Australia is shifting approximately 7 cm (2.76 inches) northward each year, making it the fastest moving continental landmass on Earth. This movement is due to the tectonic activity of the Indo-Australian Plate, which is being pushed by the neighboring Pacific Plate. As a result, the Australian continent experiences a gradual increase in the frequency and […]
Zed vs. Zee: Pronunciation Variations Across English-Speaking Countries
In the majority of English-speaking countries across the globe, the letter “Z” is pronounced as “zed.” However, the United States stands out as the sole exception, opting for the pronunciation “zee.” This divergence can be traced back to the late 17th century, when American lexicographer Noah Webster decided to simplify certain aspects of the English […]
Ford Aurora II: Bold 1960s Design Innovation
The Ford Aurora II never reached the market, likely due to a failure to meet safety regulations. However, its innovative wrap-around couch and the 180° swiveling passenger seat stand as some of the boldest design feats of the 1960s. Interestingly, the Aurora II also featured other groundbreaking ideas such as a rear-facing third row of […]
Lost Masterpiece Found in Movie: The Stuart Little Painting Saga
In 2009, Hungarian art historian Gergely Barki recognized a long-lost painting by Róbert Berény while watching the movie Stuart Little. The artwork, titled “Sleeping Lady with Black Vase,” had been missing for 90 years and was used as a prop in the film. The painting had been sold for $40 at a charity auction in […]
Fraternity Membership: GPA Impact and Future Earnings Boost
In 2019, researchers at Union College conducted a study that discovered that although joining a fraternity in college led to a decrease in a student’s GPA by an average of 0.25 points, it also resulted in a substantial 36% increase in their future earnings. This finding highlights the potential trade-off between academic performance and long-term […]
Logos and their Stories: The Power of Unique Typography
The distinctive 7-ELEVEn logo features a lowercase “n” amidst uppercase letters, as it was thought that an entirely uppercase design would appear overly aggressive. This choice contributes to the brand’s unique and memorable identity. Logos play a crucial role in brand recognition and marketing, with many famous companies adopting unconventional designs or typography to stand […]
HSAM: The Extraordinary World of Hyper-Remembering
Rebecca Sharrock, a 27-year-old Australian, possesses the rare gift of Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), enabling her to recollect every intricate detail of her life on any specific date. This exceptional condition not only makes her life experiences highly vivid but also offers valuable insights into human memory. Interestingly, individuals with HSAM are few and […]
Surprise Pizza Delivery: Unusual Food Laws Across the US
In Louisiana, one must refrain from arranging an unexpected pizza delivery to someone’s residence without their consent, as doing so is prohibited by law. Violators may be subjected to a penalty of up to $500 or potentially face incarceration. Interestingly, this unique regulation is just one example of unusual food-related laws across the United States. […]
Hudson Hero: Sully’s Ethical Endeavor & Miracle Landing
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the heroic pilot who successfully executed an emergency water landing on the Hudson River, conscientiously informed a library that their borrowed book on professional ethics had been lost when the aircraft submerged. This incredible incident, known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” took place on January 15, 2009, when US Airways […]
Email Overload: The 28% Impact on Office Workers
On average, office workers dedicate 28% of their professional careers to reading and responding to emails. This significant time commitment is attributed to the growing reliance on electronic communication in the modern workplace, which has led to an increase in email volume. In fact, studies show that employees receive around 121 emails per day, and […]