The ‘Black Knight Satellite’ conspiracy theory is certainly not new. It first emerged in the 1950s. It involves extraterrestrial civilizations and aliens, delighting UFO hunters. The Black Knight Satellite is purported to be a satellite that has orbited Earth for 13,000 years. Thus, it could not have been made by humans, let alone launched into space by them. 13,000 years ago, we were just starting to abandon our nomadic existence, settling in one place and domesticating animals. The Black Knight Satellite must therefore originate from an extraterrestrial civilization, according to the ‘believers’. Moreover, the government is said to be doing…
Author: Larkfield
Our tongue helps us with eating, talking, tasting, and swallowing. Despite daily use, many people don’t know much about their tongue. Below are ten fun facts about the tongue, Your tongue contains the most flexible muscles Although it is often thought that the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body, this is not true; it is the jaw muscle. The tongue is one of the most sensitive and flexible muscles we have. The tongue can move up, down, backward, and forward and even dislodge small pieces of food between teeth. About 80% of people can roll their tongue, but…
The national anthem or national hymn of a country is a symbol of the nation. Over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries, national anthems came into use in Europe. However, some national hymns are much older, including the Dutch “Wilhelmus”. Usually, the lyrics of a national anthem are rather grandiloquent, stirring, and easy for everyone to sing along to. Some national anthems were written by famous composers. An example of this is the German national anthem (“Das Lied der Deutschen”), whose melody comes from Joseph Haydn. The melody of the Austrian national anthem (“Land der Berge, Land am…
The asteroid belt is a fascinating strip in our solar system that stretches between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This area, dotted with countless rocky objects, from small pebbles to large celestial bodies, is a source of endless wonder and scientific discovery. In this article, we list ten facts about the asteroid belt. 1. Located between Mars and Jupiter The asteroid belt is located in the vast space between Mars and Jupiter. This area is filled with an incredible variety of rocky objects, known as asteroids, ranging in size from tiny pebbles to the size of dwarf planets. 2.…
The deepest, darkest, and most mysterious place on earth is not a forgotten cave or a remote jungle, but lies hidden beneath the waves of the Pacific Ocean. This is the Mariana Trench, a place so deep that even the highest mountain on earth, Mount Everest, would fit inside. Let’s explore the depths with these ten fascinating facts about the Mariana Trench. Location of the Mariana Trench The Mariana Trench stretches across the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and south of Japan. It is located just east of the Marianas, a chain of islands from which it gets…
The human body is a wonder, but sometimes it produces sounds that are anything but pleasant. Here are the top 10 worst sounds our body can make. 1. Vomiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qarN_TvtehE Listening to someone vomiting is absolute torture! The sound of noisy gagging and the throwing of body fluids is almost contagious for many. 2. Farts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKacHpM8yTc There are so many variations in the sound of farts. From quiet, squeaking to noisy, it can be both funny and terrible. And let’s not forget the smell! 3. Snoring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmhHRTMVers Loud snoring can be a real hell, especially when trying to sleep. It…
In the world of measurements, there are some units that stand out for their peculiarity. Here are ten of the strangest units of measurement ever conceived. 1. The Beard Second One of the most unusual and imaginative units of measurement is the “Beard-Second”. This unit is inspired by a common unit of measurement, the light-year, but is much more suitable for extremely short distances. A “Beard-Second” is exactly what it sounds like: the average length a beard grows in one second. Many people and scientists describe 1 Beard-Second as 10 nanometers, which is equal to one billionth of a meter.…
Tarsiers are beloved primates that primarily inhabit Southeast Asia. You can easily recognize these special animals by their large eyes, but they are also notably small. Want to learn more about this charming species? Then read these top 10 facts about tarsiers. They Once Lived All Over the World Tarsiers were once found in almost every continent. Fossils of these animals have been discovered in Asia, Europe, and North America, indicating that tarsiers used to have a significantly larger habitat. Nowadays, they are only found on islands in Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines, Borneo, and Sumatra. Their Eyes Are…
Crows are fascinating birds found all over the world. In this article, we will discover 10 interesting facts about crows. From their intelligent behavior to their important role in nature, there is much more to learn about these winged creatures than you might think. Crows Are Smart Crows are known for their remarkable intelligence. They have a large brain mass compared to other bird species and even have the ability to use tools. Scientists have discovered that crows can solve complex problems and even recognize human faces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZM9GpLXepU One of the most intriguing characteristics of crows is their excellent memory.…
The Pope is the title for the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The current Pope is Pope Francis. He has been the Pope since February 28, 2013, so his papacy has now lasted more than 10 years. A Pope’s tenure has a special name: a pontificate. In this list, you will find the 10 longest pontificates ever. 10. Urban VIII (1623 – 1644): 20 years, 11 months, and 24 days We start with Pope Urban VIII, whose pontificate lasted from 1623 to 1644. He was born as Maffeo Barberini and was a remarkable figure as Pope. He was a…
An urban legend, urban myth, urban tale, or contemporary legend, is a form of modern folklore consisting of stories that may or may not have been believed by their tellers to be true. As with all folklore and mythology, the designation suggests nothing about the story’s veracity, but merely that it is in circulation, exhibits variation over time, and carries some significance that motivates the community in preserving and propagating it. Many urban legends exist, some however are weirder than others: 10. The Black Volga of Warsaw Polish mums used to keep their children close to home in times gone…
Humankind is constantly looking for knowledge about the universe. Scientists already know quite a lot about the origin of the universe, the structure of galaxies, the life course of stars and the composition of the planets and moons in our solar system. However, it is not only the question of how our universe originated and what it looks like today that interests mankind. Many also wonder how the Universe will ever end. Scientists developed different theories about the extinction of the universe, some more credible or imaginative than others. Captivated by the death of our universe? Read below what could…
Animals live on land, fish live under water and men rule over it all, because we are clever and adaptable. Right? Not so fast. What if there were certain kinds of fish – many kinds of fish – that could live outside of the water, moving over land and navigating happily without panicking and fighting to breathe? Buckle up, because here, in reverse order, are the top ten fish who can – and do! – thrive out of the water: 10. Lungfish These funky fish are pretty hardy, able to bury themselves in the mud, when they sense a drought…
Going on safari is a big dream for many people. During a safari tour you get the chance to admire wild animals up close and get to know the local nature in a special way. A safari is completely safe, right? Not quite. You can read more about it in these 10 accidents on safari. Dragged away by a lion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ8ksOPsSHo Katherine Chappell was 29 years old and visited South Africa in 2015. She did this not just as a holiday, but with the goal of better protecting the country’s wildlife. To make this mission successful, she went through the…
10. Mad Cow Disease If you are a certain age you will have heard of this one: a disease that attacks the brain of cows, making them act erratically, lose weight and have trouble walking. The disease progresses fairly slowly – over about four to five years, which can mean that the meat from these animals can pass into the human food system. While humans cannot get this exact condition, we are partial to a variant of the condition (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease) which causes pain, behavioural and cognitive issues before dementia sets in. Once the disease has presented the first symptoms…
We all know what chastity belts are, don’t we? If we haven’t directly learned about them, we have seen them in movies and read of them in books. They are really well-known. Aren’t they? You might be surprised by some of the following chastity belt facts: 10. They Were Used By Jealous Husbands If we know anything about chastity belts, it is that they were used by men: fathers, brothers, especially husbands, to keep their womenfolk pure and honourable in the event of the man’s absence for a while. Now, it is true that in medieval times it was believed…
Throughout history scientists have expressed crazy theories and, more often than not, they turn out to be exactly that – crazy ideas without any logic or scientific evidence to back them up. But that didn’t stop them being used for hundreds of years before someone told them to stop. While it’s easy to look down on some of these scientific theories and wonder just what the hell they were thinking, hopefully our future generations won’t have the same sentiment when they look back at our breakthroughs and endeavours. 10. Homunculus/Preformationism Hartsoeker /public domain In its simplest form, this is the…
Hollywood has always taken a keen interest in revitalising fairy tales. The likes of Sleeping Beauty (Maleficent), Snow White (Snow White and the Huntsman) and Jack and the Beanstalk (Jack the Giant Slayer) have all had a recent makeover on the big screen and, although the idea of these cinematic adaptations changing classic stories for new audiences may seem like just another cynical Hollywood cash grab, this approach is really nothing new. The Brothers Grimm are widely credited with bringing many of the most recognisable Germanic folk and fairy tales to wider attention in the early 19th century. Before these…
This article takes an up close look at the fascinating practice of eating certain animals alive. Some of these practices are well known in Western countries, whilst others are not, and many have been a national tradition that has been going on for hundreds of years. They are listed from the tenth most popular live dish right up to the number one choice. 10. Noma Salad (ants) These ants are anaesthetized before being sprinkled over a salad. They are very much a delicacy which is in demand at a number of top class restaurants in Europe. A large number, perhaps…
We’ve all heard the saying ‘accidents happen’, but sometimes what seems like the smallest of mistakes can go down in history as the hugest of fuck-ups. 10. Lake Peigneur Up until November 20th 1980, Lake Peigneur was nothing more than a 10 foot deep freshwater body. That was until a Texaco oil rig accidently drilled into a mine that lay under the lake. Due to a miscalculation about their exact location, the drill punctured the roof of the mine, causing the lake to flood the enormous caverns that lay below. The resulting whirlpool consumed the drilling platform, eleven barges and…
If there is one subject that has many conspiracy theories, it’s aliens! Is there other life in the universe? And have the aliens ever visited the earth? 10. Project Blue Book and the Majestic 12 Both of these names represent committees allegedly set up by US authorities to ascertain for once and for all if UFOs are real and, if so, whether they pose a threat to national security. The Majestic 12 (also known as the Majority 12 in some sources) was claimed to have been set up in 1947, presumably hard on the heels of the Roswell incident. However,…
Humanity has always been fascinated with the unknown and, perhaps more importantly, how we’ve doomed ourselves. Here are ten theories which will probably keep you up at night. 10. Terror Management The Terror Management theory proposes that we as a species have a desire to live, but we also realize that death is inevitable. This is a trait believed to be unique to humans. Therefore, anything and everything mankind has achieved beyond basic survival has been motivated by the fear of non-existence. As a result, any cultural values – such as religion, national identity, posterity and human superiority – offer…
Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic surgery, with many opting for it to enhance their appearance or boost self-confidence. However, some have taken this procedure to the extreme, opting for implants of astonishing sizes. In this article, we delve into the stories of 10 women who have some of the biggest breast implants in the world. From personal choices to health risks, their stories are as varied as their cup sizes. 1. Keshia Evans **Cup Size: Overfilled to 6,000 CC** An American big bust model with very large breast implants. She has 3000 CC of smooth round shelled saline that…
Plants come in all forms and shapes. Some are beautiful, other ugly. Some smell nice, some smell pretty disgusting. Some plants we put in our houses, others are very dangerous for humans. Most we consider ‘normal’, but some plants are really weird. We present to you the 10 weirdest plant facts: 10. Strangler Fig Strangler Fig – Angkor Wat This sinisterly named plant grows up around an existing tree, slowly covering the entire plant. Then it proceeds to tighten its grip on the host tree until it dies, literally strangled to death by the parasite plant. Sometimes the fig is…
When travelling to The Netherlands do not assume that there is not much to do there. The predominantly flat countryside is beautiful and there is a wealth of historical sites and interesting nooks and crannies to visit, especially in the capital city, Amsterdam. 10. Albert Cuypmarkt Named for the renowned landscape painter, the Albert Cuyp Market is arguably Europe’s largest day-time market. Originally a rag-tag huddle of street vendors and pushcarts the market grew so large that the city authorities formalised an official market in the area, at first only on Saturdays but growing to six days per week. The…
Men have probably been concerned about the size of their penis since the beginning of civilization. One of the most frequently asked questions by people worldwide is probably “Is Bigger Better?” You think animals ask themself the same question about their pecker? It might not surprise you that the largest animals on earth also have the largest johnson. The penis of a blue whale is about 3 meters long, this is really large, but his body is also 30 meters long. It is more interesting to look at the relationship between the size of the animal and the length of…
The Illuminati has become the conspiracy theory of choice for paranoid types who are convinced that a shadowy, powerful organisation is lurking in the shadows and masterminding world events. The group has been linked to a huge range of different conspiracy theories, but some of the most intriguing involve celebrities. Many conspiracy theorists believe that some of the most prominent singers, athletes, actors and artists have either found their fame and fortune thanks to the backing of the Illuminati or that they have been used as pawns and puppets to push the agenda of the organisation. Some celebrities have been…
Atlantis, Camelot, Babylon, El Dorado: these are the types of places that may spring to mind when you hear talk of ‘lost cities’. Although there is no strong evidence that they existed outside of legends and allegorical tales, these places still have their places in history and culture. However, there are many civilisations which have been lost to the fabric of time. Whether they were abandoned, destroyed or simply forgotten, these lost cities really did once exist. 10. Mohenjo-daro (Pakistan) Mohenjo-daro is located in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. The modern name for the site simply means Mound of the…
Many of us dreamed about being the rulers of our own kingdoms when we were younger, but it wasn’t too long before we woke up to reality and pursued more ‘normal’ paths. However, some crazy diamonds have held onto this mad dream and managed to declare themselves leaders of their very own ‘micronations’. There have been hundreds of proclaimed micronations in modern history with some doing it for fame while others do it to avoid the law. Whatever the reason, we tip our hats to these crazy sovereign seekers. 10. Ladonia Ivar Skoglund / Shutterstock.com The first entrant on our…
Whether you believe in the Illuminati or not, you have to admit that the idea of a shadowy secret organisation attempting to bring about a New World Order makes for some pretty compelling conspiracy theories. Historically speaking, the Order of the Illuminati was an organisation established in Bavaria, Germany in 1776 by forward-thinking individuals who believed in the concepts of free thought, secularism and gender equality. The order was highly critical of the Bavarian monarchy and the Roman Catholic church (which was the state religion) and its members were keen supporters of the Age of Enlightenment. However the Illuminati was…