Tag: Culture
The only wild Cactus Species not in America
Scanning arid African or Indian savannas today reveals an improbable invader - the spindly spaghetti cactus dangling stringy arms covered in sharp spines amid acacia trees and drifting sands. This zany, zippy succulent belongs to the exclusively New World Cactaceae family, yet thrives across three distant continents baffling botanists for over a century through improbable oceanic crossings somehow overcome.
“The” is most common written word in English
English words today come from a variety of languages, originating from Greek, French, Latin, and many others. But perhaps the most important of them all is German, whose words form the backbone of English. That’s why English is...
This 1,000 year old windmill still works
When we talk about clean energy and sustainable engineering, we often direct our gaze towards the latest technology. We think about sleek solar panels, modern wind farms, and futuristic electric vehicles. However, in today's newsletter, we'll take a step back and marvel at the roots of wind power.
I'm taking you back a thousand years to the wind-battered lands of Persia...
This Queen’s Revenge Destroyed 3 Cities and Killed 70,000
A tale of resolute vengeance unfolds as we delve into the saga of Boudica, the fearless Celtic queen who defied the formidable Roman Empire. Leading her tribe on an astonishing crusade, she conquered three cities, and her thirst for retribution led to the demise of 70,000 individuals. Her inspiring story of determination and revenge continues to captivate historians and history enthusiasts alike.
Tough Miners’ Wear to Style Icon: The History of Blue Jeans
Few items feel as timelessly iconic as blue jeans. Their casual aesthetic seamlessly blends into any era, worn by everyone from laborers to rockstars to fashion models. Yet this versatile wardrobe staple wasn’t always mainstream apparel. Jeans began strictly as hardy gear for gritty frontier survival before becoming universal closet necessities over nearly 150 years.
Turning Tequila to Diamonds
Tequila, the iconic spirit of Mexico, has long been a symbol of celebration and indulgence. Little did we know that this fiery beverage held a secret, a dazzling gem just waiting to be discovered. Scientists at the National Autonomous University of Mexico made an astounding breakthrough when they successfully transformed tequila into real, glittering diamonds.