Whether they carried salt, incense, or tea, here are eight roads that helped make the world as we know it.
Leak Reveals That North Korea Only Has 28 Websites
Like many aspects of North Korean life, internet in the totalitarian state is kept hidden from outsiders. That was until recently, when the country’s list of registered domain names was accidentally leaked to the rest of the world. More surprising than the content of the North Korean web is the number of sites: As Gizmodo reports, a grand total of 28 domains were uncovered.
The leak came after an engineer in the U.S. sent North Korea an automated request to access all of the domains in their main Domain Name System (DNS) server. The server is normally programmed to reject such a request, but this time something went wrong and access was granted. The list of domains was posted to GitHub, and then to Reddit on September 19.
Many of the websites have since been taken down, but plenty of screenshots were saved from the leak. As you can see below, the North Korean internet includes websites dedicated to news, charity, film, education, sports, food, and even social networking.
North Korea’s internet still remains a mystery to most people within the country’s borders. According to ABC News, computers are only accessible to select citizens like university students and government employees. This means that only about 10,000 to 20,000 residents out of North Korea’s population of 25 million are connected to the web.
[h/t Gizmodo]
All images: Screenshots via Reddit.
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September 21, 2016 – 1:30pm
How Climate Change Shaped Human Migration out of Africa
Climate change has been shaping human existence for a long time. Researchers, who published their findings today, September 21, in the journal Nature, say our prehistoric ancestors dispersed across the globe in waves, inspired by dramatic changes in the world’s climate.
Exactly how and why our distant ancestors found their way through and out of Africa is the subject of much speculation and research. Earlier studies have concluded that Earth’s orbit caused natural and widespread climate changes in the Late Pleistocene epoch 126,000 to 11,000 years ago, and that these changes might have driven Homo sapiens to scatter and spread across the shifting continents.
To test this theory, researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa decided to look for clues in the planet’s climate. They created a computer simulation that tracked changes in life—sustaining elements like vegetation, glacier melt, sea level, and temperature—that could have forced humans to get up and go.
Their results suggest that early humans did indeed spread in waves. In fact, there were distinct cycles of human exit from Africa, the most significant of which happened around 60,000 years ago, according to the data.
Study co-author Tobias Friedrich created this video depicting human dispersal and density from Africa throughout the world from 125,000 years to 1000 years ago.
There was one unexpected finding: According to this model, around 80,000 years ago there was a small but rapid human migration into Europe. Unlike the rest of the model’s conclusions, this time estimate conflicts pretty significantly with the archaeological record, which puts the first modern people in Europe no earlier than 45,000 years ago.
William Harcourt-Smith is a paleoanthropologist at the American Museum of Natural History. He was not affiliated with the current study. “This sort of modelling, trying to think about the dispersal of modern humans across the globe in a truly biogeographical sense, is to be applauded,” he told mental_floss.
But Harcourt-Smith is not convinced by the new paper’s pushing back of the first human arrival in Europe by some 35,000 years. The evidence for the first entry occurring about 45,000 years ago is sound, he says: “We know this from the fossil record (modern humans look very different from late Pleistocene Neanderthals) and the distinct archaeological markers found only at modern human sites.”
While fascinating, he says, the new paper is “very, very speculative at best” and should be considered a jumping-off point for further research.
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September 21, 2016 – 1:15pm
‘Back to the Future’ Fan Theory Suggests the Trilogy is an Elaborate Chiasmus
Great Scott! Millions of moviegoers consider Back to the Future to be one of the most entertaining film trilogies of all time. With that many fans yearning for hoverboards and flux capacitors, it’s a given that more than a few bizarre fan theories are bound to pop up—like the one that claims Doc Brown was suicidal. But one intricate idea, known as “The Lockard Theory,” suggests that the Back to the Future trilogy is actually an extremely complex story, and one that’s told in perfect symmetry.
Netflix released a YouTube video that gives a brief overview of the theory, which originated with writer Robert Lockard. The basic idea is that the trilogy is presented as a chiasmus, a literary device that emphasizes the symmetrical structure of a narrative, which is told and then repeated in reverse order—like the narrative version of a palindrome. (See: John F. Kennedy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” quote for one of the most famous examples of a chiasmus.)
For example: The original Back to the Future starts with Marty McFly getting blown away by a giant guitar amp and then talking to Doc on the phone, while Back to the Future Part III ends with Marty and Jennifer getting blown away by Doc’s new time machine, then speaking with Doc for the last time.
The entire trilogy plays out until the turning point of the story—which is in the middle of the alternate timeline in Part II, when Marty gets kicked out of his old house and is nearly killed in a gun fight—and then mirrors itself. He then meets with Doc, who explains the alternate 1985 timeline. (See, we told you it was elaborate.)
The Netflix video below gives an overview of the “Lockard Theory.” For a more in-depth explanation, visit Lockard’s website, where he actually breaks down the trilogy to match up each scene with its perfect counterpart. This is heavy!
September 21, 2016 – 1:00pm
Get Wednesday’s Best Amazon Deals While You Can
As a recurring feature, our team combs the Web and shares some amazing Amazon deals we’ve turned up. Here’s what caught our eye today, September 21.
Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers, including Amazon, and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy. Good luck deal hunting!
GADGETS
AmazonBasics Apple Certified Lightning to USB Cable – 6 Feet (1.8 Meters) – White for $7.99
Samsung Gear S2 Smartwatch – Dark Gray for $249.99 (list price $299.99)
Chuck Season One – Season Five (BD) [Blu-ray] for $39.99 (list price $104.97)
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. – The Complete Series for $45.99 (list price $108.33)
Ivation Multipurpose Gooseneck 7-LED Dimmable Clip Light with Stand for $19.99 (list price $39.99)
Pebble Time Smartwatch – Black for $89.95 (list price $149.99)
Amazon Premium Headphones for $14.99 (list price $24.99)
Belkin Conserve Insight Energy Use Monitor, F7C005Q for $20.00 (list price $29.99)
Citizen Men’s BL5250-02L Titanium Eco-Drive Watch with Leather Band for $199.99 (list price $415.00)
Timex Men’s T499059J Expedition Field Chronograph Watch for $51.97 (list price $79.95)
KITCHEN
VonShef 6 Cup Italian Espresso Coffee Maker Stove Top Macchinetta for $13.99 (list price $21.99)
OXO Good Grips Meat Pounder and Tenderizer for $18.95 (list price $19.99)
OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Locking Tongs with Nylon Heads for $11.99 (list price $12.99)
The Ringer Stainless Steel Chainmail Cast Iron Cleaner, XL 8×6-Inch for $12.99 (list price $15.99)
J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL Classic 4-inch Paring Knife for $24.99 (list price $55.00)
J.A. Henckels International Stainless Steel 8-Piece Steak Knife Set for $39.90 (list price $60.00)
KitchenAid KSM1APC Spiralizer Attachment with Peel, Core and Slice for $72.98 (list price $129.99)
KitchenAid KB6NSO09SG Classic Nonstick 9″ Springform Pan Bakeware for $15.99 (list price $21.70)
Lipper International Large Wavy Bowl, Acacia for $24.44 (list price $66.07)
Pyrex 1110141 18pc Glass Food Storage with Multi-colored Lids for $30.99 (list price $49.99)
Bellemain 4 oz. Porcelain Ramekins, Set of 6 for $14.99 (list price $29.95)
Trudeau Bagel Slicing Guide with Adjustable Thickness for $11.59 (list price $14.99)
Black & Decker T2569B 2 Slice Toaster, Black for $19.99 (list price $26.99)
VonShef Deluxe 12 Hole Electric Mini Donut Maker Snack Machine, Red for $29.99 (list price $49.99)
HQY Magnet-Automatic Beer Bottle Opener, No Cap Can Escape for $9.99 (list price $19.99)
Stockholm Modern Beverage Glass 6 -Piece Set – 13 Ounce for $17.50 (list price $35.00)
Matfer Bourgeat Exoglass Pelton Spatula Gray for $10.89 (list price $13.00)
Keurig Descaling Solution for $11.69 (list price $12.99)
HOME
Relaxzen 60-2910 10-Motor Massage Seat Cushion with Heat, Black for $36.75 (list price $42.99)
Pinzon Lightweight Cotton Flannel Duvet Set – Twin, Blue Plaid for $28.34 (list price $49.99)
BISSELL 2X Pet Stain & Odor Portable Machine Formula, 32 ounces, 74R7 for $10.29 (list price $24.99)
iRobot Roomba 650 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner for $323.99 (list price $374.99)
Casual Home 5 Shelf Ladder Bookcase, Espresso for $74.84 (list price $135.01)
simplehuman Semi-Round Step Trash Can, White Steel, 10 L / 2.6 Gal for 39.99 (list price $46.07)
Keystone KSTAD50B Energy Star Dehumidifier, 50-Pint for $169.99 (list price $219.99)
DampRid FG60 Refillable Moisture Absorber, 2-Pack for $4.53 (list price $6.99)
Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat for $24.79 (list price $35.99)
InnoGear 200ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser, Wood Grain for $31.99 (list price $72.99)
Garden Home Luxury Memory Foam Bath Rug (16×22, Emerald Green) for $7.99 (list price $19.99)
Yashi Stainless Steel Hook – 5 Hooks Style-II for $17.99 (list price $39.99)
Quick Fix Blackout Pleated Paper Shade Black, 36″ x 72″, 6 Pack for $29.91 (list price $34.99)
Whitmor 6070-3885 Supreme Large 5-Tier Shelving, Black for $134.04 (list price $144.79)
Pro-Mart DAZZ Deluxe Pop-Up Hamper, 3 Compartment, White for $11.98 (list price $12.55)
Cosco Products 5-Piece Folding Table and Chair Set, Tan for $98.59 (list price $129.99)
Winsome Wood TV Table, Antique Walnut Finish, Set of 4 for $62.95 (list price $145.62)
Furinno 11158DBR/BK Coffee Table with Bins, Dark Brown/Black for $24.88 (list price $42.13)
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Aerosol Hairspray for $3.11 (list price $4.29)
SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream for $6.69 (list price $8.49)
Garnier Skincare Cleanser The Refreshing Remover Cleansing Towelette for $4.79 (list price $5.99)
Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray, 3 Fluid Ounce for $2.87 (list price $4.27)
SkinActive Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Anti-Aging for $10.28 (list price $12.99)
Olay Ultra Moisture Moisturizing Body Wash with Shea Butter 23.6 Oz for $4.97 (list price $6.49)
Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub, 4.2 Ounce for $4.79 (list price $10.00)
Nexxus Color Assure Restoring Conditioner, with Pump 33.8 oz for $22.47 (list price $29.99)
Nexxus Humectress Caviar Complex Conditioner, 5.1 oz for $7.99 (list price $20.00)
Proactiv+ 3 Step Acne Treatment System (30 Day) for $50.00 (list price $59.95)
Beauty Dead Sea Mud Mask for Facial Treatment, 250g / 8.8 fl. oz. for $14.95 (list price $29.95)
Buxom Have Glam, Will Travel Mini Bronzer and Mascara Duo for $10.99 (list price $34.00)
TOP 3 Matte Lipstick 3 Pcs. Set Made in U.S.A. for $20.99 (list price $23.99)
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel, 7 Oz for $3.83 (list price $9.99)
Gigi Brazilian Waxing Kit, 14 Ounce for $38.24 (list price $54.95)
Tweezerman LTD Mini Slant Tweezer, Colors May Vary, 1 each for $8.69 (list price $14.00)
Biotene Oral Rinse for Dry Mouth Symptoms-33.8 oz for $10.39 (list price $14.09)
Oral-B Glide 3D White Floss Picks Radiant Mint, 75 Count for $2.99 (list price $4.09)
Papa Recipe Bombee Honey Mask Pack, 0.88 Ounce for $19.45 (list price $30.00)
Papa Recipe Sparkling Bubble Tok Wash Off Mask (10packs) for $21.95 (list price $60.99)
OFFICE, SCHOOL, AND CRAFTS
4′ W x 3′ H Magnetic Marker Board for $46.99 (list price $91.00)
Eldon ROL62555 Nestable Mesh Stacking Side Load Letter Tray Wire for $5.05 (list price $14.49)
Clifton Black Computer Desk for $44.71 (list price $129.99)
Zebra Z-Grip Retractable Ballpoint Pen, 24 Pack, 1.0 mm, Black (12221) for $7.99 (list price $13.49)
Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm, HB #2, 36-Count for $8.21 (list price $18.14)
Alera Elusion Series Mesh Mid-Back Swivel/Tilt Chair, Black for $111.19 (list price $138.99)
Altra Core 2 Drawer File Cabinet, Black Forest for $39.99 (list price $86.20)
OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORTS
Brimma Leak Proof Fruit Infuser Water Bottle, Large 32 Oz. for $17.97 (list price $25.97)
Victorinox Floral Knife Yellow Fold Knife for $17.99 (list price $21.95)
Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table for $27.49 (list price $54.99)
Celestron 71351 Cypress 10×25 Binocular (Black) for $39.00 (list price $74.95)
Wilson Ultra 500 Straight Golf Ball (15-Pack), White for $8.99 (list price $9.99)
Armor All 78840 4-Piece Black All Season Rubber Floor Mat for $19.99 (list price $29.99)
Coleman Pack-Away Kitchen for $70.73 (list price $114.99)
Scotts Easy Hand-Held Broadcast Spreader for $11.39 (list price $12.97)
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack for $34.84 (list price $59.99)
Viking 912600 8-Way Heavy Duty Spray Nozzle for $6.36 (list price $7.79)
GreenWorks 2600502 13 Amp 20-Inch Corded Snow Thrower for $161.98 (list price $199.00)
Lifetime 60064 Adirondack Chair for $126.09 (list price $240.00)
Fat Plants San Diego Pachyveria Moon Glow Hybrid Plant for 416.58 (list price $22.63)
ASICS Men’s fuzeX Running Shoe,Carbon/Flash Yellow/Black for $59.99 (list price $120.00)
ASICS Women’s Fuzex Running Shoe, Titanium/Azalea/Black for $59.99 (list price $120.00)
Cuisinart CGG-200 All-Foods 12,000-BTU Tabletop Gas Grill for $131.87 (list price $199.99)
Echo Valley 6291 Mushroom Solar Home for $28.38 (list price $40.99)
Cuisinart CCG-190RB Portable Charcoal Grill, 14-Inch, Red for $22.97 (list price $39.99)
ELECTRONICS
DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter for $1,129.98 (list price $1,199.00)
Norton Security Deluxe – 3 Devices [Key Card] for $29.99 (list price $69.99)
TP-Link N300 Wi-Fi Range Extender (TL-WA855RE) for $14.99 (list price $29.99)
TomTom VIA 1505M 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Maps for $89.99 (list price $97.67)
Celestron 21068 SkyScout Scope 90mm Telescope for $149.00 (list price $279.95)
HP 15-ay018nr 15.6-Inch Laptop (Intel Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $565.25 (list price $774.99)
Retro Link GameCube Style USB Wired Controller for $13.70 (list price $25.99)
TOOLS
Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner – 19 oz, 91164 for $3.44 (list price $10.44)
Meguiar’s G17216 Ultimate Compound – 15.2 oz. for $8.88 (list price $10.24)
Meguiar’s G7164 Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner – 64 oz. for $7.59 (list price $9.54)
Mobil 1 120758 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil for 0W-20 5, 4.73L for $22.88 (list price $40.35)
STA-BIL 22214 Fuel Stabilizer – 32 Fl oz. for $9.99 (list price $20.99)
Fire Gone 2NBFG2704 White/Red Fire Extinguisher – 16 oz., (Pack of 2) for $16.09 (list price $19.99)
Stanley 55-045 7-1/2-Inch Wonder Bar II Pry Bar for $3.99 (list price $6.85)
DreamSpa 1432 3-way Rainfall Shower-Head and Handheld Shower, Chrome for $29.99 (list price $59.99)
3M Hard Hat H-712V, Black, 4-Point Ratchet Suspension, Vented for $10.81 (list price $12.04)
CGM-CR Comfort Grip Gloves – L3 Cut Resistant for $9.58 (list price $11.98)
DeWalt DPG94-GLC Dominator Safety Glasses, Gradient Lens for $6.58 (list price $9.99)
Klein Tools NCVT-2 Dual Range Non-Contact Voltage Tester for $18.34 (list price $25.32)
September 21, 2016 – 12:36pm
The Secret Cave in Central Park—And Why It Was Sealed
Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and completed in the 1860s, Central Park was constructed to feel like a natural landscape. The area features waterfalls, tree, ponds, and rocks arranged to look like they had always been there.
One of the most woodland-like areas is the Ramble, more than 30 acres of trees, paths, and gardens, designed to take visitors completely out of the hustle and bustle of the city and into a nature wonderland. Olmsted deemed the Ramble “a wild garden,” though it was a carefully made one—nearly all of the area, minus the bedrock foundation, was fabricated by the famous landscape architect.
When they were excavating the area, however, workmen discovered at least one naturally occurring element that Olmsted and Vaux decided to work into their plans: a narrow little cave, apparently carved out in part by humans. Some speculated that Native Americans had once used the cranny for shelter, though no evidence was found to back the theory.
To help it blend into the landscape they had meticulously planned, large rocks were arranged around the cave to make it look as if they had naturally settled there. They also arranged flat stones into a staircase leading down into the hidden room. The man-made lake was altered to allow adventurous boaters to row right into the cave.
As you might imagine, the Tom Sawyer-esque hideout was a big hit with children. It was also a hit with adults—particularly couples who liked to steal away for some private time in the secluded cave.
But the cave also seemed to attract more nefarious activity. In 1904, a man attempted suicide (not the first to take place in the Ramble) on the stone steps—though some believed it was actually attempted murder. Whatever happened, it wasn’t the only negative press for the cave.
In 1922, artist Alexander MacArthur was sentenced to three months in a workhouse for “behaving improperly” inside the cave, and in 1929, about 335 men were arrested in Central Park for “annoying women”—and the Ramble Cave was one of the preferred spots to do so.
Apparently fed up with the complaints, park authorities had the cave sealed off sometime in the 1920s. Though it can no longer be entered, intrepid explorers can still discover the old stone steps that lead down to the cave—they’re located on the east side of the Ramble Stone Arch (pictured above).
Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.
September 21, 2016 – 12:30pm
Nike’s Self-Lacing Sneakers Go On Sale November 28
Nike’s Marty McFly-inspired self-lacing sneakers finally have a release date. The futuristic sneakers will go on sale in a limited number of stores on November 28, according to Engadget.
The HyperAdapt 1.0, with what Nike calls “adaptive lacing,” was first teased as a prototype in a video with Michael J. Fox in 2015, and the final product was officially announced in March. However, we’re still waiting on information on how to make the appointment required to purchase a pair.
For now, users will still have to adjust the fit manually, but one day, the company hopes to create shoes that can sense exactly how snug you need the fit to be for different maneuvers.
Here’s how the HyperAdapt 1.0 works, according to a statement from Nike’s technical lead on the project, Tiffany Beers: “When you step in, your heel will hit a sensor and the system will automatically tighten. Then there are two buttons on the side to tighten and loosen. You can adjust it until it’s perfect.”
The shoes are made for athletes, but as Nike’s partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research indicates, they could also be useful for people with diseases or disabilities that make it difficult to accomplish fine motor tasks like tying shoes.
[h/t Engadget]
Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.
September 21, 2016 – 12:00pm
You Can Now Save Your Photo Edits as Drafts on Instagram
You no longer have to worry about perfecting the filter on your Instagram in one go. Now, you can save drafts of your photos before you post them. The photo-sharing app, which launched six years ago this October, just debuted a drafts feature, and you don’t need to update the app to activate it.
All you have to do is hit the back button once you’ve started editing your photo (say, a picture of your cat like the one below), and the app will prompt you to save a draft. The next time you go to post a photo, you’ll find your drafts just below the last photo in your library (say, a different photo of your cat) and above the rest of your library images. Like so:
For obsessive photo-editors who like to toggle back and forth between their filtered images and others in their library, it’s a blessing to be able to press pause on whatever contrast or lighting tweaks have already been made. And now, you could even save different versions of the same image with a bunch of different filters and look at them side-by-side, just to be sure that Valencia really is your favorite.
More detailed instructions on how to save your drafts are here.
[h/t Engadget]
Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.
September 21, 2016 – 11:30am
A Turkish Company Built a Working Transformer
Despite significant technological advancements in recent years, no one seems focused on what should be a priority: making a car that can transform into a towering, vengeful robot.
Letvision, a company based in Turkey, is looking to change that. They’ve just demonstrated a functioning BMW automobile that can morph into a humanoid at the touch of a button.
Dubbed “Letrons,” the car-bot is obviously paying homage to the Transformers, Hasbro’s long-running toy and feature film franchise. Unlike those CGI and plastic counterparts, however, Letrons transforms very, very slowly and cannot walk or shoot weapons, though it will belch smoke to confuse your enemies. It’s also a non-passenger vehicle that can be driven only at modest speeds via radio control.
Still, it’s a start. Letvision designed the prototype with the hope of eventually making mass-market machines for collectors with significant disposable incomes. Expect Letrons to wind up at a comic convention near you in the near future.
[h/t /Film]
September 21, 2016 – 11:00am
10 Facts About Sharks
Sharks are the ultimate predators of the water kingdom and are the true killing machines of the ocean. They are also a very important cog in the ecological wheel. Here are 10 interesting facts for you to check out. 1. Residing on Earth for over 370 million years and a variety of 400 sub-species, there are a lot of things we don’t know about these menacing yet majestic creatures. They are not actually considered as living fossils. 2. Sharks are present in all seas across the globe. They’re known to traverse the length of the Atlantic ocean in search of
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