Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
It’s a fascinating world we live in; and the deeper into its secrets we delve, the more there is to discover. That’s probably the reason all sorts of informative platforms online—whether they’re focused on videos, podcasts, or other formats—seem to be blooming nowadays.
One of such rabbit holes of information about anything and everything in life is the ‘fasc1nate’ account on X (Twitter). The posts, enthralling you to scroll for hours, cover information about science, gadgets, history, art, and much more, providing a little something for everyone to enjoy. We have gathered some of the most captivating examples shared by the account on this list for you today, so wait no longer and scroll through to learn something new.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
In 1913, 10-year-old Sarah Rector received a land allotment of 160 acres in Oklahoma. The best farming land was reserved for whites, giving her a barren plot. Oil was discovered there, and she became one of the country's first black millionaires
Malfar 2 years ago
She was also proclaimed "legally white" in order for the big restaurants to be able to let her in. I remember that from the last time she was mentioned in a post on BP.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
That's almost, but not quite, amusing.
Load More Replies...
two-sided llama 2 years ago
Oklahoma was so embarrassed that they tried to legally declare her white.
Allen Lavine 2 years ago
They did that so she could control her own money
Load More Replies...
RELATED:
#2
The crew of Return of the Jedi mocked Admiral Ackbar's ugly character design. Director Richard Marquand refused to alter it, saying, "I think it's good to tell kids that good people aren't necessarily good-looking people & that bad people aren't necessarily ugly people."
Andy Cran 2 years ago
don't judge a book by it's cover ....the prettiest things in nature tend to be the most dangerous,it's a warning sign
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
AWWW isn't that little hummingbird cute? - That Mfer is a fighting wizard - the dang things "beep" and buzz me when I am near their porch... LOL
Load More Replies... 
Ian Reynolds 2 years ago
I hate how they killed off his character in The Last Jedi, without acknowledging him. Such as great character and one of my favourites. RIP Admiral Ackbar!!
Michael Largey 2 years ago
As a bad ugly person, I thank Marquand for providing the misdirection.
#3
From 1940 to 1944, Corrie ten Boom and her family used their home in the Netherlands as a hiding place for Jews fleeing the Nazis.
They had built a safe room in their home above the family shop on Barteljorisstraat in the Dutch city of Haarlem.
There, Corrie ten Boom, her sister, and their father would save the lives of some 800 Jews fleeing the Nazis.
The ten Boom family joined the Dutch resistance after Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940.
Guided by their religious beliefs, they quietly funneled desperate Jewish refugees to safety. But in 1944, an informer sent the Nazis straight to their door.
Corrie ten Boom survived her time in concentration camps — barely — but her father and sister did not.
Once the war ended, she set up a rehabilitation clinic for Holocaust survivors, preached the power of forgiveness, and wrote books about her experience.
Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 2 years ago
And if holocaust deniers had their way, they would enable existing hate groups to flourish and work towards such atrocities again.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
"It never happened, but we totally want it to".
Load More Replies...
Snorky The Pig 2 years ago
I seriously love how she set up a rehabilitation clinic for the victims. Not much was known about PTSD back then. She must have been way ahead of her time in helping people recover from trauma. A truly amazing woman.
Mabelbabel 2 years ago
The Windermere Children were refugee Czechoslovakian Jewish children who placed in a camp in the Lake District, prior to being fostered by British families. It was set up by a psychologist and his plan was to get the children, 300 of them, integrated again and back to a normal life. The children got a lot of psychological support to help them process the trauma of what they had lived through. They were encouraged to do art therapy, counseling, sports and exercise etc. I don't know if they called it PTSD back then, but the camp was set up to help them recover from it.
Load More Replies...
Jeremy James 2 years ago
I was just reading about Irena Sendler, who helped to rescue thousands of Jewish children from Poland. She kept records, hoping to reunite the families after the war, and refused to give them up even under torture.
Shelby Moonheart 2 years ago
I heard her speak once when I was in high school. Her story of faith in God is amazing.
#4
Born into slavery, Bass Reeves eventually won his freedom and became the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River, becoming one of the most legendary lawmen of the Old West.
Reeves excelled at capturing outlaws, using disguises and cunning tactics. He was responsible for arresting thousands of criminals over his remarkable career.
Despite rampant racism, he upheld his duty with unwavering principles
Tobias Reaper 2 years ago
now this would make a great movie only one person for this role Denzel
Cooter McCoughlin 2 years ago
I think they already gave the part to Cleavon Little and cast Gene Wilder as his sidekick
Load More Replies...
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
What an amazing man! His life story would make for a fascinating movie.
Patricia Smith 2 years ago
I read recently that 1 in 4 cowboys was African American. I was so ignorant, I just didn't know!
Bettye McKee 2 years ago
He arrested his own son when he murdered his wife. This man is a worthy hero.
KrazyChiMama 2 years ago
Taylor Sherridan (writer of SOA/Mayans/Special OP: Lioness) wrote a series that will be out this fall in Paramount+ about him is called Lawman Bass Reeves...previews look really good too!
Brian Droste 2 years ago
Why haven't we heard more about him. Their has been a few famous and infamous people that we heard about in the old west. Bad and good. But not Bass Reeves
Amelia Honeychurch 2 years ago
Why is there not at least a documentary about this amazing man?
John Dilligaf 2 years ago
"he upheld his duty with unwavering principles" and a truly awesome mustache
#5
The small French village of Chambon-sur-Lignon received a surprise $2.4 million gift in the will of a 90-year-old Austrian man named Eric Schwam.
Shocked officials soon learned that Schwam was paying the town back for saving him and his family from the Nazis 80 years earlier.
He asked that the town use the money to fund education initiatives and scholarships for the local children
François Carré 2 years ago
This peculiar gift maybe came as a surprise but le Chambon sur Lignon is quite famous in France for its inhabitants' many successful attempts to hide and save Jewish people during the war. The memory of what happened there is well preserved and valued, there's no reason to make it sound like it was some big cash randomly falling into the hands of greedy rednecks. It is very likely that the use of that money was carefully monitored and properly directed according to the donor's will.
Load More Replies...
Brian Droste 2 years ago
If any one wondering how Eric Schwam made his money, he did it through pharmaceutical field. Did not say how much he total made though. I googled him.
gerard julien 2 years ago
"The citizens of the village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon risked their lives to rescue and hide Jews in private homes, on farms in the area, as well as in public institutions. Whenever the Nazi patrols came searching, the Jews were hidden in the mountainous countryside. It was estimated that the people of the area of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon saved between 3,000 and 5,000 Jews from certain death. In 1990 the town was one of two collectively honoured as the Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in Israel for saving Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe. The ethos and practice of sheltering refugees continues, with migrants coming from many war zones, including Congo, Libya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Kosovo and Chechnya."
Array Index Out of Bounds 2 years ago
Why is the picture covering the text? I can't read the entire post. C'mon BP!
#6
In 1999, Mustafa Xaja, a Kosovo-Albanian, shared heart-wrenching photographs of his children, whom he believed to have tragically perished during the war in Kosovo.
Recently released from captivity by the Serbs, he was compelled to flee across the border, seeking refuge in Albania. Only after the conflict had ended did he learn the joyous news that his family had survived unharmed
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
There is so much pain, grief, and hurt etched on that poor man’s face. I’m so truly happy that he was reunited with his family. War is so outrageously cruel and destroys so many lives.
DadManBlues 2 years ago
Everyone who starts a war (I look at you, Putin) should burn in hell. Alive.
Pride Bean️ 2 years ago
This is so beautiful. Love works in mysterious ways. Why aren't more purple upvoting this masterpiece.
#7
In the 1880s, the Harvard Observatory director was frustrated with his staff, and would say "My Scottish maid could do better!" So, he hired his Scottish maid. Williamina Fleming, who discovered tens of thousands of stars and more
sturmwesen 2 years ago
he told his wife his maid did her job better?*snort*
Load More Replies...
Elle Roque 2 years ago
She discovered the Horsehead Nebula and cataloged more than ten thousand stars.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Is it too much to hope that she was appropriately compensated for her work?
DadManBlues 2 years ago
She was the first who described the magnitude, the apparent brightness of stars. It's still in use.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Mmm..if you always surprise, is it still a surprise?
Load More Replies... Amelia Honeychurch 2 years ago
THIS is a fantastic story. Hope he gave her credit for what she discovered.
#8
Kim Ung-Yong started speaking at the age of 6 months. He could fluently speak four languages (Korean, Japanese, German, English) at the age of two.
At three, he understood and could solve Algebra.
At age eight, he was invited to America by NASA as a researcher, where he got his MSc at fifteen
Binky Melnik 2 years ago
In the US, it’s backwards: too many people have a hard time learning their native tongue and never end up being good at it; they laugh at education, reading, and those they deem “smart” but they’re experts at which jails and prisons are the “best.” These dopes believe their opinions on things are valid, and they’re a drain on society. We seem to be cranking out more of ‘em and faster, too.
Load More Replies...
𝖊𝖜𝖔𝛋 2 years ago (edited)
This is just greedy, he should share some of his brain cells with the rest of us! /s
Mike Fitzpatrick 2 years ago
Ya know! He got part of my brain, I can barely tie a shoe.
Load More Replies...
Montanavanna 2 years ago
Very recently reincarnated scientist who was absolutely not done with their work when they choked on a bagel in the lab.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
A gift like that is as much a curse as a blessing.
No Clue 2 years ago
https://www.historydefined.net/kim-ung-yong/#:~:text=Life%20as%20a%20%E2%80%9CFailed%20Genius,the%20incredible%20intellect%20he%20possessed.
Load More Replies...
#9
Four seasons in the same place taken by Jozef Morgos in Žabokreky, Slovakia
Michele Garrard 2 years ago
Great visual for the James Taylor song; You've Got a Friend not exactly in the right order though
#10
Two little girls save their Teddy bear during the May blitz, Liverpool, 1941
Nancy Marine 2 years ago
This one hits hard. They were just bombed but are so happy to have their teddy bear.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
Yet, they still had the innocence to save the teddy.
Load More Replies... 
#11
Nellie Bly was an American journalist, who undertook a journey around the world in 1889.
Inspired by Jules Verne's famous novel, "Around the World in Eighty Days," Bly aimed to complete her journey in less time. With only two days' notice, she packed a small bag and left New York on a steamer heading east.
Bly reported her experiences and observations through telegrams to her newspaper, the New York World. She arrived back in New York just 72 days after her departure, setting a new world record, and even had enough time to interview Jules Verne during her travels
AnnaB 2 years ago
She also feigned insanity and had herself admitted to The Women's Lunatic Asylum in New York in order to write an expose on the horrible conditions and treatment of the patients. She did this with the knowledge of her editor, who managed to get her released after ten days. The uproar from the public after her story was published, caused many changes and reforms in mental hospitals.
Almost sunny 2 years ago
I actually watched this today, it was the midday movie on channel 7. Good movie.
Load More Replies...
Mental Liberals 2 years ago
We used to go to the Nellie Bly park in Brooklyn, NY all the time!! :)
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
Elizabeth Blackwell - Roosevelt Island in New York used to be named for her.
Little king trash mouth 2 years ago
There was a small amusement park in NY named for her too, but I'm not sure it still exists.
Load More Replies...
Robert Veitch 2 years ago
I wonder how she became the "other woman" in the song Frankie and Johnie?
#12
MIT will award you a Certificate in Piracy if you take archery, pistols, sailing, and fencing as your physical education classes
LadyDelynn 2 years ago
It's both silly and pretty damn cool! I might have a bit of a problem with the sailing as I've been landlocked my whole life.
Parmeisan 2 years ago
Think bigger! My province is as landlocked as you can get, but my country has shorelines. If your country is landlocked, just think about your continent instead!
Load More Replies...
Zakaar Bovus 2 years ago
I've never been disappointed about not having the means to go to MIT..... until now
Debby Keir 2 years ago
You used to be able to take various levels of exams all about Terry Pratchett novels - the highest being a Doctorate. The official title is 'doctorus adamus cum flabello dulci' - Doctor of sweet F***y Adams.
Debby Keir 2 years ago
ERRRGH - don't BP know that F***y is actually a woman's name?
Load More Replies...
Scott Rackley 2 years ago
From their website, a useful disclaimer "The MIT Pirate Certificate is for entertainment purposes only and does not give the recipient license to engage in piracy or any pirate activities."
Michael Largey 2 years ago
I'd think a Certificate in Piracy would be more appropriate if you got an MBA.
KombatBunni 2 years ago
I know someone who’s in a sailing club.. but I’d need to get to MIT first! I can do archery and a bit of fencing..I’m almost a pirate!
Bon Jour 2 years ago
Somehow all schools should have something like that. It doesn't have to be piracy but something that forces you out of your comfort zone and learn something cool and unique. That would truly help create more well rounded individuals. It would seem that those obscure skills would translate well to future success in their true choosen field.
#13
Julia Butterfly Hill is an environmental activist who lived on a 1500-year-old California redwood tree she named Luna for 738 days between 1997 and 1999 to prevent it from being chopped down by a logging company. Her actions saved the tree from being chopped down.
In this photo by Yann Gamblin, you can see Julia in her treetop home
ƒιѕн 2 years ago
That same tree was also vandalized in 2000 with a chainsaw leaving a 3 ft cut. It was bolted back together so it could heal. tree-64f19...5b2b4d.jpg 
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
That so incredibly sad. People who vandalize nature are truly vile.
Load More Replies...
Andy Cran 2 years ago
yep a group of us done similar in Derbyshire UK....and the whole park was saved from being chopped down,come to think of it around the circa (Bass Recreation ground incase you're curious)
MichelleDonut 2 years ago
She gets credit for staying in the tree thru all sorts of hardships. But what are the names of the 8 people on her support crew who brought her food and other supplies? And did they have to empty her toilet bucket?
Richienotsorich 6 months ago
Did he just happen to be there or did she meet a man who would later become her husband?
Load More Replies...
#14
Sleeping Squirrels in their nest on a window ledge. Photo by Ludwig C. Timm
Michele Garrard 2 years ago
Just wait till they gnaw their way into your attic and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage (not covered by insurance)
Load More Replies...
Snorky The Pig 2 years ago (edited)
🥰🐿 proof that animals really are not so different from us
Load More Replies...
#15
Statue of King Arthur by Rubin Eynon, Tintagel Castle, England
Andy Cran 2 years ago
below the outcrop is also "Merlin's cave" of course it's all folk tales and fictionally based, similar to robin hood and Sherlock Holmes...there always some truth to myths and legends but not in the literal ways we perceive or Hollywood ideology (tales oft get mistold from one mouth to another)
Spongebob 2 years ago
Sherlock Holmes isn’t a myth, or a legend, he’s a fictional character that has never existed. Putting Sherlock with King Arthur and Robin Hood is akin to putting Harry Potter to them.
Load More Replies...
#16
There's a resort in Finland where you can camp in a glass igloo and lay back and watch the aurora borealis
Anne Reid 2 years ago
I stayed there, and the igloos were very comfortable. No Northern Lights, tho. So maybe early March wasn’t the best time to go, but I had a memorable birthday regardless.
Load More Replies... 
nia not long 1 year ago
I believe these were the ones where they have a beautiful view but everything else is rather dated
#17
The stunning wooden spiral staircase of Peles Castle. Sinaia, Romania
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
We need to return to the days of making architecture beautiful as well as functional
#18
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is a masterpiece of Persian architecture. It was built during the Safavid Empire, standing on the eastern side of Naqsh-i Jahan Square, Esfahan, Iran
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
That is stunningly beautiful. I always loved Middle Eastern architecture.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
The mosaics are spectacular. I can only imagine the countless number of hours it took to painstakingly create them. Totally worth it, though.
LadyDelynn 2 years ago
While there is no doubt that this is amazing work, it's far too busy for my tastes.
Brian Droste 2 years ago
I am surprised under one of their wars or conflict it was not destroyed.
#19
The "Blue Fugates" were a Kentucky family with a hereditary trait resulting in a blue tint to their skin that baffled people for generations
#20
In 1990, the windshield of British Airways Flight 5390 came off at an altitude of 17,000 feet. This triggered a sudden decompression in the cockpit, resulting in the captain being partially ejected out of the aircraft.
As luck would have it, Nigel Ogden, a flight attendant, was on his way into the cockpit at that moment. He managed to grab hold of the captain and maintain his grip for over 20 minutes while the copilot attempted an urgent landing.
Although the majority of the crew presumed that the pilot had already lost his life, Ogden did not let go.
There was a prevailing fear that if Ogden did release his hold, the pilot's body might strike the plane's engine, wing, or stabilizer, causing even more chaos.
All Ogden knew was that the pilot was gradually slipping more and more out of the window and his head was continuously being battered against the airplane's body.
Finally, after a distressing 20-minute flight with a gaping window, the aircraft was safely brought down at Southampton Airport. In the course of events, Ogden suffered from frostbite on his face, damage to one of his eyes, and a dislocated shoulder. In a miraculous turn of events, the pilot survived the ordeal, although he had frostbite and multiple fractures on his arms and hands.
The image is a recreation from the television series "Mayday!"
Gustav Gallifrey 2 years ago
The captain, 42-year-old Timothy Lancaster, returned to flying after recovering from the incident.The copilot, 39-year-old Alastair Atchison also continued flying. Ogden returned to work, but subsequently suffered from PTSD and retired in 2001 on the grounds of ill health.
Parmeisan 2 years ago
That is so sad. To have saved someone's life but be permanently affected by the ordeal to the extent that it infringes on your ability to live a normal life.
Load More Replies... Shark Lady 2 years ago
The co-pilot also hadn't landed at Southampton before. He wanted to land somewhere else but it was decided that Southampton was the most appropriate place. The accident changed various maintenance procedures, the window had been installed using the wrong screws.
Brian Droste 2 years ago
Seems like I just recently seen this picture and description on BP. Only seen the outside picture. Maybe the description of the flight attendant but not the picture of the flight attendant inside the cockpit. Must of been harrowing for both of them. 20 minutes probably would seem like a very long time for them under the circumstance.
Zoe Vokes 2 years ago
The last sentence says, “The image is a recreation from the television series "Mayday!"
Load More Replies... Jean Thompson 2 years ago
Amazing terrifying picture. The poor man must have thought he was about to die.
Zoe Vokes 2 years ago
The last sentence says, “The image is a recreation from the television series "Mayday!“
Load More Replies... Rebecca Ferguson 2 years ago
Wow, aside from PTSD I'm surprised he didn't have severe back injuries.
Zoe Vokes 2 years ago
The last sentence says, “The image is a recreation from the television series "Mayday!“
Load More Replies... #21
An acrobatic archer competing in the 2016 World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan
Daniel Atkins 2 years ago
This would make the Olympics much more entertaining if this were included as a sport.
Kim Landfather 2 years ago
I can rub my head and pat my tummy at the same time. Does that count? It’s incredible she can do this!
Michael Largey 2 years ago
"What's impressive is not that she does it well. What's impressive is that she does it at all." _ Samuel Johnson (commenting on a woman preacher).
Parmeisan 2 years ago
I mean, it's ALSO impressive that she does it well :)
Load More Replies... 
#22
This oak door belonging to Westminster Abbey is the oldest door in Great Britain. It has been standing for over 950 years, dating back to the reign of Edward the Confessor in the 1050s. The door was made from a single oak tree
Happy Hirts 2 years ago (edited)
It was carved from a mature oak, which could have been a sapling 500 years before the door was constructed.
Dreamingindisco 2 years ago
Wonder how many times the keys been lost?, I've lost my keys twice in a year.
Soton_Sherpa 2 years ago
It's a little known fact that this door hasn't been opened since the mid 1100's when they lost the key to that padlock!
Wilf 2 years ago
It's little known because it's not true. I know. I've opened it!
Load More Replies... #23
When she was 23, Rosemary Kennedy, the sister of JFK and RFK, had a forced lobotomy arranged by her father. The surgery left her incapacitated for the rest of her life
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
Apparently when her two famous brothers found out they were so appalled they worked toward bringing in new legislation to protect people like her. She had learning difficulties and needed special education, but when she grew older and became rebellious her dear old dad was afraid she'd get pregnant out of wedlock and damage her brothers' political careers. Hence the lobotomy, which went disastrously wrong and caused even more damage than a "successful" lobotomy. I own a book on the subject and the description of the procedure done on her will haunt me for the rest of my life.
Ovar 2 years ago
She wasn't the only one unfortunately. We come from a long history of pathologising women, which is still a thriving practice in societies today. Like the burning of witches, it's just nice for men to have as many tools as possible for shutting women up. Women not feeling we need feminism is being blind to these types of power inequalities.
Der Kommissar 2 years ago
Ambassador to Germany. Pro-Nazi. Bootlegger. He did buy the election for JFK (in Chicago), delaying Nixon's presidency until 1968.
Load More Replies... Winnie the Moo 2 years ago
BECAUSE she didn’t act like a “lady” should. Although that type of behavior runs in the family…
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
This is so heartachingly sad and cruel. People who suffered from mental illness or had learning difficulties were treated like animals. Sadly, there is still stigmatization of people who suffer form mental illness today as some people view is as a "moral deficiency."
𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago (edited)
Except that Rosemary didn't have any mental illness. She was just not obeying the patriarchal rules her father felt she should be, and instead behaving as if she had the same freedoms and rights as her brothers. (Hint: she did. But her father didn't want "his little girl" to behave that way.) And that was true of many women who were forced into asylums, drugged insensible, or given lobotomies - they weren't ill, they just wanted to live life on their terms. And they were punished for trying to exercise their human rights. Yes, it's bad that the actual ill people were also treated badly, but it's a mistake to lump these women in the same category - it ignores the deliberate cruelties and harm inflicted on them simply because they were women who happened to upset some man, and that those men had the absolute power to take their lives away and doctors went along with it. Because they were women, and their voices didn't matter. They were NOT mentally ill. They were treated as if they were because it was easier to control them that way. The real irony is that Nellie Bly *proved* they were doing that in 1887, and it still wasn't really addressed.
Load More Replies... Downunderdude 2 years ago
Poor woman. And all through the 'Camelot' period when JFK was in the White House, the press kept her existence secret.
Daniel Atkins 2 years ago
Jackie and now Caroline are the ones that made the 'Camelot" story or image and keep it alive today.
Load More Replies... Pride Bean️ 2 years ago
This is so incredibly sad. Forced lobotomy or any lobotomy is sick and inhumane behaviour.
#24
On March 18, 1944, 27-year-old Aimo Koivunen and his Finnish ski unit were in Lapland, Finland's northernmost region, when they were attacked by superior Soviet forces. Forced to retreat through deep snow, Koivunen found himself exhausted.
He remembered he had a supply of Pervitin, an early form of crystal meth used in World War 2. Unable to open just one pill while skiing away, he swallowed all 30 pills. This gave him an immediate burst of energy, allowing him to outpace the Soviets and his unit before passing out.
When he woke up, he'd covered 100 kilometers (62 miles) alone and high, without food or ammunition. He kept skiing, encountering the Soviets multiple times but always escaping, even after an injury from a landmine.
He traveled 400 kilometers (250 miles) to reach Finnish territory. Upon arrival, he weighed only 94 pounds, and his heart raced at 200 beats per minute. He survived until age 71, dying in 1989.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Til he turned 71 is a long time to wait for a pic tho
Load More Replies...
Max Fox 2 years ago
They were the only member of the Axis who not only maintained their humanity, but did everything in their power to save as many people as they could from the atrocities of the rest of the Axis countries. They are also the only Axis country in which Jews served openly and proudly in the army. Because they did not commit any atrocities, the peace agreement with the USSR had far terms than those of any of the other Axis countries. Not great terms, but far better than the unconditional surrender that was required from all other Axis countries.
Amanda Fondaumiere 2 years ago
I feel like the cold must be what helped him survive the overdose.
#25
1,500-year-old Ceramic Maya Figurine with Removable Helmet, from El Perú-Waka', Petén, Guatemala
Dreaming Spirit 2 years ago (edited)
With that green shape above its head, that's clearly a Sim! Time travel confirmed!
Load More Replies...
Easily Excitable Panda 2 years ago
Ceramic, yes - but I'm still willing to bet you it's a kid's toy.
Jean Thompson 2 years ago
Tempting to think it's an alien, but why is the bottom half sculpted like a native - surely an "astronaut" alien wouldn't dress their lower half like this? I think perhaps it's a model of a masked headhunter or similar, hood cut and hollowed from tree stump and wooden eyes added, with branch at the back. But, of course, I could be wrong ...
#26
Portrait of a young grumpy girl, 1850s
Penguin Panda Pop 2 years ago
I'm in no way an expert on old time photography, but I believe the exposure time was quite long. People don't smile in old photos because it's hard to fix a natural smile for the length of time it took for the photo to come out. This girl was probably told not to smile.
Parmeisan 2 years ago
She may also have been upset that she had to sit still for so long
Load More Replies...
Bored Potato 2 years ago
She looks like you just called her grandmother the most criminally offensive insult in the English language.
Ovar 2 years ago
Let's change the language. I see an intense, critical look. I looked like that as a kid and was given negative labels for it. My son was the same and I only ever refer to his serious, intense looks. What you repeat at a child forms their image of themselves. She probably ended up being a really interesting person, accused of being grumpy her whole life, and told to smile. Rant over
Jane Hower 2 years ago
Yes, they had to sit so still for so long to have the pic taken, no wonder she was grumpy
#27
Saudi Arabia accidentally printed thousands of textbooks containing this image of Yoda sitting next to King Faisal while he signed the 1945 UN charter
Michael Largey 2 years ago
No, not at all. We all know there was no such person as King Faisal.
Load More Replies... Binky Melnik 2 years ago
This is hilarious, and I dearly hope the image makes its ways into history books! 🤣
Analyn Lahr 2 years ago
What's funnier is that Star Wars didn't even exist in 1945. Who spliced that photo together?
Andy Cran 2 years ago
when was the book printed? as Yoda as a concept wasn't thought about until a long long time after
Fullo Shit 2 years ago
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41363156.amp
#28
The "Time Lady" or "the Speaking Clock" before the introduction of automated equipment. Her job: giving the correct time 'live' all day long. C. 1930s
Ozymandias73 2 years ago
"At the tone, the time will be..." I remember calling "the time" when I was younger. I'd call just b/c I was bored sometimes.
M Penguin 2 years ago
I always wanted to dial it when they changed the clocks. So i hear. At the tonr, the time ill be 1:59 then 1:00 again.
Load More Replies...
Nikki Gross 2 years ago
In Oklahoma if you call 1-405-599-1234 it will give you the time, temperature and the weather forecast. That number has been around since the early 80's and we were always calling for the temperature.
Amelia Honeychurch 2 years ago
This is peak mind-numbing boredom, right here. I’d probably try to sneak in a book or newspaper and lose my job.
Cammy Mack 2 years ago
What losers, why didn't they just check their phones?! It displays it even if you're not logged in.
#29
At its height, around four centuries before Columbus arrived in the Americas, Cahokia was a thriving pre-American city with a population comparable to that of London at the time.
Situated in southern Illinois, just eight miles from today's St. Louis, it likely held the title of the biggest city in North America north of Mexico during its era.
The Mississippians, Native Americans who spanned much of what is now the southeastern U.S., from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic coast, were its builders.
Despite Cahokia being advanced and worldly for its era, its story remains largely unfamiliar to many Americans, including those in present-day Illinois.
This image is a painting by Michael Hampshire.
ColdSteelRonin 2 years ago
It was abandoned around 1350. There's no conclusive evidence as to why but sediment analysis suggest heavy flooding of the region
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
They never really taught this when I was in school, back in the sixties and seventies. They just lightly brushed over this history, and concentrated on everything after Columbus instead. Basically ignoring the indigenous cultures and teaching about the arrival of the Europeans, with a little side note that merely hinted about the possibility the Vikings predated Columbus by several centuries. There is such a long and incredibly rich history of Native Americans in this country, which should be a good chunk of all American History classes, but traditionally hasn’t been—-even in college level American History classes (which I took in 2015). To our shame.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Similar in Australia. We learned about the First Fleet year after year, but only tiny things about Aboriginal nations, and stereotypical things at that. It wasn't until I did my teaching degree that I learned more. I never understood why there was a push to change the date of Australia Day (aka invasion day) until then.
Load More Replies... Shashonie 2 years ago
At least on the 80's many Illinoisan children visited the mounds. Unfortunately, the remnants were being used as dirt bike ramps at times and there was a whole center with unearthed human remains in situ (which after protests, have been covered). Heck, I even made a clay bowl while I was there
Andy Frobig 2 years ago
In 2019 I saw this, Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde and Canyon de Chelly, which is the only one of the four that wasn't abandoned centuries before Europeans showed up. The history of this continent would surely blow our minds if we ever learn it all
Load More Replies... Ben 2 years ago
I live close to St. Louis and my entire family is from there and I am amazed I have never heard of it.
Andrea 2 years ago
Really? St Louis born and raised and it was/is a popular field trip destination
Load More Replies... Michele Garrard 2 years ago
So many questions and doesn't this change the narrative of Columbus?
Doodles1983 2 years ago
Yes. America wasn’t “discovered”, it had indigenous peoples. And there is a Viking settlement that significantly predates Columbus.
Load More Replies... Andy Frobig 2 years ago
People left, it's still a matter of conjecture exactly why. By the time French missionaries got there, they thought the mounds were natural hills
Load More Replies... KittyMommy 2 years ago
Parts of it have been. The museum is quite good and well worth the trip
Load More Replies... 2 years ago
Americans don't get taught about this sort of history like is should. Also they destroyed too many historical buildings/housing. I love learning about stuff like this and I'm not American
#30
1,200 stone sculptures with different facial expressions at the nenbutsu-Ju Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
These joyous statues were added to the temple complex between 1981 and 1991 and are supposed to represent Buddha's many disciples. Each statues was carved by a different person. There's one carrying an old cassette player and one even holding a little baby: https://www.insidekyoto.com/otagi-nenbutsu-ji-temple
#31
A rare early 19th-century photo of the Great Sphinx from a hot air balloon. This is before it was excavated and restored
John Dawson 2 years ago
Early 19th century photo? 18XX ? Not buying that. Maybe late 19th century. The earliest surviving photograph was taken in 1826-1827, and originally thought to have required an exposure time of 8 hours but since has been estimated to have more likely been several days. Also, the paws were not excavated until at least 1887. "In the beginning of the year 1887, the chest, the paws, the altar, and plateau were all made visible...." [History of Egypt From 330 B.C. To the Present Time, Volume 11 (of 12) by Rappoport]
Brian Droste 2 years ago
Just shows you how over time rock or whatever that was made of nature can wear it down. I am wonder what it would look like today if they hadn't restored it.
PeepPeep the duck 2 years ago
I used to have the first copy of national geographic with the discovery of this in it, wish it didn’t get destroyed, had so many images not available online etc
Brian Droste 2 years ago
See my comment above, but it probably is due to time and nature.
Load More Replies... #32
Before and after the excavation and restoration of the Ziggurat of Ur.
The Ziggurat of Ur was built around 4000 years ago by King Ur-Nammu of the Neo-Sumerian Empire, is one of the oldest surviving temples in Iraq. Located near Nasiriyah, it showcases religious practices from around 2050 BC.
The site was discovered in 1850 and was extensively excavated in the 1920s and 1930s. However, it suffered damage during the 1991 Gulf War. Today, excavations still occur, revealing more artifacts and findings
Porribix 2 years ago
It looks like its been "restored" which whilst it makes it look nicer I wish people wouldnt because future generations always criticise the "restoration". Stone Henge is restored, originally most of the blocks were lying down and it was "restored" so when you see it and think "wow, amazing thats been standing for 4000 years" .... it hasn't.
David A Paterson 2 years ago
A quote from my father in law. You'll get criticized if you do. And criticised if you don't. So do it and to h*ll with the criticism.
Load More Replies...
#33
In 1931, two psychologists, Winthrop and Luella Kellogg, began an experiment to see if a chimpanzee could learn human behavior by raising it with their own baby. The idea was to see if the chimp, named Gua, would learn to walk upright, speak, and engage in other human-like activities.
For the first few months, the experiment was going well. Gua learned to mimic some of the actions of Kelloggs' son, Donald.
However, after 9 months, the Kelloggs were forced to cancel the experiment. It turns out that Donald was beginning to behave like an ape himself, mimicking Gua's behaviors and even attempting to communicate with grunts and other animal-like sounds
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Not really a failure, except in the biased eyes of Donald’s parents. Their son COULD have been the first human to learn chimp language, which would have been not only incredibly cool, but also have marked the first real communication between humans and their closest cousins (we share 98.8% of our DNA with chimps). Donald could’ve grown up to be a REAL Dr Doolittle!
#34
A makeshift hospital during The Vietnam War, 1970
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Can somebody smarter than me explain why this is in the water?
Spongebob 2 years ago
Because the swamp could span miles, and this was the closest available place to battlefield to have a hospital most likely
Load More Replies... #35
A Hindu sadhu (holy person) named Amar Bharati lifted his right hand in 1973 and has held it up ever since.
He sees this as showing his dedication to Lord Shiva and his goal of promoting peace worldwide. Bharati is a well-known holy man who often joins in large religious events called Kumbh Melas.
Jupiter Davis 2 years ago
correct me if im wrong but i believe that he has held up his arm for so long that he cant put it down anymore
MagicJacket 2 years ago
Even though he is sure he knows the answer to the question, to this day, the teacher has never called on him.
Kevin Humble 2 years ago
Imagine the good he might have done if he put that energy into something usefull.
Pandora 2 years ago
Ikr? As effective as throwing paint at paintings to stop global warming...
Load More Replies...
#36
A 2000-year-old Thracian chariot with horse skeletons discovered by archaeologist Veselin Ignatov.
Analyn Lahr 2 years ago
Did they while still hooked to the chariot and left there? Or were they buried like that? Maybe some custom showing they were loyal work horses?
Nikole 2 years ago
Apparently they were killed and hooked up to the chariot. Gotta honor rich dudes.
Load More Replies... #37
In 1863, Civil War veteran Jacob Miller was shot in the forehead at Brock Field at Chikamauga, Georgia. He had the following to say about it:
"When I came to my senses some time after I found I was in the rear of the confederate line.
So not to become a prisoner I made up my mind to make an effort to get around their line and back on my own side.
I got up with the help of my gun as a staff, then went back some distance, then started parallel with the line of battle.
I suppose I was so covered with blood that those that I met, did not notice that I was a Yank, (at least our Major, my former captain did not recognize me when I met him after passing to our own side).
I suffered for nine months then I got a furlough home to Logansport and got Drs. Fitch and Colman to operate on my wound.
They took out the musket ball. After the operation a few days, I returned to the hospital at Madison and stayed there till the expiration of my enlistment, Sept. 17, 1864.
Seventeen years after I was wounded a buck shot dropped out of my wound and thirty one years after two pieces of lead came out.
Some ask how it is I can describe so minutely my getting wounded and getting off the battle field after so many years.
My answer is I have an everyday reminder of it in my wound and constant pain in the head, never free of it while not asleep.
The whole scene is imprinted on my brain as with a steel engraving. I haven’t written this to complain of any one being in fault for my misfortune and suffering all these years, the government is good to me and gives me $40.00 per month pension."
John Dilligaf 2 years ago
nobodies gonna mention the part where it took 9 GOD*MN MONTHS before he could get the damn musket ball removed?
Jenna 2 years ago
That's a common experience among US Veterans seeking medical care. They wait and wait and wait.....
Load More Replies... Analyn Lahr 2 years ago
To survive being shot in the head and not have any obvious brain damage is pretty badass.
Emily Phillips 2 years ago
He reminds me of a friend of mine who accidentally unalive his girlfriend and then tried to unalive himself
#38
Physicists and Nobel Prize winners Marie Curie and Pierre Curie shortly after their wedding. France, 1895
Penguin Panda Pop 2 years ago
"Marie Curie was Polish born, but French bred. French bread! Of course, she ended up dead from radiation. Slow invisible suffocation." - (lyrics from the song Hermann Loves Pauline, by the Super Furry Animals)
Mathieu Brouwers 2 years ago
PS Pierre Curie was jailed after winning his Nobel prize. He educated his students how to make a fuseless hand-thrown incendiary weapon constructed from a frangible container filled with flammable substances. (Molotovcocktail without flaming fuse). PS. all the necessary ingredients can be bought in a regular store, no science degree needed.
Pandora 2 years ago
Recipe, please. Asking for a friend with very loud neighbors...
Load More Replies... 
Pandora 2 years ago
We can't really blame them. Imagine living in an era that's full of inventions, revolutionary discoveries, almost miraculous advances in every scientific field. Then you discover something that can actually change the properties of the elements and you want to put it to good use. I mean, radiotherapy exists thanks to it...
Load More Replies... Ben 2 years ago
Shortly before their wedding and unfortunately probably shortly before their death.
MichelleDonut 2 years ago
They married in 1895. He died in an accident in 1906. She died in 1934 at age 66.
Load More Replies... #39
Cotton mill workers, Georgia, 1909
sofacushionfort 2 years ago
Older people here in Georgia USA remember working as kids in the mills, then going to school where they’d be called “lint heads” because they hadn’t time to wash their hair
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
Next time someone tells you that Unions are a "socialist ploy" remember this photo...
𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago
That girl is the middle is like: "Seriously? You see the conditions here we have to endure. But you're just going to snap a picture of us and go on your merry way? Probably selling that picture to magazines and making lots of money too. Seriously?"
Angie Barnes 2 years ago
This photo was taken by Lewis Hine, a photographer who documented the working conditions of children in cotton mills. His photos were instrumental in the passage of child labor laws in America. Of course the working conditions were not any better for adults. I live in an area of northwest Georgia where there were several cotton mills.
MadameMalfoy 2 years ago
I think the one in the US. I took Georgia history last year and they talked about the cotton mills and such.
Load More Replies... LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago (edited)
Sadly, because they suffered in unimaginable and highly dangerous conditions. There were no rights or regulations for children workers back then, and many were worked to the bone. Accidents, including loss of life, were common. Many poorer children were forced to work grueling hours for meager pay.
Load More Replies...
#40
This is a crusader sword dating back 900 years. The discovery was made by Shlomi Katzin whilst he was scuba diving a natural cove near the ancient port city, that the crusaders captured from the Arabs during the early 12th century AD
Michael Largey 2 years ago
But fishing a sword out of water and handing it out is no basis for a form of government!
Auntriarch 2 years ago
As long as it wasn't handed to him by some moistened bint
Load More Replies...
Jerusalem Cat Syndrome 2 years ago
Off the coast of Carmel, Israel: https://www.timesofisrael.com/diver-pulls-900-year-old-crusader-sword-from-seafloor/ It's very easy to find info: in this case, I right-clicked on the picture and chose "Search Image with Google". If the picture is too generic, try highlighting significant info (like the discoverer's name), right-click, and choose "Search Google for".
Brian Droste 2 years ago
Did he donate it to a museum and did they restore it back to the way it supposed to look? I hope so.
#41
A Roman military diploma was discovered in Croatia in 1997. This ancient document, found in a river, dates all the way back to 71 AD.
These military diplomas were like golden tickets for retiring Roman soldiers. They were evidence of an honorable discharge from the Roman army and came with great perks. For instance, the diploma granted Roman citizenship to the soldier and their entire family.
These privileges went beyond just bragging rights. Roman citizenship came with tangible benefits, like being exempt from certain taxes, enjoying legal protection, and even the possibility of holding public office.
But what truly sets this discovery apart is that the diploma still bears the wax seals of those who witnessed the document. These seals were pressed onto the diploma to authenticate its contents and prove its legitimacy.
ADHORTATOR 2 years ago
Roman soldiers in the Legion were roman citizens.... but the Auxilia (support troops formed by allies) would get roman citizenship after service
Andy Frobig 2 years ago
The US had something similar until an under-the-radar program started discharging service people before they became eligible for citizenship
Load More Replies...
Khall Khall 2 years ago
And a farm which was the most valuable part economically. Also great way for Rome to control areas. Resettle roman soldiers there who will defend it, who know their neighbors, etc.
Brian Droste 2 years ago
The apostle Paul was a roman citizen and he used that to defend himself. At one point he was arrested and about to be whipped. He said something like "Is it lawful to whip a roman citizen?" Once the commanding officer heard about this he got scared and question the Apostle Paul. I believe, this is how the Apostle Paul ended up in Rome.
Kate Fowler 2 years ago
Both listed below are worth time if you're into this period: Dan Carlin's- Deathroes of the Republic (Non-fiction). A rendition of how Rome 'was' with lots of citations from unearthed documents, items, fellow and well documented historians. Gets right into Roman citizens and the 'perks'. 110Bc-130Bc Colleen McCullough 's - Masters of Rome Series (Fiction). She deeply researched and wrote. Gets really into Marius and Sulla's backgrounds and lives then expands. 110bc-127bc.
#42
When an octopus' tentacle (arm or leg) is split, most often due to fighting, something called "over-regeneration can occur during the healing process.If this happens repeatedly, the octopus can have dozens of tentacles. The most ever counted was on an Octopus found in Matoya Bay, Japan, 1998. It had 96
#43
Shortly after 9:30pm on Friday, 3 December 1926, Agatha Christie got up from her armchair and climbed the stairs of her Berkshire home.
She kissed her sleeping daughter Rosalind, aged seven, goodnight and returned downstairs again. Then she climbed into her Morris Cowley and drove off into the night. She would not be seen again for 11 days.
Her disappearance would spark one of the largest manhunts ever mounted. Agatha Christie was already a famous writer; more than one thousand policemen and hundreds of civilians were assigned to the case.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
Apparently she did it in order to get at her husband, who she suspected of having an affair.
🤣🤣🤣 (Me while reading bp) 2 years ago
She spent 1 month in a hotel called The Swan in Harrigate UK, to get away from it all. At the time everyone thought she was dead. The hotel still talk about this to this day.
Natalia 2 years ago
She was apparently booked in under the name of her husband's mistress!
Load More Replies... 
Brian Droste 2 years ago
Maybe she was feeling stressed and just wanted to get away for a few days. My speculation.
CousinFish 2 years ago (edited)
If a father goes on a trip, he's not abandoning his children. This little girl was left in the care of her father and nanny. Not abandoned!
Load More Replies... #44
Lombard street in San Francisco, 1975
Kelly Scott 2 years ago
My friend and I drove to San Francisco with her manual transmission truck. We came up on the other side of Lombard, which is fairly steep and has several stop signs. My friend would stop at the stop signs and then try to get her truck going again. I was getting ready to open the passenger door and step out. At one point, cars behind us were backing up to give her room as her truck was starting to go backwards. Her expression when we came over the top to start down Lombard was hysterical but fortunately, there are no stops on the way down Lombard. This is when I decided I would always have an auto transmission in my car and that was further backed up by moving to the Seattle area.
Skye Ragsdale 2 years ago
I learned how to drive a manual while I was living in Seattle. Absolute nightmare 😅
Load More Replies... Robert Trebor 2 years ago
There's another less famous street like this called Vermont Street, on Potrero Hill, south of downtown.
Kim Kermes 2 years ago
I was there in 75 but didn't have a car til 76, when I drove my mom and sister down it.
#45
Though details about the early life of the Greek philosopher Diogenes are limited, he is often the subject of wild speculation. What is evident, however, is that this ancient philosopher was among history’s most unconventional figures.
Diogenes was born around 412 or 404 B.C. in the distant Greek colony of Sinope. During his younger years, he assisted his father in coin minting for the colony, a profession they had to abandon when they were exiled for tampering with the gold and silver composition of the coins.
After his exile, Diogenes found himself in Corinth, a city in mainland Greece.
Upon his arrival, his behavior took a drastic turn. Left jobless, he chose the life of a wandering beggar. Discarding nearly all his belongings, he held onto only a few pieces of cloth for modesty and a wooden bowl for sustenance.
Diogenes was known to frequently interrupt Plato’s lectures, munching loudly to disrupt the discussions. He would vocally challenge Plato's philosophical notions and, at times, acted provocatively in public spaces. His audacity extended to relieving himself in the most unexpected places, including on Plato’s seat in his academy.
Diogenes' eccentricities were further emphasized by his habit of consuming food he found scattered about, sharing it with stray dogs that constantly trailed him—even into Plato’s lectures. Yet, in a surprising twist, Diogenes emerged as one of the most esteemed philosophers of Greece.
Tales of his sharp intellect are abundant, often leaving his contemporaries, Plato included, in the shadows.
A notable account is when Alexander the Great approached Diogenes, who was reclining naked atop the barrel he resided in. When the mighty ruler asked if there was any way he could assist the philosopher, Diogenes responded, “You could move out of my light.”
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Diogenes used to go about in the daytime with a lit lantern. He said he was looking for an honest man.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Who knows if there’s a Diogenes who’s homeless and living on the streets in some city today?
The Chocolate Gecko 2 years ago (edited)
He once went to a lecture held by Plato, who said that any hairless biped was a human. Diogenes took the feathers off of a chicken, held it up, and screamed 'Behold! A man!'
Analyn Lahr 2 years ago
I think he once ran into Plato's lecture, held up a plucked chicken and yelled "Behold! This is a man!" Because of something Plato said about man being feather less birds or something? I could be wrong. A former co-worker told me this.
Kat097 2 years ago
I always liked Socrates better than Plato... I wish I would have learned more about this guy in school instead of Plato, Plato. Plato all the time.
Pandora 2 years ago
"I guess you're in the wrong room, sir, this is Diogenes 101"
Load More Replies... bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Sam O'nella is my favorite philosopher and he did a video on Diogenes: https://youtu.be/-A3IlRATIsI?si=KpbEXs9wuPqIMgHu
#46
Mata Hari was a renowned Dutch dancer known for her great beauty and skills. She quickly rose to fame as a much-desired performer across Europe.
During the First World War, she lived in Paris, surrounded by numerous influential admirers. There's speculation that she leveraged her intimate relationships with these men to collect intelligence for Germany, though the full scope of her activities remains debated.
In 1917, the French authorities arrested Mata Hari, charging her with espionage. She stood accused of relaying critical military information, such as troop movements, to the Germans. Despite her protests of innocence, she was convicted and sentenced to death.
Mata Hari met her end by firing squad on October 15, 1917. Her execution stirred international outrage, with many asserting she had been unjustly singled out by the French officials.
Historyharlot93 2 years ago
It’s tragic because everyone who knew her well said she’d be the worst spy ever because she was as thick as a brush in most things and couldn’t keep a secret to literally save her life. She had a lot of high ranking lovers, which is probably why she was targeted.
Sans Serif (Sans) 2 years ago
I've heard this before, Karl. However, a reverse search shows dozens of references to them both being Mata Hari. Any additional insight?
Load More Replies...
#47
2,000-year-old face cream inside a metal container from Roman times with visible ancient finger marks. "The cream was composed of refined animal fat, starch, and tin.
The researchers then created their own version, made to the same recipe. When they rubbed the whitish cream into their skin, it produced a white layer with a smooth powdery texture. The latter quality was created by the starch—still used for this purpose in modern cosmetics."
Professor Richard Evershed from Bristol University said, "White face paint was fashionable in Roman times and normally derived its colour from a lead compound. A tin compound would have been an acceptable substitute and in good supply from Cornwall."
In ancient Rome, lead was the most popular metal and was commonly used in cups, plates, coins, pipes, cosmetics, face powder, paints, food seasoning, and even birth control.
Scientists have even discovered that tap water from ancient Rome contained up to 100 times more lead than local spring water.
As a result, some historians have speculated that lead poisoning may have played a part in bringing down the Roman Empire
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Lead as birth control.... that might be an understatement.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Hubris. Plain hubris brings civilizations down.
Load More Replies... #48
During the mid-19th century, Paris faced significant challenges in managing the growing issue of public urination.
To address this, the city installed cast iron and masonry public urinals on the curbs of streets.
One such example is the urinal in Paris, France, dating back to 1865.
These urinals were designed to drain directly into the underground sewer system, providing a convenient and hygienic solution for the city's sanitation needs.
This innovative approach helped alleviate the problem of public urination, which was becoming a major concern in urban areas.
These urinals represented a step forward in urban planning and public health, as they improved sanitation conditions and contributed to the overall cleanliness of the city.
Jrog 2 years ago
Public urinals were already in use 18 centuries before, in Rome. They were called "Vespasians", from the emperor that put a tax on urine collection. Urine was sought after for its ammonia content, so the urinals did not go into sewers but collected the liquid into underground pools that were later emptied and sold to tanners.
Annik Perrot 2 years ago (edited)
They were nicknamed "vespasiennes" in Paris too.
Load More Replies...
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
Don't you know... "women don't need to pee like men do" - said to me by a cop in Chicago (usa)
Load More Replies... Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
Better than in the alleys and on the sides of buildings.
Load More Replies... Nimitz 2 years ago
I live in Montreal where our problem is people with small dogs, constantly pissing on our streets. Seriously, it's a city with high average rainfall so every street is slanted and angled for drainage, but you can always see where a small dog owner has let their animal trickle p**s across the sidewalks. Everywhere. Constantly. Sidewalks with streaks from untrained small dog p**s...
#49
In 1989, a powerful photograph captured the attention of the world and shed light on the resilience and sacrifice of war veterans.
The image, taken by Ivan Kurtov, depicted Anatoly Golimbievsky, a decorated veteran who had lost both legs during World War II, being saluted by four young sailors.
The photograph was part of a larger photo story that Kurtov had been working on, focusing on the life of Golimbievsky. Kurtov had the opportunity to meet the veteran on Victory Day, celebrated on May 9th in Russia, when he was sent to a veterans meeting in Leningrad by his press agency, ITAR-TASS.
To honor Golimbievsky, Kurtov decided to stage a photo shoot with the veteran. He contacted the Nakhimov school for Naval Cadets and requested around 30 sailors to participate. However, only three sailors and one officer were sent to him. Despite this, Kurtov proceeded with the shoot.
Originally, Kurtov had planned to capture the photograph against the backdrop of the iconic cruiser 'The Aurora,' which was docked opposite the Nakhimov school. However, he found that the presence of the large ship was too distracting for the intended message of the photo. Instead, he opted to take the picture with the city in the background.
While the photo was approved by ITAR-TASS, many newspapers were hesitant to publish it, citing concerns about showcasing what they viewed as "pathology." Only when Kurtov won the first prize at World Press Photo did Russian newspapers begin to print the image.
#50
The Statue of Liberty under construction
Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
This isn’t a photo of the statue under construction. Look at it, it’s surrounded by flowers and trees. This is a photo of it in France where it was displayed at the World’s Fair in 1878. The torch and hand was displayed in America to help raise funds for its construction too. Don’t believe everything you read!
Jeremy James 2 years ago
"Keep kicking, Libbey! You make this work, we'll pop for a weekend in Vegas with the Jolly Green Giant."
Michael Largey 2 years ago
The French had a history of separating the head from the body. And they didn't generate many smiles then, either.
Load More Replies...
#51
Charles II of Spain was the result of nearly 200 years of inbreeding. The House of Habsburgs stopped introducing new genes at around 1550, leading to a circular family tree.
Charles II had been born the son of an uncle-niece relationship, and historians Will and Ariel Durant described him as "short, lame, epileptic, senile and completely bald before 35, always on the verge of death but repeatedly baffling Christendom by continuing to live."
Before the age of six, Charles II had managed to survive an onslaught of diseases, which included chickenpox, measles, rubella, and smallpox. He could not walk until he was 8 years old and could not chew food on his own. His tongue was so large that no one could understand what he was saying.
The nuncio papal Millini provided the following description of Charles II:
“The king is rather short, skinny, but not badly formed, only ugly in the face; he has a long neck, a long face, a long chin and as if it bent upwards; the lower lip typical of the Habsburgs; not very large eyes, turquoise blue and a fine and delicate complexion. He has a look with melancholy on his face and a little astonished. His hair is blond and long, and it is combed back so that the ears are exposed. He cannot straighten, unless he leans against a wall, a table or something else. His body is as weak as his mind. From time to time he shows signs of intelligence, memory and a certain liveliness, but not now; he usually looks slow and indifferent, appearing dumbfounded. You can do whatever you want with him, since he lacks of own will."
Charles II's death in 1700 (at the age of 39) led to the War of Spanish Succession.
His autopsy report stated that his "heart was the size of a peppercorn; his lungs corroded; his intestines rotten and gangrenous; he had a single testicle, black as coal, and his head was full of water."
JoyfulZebra 2 years ago
Dude was so inbred he didn't have a family tree, he had a family wreath
Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 2 years ago
Autopsy report reads like a typical politicians condition in this day and age
Historyharlot93 2 years ago
Can you imagine what he really looked like? Court painters always “Facetuned” their subjects. That poor man looks awful!
#53
Stair dust corners are flexible, triangular pieces designed to prevent dust buildup in the corners of stairs. While classic versions were typically brass or nickel, contemporary ones are plastic. These were introduced in the late 19th century to make sweeping easier
over it already 2 years ago
I agree! After seeing them on a previous bp post I even searched for them and could only find tacky plastic ones. I have hardwood stairs & would love beautiful ones like in the pic.
Load More Replies... 
#54
August 27, 1993: The Rainbow Bridge, a 1,870-foot suspension bridge over Tokyo Bay, was completed. The lighting on the bridge can change depending on the season or special occasion. It is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals, an impressive and enjoyable feat of engineering
#55
The name "Bluetooth" technology was inspired by Harald Bluetooth, a Viking king who lived more than a millennium ago. Just as he brought together the regions of Denmark and Norway, this technology connects various electronic gadgets today. The Bluetooth symbol combines the Nordic runes representing his initials, H.B.
The origin of his unique nickname remains a subject of discussion. Some believe it was because he frequently consumed blueberries, leaving his teeth stained blue, while others suggest it was due to a discolored tooth with a blueish-grey hue
#56
In 1959, this captivating photograph was taken on the lot of Goldwyn Studios, featuring four iconic figures of the entertainment industry: Sidney Poitier, Tony Curtis, Sammy Davis Jr, and Jack Lemmon.
Sidney Poitier, an esteemed actor, was the first African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor. He broke down barriers in Hollywood and became an influential civil rights activist. Poitier's achievements paved the way for greater representation and opportunities for black actors in the film industry.
Tony Curtis, a versatile actor known for his charm and versatility, starred in numerous classic films such as "Some Like It Hot" and "Spartacus." Curtis was of Hungarian-Jewish descent and faced his own share of challenges in an industry that often typecast actors based on their ethnicity.
Sammy Davis Jr., a multi-talented entertainer, significantly contributed to music, dance, and acting. As an African-American artist, Davis Jr. faced racial discrimination throughout his career. Despite these obstacles, he achieved great success and became an influential figure in the entertainment world.
Jack Lemmon, a highly regarded actor, was known for his versatility and ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles. He starred in several acclaimed films, including "Some Like It Hot" alongside Tony Curtis. Lemmon's career spanned over five decades, and he left a lasting impact on the film industry
Michael Largey 2 years ago
When Tony Curtis starred with Sidney Portier in "The Defiant Ones" in 1958, Curtis insisted that Poitier's name appear above the movie title just like his. This was the first time a black actor had his name above the title.
Carla Phillips 2 years ago
Tony Curtis looks similar to Vince Vaughn. Anyone else see the similarity?
#57
This photo from 1902 shows French knife grinders. They would work on their stomachs to save their backs from being hunched all day.
They were also encouraged to bring their dogs to work to keep them company and also act as mini heaters by having them rest on their owners’ legs.
They were also called ventres jaunes (“yellow bellies” in English) because of the yellow dust that would be released from the grinding wheel
#58
Baker Street station, as the world's oldest underground station, had a profound impact on urban transportation, revolutionizing the way people traveled within the bustling city of London and paving the way for future developments in underground transit systems worldwide.
Prior to the establishment of the Metropolitan Railway, London faced significant challenges in terms of congestion and inefficient transportation. The introduction of the underground railway system, with Baker Street station at its forefront, addressed these issues head-on. The station provided a solution to the growing transportation needs of the city's population.
Baker Street station, designed by architect John Fowler and engineer J.H. Greathead, set the standards for subsequent underground stations. Its layout, which incorporated spacious platforms, well-designed entrances, and efficient ticketing systems, offered a blueprint for future station designs. The success and popularity of the station demonstrated the viability of underground railways as a means of mass transit, inspiring the expansion of similar networks in other cities.
The opening of Baker Street station marked a turning point in the history of urban transportation. It sparked a wave of enthusiasm for underground railways, leading to the development of additional lines and stations across London. This expansion not only alleviated congestion on the city's streets but also provided faster and more efficient travel options for commuters.
#59
Marilyn vos Savant is a New York magazine columnist known for writing "Ask Marilyn."
But her most well-known claim to fame is her brain: Marilyn vos Savant has the highest recorded IQ in the Guinness Book of Records and has often been referred to as “the smartest person in the world.”
Donkeywheel 2 years ago
That doesn’t mean anything at all. Tests are not standardized, the absolute value makes no sense.
Load More Replies... Michael Largey 2 years ago
Probability tells us that the smartest person in the world has likely never taken an IQ test.
#60
In a small village in Suffolk in the twelfth century, two green-skinned children appeared, speaking an incomprehensible language.
Believed to be inhabitants of an unknown land, the green children of Woolpit became a strange piece of folklore.
Pride Bean️ 2 years ago
I've heard this story so many times before. I still don't understand anything though
#61
A French woman walks the streets of Paris, France with a large baguette and six bottles of wine, 1945
#62
Scottish man Angus Barbieri fasted for 392 days, from June 14, 1965 to July 11, 1966. He lived on tea, coffee, soda water, and vitamins while living at home in Tayport, Scotland, and frequently visiting Maryfield Hospital for medical evaluation. He lost 276 pounds and set a record for the length of a fast
#63
In 1946, a group of Russian children from the Vladimir Lenin All-Union Pioneer Organization presented a carved wooden replica of the Great Seal of the United States to Averell Harriman, the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union.
The gift was meant as a gesture of friendship to the USSR's World War II ally and was hung in the ambassador's official residence at Spaso House in Moscow. For seven years, it adorned the study wall until a discovery was made by the State Department: the seal was more than a mere decoration; it was a bug.
The Soviets had cleverly built a listening device into the replica seal, which they had been using to eavesdrop on Harriman and his successors the entire time it was in the house.
The discovery of "The Thing," as it was nicknamed by the U.S. intelligence community, confirmed the suspicions of diplomats and other Americans working in the USSR who had already suspected they were being monitored
Jrog 2 years ago
There was an interesting and innovative technological aspect in this, thanks to contribution of the renowned radio scientist Leon Theremin (of musical instrument fame). The bug was actually completely unpowered, drawing the little energy it required to work from the soundwaves it intercepted. The bug was "illuminated" by radio waves from the receiver, that were disturbed by the sound receiving system and then re-intercepted by Russian operatives. It took a complex demodulation algorithm to convert the disturbed radio waves to usable signals
#64
Color Photo Of The 'Titanic' That Bring It Back To Life
Jrog 2 years ago
Colors are a bit wrong. The Titanic's funnels were not that dark yellow/brownish. Their color was a shade of orange-pink known as "White Star Buff", that was registered as the official color for White Star Lines's funnels for recognition purposes. The actual color is close to (RGB 100;75;100) or CMYK (0;20;50;0) bitmap-64f...99-png.jpg 
Jrog 2 years ago
You can see Olympic, sister ship of the Titanic, on the bottom left of this photo of Mauretania, taken in 1929. This is the only known photo of the ship with accurate colors, the only other existing color photo of the ship has been taken five years prior with a different method that did not preserve the correct color tone. Olympic-64...adf7c2.jpg 
#65
This is Baba Anujka, an accomplished amateur chemist and serial killer from the village of Vladimirovac, Yugoslavia (in Serbia), who poisoned between 50 and 150 in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Trish 2 years ago
Holy sh!t. Before I read that, I thought "what a sweet old lady." I would have been a victim.
Sleepy Panda 2 years ago
She sold ‘tonics’ to women with problematic husbands/men in their lives, usually drunks or violent men.
#66
John Harvey Kellogg was an American businessman, inventor, physician, and advocate of the Progressive Movement.
On top of that was a sex-obsessed eugenicist who invented breakfast cereal and held patents for peanut butter, soy milk, and imitation meats
Katie Everswick 2 years ago
I'll never understand how corn flakes were supposed to curb masturbation
Deeelite 2 years ago
He thought the urge to masterbate was the result of poor nutrition
Load More Replies... #67
De Beer mine worker is X-rayed at the end of his shift before leaving the diamond mines. In Kimberley, South Africa, October 1954
David A Paterson 2 years ago
Unlike other gemstones, diamonds are nearly transparent to X-rays.
Almost sunny 2 years ago
At first I thought it was something to do with his health, before realising that it's incase he stole!
#68
An incomplete sculpture of Lakota Warrior Crazy Horse has been under construction since 1948.
Crazy Horse displayed bravery in leading his tribes in several significant battles throughout the 1800s, but eventually had to surrender to American forces. Following his surrender, his death on September 6, 1887, while in government custody, remains a subject of controversy.
Fast forward to 1939, Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear corresponded with Polish-American architect Korczak Ziolkowski, requesting the creation of a monument to honor Crazy Horse's legacy.
The warrior was remembered and revered by his people for his courage, leadership, and unwavering spirit. When construction commenced in 1948, Ziolkowski estimated that completing the monument would take approximately 30 years.
However, this projection proved to be a significant underestimation, as the project remains unfinished even after seven decades (Ziolkowski passed away in 1982). Numerous challenges have contributed to the delays, including the complexity of carving the sculpture into the side of a mountain, requiring appropriate equipment, and contending with adverse weather patterns.
Funding has also been an ongoing issue. Currently, there is no set deadline for the completion of the monument. Only the head of Crazy Horse has been finished, with the hand, arm, shoulder, hairline, and the top of the horse's head slated for completion within the next 15 years.
When construction commenced in 1948, Ziolkowski estimated that completing the monument would take approximately 30 years. However, this projection proved to be a significant underestimation, as the project remains unfinished even after seven decades (Ziolkowski passed away in 1982).
Numerous challenges have contributed to the delays, including the complexity of carving the sculpture into the side of a mountain, requiring appropriate equipment and contending with adverse weather patterns. Funding has also been an ongoing issue.
The sculpture of Lakota Warrior Crazy Horse, still incomplete, has been in construction since 1948.
Crazy Horse was a courageous figure who led his tribe through many pivotal battles during the 1800s.
However, he eventually capitulated to American forces. His death on September 6, 1887, under government detention, is mired in mystery and debate.
In 1939, Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear reached out to Polish-American architect Korczak Ziolkowski, expressing the desire for a monument commemorating Crazy Horse's enduring legacy.
As the monument's construction began in 1948, Ziolkowski anticipated a completion timeline of roughly 30 years.
Nevertheless, this timeframe turned out to be a vast understatement. Despite over seven decades of work (and Ziolkowski's passing in 1982), the sculpture is yet to be finished.
Several factors have prolonged the endeavor:
-The intricacies of sculpting into a mountain's face
-The necessity for specialized equipment
-Challenging weather conditions
Securing adequate funds has been a recurring challenge. At present, there's no finalized date for the monument's completion.
While Crazy Horse's head is carved out, the hand, arm, shoulder, hairline, and the top portion of the horse's head are projected to be finished in the next 15 years.
Alic3 2 years ago
always remember rule thumb of boredpanda post, they all reposted. so, maybe this was a mistake while copy pasting the article from another site.
Load More Replies... Jrog 2 years ago
While it started possibly with good intentions, nowadays it is often considered (rightfully, IMHO) little more than a fundraising scam. The Lakota tribe withdrew support decades ago. The foundation running the fundraiser contributes very little to progress of work, despite the income from donations and the 35$ admission fees amounting to almost 30 M$ in 2022 alone. The last Form 990 filing from the foundation reports over 20 million $ in net revenue for the year 2022 and over 120 million in assets, without undertaking any significant development activity except a measly 130k$ in "grants" and over 3M$ in salaries to the board.
Linus Bourque 2 years ago
The final goal is impressive! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Horse_Memorial
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 years ago
They've come a long way since this photo was taken. Folks like to complain about it not being finished, but when you consider they don't accept any funds from the government..... And if you think about it, Mount Rushmore (which is just "up the street") technically was never finished either. If you're ever in South Dakota, come see this. It's awesome even if it isn't finished 🙂
#69
Two stylish young men stroll down the street after leaving Cambridge, 1926
If you're curious about their strange pants, they're called Plus Fours. Plus fours are breeches or trousers that extend 4 inches (10 cm) below the knee (and thus four inches longer than traditional knickerbockers, hence the name).
Plus fours were introduced in the 1920s and became popular among sportsmen--particularly golfers and game shooters--as they allowed more freedom of movement than knickerbockers.
An “extravagant, careless style that fit right in with the looser fashions and lifestyles of the 1920s,” plus fours were introduced to America by Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) during a trip in 1924
#70
This photo shows the Statue of Liberty seen from the torch. The torch has been closed to the public since 1916 when it was damaged in an explosion caused by German spies.
The event is known as the Black Tom explosion on July 30, 1916. At that time, the United States had not yet joined World War 1, but they were selling weapons to the Allied powers.
Germany sent saboteurs to destroy production lines and supplies. Around 100,000 pounds (45,000 kg) of TNT were stored on a barge on the night of the explosion.
Guards noticed small fires and left, fearing an explosion. At 2:08 am, the first and biggest explosion occurred. It was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, equivalent to 5.0 and 5.5 on the Richter scale.
The blast was felt in Philadelphia and shattered windows in Times Square. The explosion caused $20,000,000 in damages and claimed four lives. This incident turned public opinion against Germany and eventually led the United States to join World War 1 on April 16th, 1917
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
Another problem with access to the torch is that it is a steep, narrow stairway, almost a ladder, with one-way at a time traffic.
#71
Cassie Chadwick, the "Queen of Sham."
Cassie Chadwick was a scammer in the United during the 19th century. She was known for her ability to tell elaborate lies and her charming demeanor, which helped her gain the trust of wealthy individuals.
In the late 19th century, Chadwick began posing as the famous industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie's illegitimate daughter.
She used this fake identity to defraud banks and investors of millions of dollars, promising them access to her father's vast fortune.
Chadwick maintained her scam for several years, using her charm and cunning to keep investors at bay. She lived lavishly, buying expensive clothes and jewelry and even building a mansion in Cleveland, Ohio.
However, in 1904, Chadwick's scheme finally caught up with her. One of her investors, a banker named Herbert B. Newton, became suspicious of her claims and began to investigate. He discovered that Chadwick had no connection to Andrew Carnegie and that her entire persona was fabricated.
Chadwick was eventually arrested and sentenced to prison, where she died in 1907.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Well, better a fake billionaire than a real one.
Load More Replies...
#72
Tarrare was a real historical figure who lived in France during the late 18th century. He was known for his insatiable hunger and bizarre eating habits.
He suffered from a rare medical condition called polyphagia, which caused him to constantly crave and consume large quantities of food, including non-food items.
Tarrare drew crowds by eating corks, stones, and live animals. At one point he even swallowed an entire basketful of apples one after the other.
Despite his ability to eat enormous amounts, Tarrare’s health deteriorated rapidly, and he faced numerous health complications due to his condition.
His life remains a fascinating medical mystery, with many unanswered questions about the nature and causes of his unique condition
UpQuarkDownQuark (he/hey you) 2 years ago
“Despite his ability to eat enormous amounts, Tarrare’s health deteriorated rapidly…” Despite?
#73
The Beast of Bray Road, is the name given to a wolf-like creature allegedly reported to have been witnessed in or near Elkhorn, Walworth County, Wisconsin.
The creature has become a part of Wisconsin folklore and has been the subject of multiple books, documentaries, and a 2005 horror film
Gabby M 2 years ago
Do you live in or near Elkhorn, Walworth County, Wisconsin? Just wondering lol
Load More Replies...
mysterious(all pronouns) 2 years ago (edited)
It's not the only Wisconsin crptid! We also have the hodag, which supposedly lives near Rhinelander. I don't know what films it has been in, but it was featured in a scooby doo episode.
#74
Frank Sinatra selfie, taken at his apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey, 1938
#75
The worn marble steps of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
This iconic freestanding bell tower began tilting during construction due to an inadequate foundation on soft ground.
It was completed in 1372 after 199 years of construction. The tower stands at 55.86 meters (183.27 feet) on the low side and 56.67 meters (185.93 feet) on the high side.
Crafted from marble and stone, the tower boasts 296 steps leading to its pinnacle, accompanied by seven bells
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
Watch your timing up on the top. I nearly catapulted over the rail when a bell was sounded right behind me.
#76
Colonel Sanders would often make surprise visits to KFC restaurants. If dissatisfied with the food he threw it to the floor while cursing out the employees
random username 2 years ago
Well, but on the other hand, how bad must it have been if it was too bad for KFC's standards?
Load More Replies... Jupiter Davis 2 years ago
he would be so mad at what happened to KFC. not as good as they used to be
Michael Largey 2 years ago
He hated what happened to the product after he sold the companied. He was contracted to appear in commercials under the new ownership. But as a protest he refused to speak in any of them.."The contract said 'appear'. It didn't say anything about talking."
Load More Replies... #77
Koca Yusuf, also known as "The Terrible Turk," was a prominent Ottoman wrestler from 1857 to 1898. He was known for his strength, skill, and size, making him one of his day's most feared and respected wrestlers.
Born in the Ottoman Empire, Yusuf began wrestling as a child. Wrestling held great cultural significance in the Ottoman Empire, being both a popular sport and a symbol of strength and valor. Yusuf quickly rose to prominence due to his natural abilities and years of dedication to his craft.
His impressive size was one of the most notable aspects of Koca Yusuf's wrestling career. He was 7 feet tall and weighed over 300 pounds. His immense size, coupled with his agility and technique, made him virtually unbeatable in the wrestling arena.
Yusuf's fame extended beyond the borders of the Ottoman Empire, and he gained recognition as one of the greatest wrestlers of his time. He participated in numerous wrestling competitions and tournaments, both within the Ottoman Empire and internationally. His fellow countrymen celebrated his victories, and he became a symbol of national pride.
One of Yusuf's most significant achievements was his victory over the renowned French wrestler Leon Petit. In 1888, the two faced off in a highly anticipated match in Paris. Despite Petit's reputation as a skilled wrestler, Yusuf emerged victorious, solidifying his status as a global wrestling sensation. This triumph further elevated his fame and reputation.
In addition to his wrestling prowess, Koca Yusuf was known for his philanthropy and gentle nature outside of the wrestling arena.
Tragically, Koca Yusuf's life was cut short when he died at 41 due to complications from tuberculosis. His untimely death was a great loss to the wrestling world, and he was mourned by his fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
#78
Inside of an Airplane, 1930s
David A Paterson 2 years ago
I like the seats. Probably very comfortable and a better view and much lighter in weight than the heavy monstrosities we have these days. I'm not so keen on the luggage racks, though.
#79
In 1933, New York silk merchant A.L. Kahn was fishing off the coast of New Jersey when something enormous became ensnared on his anchor line.
For hours, he and his mates struggled with the great beast, eventually getting help from the U.S. Coast Guard and using several dozen bullets to finally subdue this unbelievable "devil fish."
When they finally got it aboard, they saw the enormous manta ray they'd just landed. This was one of the most staggering sea creatures ever captured at over 20 feet wide and weighing in at over 5,000 pounds.
Soon, Kahn had the ray taxidermied( a way to preserve an animal for public display) and strung up on a crane, charging ever-growing crowds 10 cents a piece to see this astounding marine beast that remains shocking to this day
ColdSteelRonin 2 years ago
When i was a kid, i would sit on my grandmothers condo balcony on the 20th floor and could occasionally spot manta rays in Biscayne Bay, huge creatures
#80
In the mid-20th century, the enchanting city of Venice found itself facing a unique challenge: the need to clean and drain its intricate network of canals.
Venice, renowned for its picturesque waterways, had long relied on these canals for transportation, trade, and as an integral part of its identity.
However, the accumulation of silt and debris over the years necessitated a comprehensive cleaning effort to restore the canals to their former glory.
The year 1956 witnessed an extraordinary undertaking as Venetians worked tirelessly to drain and clean one of the city's iconic canals.
Jrog 2 years ago
Caption is plain wrong. This is not something unique to 1956, nor an "extraordinary undertaking". This kind of maintenance was common routine: when a channels had silt build-up, cofferdams were placed at either end, dredgers would clean the silt, replace the wooden posts and the channel was reopened. Nowadays is less common, the channels are cleaned with dredge boats so there is no need to close the waterways.
Saint Thomas 2 years ago
Thx for the precisions ! I can still smell this picture though :-)
Load More Replies... #81
In July 1945, the USS Indianapolis completed a top-secret mission to deliver Uranium for "Little Boy," the first nuclear weapon used in combat, to the Tinian Naval Base.
Shortly after departing for its next mission, it was sunk by a Japanese torpedo. The 890 survivors of this attack were left adrift at sea for days, battling dehydration, exposure, saltwater poisoning, and shark attacks with limited lifeboats and virtually no supplies
Michael Largey 2 years ago
The actor who played Quint, Robert Shaw, wrote that speech. (He was a playwright as well as an actor.)
Load More Replies... #82
The Lady of Elche is a limestone bust that is believed to have been created during the Iberian period in Spain, which lasted from the 6th to the 1st centuries BCE. The bust was discovered on an estate called La Alcudia in Elche, Alicante, Spain in 1897 by a young worker named Manuel Campello Esclapez. The discovery caused a sensation and immediately attracted the attention of archaeologists and art collectors alike.
The limestone bust is beautifully and intricately carved, featuring a woman's face and elaborate headgear. The clothing, jewelry, and headdress suggest that the figure was of high status, possibly royal or divine. The headdress is particularly noteworthy, featuring a large, circular crown-like structure with intricate details and a series of smaller, triangular shapes that radiate outwards.
The identity of the Lady of Elche is a subject of much debate among scholars. Some believe that she represents a deity or goddess, while others suggest that she was a high-ranking member of an Iberian tribe. There are even those who argue that the bust is a forgery, created during the Renaissance or later.
After its discovery, the bust was quickly sold to a French art collector named Pierre Paris, who took it to Paris. Its removal from Spain sparked an intense diplomatic disagreement between the two countries. The Spanish government demanded its return, and the French government eventually agreed to return the bust to Spain in 1941, as a gesture of goodwill during World War II
#83
A man begging for forgiveness inside a Chicago divorce court, 1948
#84
Photo of an ironworker during construction of the Columbia Tower, Seattle, 1984
#85
David Bowie with his wife, Angela Barnett in 1971
#86
Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 2 years ago
Cunard stated the rumours of overbooking on one of their popular cruises was greatly overestimated.
#87
The life of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man to ever live
#88
Not to be outdone by the Eiffel Tower, here are some of the many rejected designs for the Great Tower of London
Danthropologist 2 years ago
The Great Tower of London (or Watkins Tower) was only partially completed and then completely demolished in 1907. It was located in Wembley which is to the North West of the City. Not to be confused with The Tower of London which has had a fortress on its site since the Romans founded Londinium
#89
On September 15, 1896, two trains collided head-on about 14 miles north of Waco, Texas. Upon collision, the boilers of the locomotives exploded, scattering debris over a wide area and leading to the death of at least two onlookers and injuring many more.
Yet, no one fled the scene.
Following the crash, a multitude from the surrounding area surged forward, eager to collect a fragment of the debris. This was because the crowd of approximately 40,000 had anticipated the collision, having paid to see the spectacle.
From 1896 to the 1930s, orchestrated train collisions were a crowd-pulling event at many U.S. fairs and festivals, a phenomenon predating the concept of demolition derbies or monster truck rallies.
Jrog 2 years ago
Caption is misleading. The crowd did not "anticipate the collision". The collision was deliberately planned as a stunt and marketed as "The Crash at Crush" (Crush being the name of the temporary town built for the event, named after William Crush, the event organizer). The railway brought people to the site making money from tickets for the special touristic trains and from concessions and even a circus; two old locomotives were launched into each other. See photo attached for the exact impact moment: the photographer was wounded by the exploding boilers and lost an eye. The_Trains...8d4515.jpg 
#90
With a length of 458 meters (1,504 feet), the Seawise Giant was the longest self-propelled ship ever built.
When at full speed, Seawise Giant needed 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) to stop.
The rudder weighed 230 tons, the propeller weighed 50 tons, and the anchor weighed 36 tons
Jrog 2 years ago
It's also the heaviest ship ever built. Until 2013, it was the longest ship ever built, being demoted to the "self-propelled" subcategory after Shell built an unpropelled gas tanker about 30 meters longer. She had an interesting life: it was not supposed to be so big, it was increased in length after performance issues prevented acceptance from the original client and to justify the extra expense for the refit the shipyard decided to lengthen it an extra 25%. At one point it was sunk by Iraq during the 1980s "Tanker wars", and left abandoned for three years before being refloated and rebuilt. Nowadays, it would be unthinkable to build such a large crude tanker with a single hull construction.
David A Paterson 2 years ago
Single hull. OMG. Potentially the world's worst oil spill.
Load More Replies... #91
Hoover Stew is a Depression-era Cuisine staple named after United States President Herbert Hoover, whom many Americans blamed for the Great Depression.
Popular in soup kitchens then, this cheap stew was a thin broth consisting of sliced hot dog rounds, cooked macaroni, canned tomatoes, and canned corn, beans, or peas
Michael Largey 2 years ago
They named a vacuum cleaner after Hoover because they both sucked.
Load More Replies... Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 years ago
Pull out the fabric of your empty pocket: that's a "Hoover Flag" 😆
Sandy Price 2 years ago
We didn't use broth we used canned tomatoes&called it goulash in the US south.
#92
Ruffs were changeable pieces of cloth that could be laundered separately while keeping the wearer's neckline dirty.
The stiffness of the garment forced an upright posture. Their impracticality led them to become a symbol of wealth and status from the mid-15th to the mid-16th century
#93
Nearly 200 years prior to the witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts, European courts were condemning men—and occasionally women—of morphing into werewolves and savagely attacking and eating children.
Across 15th, 16th, and 17th century Europe, werewolf trials were commonplace, propelled by superstition, and religious and societal conflicts.
The accused often included beggars, loners, or newcomers. Numerous admissions of being werewolves and perpetrating monstrous deeds came from the accused, but these confessions frequently came after being tortured.
Some historians theorize that a portion of these individuals might have been delusional or lacked the cognitive capacity to grasp their own confessions.
While a minority could have indeed been genuine child killers, historical accounts are fragmented and often sensationalized. Centuries later, it's difficult to untangle folklore from real evidence or what people believed to be real at the time
#95
The curious case of the stolen Boeing 727 at Luanda International Airport in 2003.
This incident captivated the world, leaving aviation authorities in disbelief. How could such a large aircraft be taken without a trace?
On May 25, 2003, two individuals managed to gain unauthorized access to the Luanda International Airport in Angola in the early morning hours.
They targeted a parked Boeing 727, a mid-sized passenger aircraft known for its versatility and reliability. The thieves, with some level of aviation knowledge, skillfully bypassed security measures and made their way onto the aircraft.
Now, you may wonder how to fly away with a Boeing 727 without raising suspicion.
The stolen aircraft was not equipped with modern tracking systems like GPS, making it significantly more challenging for authorities to locate it.
This absence of advanced technology favored the thieves, granting them a head start in their daring escapade.
Once inside the cockpit, the thieves skillfully started the engines and taxied the plane to the runway. The aircraft took off smoothly, leaving the unsuspecting airport staff and air traffic control bewildered. The stolen Boeing 727 soared into the African sky, disappearing without a trace.
The stolen aircraft belonged to a private company, and its disappearance immediately triggered a massive international search operation. Governments, intelligence agencies, and aviation authorities worldwide were on high alert, attempting to track the stolen plane's whereabouts. Despite their best efforts, the stolen Boeing 727 and the culprits remained elusive.
Numerous theories have emerged over the years regarding the fate of the stolen Boeing 727. Some speculate that the aircraft may have been repainted and hidden in a remote location, while others suggest it crashed in an inaccessible area.
Jrog 2 years ago
It forgets to mention a detail that takes away a lot of the mistery... the "two individuals" were an american and a Congolese mechanic tasked by the plane owner to recover it. The plane was leased to an operator who defaulted payments and accrued million of dollars in airport parking costs and fines.
Summer Woodsong 2 years ago
Aaahhh, the devil's always in the details, isn't it?
Load More Replies... #96
There are two doors. One leads to the castle; the other, to certain death. You may ask one question, to one guard, to help you decide which door is the correct one. One guard always lies, and one always tells the truth. How do you choose?
Seonag Udell 2 years ago
You ask " which way would the other guard tell me is the way to the castle" and then you go the opposite way.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Or "If I had asked you yesterday which was the door to the castle, what would you have said?" Then take that door.
Load More Replies... ColdSteelRonin 2 years ago
Found this on MENTAL FLOSS "The riddle was coined by mathematician Raymond Smullyan and goes by many names—“A Fork in the Road,” “Heaven and Hell,” and “The Two Doors,” among them. It is probably most well known for having a role in the 1986 movie Labyrinth. Here’s the basic idea: You’re met with a choice between two identical doors with an identical guard at each. One door leads to heaven and one door leads to hell. You can ask one guard one question and then make your choice on which door to pass through. One of the guards always tells the truth and one of them always lies. So, what question do you ask? In Labyrinth, the protagonist (Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly) gets it right. She asks the one on the left, “Would he [referencing the guard on the right] tell me that this door leads to the castle?” Leftie tells Sarah yes, and from there, she is able to conclude that he is the one guarding the door to “certain death.” "
Sharkie 2 years ago
Congratulations! You successfully got who tells the truth and who does not... But you used your only one question and there are still two doors. You have no way of knowing the right door...
Load More Replies... #97
Greek Fire, the Byzantine Empire’s secret weapon
#98
Hetty Green was one of the most eccentric millionaires in America's Gilded Age.
Despite her vast wealth, Hetty was miserly to the point of absurdity. For instance, she never spent money on an office, preferring to conduct business sitting on the floor of her bank, surrounded by paperwork.
When her son Ned broke his leg as a child, Hetty tried to set the leg herself. When that didn’t work, she disguised herself and her son as paupers and tried to get in at the free clinic. After they kicked her out, Hetty — the boy’s screams be damned — finally set the broken leg.
Apparently, she did finally consent to pay for medical care when Ned’s leg became infected and had to be amputated.
Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger 2 years ago
We can all guess how long she would have waited if her own leg had been broken and hurt like hell. Poor boy
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Richienotsorich 6 months ago
Some of these aren't facts they're just pictures. Lombard Street for instance.
Richienotsorich 6 months ago
Some of these aren't facts they're just pictures. Lombard Street for instance.
You May Like 61 Curious Facts They Don't Teach You In Art Classes “Bread-Shaped Bread Factory”: 35 Structures So Odd They Could Be AI-Generated
Viltė Domkutė
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Related on Bored Panda
