind that unassuming jar lies a world of culinary possibility, a universe of flavor waiting to be explored. Whether slathered on a BLT, mixed into a potato salad, or used as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, mayonnaise knows no bounds. It is the secret ingredient that transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, the ordinary into the sublime. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their mayonnaise-laden dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt That’s right. In the past couple of weeks we’ve talked about global warming, preserving our planet, and even delved into the meaning of life. We thought that, after all that levity, it was time to take on a far more serious topic. Which is why, today, we’re going to explore all things mayonnaise. Now we do understand this topic may raise to your lips the question – “why”? Because, in the grand pantheon of condiments, there exists a deity revered for its creamy, tangy goodness - the illustrious mayonnaise. "Mayonnaise is not just for sandwiches, it's for life." - Mahatma Gandhi Its origins, like the best stories, are shrouded in mystery, scandal, and, very likely, a dollop of absurdity. As unscrew the lid on our journey through the mayonnaise chronicles, we’ll uncover some of the saucy secrets and quirky anecdotes of this beloved spread. And, along the way, as you’ve already seen, we’ll be sharing some little-known quotes that famous people through the ages have said about mayonnaise. Quotes that you may or may not be familiar with. "Give me mayonnaise or give me death!" - Patrick Henry The Genesis of Glop: We all are familiar with that age old question - which came first, the mayo or the egg? Most assuredly it was the egg, since mayonnaise as we know it today did not appear until the 1800’s. Historians trace the earliest footprints of mayonnaise to Egyptians and Romans, who used a combination of olive oil and egg as a dietary supplement. "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing... except how to make a killer mayo-based salad dressing." - Socrates However, French chefs are credited for the current-day mayonnaise, which is a thick condiment made from a combination of fat, eggs, vinegar, and seasonings. According to culinary historians, mayonnaise was first prepared by a French chef in 1756 as a part of a victory feast for capturing the Port of Mahon located on the island of Menorca, Spain. In those days, sauces were prepared by combining cream and eggs. The French chef needed cream to prepare a sauce, but the cream was nowhere to be found. Therefore, he substituted it with olive oil. This impromptu addition resulted in production of the first batch, which was well received by all the guests. A creamy concoction fit for kings and commoners alike. While this remains the most popular theory for the origin of current-day mayonnaise, Spanish historians also claim credit for its invention. An alternate version of history tells us that a French chef learned the recipe from the locals of Menorca, Spain. Marie-Antonie Careme, the great French chef, is credited for improving the original recipe. He introduced the concept of lightening the mayonnaise by blending vegetable oil and egg yolks into an emulsion. His recipe and technique of preparing mayonnaise became popular worldwide. "I think, therefore I am... hungry for a sandwich - with extra mayo." - René Descartes Now, one might ask, why the name "mayonnaise"? Some say it derives from the French word "moyeu," meaning egg yolk, while others insist the condiment was named “mahonnaise” in honor of its birthplace, a tribute to the Spanish city of Mahon. Perhaps it was simply a stroke of linguistic whimsy by a bored chef tired of naming dishes after himself. Sadly, we may never know the truth. But oh, what a delicious mystery it remains. Mayo Mania: As mayonnaise spread its creamy tendrils across Europe, it encountered both adoration and scorn. In the courts of Versailles, it was hailed as the king of condiments, adorning everything from roast beef to petit fours. Meanwhile, in England, it was met with suspicion and disdain, deemed too foreign and decadent for the stoic British palate. A bit ironic, we think, that a nation that gave us fish and chips was turning up its nose at a bit of egg and oil! "To mayo or not to mayo, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of blandness, or to take up jars of mayo against a sea of flavor, and by opposing, eat them." - William Shakespeare But it was in the New World where mayonnaise truly found its stride. Mayonnaise made its intercontinental journey to America in the 19th century. Initially, mayonnaise was considered a luxury food item and was only served at fancy restaurants such as New York’s Delmonico. Richard Hellman, the founder of Hellman’s brand, can be credited for making mayonnaise a common kitchen item and making it accessible and affordable for the masses. "Mayonnaise is the caviar of the proletariat.” - Karl Marx As the story goes, in 1912, he opened a deli in New York City. Richard and his wife prepared mayonnaise at home and used it as binding material for mixing different salads. These salads were served at their deli. Soon, the mayonnaise overshadowed the salads. In a short time, customers started asking Richard about the mayonnaise and whether it was sold separately. Upon realizing the immense popularity and demand for the condiment, the Hellman’s started manufacturing mayonnaise in bulk and selling it off. Their trademark mayonnaise was made with vinegar, sugar, salt, and “other spices”. Initially, the Hellman’s packed the mayonnaise in small wooden vessels. However, in no time, they switched to glass jars. As demand grew, they established their first mayonnaise manufacturing factory in Astoria, Oregon. In 1932, Best Foods Inc acquired Hellman’s brand. "Four score and seven jars of mayo ago, our forefathers brought forth on this continent, a new condiment, conceived in flavor, and dedicated to the proposition that all sandwiches are created equal." - Abraham Lincoln Americans embraced it with open arms and hungry stomachs. By the 20th century, it had become a staple of picnic tables, sandwich shops, and suburban potlucks. Its versatility knew no bounds—slathered on sandwiches, mixed into salads, and even used as a secret ingredient in grandma's famous deviled eggs. Truly, the American Dream in condiment form. "I have a dream that one day, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood, mayonnaise slathered sandwiches in hand." - Martin Luther King Jr. Yet, while mayonnaise is the #1 condiment in the U.S. (1.9 kg per person in 2013), well ahead of ketchup, the U.S. isn’t even a global contender as far as per capita mayo consumption. The top spot is held by Russia (5.1 kg per person in 2013), where mayonnaise goes with pretty much everything. Vodka & mayo anyone?? The rest of the Top 10, according to Euromonitor, is heavy on Eastern European countries. But mayonnaise is also big in Japan, in Chile, and in lots of other countries around the globe. Learn how to say it in 20 different languages: Much More Than Just a Condiment: Did you know that in Japan, they have vending machines that dispense individual servings of mayonnaise? Yes, you read that correctly. Forget soda or snacks - imagine strolling down a Tokyo street and casually picking up a pouch of mayo for your midday snack. "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they'll never forget how much mayonnaise you put on their sandwich." - Maya Angelou Japan is also the only place in the world where you can find restaurants specializing in dishes that contain or are based on mayo. Even including a mayonnaise soup. Happy homemakers everywhere always make sure they have a jar of mayo on hand. It helps remove sticky residue. The next time you find yourself struggling to remove a stubborn sticker residue, reach for the mayonnaise. Applying a small amount and letting it sit for a few minutes can help loosen the adhesive. Simply wipe (or lick) it away, and you’re left with a clean surface. It removes water rings on furniture. If you accidentally leave a water ring on wooden furniture, mayonnaise can come to the rescue. Applying a small amount to the affected area and letting it sit for a few hours can help restore the wood’s natural finish. Just remember to wipe (or lick) it clean and polish the surface afterwards. "The only thing we have to fear, is running out of mayonnaise." - Franklin D. Roosevelt It’s also good for you inside or out. Believe it or not, mayonnaise can do wonders for your hair. Its moisturizing properties make it an effective hair mask, leaving your locks soft and shiny. Applying mayonnaise to your hair nourishes and hydrates it, providing your hair with as much TLC as it does to your taste buds. "Mayonnaise is not the destination, but the journey." - Ralph Waldo Emerson So, as we begin to put the cap back on the jar from this journey into the saucy depths of mayonnaise, let’s raise our sandwiches to the unsung hero of the condiment world. A creamy rebellion against the mundane, a tangy testament to the human spirit. Because, as we’ve seen, mayonnaise is not just a condiment - it's a multi-cultural phenomenon. There’s even been talk that a broken jar of mayonnaise was the real inspiration for The Beatles’ “The White Album”. While we haven’t been able to confirm that, we can only imagine what might have been had that happy accident happened years earlier – “Mayo Music”? Maybe. From its humble beginnings in the kitchens of France to its global domination in the aisles of supermarkets, mayonnaise has transcended mere foodstuff status to become a symbol of unity, diversity, and the eternal quest for culinary perfection. It may be just a humble blend of oil, eggs, and vinegar, but oh, what a truly magical elixir it is. So, the next time you dip your fries or slather your sandwich, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and the quirky charm of (nearly) everyone's favorite condiment. And remember, in a world full of ketchup and mustard, dare to be a little bit mayo. Spread it thick and savor the revolution, one sandwich at a time. "Life is like a jar of mayo. You never know how much you'll need until you're halfway through making a sandwich." - Forrest Gump What’s your favorite mayonnaise enhanced dish? Tell us about it in the comments below. And we’d love to see the recipes too!!  We’ll sign off with those famous words of the 35th President of the United States that inspired so many to accept responsibility for their sandwiches and beyond… "Ask not what your mayo can do for you—ask what you can do for your mayo." - John F. Kennedy #mayonnaise #mayo #condiments #sandwich #food #socrates #roosevelt #mahatmagandhi #ralphwaldoemerson #johnkennedy #forrestgump #mayaangelou #patrickhenry #renedescartes #abrahamlincoln #karlmarx #williamshakespeare #fdr #mlk #franklinroosevelt #martinlutherkingjr #eleanorroosevelt #lunch #japan #france #spain #russia #america #bestfoods #anyhigh

We just lived through the hottest year since recordkeeping began more than a century ago, but it’s unlikely that 2023 will stand out as the pinnacle of extreme heat for the foreseeable future.  Our climate is changing, and our weather is changing with it. It's very possible this year may turn out to be hotter still. In March, scientists from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service said February 2024 was the hottest February according to records that stretch back to 1940. The news came on the heels of their report in early January that, as expected, 2023 was the hottest year on record. Temperatures closed in on the critical 1.5-degree Celsius rise above preindustrial levels, after which we will see irreversible damage to the planet. These aren't freak outliers: The extreme heat we're experiencing is something we'll need to be prepared to deal with on a much more regular basis, along with storms, floods, and drought. It's still spring but hundreds of millions of people across South and Southeast Asia have already faced scorching hot temperatures. The summer heat has arrived early, setting records and it's expected to get much worse through May and June as summer actually begins. Several parts of India recorded maximum temperatures over 110F (43) last month. On April 21, people in the eastern city of Bhagdora sweltered as the mercury touched 114.8 degrees. Authorities in neighboring Bangladesh were forced to close all schools twice over the last two weeks amid the heat wave, and temperatures soared to nearly 110F (43).  Several areas in Myanmar have recorded record high temperatures around 115F (46C), with a much higher heat index. The heat Index is a measure of what the temperature actually feels like, taking into account humidity, wind speed, and other factors. The heat wave conditions have been brutal in Southeast Asia, too. In the Philippines, authorities closed thousands of schools as vast areas of the country experienced drought and temperatures up to 111F (44C) - unprecedented for the region in early April. In Thailand, authorities have urged people to remain indoors when possible, with 30 deaths already blamed on heat stroke this year. In the capital Bangkok, authorities said the heat index Thursday was an "extremely dangerous" 125.6F (52C).  In Vietnam, where temperatures passed the 111F (44C) mark, the national weather agency warned of the risk of forest fires, dehydration, and heat stroke. "Thousands of records are being brutalized all over Asia, which is by far the most extreme event in world climatic history," weather historian Maximiliano Herrera said in a social media post last week. In the USA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its seasonal temperature outlook with predictions for June, July and August. That outlook shows the majority of the U.S. likely seeing above-normal temperatures this summer. At least 20 states, including Washington, Texas, Colorado and almost the entire Northeast, are most likely to experience the out-of-normal heat. Only one small section of one state, southwest Alaska, is expected to have below-normal temperatures. The NOAA says temperatures are expected to be hotter than average “across almost all of the contiguous United States,” with some areas, including the Great Plains, the Midwest, southeastern New Mexico, and western Texas likely experiencing the worst. If the trend of record-breaking heat continues, this summer could not only be extremely hot – but extremely dangerous. Well, that’s all certainly heart “warming” news indeed. Taking all that into consideration, the burning question that comes to mind is, when it’s so hot out there, where to go on a holiday? (This week’s blog post is about travel after all). We thought that, with chasing the scorching sun on the backburner, instead of focusing on just one destination we’d give you a selection to choose from. So here are a listing of some cool (and we mean that in both the literal and figurative senses) European places to choose from that will, hopefully, bring a cool breath of fresh air to your summer holidays. Oslo, Norway: Avg high June - Sept: 17C (64F) / Avg low June - Sept: 13C (54F) The Norwegian capital sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum, Munch Museuam, and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. The Holmenkollbakken is a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord along with a ski museum.  Oslo is a tangle of hip districts – specifically buzzy Grunerlokka - boutique stores and al fresco dining spots fringed by the thick Marka forest (where you can go for active pursuits, including zip lining and mountain biking). Taking a dip in seawater pools and drying off in Nordic saunas nails the R&R element of a standard summer holiday. And be sure to have some smalahove while you’re there! Just remember that the dish – made from sheep’s head – must be ordered with a couple of days notice. Ostend, Belgium: Avg high June - Sept: 17C (64F) / Avg low June - Sept: 14C (56F) Though best known for its chocolate, beer and the hub of EU democracy that is Brussels, it would be foolish to give the cold shoulder to Belgium’s beach resorts. Let Flanders’s largest, Ostend, sweep you away to its golden sands this summer for mornings spent kitesurfing and afternoons filled with fresh oysters on the Albert I Promenade – all without the need to retreat from the heat. Ostend is known for its long beach and promenade. Docked in the marina, the Mercator is a 3-masted 1930s ship that now acts as a floating museum. The neo-Gothic–style Church of St. Peter and St. Paul has soaring spires and distinctive stained-glass windows. Near the harbor, Fort Napoleon is a 5-sided fortification built in 1811. And, from late June to September you can experience the Zandsculpturenfestival! 40 artists from 12 different nations contribute sand sculptures to an extraordinary outdoor gallery on the beach. Tartu, Estonia: Avg high June - Sept: 17C (64F) / Avg low June - Sept: 13C (54F) Inevitably laden with sweaty vista climbs, winding refreshment queues and daily step tallies in the thousands, comfort is key on a city break, and the 2024 Capital of Culture, Tartu has just the climate for exploring eastern Estonia. Awarded the accolade of European Capital of Culture for 2024, Tartu is known for the prestigious, 17th-century University of Tartu. The old town centers on the university’s neoclassical main building, and the cafe-filled Town Hall Square, home to the Kissing Students fountain. Sometime this summer Tartu will be hosting a mass kissing event in the square. The date of the event has not yet been announced, but will see “unprecedented simultaneous kissing action” to the soundtrack of Eurovision songs as a celebration of “openness, humanity and respect,” according to organizers. We’re giving this one two-thumbs-up!! Sopot, Poland: Avg high June - Sept: 18C (65F) / Avg low June - Sept: 14C (56F) Sopot is a town on the Baltic Sea in northern Poland. Along with neighboring cities Gdynia and Gdańsk, it forms the so-called Tri-City metropolitan area. Sopot, located in the “Baltic Riviera” is an affordable alternative to the big names further south and at its warmest come August. Known for its health spas, 4km of sandy beaches, and Europe’s longest wooden pier that extends into the Bay of Gdańsk. The Crooked House is a surreal building modeled on fairy-tale illustrations. It's on Sopot’s pedestrian-only main street, Monciak, also called Monte Cassino. Locals rave about Sopot for its beachfront nightlife scene and, of course, decadent waffles. Lake Bled, Slovenia: Avg high June - Sept: 25C (77F) / Avg low June - Sept: 14C (56F) Slovenia’s most famous attraction sparkles under the summer sun and Lake Bled’s inviting turquoise glacial waters will help you keep your cool on climbs up to the medieval Bled Castle and romantic rows around the fantasy island. While the legendary lakes of Garda and Como sweat with crowds in Italy, Bled’s slice of the Julian Alps, though inevitably busy, offers forest trails suited for secluded alpine hikes. And you won’t want to miss the Museum of Apiculture, which houses the country’s largest collection of painted beehive panels. Sylt, Germany: Avg high June - Sept: 25C (77F) / Avg low June - Sept: 14C (56F) A magnet for the German elite, the North Frisian Islands’ mild microclimate, pinstriped strandkorbs (hooded wicker seats wide enough for two), and pristine pale sands understandably attract travelers to Sylt’s west coast. Known as the Martha’s Vineyard of Germany, Sylt is famous for its long beaches, resorts, thatched roof houses, and the Wadden Sea mudflat. With a Michelin-rosette gastronomy scene, Germany’s northernmost vineyard, and lighthouse-scattered peninsulas makes this balmy under-the-radar beach break one to add to your list. Machico, Madeira: Avg high June - Sept: 21C (69F) / Avg low June - Sept: 18C (65F) Leave the scorching Algarve for a more temperate Atlantic alternative on Portugal’s Madeira archipelago. Sandwiched between mountains, far east Machico – Madeira’s second-largest city – is a coastal beach resort nestled within lush mountains and natural wonders. It’s home to one of the very few golden sand beaches in the country (with golden grains imported from Africa), well-groomed gardens, and a vision of terracotta roofs dotting its landscape. Pori, Finland: Avg high June - Sept: 16C (61F) / Avg low June - Sept: 13C (55F) On Finland’s west coast, the city of Pori is a center for jazz music (the Pori Jazz Festival has been an annual event since 1966), Finnish street eats (including porilainen, an elevated sausage sandwich), and, the star of Scandinavia, Yyteri Beach: 6km of white sand geared for windsurfing, bird watching, beach volleyball, and barbecues. With the Kokemäenjoki River and Bothnian Sea National Park, this diverse destination has mastered sub-30C summer culture. Haarlem, Netherlands: Avg high June - Sept: 19C (66F) / Avg low June - Sept: 15C (59F) Head to Haarlem for tulips, beers, hidden hofie’s (almshouses built around leafy courtyards), and a fair share of canals. Located in the northwest Netherlands, Haarlem was once a major North Sea trading port. Surrounded by a defensive wall, it retains its medieval character of cobblestone streets and gabled houses. Amsterdam’s less-crowded neighbor serves a slice of Dutch cool without the sweaty shoulder brushes with strangers. It has a popular shopping scene as well as a brewing culture dating back to the 14th century. It's the center of a major flower-bulb-growing district and is famous for its outlying tulip fields and art museums. La Gomera, Canary Islands: Avg high June - Sept: 28C (82) / Avg low June - Sept: 21C (70F) While mainland Spain sizzles, an Atlantic onshore breeze blows through the Canary Islands, making balmy year-round La Gomera an inviting destination for holidaymakers to indulge in hiking, black-sand bathing, and foodie feasts of melon lobster and marmalade rabbit. La Gomera, the second smallest of the main islands in Spain’s Canary Island chain, is marked by craggy volcanic mountains crisscrossed with hiking trails. In higher altitudes, dense forests of ferns and moss-covered trees grow in the mists of Garajonay National Park. Toward the coast, the Valle Gran Rey canyon leads past the whitewashed cliffside village of La Calera and ends at black-sand Atlantic beaches. The bearable heat doesn’t sacrifice sunshine, with around nine hours of vitamin D on offer in August. As we stare down the barrel of what could very well be another scorching summer, it's hard to ignore the glaring truth of our changing climate. With temperatures on a relentless upward trajectory, the heatwaves gripping regions from South Asia to the United States are not merely aberrations but harbingers of a new normal. The consequences of this warming are stark: from closed schools to deadly heat strokes, the toll is palpable. The urgency to confront these realities couldn't be clearer. Yet, amidst the sweltering heat, there's a glimmer of hope — a chance to pause, recalibrate, and perhaps even find solace where the air is still crisp and the breeze whispers of respite. Enter our roster of European escapes, where there is still a chance to flee the inferno and seek solace in the cool tranquility of distant shores. From the rugged beauty of Norway's Oslo to the tranquil shores of Slovenia's Lake Bled, each destination offers a sanctuary from the oppressive heatwaves. But this isn't just about escaping the heat; it's about embracing a different narrative, one that speaks to the urgency of climate action. As we sip chilled drinks on the beaches of Ostend or wander the cobblestone streets of Haarlem, let's not forget the stark reality awaiting us beyond these idyllic landscapes. In the face of unprecedented heat, our choices matter more than ever. So, as we plan our summer getaways, let's not lose sight of the bigger picture. Let's choose destinations that not only offer a good break but also inspire us to confront the climate crisis head-on. Because in the end, it's not just about finding cool places to travel to - it's about forging a path towards a future where our planet may yet find salvation. We leave you with this song by one of the coolest singers of all time singing about cooler times. #climate #heat #holiday #travel #asia #southeastasia #thailand #bangladesh #india #phillippines #myanmar #vietnam #usa #oslo #norway #belgium #estonia #poland #slovenia #germany #portugal #madeira #finland #netherlands #spain #canaryislands #anyhigh #charliebrown #snoopy #deanmartin