Take a Break and Enjoy These 10 Interesting Facts

Workin’ 9 to 5…or later. No matter what your work schedule entails, sometimes you just need a break.

Am I right or am I right?

Yes, I’m right.

That’s why you need to take a short break, push your work to the side, and enjoy these 10 facts. That way, you’ll at least feel like you did something productive with your day.

Start your break…NOW!

1. Sweden in Japan!

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2. Life inside the crater.

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3. Are you a punny person?

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4. Smooth move, Bill…

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5. This might help out this winter.

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6. She nailed it!

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7. Sounds like paradise.

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8. Just a little late…

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9. That’s a cool fact.

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10. All kinds of keys.

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Okay, you had your fun…now it’s time to get back to work! Now!

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This Is Why You Cry More Easily on Planes

Are you an emotionally stable person? Someone who doesn’t cry easily?

But what about when you’re on a plane? Have you noticed that you tend to tear up over nothing?

Recent research shows that this is absolutely normal. There are scientific reasons why you might suddenly be overcome with emotion – and not just because flying can be scary.

Let’s break it down. The main reason is altitude. It’s not often you’ll find yourself at 30,000 feet in the air, so when you do fly, the altitude makes your body react differently to how it usually does. While cabin pressure  make passengers a little more comfortable, it doesn’t fix everything – including the emotional aspect.

Kate Sullivan, MSc, Head of Experience at Secret Fares told Reader’s Digest, “It’s a bit like having climbed a pretty high mountain.”

Oxygen is thinner the higher the elevation. So for someone like a mountain climber (or airplane passenger), there is a lower amount of oxygen in the bloodstream.

“With less oxygen available, your body goes into conservation mode,” Sullivan explains. “It takes care of essential functions first, like your circulatory and respiratory system, and ramps down some of the less crucial functions…including emotional regulation.”

But that’s not all. The air is extremely dry while flying. This can cause dehydration. Send in the drink cart!

“Because the air circulated in the cabin is very dry…we get pretty darn dehydrated on a plane,” Sullivan says.

And yes, the stress of flying itself can cause emotional disruption. Maybe you almost missed your plan or you said good-bye to a loved one before boarding. Whatever the reason, your nervousness may heighten, leaving you tired. And once you’re in the air, the altitude strips your body of some of its normal capabilities for regulating emotions.

Photo Credit: Unsplash, Bambi Corro

“From a psychological perspective, the mere act of flying can make you more likely to cry,” Sullivan says. “Even if you’re not afraid of planes, it’s a stressful situation.”

There are ways to combat stress and emotions, though. Drinks lots of water before and during the flight. Staying hydrated may mean more trips to the teeny tiny flight bathroom, but – hey – at least you’re not crying in the aisle to get there. You can also break out a sudoku or crossword puzzle to keep your brain occupied. And, lastly, kick back with in-flight entertainment. Watch movies that are light-hearted and comedic (your emotional side will thank you).

So no matter the reason for pesky tears to surface, know it is okay! This totally normal.

Everything is under control.

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Ten Tons of Trash Have Been Brought down from the Slopes of Mount Everest

The “highest dumpster in the world” recently had a big clean out.

More good news: the trash is getting upcycled into goods for homes and hotels all over Kathmandu.

Everest had a serious trash problem – thousands of climbers were bringing stuff up that they weren’t taking down with them. Nepal recently forbid single-use plastic in the area to try and prevent the issue from recurring.

Now, empty cans, bottles, canisters and abandoned camping materials are finding new life as drinking glasses, pots, lamps and other housewares. This approach represents the latest innovation in dealing with the environmental damage caused by the climbing industry.

Nabin Bikash Maharjan of local recycling organization Blue Waste to Value (BW2V) told AFP, “We received a mix of materials from Everest — aluminium, glass, plastic, iron — much of which could be recycled. We need to up-cycle and add value to them.”

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

The government of Nepal and some of the mountaineering outfits coordinated on a massive, six-week long clean-up after getting hit with heavy criticism about the conditions of the magnificent mountain.

A team of 14 scaled over 26,000 feet – from base to the camp closest to the summit – to remove ten tons of garbage. That’s the trash that ended up in recycling centers in Kathmandu.

Workers sorted through the pile by hand. Iron was transferred to rod manufacturers, aluminum cans went to utensil manufacturers, and bottles were turned into products for homes, hotels and restaurants. There is even global consumer interest in buying upcycled goods made from Everest waste.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

There is also some bad news, though: the trash collected is only a fraction of what’s on the mountain. The slopes are littered with decades of garbage and abandoned campsites that still need removal.

Agencies involved in cleaning Mount Everest are imposing rubbish deposits and requiring climbers to carry a kilometer (2.2 pounds) of trash with them on their descent. The challenge here is that when climbers are paying tens of thousands of dollars to ascend, another few thousand as a deposit isn’t a guaranteed motivator to bring their trash down.

Perhaps the only real long-term solution to Mount Everest’s garbage problem is to reduce the amount the climbing polluters take up with them.

Or reduce the number of climbers altogether.

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Map Outlines What People Think Is the Worst City in Each State

This chart is sure to cause some serious disagreements among people. It comes to us via Matt Shirley, who makes a new chart on his Instagram page every day.

Here are some past examples of charts he’s come up with in the past.

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Please note the purple line’s fluctuations.

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Show me your bingos. @truly #TrulyPartner

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To create “The Worst City in Every State” map, Shirley asked his 292,000 Instagram followers to weigh in on the topic, so it’s not complete or scientific by any means. But it will probably get a lot of people talking.

Here is the full map:

And here’s an alphabetical list of the findings state-by-state:

Alabama: Birmingham

Alaska: Wasilla

Arizona: Mesa

Arkansas: Pine Bluff

California: Modesto (Northern) Bakersfield (Southern)

Colorado: Pueblo

Connecticut: Bridgeport

Delaware: Wilmington

Florida: Orlando

Georgia: Macon

Hawaii: Kalihi

Idaho: Caldwell

Illinois: Cairo

Indiana: Gary

Iowa: Cedar Rapids

Kansas: Topeka

Kentucky: Lexington

Louisiana: Turkey Creek

Maine: Rumford

Maryland: Poolesville

Massachusetts: Worcester

Michigan: Flint

Minnesota: Edina

Mississippi: Jackson

Missouri: Jefferson City

Montana: Browning

Nebraska: Fremont

Nevada: Sparks

New Hampshire: Manchester

New Jersey: Camden

New Mexico: Hobbs

New York: Albany

North Carolina: Gastonia

North Dakota: Grand Forks

Ohio: Dayton

Oklahoma: Ardmore

Oregon: Salem

Pennsylvania: Scranton

Rhode Island: Woonsocket

South Carolina: Greer

South Dakota: Brookings

Tennessee: Memphis

Texas: Dallas

Utah: Provo

Vermont: Rutland

Virginia: Virginia Beach

Washington: Spokane

West Virginia: Welch

Wisconsin: Manitowoc

Wyoming: Rock Springs

What do you think of this map and its findings?

Let us know in the comments, please.

The post Map Outlines What People Think Is the Worst City in Each State appeared first on UberFacts.

This Is How to Successfully Escape from a Corn Maze

Chances are you’ll visit a place that has the dreaded corn maze this fall. A big one, with all the twists and turns…and you might get lost. Without a birds-eye view of the monstrosity, it’s easy to get trapped.

That’s where this trick comes in, provided by Kotaku. Nathan Fouts works in the gaming industry where he creates mazes for a living. Given his experience, his maze-related advice is top notch. He recently visited an Indiana farm, explaining, “With my interest in puzzles and design, I was eager to explore in a real maze. I hadn’t been through a corn maze in many years. But as I crested the hill to overlook the massive, 12 acre field, a tiny worry crept into my mind.”

But he still had to try it.

“We were given a map of the maze, which was reassuring, but, again, following a paper map is a bit trickier than following dynamically updating directions in your car. As we made our way through the maze, full of dead ends, and twists and turns, a new thought dawned on me: We’re safe. If we simply follow the wall. If we always take a right turn, and never change, we’ll get out easily.”

And they did! He used the “wall follower rule” to successfully exit the maze. Per his advice, making turns in the same direction will get you there. It doesn’t matter if you always turn right to follow the wall or always turn left, as long as you turn the same way every time. Just make sure you don’t get confused and veer off course.

Here he provides us with a basic map to illustrate his technique.

Photo Credit: Kotaku

“Imagine holding your right hand against the wall. If you happen to find a dead end, turn 180 degrees. Now with your right hand on the other side, exit the dead end, and eventually turn to the right and down a new path.”

Since corn mazes typically start and end on the outside walls of the maze, traveling the “wall” will get you out. Here it is in “action”.

Photo Credit: Kotaku

Seems simple enough!

But…there is a catch. Not all mazes are structured like this, meaning not all have parts that are connected to the main frame. You could find yourself in a maze with an island or a bridge that will make you re-think this technique.

“If there are bridges or passovers within the maze, the wall follower method may still work, or may not. It depends on if the bridge deposits you into a maze island, that is separated from the outer wall.”

The most important thing, though, is that the maze has to start and finish at an outside wall for this technique to help you. If the ‘end’ of the maze is somewhere in the middle, then you’re out of luck.

Also, if you’re in a haunted maze, you have to remember to keep following the wall and turning the way you decided even when you’re being chased…which might be tough.

But, honestly, don’t worry if you get lost! Just have fun and enjoy the challenge of finding the exit. If you need to escape, you can always walk through the stalks of corn until you come to a row then follow the row to the end of the field. Good luck!

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Take a Look at This Cat Shrine with a Cat Monk in Japan

If you love cats, you know that our fuzzy feline friends have a lot of personality and they like to play by their own rules. Well, in Japan, there’s a shrine where the cats are in charge and us mere humans are just there to admire them…and pet them, if they are so inclined.

I have a feeling that if more people knew about a place, called Nyan Nyan Ji, they’d go there in a heartbeat. Nyan Nyan Ji actually translates to “Meow Meow Shrine,” so you already know the place is amazing. It’s a shrine in Northern Kyoto with a cat monk and cat assistants…and no I’m not messing with you.

Cats are meant to be worshipped, so this makes total sense. The shrine was opened by Toru Kaya, a shrine and temple painter. The head cat monk is named Koyuki, and by all accounts, he loves to mingle with visitors. There are other cat priests and cat assistants, as well.

There’s a cat cafe on the grounds where visitors can even enjoy cat-themed food. And, of course, there is also a gift shop where guests can purchase cat-related items. I’d call this a very spiritual destination, wouldn’t you?

Here are some of the reviews, in case you need a little convincing:

“Super adorable with a relaxing and fantastic atmosphere.”

“A cute cat is a chief priest. I’m healed.”

Be sure to follow Koyuki on Instagram and follow the shrine on Facebook.

Am I dreaming? This sounds like paradise!

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It’s True: Bill Murray Applied to Work at a P.F. Chang’s in the Atlanta Airport

Just when you thought Bill Murray couldn’t get any cooler…

The man is full of surprises, isn’t he? But before we get into this amazing story, let’s do a quick review of the 69-year-old actor’s great films: Stripes, Meatballs, Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, What About Bob? 

The list never ends…

But back to the big story. On a recent episode of Amy Schumer’s podcast 3 Girls, 1 Keith, Murray was asked what job he’d like to do besides acting. He said, “I did fill out an application at P.F. Chang’s at the Atlanta airport, because I think that’s one of the great places. It looks like the best time.”

Of course, Murray’s comments went viral and the restaurant chain itself responded to the story. Looks like he has a job waiting for him if he wants it!

On the same podcast, Murray also admitted his love for Family Feud. He said, “I’m going to give you my little secret — I record it. I can come home and I have recorded 61 episodes of ‘Family Feud,’ because it’s on all day long. It’s on all day long and by law it has to be on all day long. But then, what I do is I take the time to fast forward in each episode all the way to Fast Money. Cause that to me is the excitement part of the show. I skip the early rounds because I don’t always respect their tactics.”

No word on whether Mr. Murray will actually be working at a Chinese chain restaurant, but we can always keep our fingers crossed…

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This Woman Wore 5 Pounds of Clothes to Avoid Extra Luggage Fees at the Airport

Heroes don’t always have to wear capes…

In this case, it was just a whole lot of extra clothes in order to avoid extra baggage fees at the airport. I think we can all honestly say we’ve thought about trying this before, but we just didn’t have the guts to give it a shot – although I have actually seen my friend Dan throwing clothes and other items from his bag into the garbage to avoid those pricey extra charges, so you can always go that route, too.

But that’s not what Gel Rodriguez did. Nuh uh. She bucked the system, took things into her own hands, and became a legend in the process. Well, at least she’s a legend to me.

Posted by Gel Rodriguez on Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Rodriguez was taking a flight from the Philippines when she found out her carry-on luggage exceeded the maximum weight limit. And you know what that means: more money in the pockets of the airlines via extra baggage fees.

The limit was 15 pounds, and Rodriguez’s bag was nearly 20 pounds…so she did what she had to do. She packed on 5 pounds of clothing, layer after layer, to get her carry-on bag to the correct weight limit so she wouldn’t have to dish out that extra cash.

That’s called going above and beyond, people.

when the airline staff at the check in counter said: “EXCESS NA PO KAYO, 7kg lang po allowed na hand carry.”me: NO PROBLEM! ?*from 9kg to 6.5kg baggage ?#ExcessBaggageChallengeAccepted

Posted by Gel Rodriguez on Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Can we name an award after this woman, please?

Thankfully for all of us, Rodriguez took a photo of the iconic photo and posted it on Facebook. Sometimes, social media really can be used for good…

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Check out These Great Hotel Room Tricks Recommended by People on Twitter

I love staying in hotels. The beds are big and the sheets are crisp and cool. You can watch TV guilt-free because you’ve paid a bunch of money not to have to cook your own dinner or clean.

Sometimes, though, it’s not quite heaven. And that one little thing can bug you until you’re not sleeping as well or feeling as comfortable as when you are at home.

When that happens, you need a hack.

Twitter’s got you.

Recently, venture capitalist Rick Klau reposted a hack he said he originally found on Twitter.

His smart and handy re-tip inspired others to post their favorite hotel room hacks. Like this great thread about the lack of convenient electric outlets in rooms.

Others had hacks you didn’t know you needed until now.

Hotel rooms can be dirty so these hacks are great.

Do you know anyone who uses a shower cap to cover their hair in the shower?

Even Elon Musk took some notes.

Some of these hacks deserve five stars.

This hack will have you crawling on the floor. Really.

The list of brilliant hacks is long, but worth taking a look at for next time you’re planning a trip. They will keep you comfy and clean while you finally get that great night’s sleep away from home.

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14 Fun, Free Things to Do in New York City

I love New York City. But it can be pricey, depending on what kind of traveler you are. Some folks want to dish out fistfuls of cash, go to Broadway shows, and eat at the nicest restaurants.

Other people, like me, prefer to experience NYC in the cheapest way possible. Sure, I’ll go out for a decent meal, but I also just like to wander around, people watch, and take in the sights and sounds in different neighborhoods.

Here are 14 things you can do for absolutely free in New York City if you happen to find yourself in that great city.

1. Explore the New York Public Library.

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Me hubiese quedado aquí todo el día

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2. Check out the galleries in Chelsea.

3. Of course, spend some time in Central Park.

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Traffic jam at the boat pond #CentralPark #nyc

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4. Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

5. Tour the Brooklyn Brewery for free.

6. Check out the different farmer’s markets in the city.

7. Take a walk on the High Line.

8. Watch the street performers (and tip them!).

9. Check out museums when they have free hours.

10. Go to the beach.

11. Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park.

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The Concrete Jungle ?. #newyork

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12. Join in on a free yoga class.

13. Find a free comedy show.

14. Cruise on the Staten Island ferry.

Got any other helpful (cheap) tips for traveling to the Big Apple?

Share them in the comments, please!

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