Some facts are so baffling that they could easily be mistaken for tall tales. From ancient companies to peculiar animal relations, here are 15 facts that are so bewildering they seem false:
1. Kongo Gumi Is a 1445-Year-Old Business
Founded in 578 in Japan, the Kongo Gumi construction company has been in operation for an astounding 1445 years, making it the oldest continuously running business in the world.
2. Malaria Was Used to Cure Syphilis
People were intentionally infected with malaria to cure syphilis, and the developer of this treatment received a Nobel Prize for it, highlighting the sometimes bizarre history of medical discoveries.
3. Twins Can Have Different Birthdays
Actual twins can have different birthdays because one might be born while the other stays in the womb for days or weeks longer. One set a Guinness World Record for the longest interval between twin births at 90 days.
4. Scientology Infiltrated the Government
The Church of Scientology infiltrated the US government with thousands of covert agents as part of “Operation Snow White.” Yet, it remains a legal entity with tax-exempt status despite these actions.
5. Hyenas Aren’t Dogs
Hyenas are not closely related to any canines or felines; they belong to the unique Hyaenidae family, with four distinct members, including the giggly spotted hyena and the aardwolf.
6. V2 Rockets Were More Deadly During Production
More people died making V2 rockets during WW2 than were killed by them, with an estimated 9,000 civilian and military casualties due to rocket attacks and 12,000 laborers losing their lives while producing them.
7. Ribs Can Regenerate
Surprisingly, humans can regenerate rib fractures, a unique ability not shared by other major bones, typically healing slowly or incompletely.
8. One Woman Birthed 69 Offspring
Feodor and Valentina Vasilyev hold the record for the most children born to one mother. Valentina gave birth to 69 children, including 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets, and four quadruplets.
9. Fruit Loops Are All the Same
Despite their vibrant colors, all Fruit Loops taste the same, proving that appearances can be deceiving when it comes to cereal.
10. Oxford University Is Older Than the Aztecs
Oxford University predates the Aztec civilization by a whopping 300 years, with teaching at Oxford starting as early as 1096.
11. Strawberries Aren’t Berries, but Bananas Are
Surprisingly, strawberries aren’t classified as berries, while bananas are. This distinction arises from the fleshy outer layer enclosing the seeds in bananas but not strawberries.
12. The Eiffel Tower Grows in Summer
The Eiffel Tower grows 15 cm taller in the summer due to thermal expansion, a natural phenomenon caused by rising temperatures that slightly increases its size and tilts it away from the sun.
13. Rudolph Is Rudine
All of Santa’s reindeer are depicted with antlers, but they must be female since male reindeer shed their antlers in the winter, while females use them to find food under the snow.
14. Sliced Bread Is the Best Thing Since Betty White
Betty White was born on January 17, 1922, which predates the invention of sliced bread on July 6, 1928, by Otto Rohwedder. Indeed, Betty White is older than sliced bread!
15. The 1/3 Pound Failed Due to Math
The 1/3-pound burger failed in the market because consumers mistakenly believed the 1/4-pound burger was larger and, therefore, a better deal, illustrating the quirks of consumer perceptions and math.
12 Things That Were Socially Acceptable 25 Years Ago, but Are Frowned Upon Today
Over the past 25 years, society has seen significant changes in what it considers acceptable behavior. What was once deemed perfectly fine in the past is now often met with disapproval. As cultural norms and values continue to evolve, it’s essential to reflect on these changes and how they shape our daily lives.
12 Things That Were Socially Acceptable 25 Years Ago, but Are Frowned Upon Today
12 Things You Really, Really Don’t Need In Your Home
One of the best ways to save money is to learn to live with less. If you live on less, then you need less and then you spend less. There are some stuff that you may have in your home that you don’t need.
There are several ways that you can adjust your lifestyle and learn to live with less. Here are some things you have in your home that you don’t need.
12 Things You Really, Really Don’t Need In Your Home
11 Widely Accepted Historical Facts That Are 100% False
History is like a grand tapestry woven with stories and events passed down through generations. Yet, as time goes by, some of the threads in this tapestry begin to fray and unravel. It turns out that not everything we think we know about the past is as accurate as it seems.
11 Widely Accepted Historical Facts That Are 100% False
20 Things in Decline Because Millennials Refuse to Pay For Them
As generations come and go, so change trends about what’s popular and in demand and what isn’t. With the Millennials well into adulthood now and some approaching middle age, some clear preferences are starting to emerge.
Some of the things out of favor aren’t going to go away, but the desire for them is definitely dropping. In some cases, that’s good; in others, it leaves us a little sad.
20 Things in Decline Because Millennials Refuse to Pay For Them
15 Things Dad Taught Us That We Still Use Today
Our dads have a unique way of imparting wisdom that sticks with us throughout our lives. From life lessons to practical advice, here are 15 things Dad taught us that we still use today.
15 Things Dad Taught Us That We Still Use Today