Author: menno

The Aokigahara forest is located in Japan at the foot of Mount Fuji. It is also called the suicide forest because a large number of suicides take place here annually. The suicides often seem to be inspired by the suicide of two lovers from the novel Kuroi Jukai (The Black Sea of Trees). The deadly silence, the deserted landscape, and the ominous atmosphere seem to act like a magnet on frustrated people who find their lives no longer worth living. In 2002, 78 bodies were found in the Aokigahara forest! A very mysterious and often feared place in Japan. 10.…

It’s fascinating to consider that what are now billion-dollar companies once started with little more than a dream, a brilliant idea, an unwavering will to work hard, and a garage. This article sheds light on the top 10 companies that started in a garage and grew into global giants. Microsoft https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmtPWvT1vp8 In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in a modest garage, with limited resources. They sold their first operating system for about $80,000. Later, they developed more advanced software, which eventually led to the creation of Windows. Today, Microsoft continues to innovate and introduce new products. They…

Vincent van Gogh is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating artists the world has known. His passion, the drama of his life, and the intensity with which he approached his art still resonate with many. His work and the stories woven around it continue to inspire and amaze people. In this article, we delve into some intriguing facts about this iconic painter, who was more than just the man who cut off his ear. His life was a complex mix of struggle, creativity, and a deep, often painful quest for understanding and expression. Jack of all trades Before Vincent van…

Harry Houdini, born as Erik Weisz, is undoubtedly one of the most legendary magicians in history. His spectacular escape acts in particular have brought him worldwide fame. In this article, we present a number of fun facts about the life of Harry Houdini. He chose his name in honor of another magician He was born as Erik Weisz, but his name was changed to Ehrich Weiss after his family’s emigration from Hungary to Wisconsin when he was four years old. Young Ehrich, nicknamed “Ehrie” or “Harry,” had a fascination for magic, particularly for the work of the famous French magician…

The word ‘radioactive’ sounds alarming and conjures images of danger and disease, especially when you hear it’s in our food. However, what many people don’t know is that natural radioactivity is present all around us, including in many of the foods we consume daily. It is important to emphasize that the amounts of radioactivity in these foods are extremely low and declared safe for consumption by scientific bodies. Remember this before you set aside your banana breakfast or a handful of Brazil nuts out of fear of radioactivity. 1. Brazil Nut – 12,000 picocuries per kilogram With a radioactivity level…

Our solar system harbors some truly astounding mountains that far surpass the largest terrestrial peaks. Below is a top 10 of these colossal natural wonders. 10. Euboea Montes Located on Io, one of Jupiter’s four large moons, Euboea Montes stretches to a height of 10 kilometers. 9. Oberon Peak On Oberon, one of the moons of Uranus, this unnamed peak reaches up to 11 kilometers. Oberon is dotted with craters and deep canyons. 8. Ionian Mon Back on Io, this mountain rises 12.7 kilometers. The continuous volcanic activity on Io, driven by gravitational interactions with Jupiter, makes this moon one…

Tears are much more than just water flowing from our eyes when we are sad or get something in our eye. They play a crucial role in the health and functioning of our eyes. In this article, we dive into the fascinating world of tears and reveal ten surprising facts you probably didn’t know. 1. A Sea of Tears Did you know that a person produces an average of between 57 and 114 liters of tears per year? Although production decreases with age, we will never completely stop producing tears. 2. Three Types of Tears There are three different types…

The Dubai Mall is a paragon of luxury and grandeur. This architectural marvel is not just a shopping destination but also a place where entertainment, culture, and art converge. With its impressive size and diversity of attractions, the Dubai Mall offers visitors a unique experience that goes beyond traditional shopping. The largest mall in the world The Dubai Mall sets the standard when it comes to size and scale. With a total area equivalent to about 50 soccer fields, it is not only the largest mall in the United Arab Emirates but also in the world. The indoor space houses…

Big Ben, the iconic clock tower in London, is a symbol of both the city and the United Kingdom. Although many think they know everything about this famous landmark, there are still quite a few surprising facts that are less known to the general public. Big Ben is actually a nickname Although it is commonly assumed that Big Ben is the name of the tower, it is actually the nickname of the large bell inside, which weighs a whopping 13.7 tons. There are various theories about the origin of this name, one of which suggests that the bell was named…

In this article, we describe the wonders of the Burj Khalifa, the towering masterpiece that defines the Dubai skyline. With its breathtaking heights and technological innovations, this skyscraper symbolizes human ambition and ingenuity. From the design inspired by nature to the unprecedented heights it reaches, every corner of the Burj Khalifa tells a story of progress and refinement. Tallest building in the world With a staggering height of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa towers high above Dubai. It stands about twice as high as the world-famous Empire State Building and three times as high as the iconic Eiffel Tower. When…

Pandas are undoubtedly one of the most beloved animals on earth. Their striking black and white fur and seemingly cuddly appearance make them irresistible. But are they really as cute as they seem? You’ll learn in this article with ten fun facts about China’s national treasure. 1. Bamboo, Bamboo, and More Bamboo Pandas are known for their almost exclusive diet of bamboo. These giants consume up to 99% bamboo daily, despite their digestive system being more similar to that of a carnivore. On the rare occasions when bamboo is not on the menu, pandas turn to other vegetation or even…

There are all sorts of ways countries can identify themselves. Think of a flag, but also a national anthem or typical traditional clothing. But did you know that every country has a national animal? In most cases, these are animals that have something to do with the local nature or culture. Some countries really take it to the next level. Want to know which countries these are? You can read it in the top 10 countries with a unique national animal. 10. North Korea – Chollima Not every country has a national animal that actually exists. This also applies to…

Last week, one of the largest gold nuggets ever found was auctioned for $750,000. The so-called ‘Alaska Centennial Gold Nugget’ weighs over 9 kilograms, making it one of the largest gold nuggets ever found on Earth. We went on a research mission and compiled a top 10 list of the largest gold nuggets ever found, and this nugget from Alaska is just a small one compared to the following gold finds. 10. Hand of Faith – 27.2 kilograms The “Hand of Faith” was found quite recently, in 1980. The lucky finder was Kevin Hillier. He was searching with his metal…

Gold, that shimmering, yellow metal that has fascinated people around the world for centuries. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs to modern financial markets, gold holds a special place in the hearts of humanity. But what makes gold so special? Here are 10 facts that tell you everything about it. 1. People have been using it for thousands of years Let’s start at the beginning. Gold is not a recent obsession of mankind. As early as 2600 BC, gold was used by the Egyptians for decorative purposes. For many ancient civilizations, gold was not just a symbol of wealth and power, but…

We’ve all tried to reach our elbow with our tongue or sneeze with open eyes, often with more enthusiasm than elegance. In the spirit of self-mockery and human curiosity, we present a list of the ‘Top 10 things most people can’t do with their body’. So, get ready for some light-hearted self-discovery and a few guaranteed “I must try this” moments! 1. Licking Your Elbow https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SmpgZfn4t04 Come on, who hasn’t tried this after a friend’s challenge? Chances are, you looked like a dog chasing its tail. Unless you have a tongue that can compete with that of a giraffe, it’s…

Remaking movies can sometimes lead to stunning outcomes that are even better than the original. However, there are countless films that failed to meet audience expectations, particularly when the original was beloved and popular. Reddit, a platform where movie enthusiasts share their opinions, has compiled a list of the worst movie remakes of all time. Here is a look at the top five films from that list: 10. ‘Ben-Hur’ (2016) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BmeR9GYdDU This remake of William Wyler’s epic religious film from 1959, which in turn was a remake of the silent film from 1925 with a similar title, sees Jack Huston…

The color blue in nature is rare and special, particularly because it is often associated with the sky and the sea, but rarely found in fauna. The reasons why these animals are blue vary from camouflage to attracting mates and even as a form of protection against predators. In this article, we look at ten remarkable blue animals, each with their unique characteristics and the intriguing reasons behind their vibrant colors. Blue Pitta The blue pitta, a small but striking bird, shines in the sun with its vibrant blue plumage. This color serves not only as camouflage among the blue…

In a world where scents color our daily life, there are some we would rather avoid. Scents can evoke memories, affect emotions, and even change our perception of places and people. But what happens when we are faced with the most unpleasant smells? 10. Cigarette Smoke Although some may not immediately associate the smell of cigarette smoke with the foulest odors, it can be particularly unpleasant for non-smokers and former smokers. Cigarette smoke has a penetrating odor that can soak into clothes, hair, and interiors. 9. Dog Poop Dog poop is a smell many people know and detest, especially when…

Long ago, and we’re talking millions of years ago, very different animals roamed and swam on this Earth. The oceans too were home to many fish species that have been extinct for millions of years. This includes the precursor to the sharks we know today: the Megalodon. The Megalodon was a gigantic shark species that we can no longer imagine. While we consider sharks of two or three meters to be large, the average length of the Megalodon was around 18 meters, and it is not excluded that they could grow even larger. The Megalodon lived in times when humanity…

“Mythology is full of stories about bizarre and cruel punishments imposed by gods on mortals and other divine beings. These punishments were often intended as warnings or lessons and reflected the values and beliefs of the societies from which they originated. Prometheus – Bound to a rock where an eagle eats his liver every night In Greek mythology, Prometheus was punished by Zeus for giving fire to humanity and for his rebelliousness. Prometheus’ punishment was that he was chained to a rock on the side of a mountain. Every night an eagle came and pecked open his belly and ate…

In the world of celebrities, it’s not uncommon for things to be named after them. But sometimes these tributes go a bit too far. Here is a list of the top 10 strangest things named after famous people. 10. Kaikaia gaga (Lady Gaga) Lady Gaga, the pop diva known for her eccentric outfits, now has an insect named after her. How fitting! 9. Gnathia marleyi (Bob Marley) Three decades after his death, legendary singer Bob Marley received an unusual tribute when a blood-sucking fish parasite was named after him. A bit strange, but certainly memorable. 8. Dendropsophus ozzyi (Ozzy Osbourne)…

It’s fascinating how music, which at first glance seems innocent, can sometimes contain hidden messages or ambiguities that surprise the listener. Here are ten songs that are more lascivious than you might initially think: 10. ‘Macarena’ – Los Del Rio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWaymcVmJ-A “Macarena” is one of those songs almost everyone knows because of the iconic dance that accompanies it. But what many may not realize is that the lyrics of the song have a not-so-innocent undertone. In the song, a woman, Macarena, sings about her desire to find a new man while her current boyfriend is in the army. She admits…

Sexual dimorphism means that there is a significant difference in appearance between males and females of the same species (animal). This includes differences in body size, body shape, and body color, but can also refer to body hair, skin, teeth, and wings. Often, when we think of sexual dimorphism, we think of males with a striking appearance, but sometimes it is the female that has a more notable appearance compared to the male. Red Deer In red deer, the difference in appearance between the male and female is quite evident. The male is much larger, but what is especially notable…

A pontificate is the period of office of a pope. The current pope, Francis, is the 266th pope. Unlike most popes, who came from Italy, he is from Argentina. His pontificate has already lasted almost 9 years, much longer than the pontificates in this list of the shortest papal terms. 10. Benedict V and John Paul I (33 days) On place 10 are two popes with a pontificate of 33 days. Benedict V was born in Rome and was pope from May 22, 964, until June 23, 964. He struggled with Pope Leo VIII for papal power. Eventually, Benedict V…

A Lazarus species, also known as a Lazarus taxon, is a taxon or species that was thought to be extinct but was later rediscovered. This effect is also known as the Lazarus effect. The term Lazarus taxon is named after Lazarus, a deceased man who, according to the Bible, was brought back to life by Jesus. There is a difference between species of which only fossil remains had been found and had never been seen alive, but were later rediscovered (such as number 7 and number 1 on our list), or species that had been seen alive, then declared extinct,…

The prehistoric oceans were filled with some of the most terrifying and gigantic creatures that have ever existed. These sea monsters, which populated the depths of the ancient seas, were larger, more frightening, and stranger than anything we find in our oceans today. Here is a description of the first five of these incredible prehistoric marine animals, offering a glimpse into a time when the oceans were ruled by true titans. Megalodon The Megalodon is probably the most well-known animal on this list, and not without reason. This gigantic shark, which lived up to 25 million years ago, could reach…

Throughout history, there have been women whose beauty not only defined eras but also influenced the course of events. These women, immortalized in art, literature, and the annals of history, continue to fascinate and inspire. Their beauty was often accompanied by intelligence, charm, and an undeniable influence on their times. In this article, we highlight three of these iconic women: Cleopatra, Helen of Troy, and Nefertiti, and explore how their beauty shaped their lives and the world around them. Cleopatra (69 BC – 30 BC) Cleopatra VII Philopator was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Her…

Throughout the centuries, certain men have not only influenced the world through their deeds but also through their personal charisma, attractiveness, and magnetic personalities. These men, ranging from powerful leaders to cultural icons, have left a lasting impression in history, not just by what they did, but also by how they were perceived. Here are the ten most handsome men who have ever lived. Adonis Adonis was so attractive that he drew the attention of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. His youth and extraordinary beauty symbolize the transience and fleeting nature of life, a theme often found in…

Following on from the British beat boom of the 1960s, the 1970s was a decade when British music still rocked. Here are ten British groups that made their mark in the 1970s – and beyond. 10. Free https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YExuLkIaQ7U An extremely precocious band that produced one of rock’s true great rock anthems in the shape of All Right Now in 1970. Other fine songs included Wishing Well and My Brother Jake. Sadly, guitarist Paul Kossoff’s terminal decline due to drugs halted this impressive young outfit from going on to even greater success. 9. The Clash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN1WwnEDWAM After The Sex Pistols, The…

No decade in British rock music history had such an array of impressive bands as the 1960s. Indeed, several decades on the influence this list of groups had on popular music worldwide can still be felt. 10. The Troggs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSWInYFVksg Coming out of the Hampshire town of Andover The Troggs fought against the odds to compete well against bands from Britain’s big cities. The Troggs had hits with Wild Thing, Love Is All Around and With a Girl Like You, which were some of the most memorable songs of the decade. 9. The Moody Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9muzyOd4Lh8 A group that produced…

The ’00s saw a number of exciting British rock bands emerge. But, some of the more established rock names also made their presence felt in the decade, which is reflected in our top 10 list here. 10. Muse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8KQmps-Sog Multi-instrumentalist and singer Matt Bellamy is the architect behind one of the most powerful sounds in rock, and the band had three successive number one albums in the ’00s as a consequence. Grand in scope, the music of Muse was at its most exhilarating live in the Noughties. 9. Kaiser Chiefs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hamKl-su8PE One of the most popular bands of the decade,…

The 1980s was a decade that was truly diverse, musically. From synth-influenced to indie music, rock bands had never been so eclectic, and here are 10 of the ’80s best. 10. Ultravox https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJeWySiuq1I Few rock bands utilised synthesizers as effectively as this band in the 1980s. Led by Midge Ure, Ultravox produced a string of moving but catchy songs in the decade, including the sumptuous Vienna. 9. Simple Minds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdqoNKCCt7A At one point in the 1980s it was Simple Minds against U2 for the title of ‘Best young stadium rockers’. But, though this Scottish band were left in the wake…

The Eurovision Song Contest, that annual extravaganza of glitter suits, unexpected plot twists, and music ranging from pure gold to… let’s say, ‘interesting’ experiments. Since 1956, this festival has not only entertained, amazed, and confused Europe, but also the world. But did you know that among all those sequins and pyrotechnics, some of the greatest musical talents have shined? These are the ten most famous Eurovision Song Contest participants. ABBA: The Swedish Pop Sensation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp1_OKawHYw We start with ABBA, the undisputed kings and queen of the Eurovision Song Contest. In 1974 they took the stage, and the world was never…

The hype around artificial intelligence has reached a new level, with technologies like MidJourney and DALL-E capable of creating virtual models. These AI-generated models are not only visually stunning, but they have also become true influencers in the fashion and marketing industries. These 10 AI models have millions of followers on Instagram. 1. Aitana López Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken Een bericht gedeeld door Aitana Lopez (@fit_aitana) Aitana López, a 25-year-old virtual influencer from Barcelona, Aitana López is the first Spanish AI model, created by Rubén Cruz from The Clueless agency. Developed in response to the challenges faced by brands…

There are always new apps and websites that are the trend of the moment. Social media platform TikTok is one of them. This app is the place to share short videos of yourself, preferably with good music and a few dances. But who has the most followers on TikTok? You can read about it in this top 10 of the most popular TikTokers. 10. The Rock – 73 million followers on TikTok @therock Flew all night long just to walk thru the door in time for breakfast and “daddy curls” at 7am 😂💪🏾👧🏽 Been working all night zombie hours 🧟‍♂️⏰…

The world-famous Colombian singer Shakira is known for her unique voice, striking dance moves, and a mix of Latin American, rock, and pop sounds. Here are her top ten songs that have defined her career. 10. Can’t Remember to Forget You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3mP3mJDL2k This song, a collaboration with Rihanna, is a mix of reggae and rock. “Can’t Remember to Forget You” is known for its catchy melody and powerful vocal performances. The combination of Shakira and Rihanna creates a dynamic duo, blending their voices seamlessly to create an unforgettable hit. 9. Estoy Aquí https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmJHH026X0c “Estoy Aquí” is one of Shakira’s early…

Torrent sites come and go. They are shut down by organizations like Brein or even the FBI, but often reappear online a few days later at a different address. If not, another site takes over. This isn’t surprising, as these sites are among the most popular in the world, earning substantial revenue from advertisements. 10. TorrentGalaxy TorrentGalaxy is the newest torrent site on the list, already very popular just two years after its launch. It has an active community that frequently uploads content. Unique to TorrentGalaxy is the ability to stream movies directly on the site. 9. eztv eztv has…

In recent years, the demand for car rental services has been growing steadily. Renting a car is a smart way to solve many everyday and organisational problems. In addition, the lack of ownership of a car removes a significant burden of problems from the driver. Often, people who travel to another country on vacation or for work resort to rental services. For example, the rental car market is very well developed in the UAE, because this country receives both a huge number of tourists and business people. Rental companies offer their clients cars of various brands and classes, according to…

Does heat affect the car itself? How do the heat and scorching sun affect the technical condition of the vehicle? Every vehicle must be prepared accordingly, for hot days, to run smoothly. Only then can we enjoy a flawless ride, and above all, a comfortable one. In the scorching heat of Dubai, the inside of your vehicle can turn into an oven, posing risks to items left inside such as discs, pens, or laptops. The extreme temperatures can also take a toll on the car’s upholstery, causing it to become unbearably hot and susceptible to cracking. To mitigate these issues,…