In 18th century England, umbrellas were strictly taboo and seen as a detestable, effeminate contraption. Cab drivers saw them as a threat to their business and grew violent towards umbrella owners.
There is an unreleased experimental Russian film where nobody…
There is an unreleased experimental Russian film where nobody on set was allowed to admit they were part of a movie production. Everyone had to pretend they were living in the 50’s for three whole years. The entire set was even wired to reproduce the effect of living under the Soviet regime.
In Japan, sleeping on the job is encouraged…
In Japan, sleeping on the job is encouraged. It is viewed as exhaustion from working hard. Some people even fake it to look committed to their job.
Early hunter-gatherer societies enjoyed more leisure…
Early hunter-gatherer societies enjoyed more leisure time than is permitted by capitalist and agrarian societies.
A scientist had to name an octopus species. She thought it…
A scientist had to name an octopus species. She thought it was “just so cute” she considered opisthatoothus adorabilis.
There is a theme park in Lithuania that recreates life as a USSR citizen…
There is a theme park in Lithuania that recreates life as a USSR citizen. Visitors have their belongings confiscated, wear gas masks, experience interrogation, and must learn the Soviet anthem. Their reward is a shot of vodka.
People’s teeth used to randomly explode in the 1800s…
People’s teeth used to randomly explode in the 1800s due to bad fillings. Before the advent of mercury amalgam, a wide variety of metals were used to fill cavities. Using two different metals could create an electrochemical cell – effectively turning the whole mouth into a low-volt battery.
NY City used to use hollowed out trees as water…
NY City used to use hollowed out trees as water mains in the early 19th Century. A working example was still connected to the city water lines as late as 2006.
In 1898 Nikola Tesla once tricked an entire crowd…
In 1898 Nikola Tesla once tricked an entire crowd into believing they could control a toy boat by shouting commands – he had in fact invented Radio Control and was piloting the boat himself.
Architecture, painting, poetry, music, literature…
Architecture, painting, poetry, music, literature, all used to be part of the Olympic Games.