Extremely – Listorati https://listorati.com Fascinating facts and lists, bizarre, wonderful, and fun Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:27:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://listorati.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/listorati-512x512-1.png Extremely – Listorati https://listorati.com 32 32 215494684 10 More Extremely Bizarre Malfunctions Of The Body https://listorati.com/10-more-extremely-bizarre-malfunctions-of-the-body/ https://listorati.com/10-more-extremely-bizarre-malfunctions-of-the-body/#respond Thu, 26 Dec 2024 02:14:05 +0000 https://listorati.com/10-more-extremely-bizarre-malfunctions-of-the-body/

It is interesting that we deem a disorder or disease “bizarre” precisely because of its rarity. One disease may be more visually repulsive than another, but in the end, we’re most impressed by whichever rare disorder we just don’t understand. If brains that block fear or stomachs that brew beer were as common as the cold, maybe they wouldn’t raise any eyebrows. But for now, they seem like examples of some of the very strange conditions that the human body can experience.

10 Walking Dead Syndrome

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When the brain is injured in any way, the result can very easily become the stuff of science fiction or horror. Walking Dead syndrome (also called “Cotard Delusion,” after French doctor Jules Cotard) makes sufferers think they have died or are rotting away. The delusion is caused by the degeneration of neuronal synapses due to Alzheimer’s, brain trauma, or any of quite a few other disorders. The decay leads to a breakdown in the neuron chain between the facial recognition and emotion centers of the brain. Some victims of this delusion become convinced that because they are dead, there is no longer any point in eating, and they starve to death.

One of the best known recent examples is that of a Scotsman, identified as “WI,” who suffered severe brain trauma in a motorcycle accident. After receiving a clean bill of health and leaving an Edinburgh hospital, he went to South Africa for a vacation. By the time he arrived, he had convinced himself that he was dead and had gone to hell. South Africa’s heat seems to confirm the idea.

WI figured he had died from the brain injury, or from septicemia, or from AIDS—he considered AIDS a possibility only because he’d read an article on it not long before his accident. He even believed that his mother, accompanying him during the trip, was not actually with him. He thought that she was asleep in Scotland, and he’d stolen her soul to use as transportation around hell.

9 Pediatric Myelofibrosis

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This disease is not particularly weird, but it’s extremely rare. Myelofibrosis is a bone marrow disorder, and though it affects thousands of adults, only 50 cases of its pediatric version have been documented throughout all of history. The disease causes bone marrow to produce excess fibrous connective tissue, which inhibits the marrow’s production of blood cells. The symptoms include general and severe fatigue, infection susceptibility that usually results in pneumonia, gout, shortness of breath, easy bruising, enlarged spleen, and—at all times—bone pain.

One of the disease’s rare sufferers is 16-year-old Lukas Larsson of Colorado, who was not born with myelofibrosis but acquired it at about the age of 15. He was not diagnosed for a full year, and there is now only one way for him to survive: a complete bone marrow transplantation. Without a transplant, this disease is nearly always fatal, so all the marrow in every bone in his body must be taken out and replaced with marrow from donors.

8 Encephalotrigeminal Angiomatosis

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This is also called Sturge-Weber syndrome, and although doctors know precisely what causes it, they are powerless to stop it from happening. A gene mutation hits the sufferer while still in the womb, leading to excess blood vessels just under the skin on the side of the face. The classic symptom for a newborn is a “port wine” birthmark across the forehead and one eye (similar to Mikhail Gorbachev’s famous birthmark, though he does not have this disorder).

The extra blood vessels under the sufferer’s skin surround the trigeminal nerve, which happens to be the primary nerve responsible for headaches. Other symptoms include excess blood vessels in the brain’s inner lining, severe mental retardation, and intense glaucoma in about half of cases. Glaucoma is excessive pressure in the eyes, which eventually leads to blindness by squeezing the eyeball. In cases of Sturge-Weber, the pressure can become so great that it forces the eyeball out of the socket.

The excess blood vessels over the brain kill large tracts of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex. This causes severe convulsions that can make the victim to “jackknife” or bend sharply backward, risking damage to the spine and back muscles. The only treatment to combat these convulsions is surgery to remove the affected brain areas.

7 Gut Fermentation Syndrome

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This may sound wonderful on the surface. Eat anything you want, and that food will make you drunk—very drunk, if you eat as much carbohydrates as most of us. But extreme drunkenness precedes extreme hangovers. Add in the frustration of everyone thinking you’ve been drinking and are lying about it, and you have the case of a 61-year-old Texas man from earlier this year. For five years, he’d routinely gotten drunk without actually imbibing any alcohol at all. His and his wife were both baffled and even bought their own home Breathalyzer test.

In September, he checked into the emergency room with a blood alcohol level of 0.37, nearly five times the legal level for intoxication. He insisted he was a teetotaler, and the doctors laughed, but they placed him under observation. Twenty-four hours later, having had no alcohol, he was still falling-down drunk.

Then the doctors found out why. His stomach does not digest the sugars in carbohydrates; it ferments them. Excess yeast grows in response to any starchy food and then converts the starch into ethanol before his stomach digests it. Assuming a healthy diet, this would enable a person to stay drunk almost all the time without developing a beer gut from booze’s empty calories. Alcohol’s effect on the liver, however, would very much still be a problem.

For now, “auto-brewery syndrome” syndrome is so rare that the few papers written on the subject have to specifically request that doctors take it seriously.

6 Microcephaly Capillary Malformation Syndrome

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There are only 11 known cases of this disorder. One of its victims is Finn Straub of Connecticut, whose parents were told he would die before his first birthday. He had his second birthday in September and is still alive, which is almost unheard of given the disorder. But if he should survive well into his childhood or beyond, he will never have an IQ much higher than 30.

“Microcephaly” means Finn’s brain and cranium did not develop completely in utero. “Capillary malformation” means his blood vessels have branched excessively and lie too close to the epidermis, giving his whole body small “port wine” birthmarks. These capillary malformations aren’t fatal, but a brain so severely underdeveloped results in a wide variety of problems we don’t normally think of. His heart can’t carry fluid away from the chest cavity, his body is so weak that he can barely move his head, and he doesn’t even have the energy to cry.

This syndrome is totally genetic and yet so rare that it is impossible to predict before conception.

5 Osteogenesis Imperfecta

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You might recognize this disorder from the Shyamalan film Unbreakable, but it’s real and affects one in 20,000 people. With this disorder, the body manufactures insufficient or defective collagen. Bones therefore break very easily, giving the disease the nickname “brittle bone disease.”

Samuel L. Jackson’s Unbreakable character suffers from Type 1 of OI. He tells Bruce Willis’s character that there are four types, and those with Type 4 “don’t last very long.” Actually, there are eight types, and Type 2 is the most severe. With Type 1, bones form but break as easily as glass. The body grows slowly and rarely attains average height, the spine permanently curves from weak joint tissue, and the sense of hearing often breaks down. Type 2 has more intense versions of all these symptoms, and most victims die within their first year of life.

Adults with Type 2 are extremely rare, but all sufferers have to take extreme precaution in their daily lives. Such is the case with Ellen Dollar, who broke three dozen bones before turning 12 and then went on to have a daughter who also suffers from the condition. Her daughter one day tried holding a laptop with one hand. Its weight snapped both of her forearm bones.

4 Body Integrity Identity Disorder

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People with this disorder want a body part amputated because they feel a constant sense that it doesn’t belong to them. Unlike apotemnophilia, a sexual fetish involving oneself as an amputee, BIID is likened to gender identity disorder, which seems to be more common. It may also be a psychosis linked to a fault in the brain’s body mapping center. This center in the right parietal lobe determines our definitions of “personal space,” and if anything undesirable ventures into your personal space, alarm bells sound. Those who suffer from BIID feel as though a body part, usually a limb, is an alien object that has invaded their space.

Most victims don’t go all the way with this delusion and have the body part cut off, and even fewer do the surgery themselves—this would set off entirely different alarm bells in the brain’s fear centers. But it does happen. In 2000, Scottish surgeon Dr. Robert Smith agreed to cut off the healthy legs of two different people who threatened to otherwise do the deed themselves. He claimed that to defy such a threat would be a crime against the Hippocratic Oath.

3 Cancer Of The Teeth

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It is difficult to determine the very rarest form of cancer, but it may be malignant primary cardiac sarcoma, or heart cancer. It is theoretically possible to develop cancer in any part of the body made up of living tissue, from red or white blood cells to the neurons of the brain. Cancer of the teeth is also perfectly possible, since the teeth receive blood flow. But it’s so rare that any case receives global medical scrutiny, fascinating doctors the way the moon landing thrilled the public.

Tooth cancer’s technical term is “gigantiform cementoma.” It begins as a tumor in the tooth and, if unchecked, grows until it takes over the entire face. Because of its rarity, it almost always remains unnoticed until it manifests itself as a grotesque swelling around the mouth, either in the chin or jaw, or in the cheek.

The most well-known case is that of Novemthree Siahaan from Batam Island, Indonesia, who died at the age of six. When his family took him to Taiwanese doctors, the nearest ones who handle the problem, they immediately undertook surgery to remove the tumors. These four tumors had spread from tooth to tooth and then to all facial tissues and bones. They’d become so large that they completely obscured Siahaan’s sight in both eyes and shut off his sinus cavities. He could only drink water by looking straight up so the fluid would run down his throat on its own.

2 Crimean-Congolese Hemorrhagic Fever

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CCHF’s pathology is similar to that of Ebola, but virologists who have observed its firsthand claim that Ebola pales in comparison. The CCHF mortality rate if treated is an extraordinarily high 30 percent. This is because CCHF, like Ebola, kills by liquefying the insides, but it gestates much faster than Ebola. It melts organs, especially the liver, and it typically does this faster than the immune system can get a handle on it.

The disease is spread by Hyalomma ticks. It’s the only viral disease on this list, and antibiotics are useless against a virus. After only one to three days, flu-like symptoms begin. External signs of hemorrhaging begin within three to five days if the first symptoms are not dealt with. Lesions on the inside of the throat eventually erupt, risking death by drowning you in your own blood. General mental confusion follows, with blood from the nose and in the vomit, urine, and feces.

Because the body attempts coagulation everywhere at once, it runs out of platelets and hemorrhages from the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, and even pores. With good treatment and a strong immune system, most victims should survive, but recovery takes about a week and a half to become noticeable. Until then, there is no telling if the victim will live or melt to death from the inside out. For the 30 percent who die, death from multiple organ failure comes in less than two weeks.

1 Cushing’s Syndrome

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The common version of this syndrome isn’t too bizarre on its own. Steroid medications make the adrenal glands secrete too many corticosteroids, and doctors treat the disease by simply weaning the patient off the medication. The rarer form, however, is caused by an adrenal adenoma, a benign tumor on the adrenal gland that is usually removed with the gland. Thirty-eight-year-old Jordy Cernik suffered from adenomas on both glands and had to have both removed. Here is where it becomes bizarre: without his adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline, he is now incapable of feeling fear.

Fear can be good or bad. You ride roller coasters for the controlled thrill of almost dying , but when someone robs you at gunpoint, you must bury your fear to function. Cernik understands those situations in which he should feel fear, since he was perfectly normal before the surgery, but he simply cannot feel the sensation. Someone with Cernik’s disorder might comply with the mugger, or play dead at the feet of a bear, but they will not panic or think too quickly.

Post-surgery, Cernik went skydiving, which he says he’d earlier never have dared try. As he entered the plane, he felt nothing. As he stepped to the door at 3,000 meters (10,000 ft), he felt nothing. While he plummeted, he felt nothing. His heart rate did not fluctuate at all, because in such a situation, adrenaline is what forces the heart rate to climb. He no longer has any adrenaline.

Sounds great, but such oddities always come at a price. Adrenaline, along with endorphins, is one of only two natural analgesics produced by the body. Conditions such as minor arthritis that we can ignore cause Cernik chronic suffering. “I’m always in pain,” he claims. And adrenaline does a lot more than kill pain—those who have their adrenal glands removed frequently suffer severe and rapid weight gain.

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10 Famous People With Extremely Silly Quirks https://listorati.com/10-famous-people-with-extremely-silly-quirks/ https://listorati.com/10-famous-people-with-extremely-silly-quirks/#respond Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:43:59 +0000 https://listorati.com/10-famous-people-with-extremely-silly-quirks/

Most of the time, we think of famous people as larger than life. They become idols that we look up to as something beyond human, and we forget what they really are.

However, sometimes, you hear about the silliest little personality quirks of famous people. It brings you back down to Earth, reminding you that they are really just people like you in the end.

These notable individuals may have incredible wealth, reputations, or similar traits. But they also have very funny things about them that will make you laugh and forget for a moment that you think of them as above you.

10 Mark Zuckerberg Will Only Eat Meat From Animals That He Kills Himself

Mark Zuckerberg is well-known for being a strange guy in general. He was privileged enough to go to Harvard but dropped out to pursue Facebook. Of course, this worked out well for him.

He is now worth a staggering amount of money, but that hasn’t changed the fact that he is weird. During recent Congressional hearings, people often joked that his behavior seemed strange and compared him to an android or an alien in disguise who was trying to mimic human behavior.

While these jokes are amusing, some of Zuckerberg’s real habits are even stranger. Every year, he likes to challenge himself to do new things. In 2011, his new commitment was to only eat animals that he killed. With his riches, he believes that he shouldn’t take healthy eating for granted and should have to participate in the process up close.[1]

Zuckerberg has his own livestock that he slaughters, and then he has a butcher friend prepare it for him. Yes, he obsessively uses every last part of the animal, even if it means making a stock out of chicken feet.

9 Ronald Reagan Liked To Touch The Earlobes Of His Friends And Relatives

Ronald Reagan was the first major celebrity to become an elected politician and then president. He had a certain charisma that really struck a chord with a large portion of the American people, securing himself a second term and remaining fairly popular throughout that time. Also a bit of a joker, he was a very affectionate man with his friends and family.

Although most people think about him as a politician and president, his friends and family knew him as a warmhearted man who really had a thing for earlobes. He grabbed the ears of immediate family members, friends, and even actors (during Screen Actors Guild negotiations while he was president of that group).[2]

There is no reason to believe that it was at all sexual in nature or at least not overtly so. As far as anyone ever knew, Reagan had just grown up to feel natural showing affection and closeness to others by grabbing a bit of their ears.

8 Kanye West Falls Asleep All Over The Place And Always Blames It On Jet Lag

Kim Kardashian is famously married to Kanye West. During a recent appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Kim took part in a game called “Spill Your Guts Or Fill Your Guts.”

Essentially, the host and a celebrity guest ask each other questions prepared by the show’s writers. The individual who is asked the embarrassing question gets to choose whether to answer or eat something disgusting that the other person picked out—such as a 1,000-year-old egg, pickled pig’s feet, clam juice, or something similarly repulsive.

When asked to dish on Kanye’s weirdest habit, Kim immediately explained that Kanye tends to fall asleep everywhere—in inappropriate places or situations—and doesn’t understand why his behavior might be a bit of a problem.

She has had situations where he took her to see designers whom she had never met. Then he fell asleep during the meeting, leaving her feeling rather awkward as she faced the new people on her own. According to Kim, anytime she gets a little annoyed with him about it, he blames it on jet lag—even if he hasn’t flown anywhere in months.[3]

7 Jeff Bezos Dismantled His Own Crib As A Child Because He Wanted To Sleep In A Bed

Jeff Bezos has been in the news a lot recently, mainly because he is now neck and neck with Bill Gates and had beaten him for the top spot on Forbes’ 2019 list of richest people in the world. Also, as Amazon becomes more and more of a household name, it is no surprise that the founder and leader would increasingly become known to everyone in America and in most of the world as well.

While most people only know Bezos as the bald, wannabe supervillain who is running the largest e-store in the world, he was a precocious genius even at a young age. Back then, he surprised everyone around him with his desire to change his surroundings and move up in the world—before he even knew how to properly read and write.

The stories claim that when Jeff Bezos was a toddler, he dismantled his crib with a screwdriver when the adults were not watching. He no longer wanted to sleep in a crib. Instead, he wanted to move up to a real bed like a big boy.[4]

This precocious youngster was so obsessed with moving to greater heights even at such a young age that he took apart his entire cot to prove a point. Even then, his parents likely realized that he was destined for great things. They certainly did everything they could to foster and nurture his intellectual growth.

6 Donald Trump Is Convinced An Exercise Regimen Will Do Him More Harm Than Good

When US President Donald Trump was first given a serious presidential physical by White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson, he stated that the president was mostly okay except that he was close to the line of obesity. Jackson recommended that Trump eat less in terms of portion size, cut down a bit on unhealthy foods, and add some regular exercise to his routine.

The president took to the diet advice fairly well. He has reportedly cut his portions and removed a bit of fat from his meals. But he’s struggling with the exercise routine.[5]

He is convinced that exercise mostly does more harm than good. As a slightly younger man, he once was quoted as believing that humans overall have a finite amount of energy, like a battery, and may die younger if they regularly exercise.

Actually, we are more like rechargeable batteries. Nevertheless, working out too much or in the wrong way can hurt you, so there is a certain level of truth to how he came to believe what he does.

5 President John Quincy Adams Took A Naked Bath In The Potomac at 5:00 AM Every Day

John Quincy Adams was known for being an incredibly stern man. He was the sixth president of the United States and a no-nonsense leader who had almost no sense of humor. As a leader, he was especially known for being a great negotiator, having spent much of his earlier career helping to craft treaties with various foreign powers. This included the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war of 1812.

However, like all men, he had his silly quirk and it once got him into a bind. Adams liked to go for a naked bath in the Potomac River every morning around 5:00 AM. He was a creature of habit, so he could be relied upon to do this.

Now presidents did not answer questions from female reporters during that time period, and Adams was no exception. For a while, female reporter Anne Royall had been trying to get an interview with the president. When she learned about his quirky, publicly nude bathing habit, she came up with a devious but effective plan to secure her interview once and for all.

She waited until he had gone into the water for his morning swim and had been moving around for some time. Then she asked him for the interview again. When he refused to answer her questions, she explained that she had his clothes and he could have them back after he talked to her. And that’s how Royall became the first woman to get an interview with a sitting president.[6]

4 Eminem Refused To Star In Elysium Because He Won’t Leave Detroit For That Long

The movie Elysium was a sci-fi thriller set in a dystopian future where the rich lived in space with a magic heal box that could keep them healthy and alive almost forever. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the remaining people were living in squalor and with horrible diseases on the surface of the planet.

Eventually, the hero manages to bring a bunch of heal boxes down to Earth, as if this will somehow solve things like hunger, dehydration, or the desire of most humans to take the best land for themselves. Nevertheless, it was a fairly popular movie at the time, but it could have been very different.

The movie starred Matt Damon, and most people would say that he fit the role well. However, the part had originally been written and planned out with Eminem in mind. They asked him to do the film, and he wasn’t entirely uninterested. But he wanted the movie shot in Detroit because he did not want to leave home for that long. He is really just a huge homebody.

Eminem was willing to star in 8 Mile because it was about his life and could be filmed at home. However, with the producers unwilling to meet his demand to film Elysium in Detroit, he backed out of any role in the project.[7]

3 Lady Gaga Is A Traditionally Minded Catholic Who Doesn’t Believe In Premarital Sex

Lady Gaga is one of the most famous pop stars in the world mostly because she shocked the living daylights out of almost everyone when her type of act was far beyond what anyone would expect from a pop idol. Her garish displays, ridiculous dance numbers, and provocative outfits and lyrics kept everyone talking about her.

Most extremely religious people considered her a bad influence. They imagined her to be quite the promiscuous individual who promoted such a lifestyle to others.

However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Lady Gaga is a devout Catholic who went to a Catholic school as a youth and still believes strongly in her faith. While she isn’t one to push it on others to an evangelical degree, she does not believe in premarital sex for herself as it is against her faith.[8]

Now we aren’t saying that being against premarital sex is itself a weird quirk as this is a belief held by many who adhere to various religions around the world. Rather, it is strange that a woman known for being so provocative and using the trappings of a sex symbol to her advantage could not imagine using her body in the way that so many people would accuse her of doing.

2 Bill Gates Used To Keep Track Of Employee License Plate Numbers In His Head

Bill Gates is known for being one of the most philanthropic rich people of all time. Despite being the richest man in the world for many years, he pledged a huge portion of his billions to charity, fought tirelessly for charitable causes, and convinced many other rich people to do the same.

Since actively leaving the management of Microsoft, Gates has done incredible good in the world. However, while he is now a billionaire who has apparently seen the light, he was once a man who was trying to create a thriving business.

Back when Microsoft was a small start-up, Gates would mentally keep track of all employee license plate numbers to better know their comings and goings. This gave him a better idea of who was staying late, showing up late, or coming in early and helped him keep an eye on productivity.[9]

Some people would find this behavior rather weird, and it certainly does have a bit of a stalker vibe to it. But it didn’t hurt overmuch as Microsoft continued to grow to the point that he simply couldn’t keep track of all the license plate numbers anymore.

1 Ulysses S. Grant Was Extremely Sensitive And Would Not Let Others See Him Naked

Ulysses S. Grant was one of the most important men in the early days of America, but he was also a really strange guy. Although he was the brilliant leader who led the Union troops to victory over the South, he wasn’t much of a politician. He only managed to make his way into the presidency because of his fame as a war hero.

Once Grant became president, he mostly just put many of his friends into office and failed to do the job properly at all. A lot of people say that he regretted taking the position once he fully understood what it entailed.

However, Grant strangest trait was perhaps his inability psychologically to allow others to see him naked. Today, Grant’s position on being seen naked may not seem that weird, but for the time, it was really rather odd.

Even if you were of a high rank, soldiers tended to get naked rather publicly and servants would douse them with water. It was also common for servants to dress higher-status people and see them naked all the time.

While Grant showed no aversion to seeing others showering around him, he was a very private man and preferred to bathe by himself in his own tent. He did not even want servants to see him. As far as anyone knows, only his wife and perhaps his physicians ever saw Grant naked during his adult life.[10]

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Ten Extremely Famous Quotes You’ve Been Getting All Wrong https://listorati.com/ten-extremely-famous-quotes-youve-been-getting-all-wrong/ https://listorati.com/ten-extremely-famous-quotes-youve-been-getting-all-wrong/#respond Sat, 01 Jun 2024 05:57:05 +0000 https://listorati.com/ten-extremely-famous-quotes-youve-been-getting-all-wrong/

We all love to quote things to each other: axioms, proverbs, famous politician and celebrity quotes, iconic statements, and remarks from history. Heck, even funny lines we see on television shows and viral memes we watch on social media. Quoting other people’s clever and creative remarks has been going on throughout human history for as long as people have been making clever and creative remarks. But with all that quoting, there are bound to be some messed-up and mistaken quotes floating around out there!

That’s what this list is about. Today, we’ll take a fascinating journey through ten very famous quotes that are very often mistakenly quoted. Whether taken out of context, only half-shared in a way that totally changes their original meaning, or just outright misattributed or misremembered altogether, these ten quotes are extremely well-known… and extremely wrong. Oops! So let’s set the record straight once and for all!

Related: 10 Quotes From Experts Who Were Proved Wrong

10 Money, Money, Money

You’ve undoubtedly heard the quote, “Money is the root of all evil.” But that’s not actually the entire quote as it originally stood—in the Bible, no less. See, people like to drop that quote on you when it comes to the importance of money. But the full quote misses three key words that add a good bit of context right up front. It actually goes: “The love of money is the root of all evil.” See how that changes the tone just a little bit?

Quoting from the Bible in the first book of Timothy (chapter six, verse ten), the wording goes: “For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.” And other translations of the Bible have the same quote, of course, but worded slightly differently.

But again, the key context here is “the love of money” and not simply money itself. Money is, of course, a means to an end. You need money to live a comfortable life, buy a safe home, a reliable car, and everything in the modern age. So, to that end, money is a tool you should use to achieve positive ends and help you live the life you want. It’s not categorically “evil” in all senses just because it exists.

But there’s a line to cross there, too. When you go from earning money to live a better life to becoming obsessive over hoarding as much money as possible, well, you’ve crossed into “evil” territory. And now you know the difference—and the full quote that infamously warns about it![1]

9 Elementary, My Dear!

To hear casual fans of Sherlock Holmes tell it, you’d think Sherlock said, “Elementary, my dear Watson,” right from the very start. After all, it’s one of the most quoted lines from Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories. But it’s completely wrong! Sherlock Holmes never said that in any original Conan Doyle tale!

Despite that, the quote has been used frequently in movies throughout the years. And it has been so misattributed that it was even placed (mistakenly!) in Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations in both 1937 and 1948. That’s a big bungle!

In the original Conan Doyle, Holmes’s iconic quote is actually broken up into two separate pieces and set out differently. It starts with Holmes saying this to Watson: “I have the advantage of knowing your habits, my dear Watson. When your round is a short one, you walk, and when it is a long one, you use a hansom. As I perceive that your boots, although used, are by no means dirty, I cannot doubt that you are at present busy enough to justify the hansom.”

And then, after Watson cries out “Excellent,” the second part of the Holmes quote rears its head: “Elementary. It is one of those instances where the reasoner can produce an effect which seems remarkable to his neighbour, because the latter has missed the one little point which is the basis of the deduction. The same may be said, my dear fellow, for the effect of some of these little sketches of yours, which is entirely meretricious, depending as it does upon your retaining in your own hands some factors in the problem which are never imparted to the reader.”

It’s a bit of text to parse through, but clearly, that mix-up is where the mistake occurred: Holmes does indeed say “my dear Watson” and criest out “elementary.” And they come in quick succession across a single conversation! But they don’t come packed together in one quotable quote. But for whatever reason, the quote was transcribed this way into all of our brains, and it has stuck incorrectly in the public consciousness like this.[2]

8 Okay, Houston…

The iconic 1995 film Apollo 13 may have popularized the quote, “Houston, we have a problem,” but that memorable movie line is actually incorrect. Yes, we know, it pains us to say that anything Tom Hanks is involved in wouldn’t be 100% above board, but Hanks and his co-stars in that blockbuster film actually got the scene wrong—but only very slightly.

Instead of “Houston, we have a problem,” the actual line comes in the past tense: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” On April 14, 1970, an explosion occurred on board the Apollo 13 spacecraft as it approached the Moon. The command module pilot, Jack Swigert, noted the explosion immediately and radioed into NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas.

He used these exact words: “Okay, Houston, we’ve had a problem here.” The radio operators in Houston didn’t hear him correctly when he first said it, though, and they asked him to repeat it. Speaking from down in Texas, Mission Control capsule communicator Jack R. Lousma asked for Swigert to speak again. At that point, mission commander Jim Lovell jumped in from his place on the spacecraft, confirming the exact same words with the exact same tense: “Ah, Houston, we’ve had a problem.”

It’s a very minor misquotation, of course, to go from “we’ve had a problem” to “we have a problem.” But it’s a big deal in how the movie is structured. When you see “Houston, we have a problem” on the big screen, you get to watch Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Pullman desperately trying to figure out what happened in real time. It makes your heart pound!

In the actual space launch, Swigert and Lovell were no less alarmed or worried, but they had to work backward through a technical checklist to figure out what went wrong after the actual problem occurred. And so the past tense of reality with “we’ve had a problem” becomes the present tense terror of the silver screen with “we have a problem.”[3]

7 No Cake for You!

One of the most famous quotes in all of human history is the line ascribed to Marie-Antoinette: “Let them eat cake.” As the story goes, when hearing that French peasants had no bread to eat and were going hungry, Marie-Antoinette supposedly said, “Let them eat cake,” proving how out of touch the royal class was to the sufferings of their subjects in the 18th century.

However, there’s just one little problem with it. Marie-Antoinette almost certainly didn’t say that. In fact, when the quote was first written down and recorded for history, she was a very young child who hadn’t even been to France yet and certainly wouldn’t have been able to think about the implications of such a statement on hunger and poverty!

Historians who did the smallest amount of digging found the quote listed and discussed in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Confessions, written in 1765. That was published nearly three decades before the French Revolution. And when it was published, Marie-Antoinette was only nine years old—and had never even been to France yet! So it’s pretty unlikely that she said it, right?

But it gets even deeper from there! In 1843, a French writer named Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr reported that he found the quote in a separate book that was published five years before Rousseau’s work in 1760. If that’s true, Marie-Antoinette would have been just five years old at the time of that publication, and she certainly wouldn’t have said the infamous cake quip.

Unfortunately for Rousseau, Karr, and every other writer and historian who has been trying to debunk this thing for decades, the cake comment has been stuck to Marie-Antoinette even though it almost certainly wasn’t her who said it. Ah, well. History can be quite a fickle mistress, can’t it?[4]

6 Ends and Means

Niccolò Machiavelli never said, “The ends justify the means,” even though that famous quote is very often attributed to him. Of course, he was a prolific thinker—and a prolific writer—so there is no shortage of quotes you can rightly and correctly attribute to the Italian philosopher and social theorist. But “the ends justify the means” is not one of them.

That quote, as it stands, is not found in any of his works, nor is a translation into English enough of a parallel to likely give that quote to him. Historians and philosophers today instead believe the Roman poet Ovid ought to be the one credited with “the ends justify the means.” But for whatever reason, Machiavelli unfairly gets all the mistaken credit.

Now, Machiavelli wrote some things that were somewhat similar to the quote. In Discourses, one passage goes: “For although the act condemns the doer, the end may justify him….” And in his famous work The Prince, he goes on to write, “Let a prince have the credit [as] the means will always be considered honest… because the vulgar are always taken by what a thing seems to be and by what comes of it.”

From those quotes, it is perhaps easy to see how his writing has been very liberally (and very incorrectly) reframed over the centuries to get down to the pithy “the ends justify the means” commentary we have today. However, for Machiavelli, the reality of ends and means wasn’t as simple as that justification though. As he notes in his writing, sometimes the ends may indeed justify the means—but not always.

For him, thinking of ends when it came to the means to get there was more of a warning not to be pious in political dealings rather than an outright suggestion that there would be no consequences should one cast aside virtue and honor. That’s a big difference and one that philosophers have hotly debated ever since. But once and for all, let’s take that mistaken Machiavelli quote off the board, shall we?[5]

5 Taste That Pudding

We’ve all heard the very common axiom, “The proof is in the pudding.” But did you know that isn’t actually the correct quote? Okay, if you’re reading this list and you’ve made it this far down the list, you probably already know that the quote is going to be corrected shortly. So, let’s not insult your intelligence with that question and just get on with it!

Jokes aside, “the proof is in the pudding” is the evolution of an old proverb that started out with a very important and different distinction. The full old proverb goes something like this: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” In the end, it means the same thing as it does in our modern misremembrance of how it goes. That is, the value of the thing in question (the “pudding” in this case) must only be judged on direct, actual experience with it rather than in theory or appearance.

It might be a good idea in your head, but if the “pudding” in your brain comes out flat as a project or product or whatever else, well, that proves the “pudding” wasn’t any good to begin with. Coincidentally, that proverb actually got its start with literal pudding. Centuries ago, people used it to quite literally explain how they had to try out the food they made to know if it was worth eating. Recently, society has reorganized that to a more metaphorical usage, but the ultimate meaning is all the same. Still, it’s important to share the actual quote so that you can use it correctly![6]

4 Blood, Sweat, and Tears

The quote “blood, sweat, and tears” is one of the most common phrases used by people for nearly a full century now—and in that exact order, too. But if you ask many people about the quote, they either don’t know where it’s from, or they almost always say it came from a famous speech by Winston Churchill during the beginning of World War II. That’s actually not correct, though.

Even though “blood, sweat, and tears” have been misattributed to Churchill to the point where they likely always will be, his actual words were slightly different. The date was May 10, 1940, and the occasion was Churchill’s rise to officially become the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister. Upon his ascension during the political turnover, he gave a speech to the House of Commons while asking them for a vote of confidence in his new government.

Labour backed him, but the Conservatives were a bit more lukewarm; they had remained steadfast in their support of Neville Chamberlain. Of course, Churchill eventually took power and carried Britain through the awful war years. But on that day, he was moved to give his speech to the House of Commons, where the wrongly credited “blood, sweat, and tears” came up.

In reality, during the speech warning of the long years of war ahead, Churchill said: “I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering.” And that’s how history actually happened—not “blood, sweat, and tears,” but “blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” A minor difference, perhaps, but a major change from the quote we all know so well.

Chillingly, as Churchill ascended to the role of Prime Minister and was accepted by the UK’s shell-shocked, war-torn government, he also famously made a very foreboding comment warning of the long war years to come: “Poor people, poor people. They trust me, and I can give them nothing but disaster for quite a long time.”

Sadly, that ended up being all too true for the UK and its Allies in their years-long fight to defeat Nazi Germany.[7]

3 Survival of the Fittest

The term “survival of the fittest” is very often attributed to Charles Darwin and his groundbreaking theory of evolution. But he did not coin it, and for a long time, he did not even use it in any of his writing! Granted, it has everything to do with Darwinian evolutionary theory.

As you no doubt know, “survival of the fittest” occurs when the fittest iterations of a thing—be they humans, animals, plants, or otherwise—have the greatest chance and likelihood of successfully breeding to produce future generations. The “fittest” genes generally survive in the long run because they were the hardiest ones that stuck it out when the proverbial going got tough. Makes sense, right?

Well, it wasn’t Darwin. Interestingly enough, another biologist, Herbert Spencer, came up with that phrase. He got to it right after reading Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. In 1864, Spencer published Principles of Biology. In it, he used Darwin’s evolutionary claims to draw parallels between his own economic theories and natural selection.

Now, here’s the thing: Herbert Spencer had some of what we might call, um, interesting theories about race in his day. And you’ll see what we mean when you read the full quote of his that coins the term and harkens back to Darwin’s work: “This survival of the fittest, which I have here sought to express in mechanical terms, is that which Mr. Darwin has called ‘natural selection,’ or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life.” Yeah…

Interestingly, economic racism aside, Darwin really liked the phrase “survival of the fittest” as it applied to natural life. Another scientist named Alfred Russel Wallace wrote to Darwin and suggested he use Spencer’s phrase in his own work to perfectly encapsulate what he meant by “natural selection.”

Darwin agreed and first used “survival of the fittest” in his 1868 publication The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication. Then, in 1869, he introduced the phrase again in the fifth edition of On the Origin of Species.[8]

2 Great Minds…

Surely, you’ve heard the phrase, “Great minds think alike.” Whenever two people come to the same conclusion about the same thing at the same time, they often chuckle about it, and somebody will utter the saying. “Great minds think alike,” you’ll say as you shrug, laugh, and go on about your day.

But would you still utter that phrase if you knew the second half of the quotation? That’s right! As it turns out, “great minds think alike” is only half the story when it comes to this very popular quote. The full read-out goes a little something like this: “Great minds think alike, but fools seldom differ.”

That doesn’t seem so fun and sweet now, does it? Suddenly, we feel like fools! But then again, maybe that was the point. For what it’s worth, the (full) quote began appearing in written documentation at the beginning of the 17th century. Some historians believe it dates specifically to a 1618 book, in which its Old English equivalent of “good wits doe jumpe” was first used.

Undoubtedly, though, the quote, exactly as we know it today, was first published in a work in 1816. That year, Carl Theodor von Unlanski published his biography The Woful History of the Unfortunate Eudoxia, which included the “great minds” quote.[9]

1 Help Yourself!

The phrase “God helps those who help themselves” is so popular, and it has been so common for such a long time that religious pollsters consistently find that people believe it is written in the Bible. But it isn’t anywhere in the Good Book at all! In fact, so many people mistakenly think it’s a biblical quote that it is often cited as the single most incorrectly attributed phony Bible verse ever. That really says something!

But that’s not even the only misattribution that the quote suffers from! Throughout history, people have also incorrectly cited it as being a quote first penned by Ben Franklin in his 1757 publication of Poor Richard’s Almanac. But that’s not correct, either. The real quote goes back almost a century before that!

The first verifiable use of “God helps those who help themselves” came in Algernon Sydney’s 1698 article “Discourses Concerning Government.” Doesn’t that sound like an absolutely fascinating read? It must have been a page-turner, for sure. But jokes aside, Sydney came up with the saying. Or, if he stole it from somebody else before him, historians have yet to figure out who that original source might be.

Funny enough, one might argue that the saying is decidedly not biblical at all, even if it mentions God. After all, the Bible has several very well-known passages in which God helps the helpless—and not those who help themselves at all!

Take Isaiah 25:4, for example, which declares: “Because thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress: a refuge from the whirlwind, a shadow from the heat. For the blast of the mighty is like a whirlwind beating against a wall.”Or what about Romans 5:6, which notes: ” For why did Christ, when as yet we were weak, according to the time, die for the ungodly?” And on and on it goes![10]

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Ten More Extremely Unexpected U.S. State “Firsts” https://listorati.com/ten-more-extremely-unexpected-u-s-state-firsts/ https://listorati.com/ten-more-extremely-unexpected-u-s-state-firsts/#respond Thu, 30 May 2024 05:48:24 +0000 https://listorati.com/ten-more-extremely-unexpected-u-s-state-firsts/

It’s always interesting to see how American states led the way in various categories. Michigan can lay claim to being the first in automobile development and the car culture that is everywhere today. In that same vein, give California credit for being the first state to really go all-in on the freeway system that dominates American transportation nowadays. Colorado can lay claim to its pioneering marijuana legislation—and Washington, too. And, of course, no state can beat Delaware for being the first state to, well, become a state when it was first to ratify the Constitution!

But while there are plenty of notable and well-known state “firsts,” there are also a million strange ones. Recently, we looked over a series of strange and unexpected “firsts” on this very website, and that seemed to be a big hit with many of you. So, why not do it again? Below, you can read all about ten MORE strange, random, and even funny state “firsts” from American history.

Related: Ten Intriguing Facts about America’s First Murder Trial

10 California: Good Fortune!

There is one thing we know for sure: California can lay undoubted claim to the proud title of being the first state to invent and produce the fortune cookie. The question gets a bit thicker than that, though, when it comes to figuring out exactly where it happened within the Golden State.

Many historians believe that a man named Makoto Hagiwara created the very first modern fortune cookie when he was at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park as early as 1914. After he came up with the idea and sketched out the plan, the cookies themselves were reportedly made by a local San Francisco bakery called Benkyodo.

But there’s drama! Down in Los Angeles, a man named David Jung claimed that he actually invented the fortune cookie in 1918 when he was the owner and operator of LA’s Hong Kong Noodle Company. He said that he was the one who came up with the concept and popularized it and that his San Francisco fortune foes simply took the cookie idea and then tried to retroactively claim they’d come up with it first.

For decades after that, it looked like there would be two competing fortune cookie origin myths. If you were from NorCal, you sided with Hagiwara, and if you were from SoCal, you sided with Jung. Perhaps that was the first great NorCal-SoCal debate that now gets carried out in sports rivalries and the like!

Fortune cookies are evidently some serious business, though. In 1983, the San Francisco Court of Historical Review took up the case to investigate. Their judgment came back in favor of Hagiwara, pointing to evidence that he was indeed first to market with the cookie. The city of Los Angeles cried foul, but it all sort of fizzled out from there.

Regardless, for the purposes of this list, California can undoubtedly lay claim to being the first state that made and dished out fortune cookies, even if the city of origin has been up for debate.[1]

9 Washington, D.C.: TV Time

The oldest regularly broadcasting television station in American history belongs not to a state but to Washington, D.C.! Back on July 2, 1928, a television station known as W3XK began broadcasting from a studio in the nation’s capital. Its broadcast didn’t carry very far—the signal could barely get into the outskirts of Maryland’s then-small-town suburbs just outside of northern D.C.—but it didn’t matter. It was a history-making affair all the same!

While earlier radio broadcasting companies had fiddled around with television a bit, including the network we now know as NBC, W3XK was the very first television station to broadcast a regular schedule. And so its inventor and owner Charles Jenkins and his hometown of Washington, D.C., get the “first” nod on this one!

If you’re looking for an actual state, though, we might be able to give this one to Maryland, too. After a couple years of broadcasting within Washington, Jenkins eventually moved the W3XK television studios to a small town in Maryland called Wheaton. The station pioneered the broadcast of a 48-line picture there, and then in 1930, it also pioneered the move to a 60-line picture.

The Great Depression hit Jenkins and his Charles Jenkins Laboratories company hard, though, and by March 1932, his television firm was liquidated. A radio broadcasting company acquired all the assets and then went bankrupt a few months later. RCA eventually bought out everything from W3XK in the ensuing mad rush, but they turned full-time to radio, and television moved fully to the backburner for another couple of decades.[2]

8 Hawaii: Bye Bye, Bags!

In May 2012, Hawaii became the first state in the U.S. to ban the use of plastic bags at grocery stores. The ban was taken on by leaders in various city councils around Hawaii for a few years before that. Maui officials, Kauai leaders, and others opted independently to ban the use and spread of single-use plastic grocery bags in establishments on their islands leading up to 2012.

Then, in late April 2012, the city council of Honolulu voted to put forth a ban on single-use plastic grocery bags all across Oahu. That motion carried through with ease at the council’s meeting that month, and on May 11, 2012, the plastic grocery bag ban was signed into law. All four of Hawaii’s County Councils fully followed suit, and the state thus underwent a complete plastic bag ban.

Now, it took a while for the ban to go into effect. In Honolulu’s case, the ban wasn’t officially enforced until 2015. In those three years, they intended to allow time for stores to get rid of their supply of plastic bags and major corporate grocery chains to redirect their plastic bag supply chains to other places. Plus, they wanted Hawaiians to get acclimated to shopping with reusable bags and give them time to adjust to the new normal with the ban on plastic single-use bags.

In turn, the anti-plastic pollution push quickly spread out from Hawaii to the rest of the country. Cities, municipalities, and states all over the nation ban plastic bags now. As of early 2024, eight states had plastic bag bans of various levels, along with many cities nationwide. But the Hawaiians did it first![3]

7 North Carolina: Airplane Passengers!

North Carolina can lay claim to being the “First in Flight” thanks to the Wright Brothers’ successful attempts at flying out on Kitty Hawk in the state’s Outer Banks region in December 1903. But did you know that North Carolina is also the first state to ever record a flight with an airplane passenger? And it didn’t happen in 1903 when the Wright Brothers first got out to Kitty Hawk! It actually happened a full five years later when they returned with the express purpose of figuring out if they could fly a plane with a full-weight adult human passenger going along for the ride!

At the time, the U.S. government (and specifically the Army) was very interested in the flight technology that the Wright brothers were developing. However, they were decidedly less interested in it unless the planes they were making could carry a passenger to go along with the pilot.

So, the Wright brothers became consumed with trying to figure out how to add weight to their machines while still allowing the airplanes to take off. After all, they’d been trying to make the planes as light as possible to fly in those early days. So having to add a lot of poundage in short order wasn’t the easiest thing in the world! For a while, they experimented with sandbags, but before too long, they needed the real thing.

That’s where a man named Charley Furnas comes into play. In the spring of 1908, he was a 28-year-old mechanic living and working in Dayton, Ohio. His job was as a machinist, and his working floor was only a couple blocks away from the Wright Cycle Company in Dayton. He had previously done odd jobs for the brothers as a younger man, too. And through the previous five years, he’d been pestering them to teach him how to fly.

Well, in early April 1908, he got his chance. Furnas turned up at Kitty Hawk, and the Wright brothers decided to put him on a plane. On May 14, Charley flew for about 800 feet (243 meters) as Wilbur’s passenger, becoming the first-ever airplane passenger in history. Later that day, he and Orville made it more than 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) in the plane together. Charley (and North Carolina) made history. But were there any in-flight drinks served?![4]

6 Connecticut: Are They in the Book?

After telephone technology began to take hold in the United States in the latter half of the 19th century, it took a little while before documentation caught on. Today, we all know about the phone book, of course. (Well, maybe the youngest readers among us don’t, with everything having gone digital…)

But back in the day, the phone book had to be a thing that was invented! And in November 1878, the state of Connecticut was the place where that happened. Late that month, a company then known as the Connecticut District Telephone Company released the world’s very first phone book in the city of New Haven. In the book were the names and addresses of 391 subscribers who paid $22 per year to be listed in that service. But weirdly, there were no phone numbers! So it was a phone book produced by a phone company… with no numbers in it at all.

Regardless, it was very much a precursor to the “yellow pages” that came out en masse decades later. In addition to the names listed of New Haven residents, there were a ton of advertisements printed at the back of the book. Phone book technology very quickly took a leap forward from there in several ways.

For one, future phone books actually contained the phone numbers of the people listed within. And a year later, an enterprising Massachusetts man got the idea to alphabetize the names in the phone book so it’d be easier to find the person for whom you were searching. What an idea! Regardless, Connecticut can firmly lay claim to being the state to produce the first phone book.[5]

5 Arkansas: Senate History

The state of Arkansas can lay claim to a very bold and important distinction: they are the first state to ever send a woman to the U.S. Senate in a full-term election. See, before Arkansas residents voted for a woman to go into the Senate in 1932, women who had served in that federal governing body had been sent there as special appointments after the sudden deaths of their husbands in office.

For Hattie Caraway, that’s initially what happened, too. On November 6, 1931, U.S. Senator Thaddeus Caraway, who represented Arkansas, died in office. With no one else to fill his shoes, the feds turned to Hattie to fill the vacancy of his seat in the Senate until a full election could be called. Just like it was always done, right?

Well, Hattie filled the seat for a few months after being appointed by the governor of Arkansas, Harvey Parnell, to do so. In January 1932, a special election was held to determine who would fill the seat for the rest of Thaddeus’s term—and Hattie won that election. Then, almost exactly a year after Thaddeus’s death, on November 8, 1932, a full and regularly scheduled Senate election took place—and Hattie won that one as well!

In running through those electoral victories, Arkansas made history by voting in the first-ever woman elected to the U.S. Senate beyond special appointments and decrees from governors. By the way, Hattie herself also later made history as the first woman ever to preside over the U.S. Senate. Not bad![6]

4 Alaska: The Time Zone Shuffle

Alaska can officially be known as the first state in the Union to change time zones in the modern age. Time wasn’t working for them, so they just up and flipped their clocks to make things better. Just like that! See, right now, Alaska is officially covered by two time zones: the Alaska Time Zone, which covers the vast majority of the state, and the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone, which covers lots of Alaska’s far western reaches, including the Aleutian Islands (and, yes, Hawaii way far south of that).

That hasn’t always been the case, though. In fact, up until the 1980s, Alaska was covered by FOUR time zones, and doing business from region to region within that area made things very frustrating at times. On September 15, 1983, Secretary Elizabeth Dole signed a statewide change to cut the number of time zones that snaked through Alaska in half. It was no longer a four-time zone state, and just two weeks later, the change became official.

Today, more than 90% of Alaska residents, including all those who live in the state’s major cities like Juneau and Fairbanks, are on Alaska Standard Time. That’s only one hour behind Pacific Time and places like Los Angeles and Seattle. And it makes sense, right? Alaska participates in Daylight Savings, too, which links them with the rest of the nation in that way.

But wait! It gets crazier! In 2016, Alaska lawmakers seriously began considering the passage of a bill that would put Alaska into Pacific Time and completely eliminate the Alaska Time Zone. That bill would have also eliminated Daylight Savings Time in Alaska, which most states still follow, and would have set them apart in that way.

The 2016 proposals went nowhere, though, and currently, most Alaskans remain within the Alaska Time Zone. Still, Alaska was the first state to time travel, as it were, by cutting its time zone allotment in half forty years ago. And maybe they’ll be the first state to do that twice should any new bill like the 2016 proposal ever come to pass![7]

3 Illinois: Look UP!

There is some debate about what technically constitutes the “first skyscraper” and where it was built. Still, most historians and architects today have come to a consensus: It happened in Chicago, and it was the Home Insurance Building.

It is true that New York City buildings were being built high up into the sky in the late 19th century. The New York Equitable Life building constructed in 1870 was the first office building to use an elevator, for example. NYC’s Produce Exchange building also made noteworthy architectural advancements when it was built in 1884. However, the 1885 creation and construction of the Home Insurance Building in Chicago is widely regarded as the first skyscraper ever truly built.

That’s because the Home Insurance Building was the first building to use a then brand-new lattice of structural steel. It was woven into its innovative metal frame design, and the pioneering combination allowed the Home Insurance Building to stand extremely sturdy and extremely tall. Okay, so it wasn’t that tall—at least not by our modern standards. The building, designed by William Le Baron Jenney, only stood 138 feet (42 meters) tall at its highest point. And it only contained ten stories!

Compared to the skyscrapers of today, that’s absolutely nothing at all! But at the time, it was a pioneering achievement in architecture. And the building’s ingenious internal metal framing combined with traditional wrought iron meant it could withstand anything that came its way. Thus, Illinois gets to take home the trophy as the state with the first skyscraper. Sorry, New York![8]

2 Illinois: Repealing Hate

Illinois—a state so nice, we listed it twice! Not only does Illinois have the distinction of being the state that housed the very first skyscraper, but they were also the first state to get rid of its sodomy law. In turn, that meant Illinois was the first state in the Union to decriminalize homosexuality. That happened during the legislative session held by state lawmakers there in 1961.

Then, when the calendar turned to January 1, 1962, the law went into effect. Or we should say the sodomy law was repealed. And homosexuality suddenly became something that was no longer criminalized all across Illinois! Sadly, gay rights had a very long way to go even after that, but at least the wheels were finally in motion in Chicago and elsewhere in the Land of Lincoln.

Interestingly, even though Illinois may have led the way in repealing sodomy laws, it took other states a very long time to follow. Idaho initially repealed a bunch of “bedroom policing” laws, too, at the recommendation of the American Law Institute. However, upon learning that they’d actually repealed the sodomy laws and decriminalized homosexuality, conservative Idaho lawmakers immediately walked back their bill.

Other states didn’t get in on the act until way past then, in 1971, when Connecticut repealed its anti-sodomy laws. Then, nineteen other states followed up throughout the 1970s, including California, Hawaii, Maine, Nebraska, Vermont, South Dakota, and more. But Illinois was first![9]

1 Kentucky: All in for Beethoven

Beethoven’s name is known the world over when it comes to classical music. However, in the United States, he was mostly ignored during his lifetime. In fact, he was only first heard by American ears just ten years before his 1827 death! The state of Kentucky got the unlikely distinction of being first in the U.S., where a Beethoven concert was performed by a symphony orchestra.

You might think that would have happened in New York City, Washington D.C., or perhaps Philadelphia, or really, anywhere else more traditionally “cultured” than the relative backwoods of Kentucky. But don’t knock the Bluegrass State! They came through for Beethoven before anybody else in America did when a performance was held there in 1817.

The story of Beethoven being brought to Kentucky is itself an interesting one. The man behind the move to make Beethoven heard in Louisville was a fellow by the name of Anthony Philip Heinrich. Born in Bohemia, in present-day Czechoslovakia, in 1781, Heinrich visited the United States several times as a boy and young adult. He loved it so much that in 1817, he emigrated there full-time. But again, instead of settling in a big city, he chose to strike out for himself in a log cabin in tiny Bardstown, Kentucky. Strange, right?

Well, it gets stranger. Heinrich was an absolutely prolific composer of classical music, piano tunes, and vocal compositions. He composed music, and so much of it was of such a high quality that later in life, he came to be known as “the Beethoven of America.” So it makes sense that he was the driving force behind having a Beethoven symphony performed live in Kentucky. And he helped the state make history in that way![10]

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10 Extremely Rare Beneficial Human Genetic Anomalies https://listorati.com/10-extremely-rare-beneficial-human-genetic-anomalies/ https://listorati.com/10-extremely-rare-beneficial-human-genetic-anomalies/#respond Wed, 29 May 2024 09:52:50 +0000 https://listorati.com/10-extremely-rare-beneficial-human-genetic-anomalies/

Human genetics is a complex tapestry woven with threads of both commonality and extraordinary rarity. While much attention is given to genetic anomalies that result in disease or disability, there exists a lesser-known realm of beneficial genetic quirks that can bestow unique advantages upon their carriers. These anomalies, though rare and often peculiar, offer a glimpse into the fascinating diversity of human biology.

Join us on a journey through the marvels of human genetics as we delve into the realm of the rarest and most peculiar beneficial genetic anomalies. From seeing the world in an expanded spectrum of colors to defying the effects of aging, these genetic quirks paint a portrait of human diversity that is as captivating as it is extraordinary. So let us embark on this exploration of the weird and wonderful, where the ordinary meets the extraordinary in the intricate dance of our genetic code.

Related: Top 10 Surprising Ways Diseases Have Been Cured

10 Tetrachromacy

Tetrachromacy, a rare and fascinating genetic anomaly, opens up a world of color beyond the ordinary spectrum visible to most humans. While the majority of people possess three types of cone cells in their eyes, allowing them to perceive a range of colors, individuals with tetrachromacy harbor an additional type of cone cell, granting them the ability to see an expanded palette of hues. This condition arises from a genetic mutation that enhances color perception and discrimination, leading to a heightened sensory experience unlike anything most of us can imagine.

Imagine a world where every sunset is a symphony of shades unseen by the naked eye, where the subtle nuances of nature’s palette reveal themselves in breathtaking detail. For those with tetrachromacy, this world is not a mere fantasy but a vivid reality. Their eyes serve as portals to a realm of color that exists beyond the comprehension of the average observer, offering a profound appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.[1]

9 High Bone Density

High bone density, a remarkable genetic anomaly, bestows upon individuals bones of unparalleled strength and resilience. While most people have bones of average density, those with this anomaly possess bones that are denser and more robust, providing increased resistance against fractures and injuries. This genetic mutation alters the composition of bone tissue, resulting in a skeletal structure that can withstand greater forces without succumbing to damage.

Picture a world where the fear of fractures and breaks is a distant memory, where individuals possess a natural armor of dense bone tissue that shields them from the perils of everyday life. For those with high bone density, this world is their reality—a realm where strength and resilience are woven into the very fabric of their being. Whether engaging in rigorous physical activities or simply navigating the challenges of daily existence, they move with confidence, knowing that their bones are up to the task.

The implications of high bone density extend far beyond individual health and well-being. In a society where osteoporosis and fractures are significant health concerns, this genetic anomaly offers hope for advancements in medical treatment and prevention. By unraveling the mysteries of bone density regulation, researchers may unlock new strategies for strengthening bones and reducing the risk of fractures for millions of people worldwide. Indeed, the marvel of high bone density serves as a testament to the remarkable potential of genetic anomalies to shape the future of healthcare.[2]

8 Sickle Cell Trait

Sickle cell trait, often viewed as a genetic anomaly, paradoxically offers a degree of natural resistance to one of humanity’s oldest adversaries: malaria. Found predominantly in regions where malaria is endemic, this trait confers a survival advantage against the deadly parasite responsible for millions of deaths each year. Individuals with sickle cell trait carry one copy of the gene mutation responsible for sickle cell disease, resulting in altered hemoglobin production.

While sickle cell disease can be debilitating, those with the trait exhibit a milder form of the condition that provides protection against malaria. In regions where malaria exerts a heavy toll on human populations, the prevalence of sickle cell trait is notably higher—a testament to the selective pressure exerted by this devastating disease.

Although carrying the gene for sickle cell trait may increase the risk of developing sickle cell disease in offspring when both parents are carriers, the benefits conferred in malaria-endemic regions outweigh the potential risks. This unique genetic anomaly serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate evolutionary adaptations shaped by centuries of human interaction with infectious diseases.

The evolutionary significance of sickle cell trait extends beyond individual health to encompass broader implications for public health and malaria control efforts. Understanding the complex interplay between genetics, infectious diseases, and human populations is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat malaria and other vector-borne illnesses. By unraveling the genetic underpinnings of resistance to malaria, researchers may uncover novel approaches for malaria prevention and treatment, offering hope for a future where this ancient scourge no longer threatens human lives.[3]

7 Lactase Persistence

Lactase persistence, a remarkable genetic trait, allows individuals to defy the natural decline in lactase production that typically occurs after childhood. While many humans lose the ability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk, as they age, those with lactase persistence continue to produce the enzyme lactase, enabling them to consume dairy products throughout their lives. This genetic anomaly arises from mutations that regulate the expression of the LCT gene, which encodes the lactase enzyme, resulting in sustained lactase production into adulthood.

In a world where dairy products are a staple of many diets, the ability to digest lactose beyond infancy offers significant advantages in terms of nutrition and dietary diversity. For individuals with lactase persistence, milk and dairy products provide essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, contributing to overall health and well-being. Moreover, the cultural and economic significance of dairy consumption underscores the importance of lactase persistence as a genetic trait that has shaped human dietary habits and agricultural practices for millennia.

The prevalence of lactase persistence varies widely among populations, with higher frequencies observed in regions where dairy farming has historically been prevalent. This distribution pattern suggests that lactase persistence has undergone positive selection in populations with a long history of dairy consumption, highlighting the adaptive significance of this genetic anomaly. By unraveling the genetic mechanisms underlying lactase persistence, researchers gain insights into human evolution, nutrition, and the intricate relationship between genes and culture.[4]

6 Delayed Aging

Delayed aging, a genetic anomaly observed in select individuals, defies the conventional trajectory of the aging process, offering the promise of a longer, healthier lifespan. While aging is a natural phenomenon characterized by the gradual decline of physiological function, those with delayed aging exhibit signs of aging at a significantly slower rate than the general population. This anomaly manifests in various ways, including youthful appearance, increased longevity, and resistance to age-related diseases.

Imagine a world where the passage of time seems to have little effect on the body and mind, where individuals retain their vitality and vigor well into old age. For those with delayed aging, this world is not a mere fantasy but a tangible reality—a realm where the boundaries of age blur and the concept of “growing old” takes on new meaning. Their genetic makeup confers a remarkable resilience against the ravages of time, offering glimpses into the potential of extending the human lifespan and improving the quality of life in later years.

The study of delayed aging holds immense promise for advancing our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying aging and age-related diseases. By unraveling the genetic factors that contribute to delayed aging, researchers hope to identify novel therapeutic targets for combating age-related ailments and promoting healthy aging. Moreover, insights gained from studying delayed aging may pave the way for the development of interventions aimed at extending the human lifespan and enhancing overall well-being.[5]

5 Myostatin-Related Muscle Hypertrophy

Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy is an extraordinary genetic condition characterized by a remarkable increase in muscle size and strength coupled with reduced body fat. Those affected by this rare anomaly can possess up to twice the usual amount of muscle mass, setting them apart with their Herculean physiques and astonishing physical capabilities.

Unlike many genetic disorders, myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy is not associated with any medical complications, and individuals with this condition typically exhibit normal intellectual development, highlighting the singular focus on muscular enhancement brought about by this genetic quirk. This rare condition is rooted in genetic mutations within the MSTN gene, which regulates myostatin—a protein that normally limits muscle growth. However, in individuals with myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy, these genetic changes effectively nullify the inhibitory effects of myostatin, resulting in unbridled muscle development from an early age.

This phenomenon showcases the intricate interplay between genetics and physiology, offering insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing muscle growth and development. Understanding the genetic basis of myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy not only sheds light on the remarkable diversity of human physiology but also holds promise for medical advancements in various fields.

By unraveling the intricate genetic pathways underlying muscle growth, researchers may uncover novel therapeutic targets for muscle-related disorders and injuries, paving the way for innovative treatments and rehabilitation strategies. Moreover, the study of rare genetic conditions like myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy underscores the profound impact of genetic variation on human health and performance, offering invaluable lessons for personalized medicine and sports science alike.[6]

4 Enhanced Pain Tolerance

In the realm of rare genetic anomalies, few are as perplexing yet intriguing as enhanced pain tolerance. This extraordinary condition bestows upon individuals an uncanny ability to withstand pain levels that would incapacitate the average person, raising questions about the underlying mechanisms and potential applications of such an anomaly. From mundane daily activities to extreme physical endeavors, those with enhanced pain tolerance navigate the world with an exceptional resilience that defies conventional understanding.

At the heart of this genetic peculiarity lies a complex interplay of neurobiological factors that modulate the perception and processing of pain signals within the central nervous system. While the exact genetic variants responsible for heightened pain tolerance remain elusive, ongoing research endeavors strive to unravel the intricate genetic pathways involved in this phenomenon. By deciphering the genetic code underlying enhanced pain tolerance, scientists hope to unlock new avenues for pain management and the development of more effective analgesic treatments.

Beyond its implications for pain management, the study of enhanced pain tolerance offers profound insights into the intricate workings of the human body and mind. By probing the genetic basis of pain perception, researchers gain a deeper understanding of how the nervous system functions and adapts to external stimuli. Moreover, this anomaly prompts broader philosophical reflections on the nature of pain and its role in shaping human experiences, challenging conventional notions of suffering and resilience.[7]

3 Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory

Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) stands as a remarkable memory phenomenon captivating researchers at the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at UC Irvine. Individuals blessed with HSAM possess an unparalleled ability to recall intricate details of their own lives, demonstrating an extraordinary memory capacity that defies conventional understanding. Originating from the initial discovery in 2006 by Professor James McGaugh and colleagues, HSAM has since captivated the scientific community, shedding light on the fascinating intricacies of human memory.

The journey of understanding HSAM has been marked by groundbreaking discoveries and ongoing exploration. Initially observed in individuals like Jill Price, who could vividly recall specific events from her past, HSAM has garnered attention for its implications in memory research and cognitive science. As research progresses, scientists are delving deeper into the genetic and neural underpinnings of HSAM, seeking to unravel the mysteries behind this exceptional memory ability.

Collaborative efforts between research teams at UC Irvine and esteemed institutions worldwide underscore the interdisciplinary nature of HSAM research. From MRI studies revealing distinct brain regions to genetic studies exploring potential hereditary factors, the quest to comprehend HSAM encompasses a myriad of scientific disciplines. Furthermore, initiatives to develop novel screening tools and expand research collaborations offer promising avenues for advancing our understanding of HSAM and its implications for memory enhancement and cognitive health.

HSAM not only challenges traditional notions of memory but also holds profound implications for neuroscience and beyond. By unraveling the secrets of HSAM, researchers aim to unlock new insights into memory formation, cognitive function, and the human brain’s remarkable capacity for adaptation and learning. As the journey to decipher HSAM continues, it invites us to contemplate the boundless potential of the human mind and the transformative power of memory.[8]

2 Absolute Pitch

Absolute pitch, often referred to as perfect pitch, is a rare and remarkable ability that enables individuals to identify or produce musical notes without any external reference. This extraordinary talent transcends mere musical aptitude, offering a glimpse into the fascinating complexities of auditory perception and cognitive processing. Unlike relative pitch, which involves the ability to discern the relationship between notes based on their position on a musical scale, absolute pitch represents a level of auditory acuity that is both innate and extraordinary.

The origins of absolute pitch remain shrouded in mystery, with researchers exploring a combination of genetic predispositions and early musical training as potential factors influencing its development. Studies have suggested a genetic component to absolute pitch, with certain variations in specific genes associated with a higher likelihood of possessing this rare ability. Furthermore, the critical period hypothesis proposes that exposure to musical stimuli during early childhood may play a crucial role in shaping the auditory processing capabilities necessary for absolute pitch.

While absolute pitch is often regarded as a rare and coveted gift among musicians, its implications extend far beyond the realm of music. Research into the neural mechanisms underlying absolute pitch offers insights into fundamental questions about brain plasticity, sensory perception, and the relationship between genetics and the environment. By unraveling the mysteries of absolute pitch, scientists hope to unlock new avenues for understanding human cognition and the remarkable diversity of human abilities.[9]

1 High Altitude Resilience

Living at high altitudes presents a unique challenge due to reduced oxygen levels, but populations like those on the Tibetan plateau have developed remarkable genetic adaptations to thrive in such environments. These adaptations not only allow them to cope with the thin air but also offer insights into human evolution and physiology.

One key adaptation is increased lung capacity, enabling individuals to extract more oxygen from each breath. This enhanced lung function helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the bloodstream, which is crucial for sustaining bodily functions at high elevations where the air is thin. Additionally, these populations exhibit more efficient oxygen utilization, ensuring that the limited oxygen available is used optimally by the body’s cells and tissues.

Another crucial genetic adaptation involves higher red blood cell counts, which contribute to improved oxygen transport throughout the body. With more red blood cells available to carry oxygen, individuals living at high altitudes can maintain sufficient oxygenation of tissues, reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses like hypoxia or altitude sickness.

These genetic adaptations offer valuable insights into human resilience and the intricate interplay between genetics and environmental factors. By understanding how populations have evolved to thrive in extreme environments, scientists hope to uncover new therapeutic targets for conditions related to oxygen deprivation, offering potential benefits for medical research and healthcare worldwide.[10]

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10 Extremely Perplexing Human Diseases https://listorati.com/10-extremely-perplexing-human-diseases/ https://listorati.com/10-extremely-perplexing-human-diseases/#respond Wed, 22 May 2024 09:27:56 +0000 https://listorati.com/10-extremely-perplexing-human-diseases/

Throughout history, humans have been plagued by enigmatic illnesses that continue to defy scientific understanding. Despite the impressive strides made in medical science, some diseases still perplex researchers. These ailments, where the root causes remain a mystery, pose unique challenges for patients and healthcare providers alike.

The baffling nature of these conditions lies not just in their unknown origins but also in their unpredictable symptoms and varied impact on individuals. For some, the onset is gradual and subtle, while others are struck suddenly and without warning. This lack of clarity leaves patients grasping for answers, often facing a lifetime of uncertainty and frustration as they seek relief.

Whether autoimmune, neurological, or entirely unique in their manifestations, these diseases underscore the complexities of the human body and the limitations of our current medical knowledge. Here are 10 mysterious human diseases that remain largely unexplained.

Related: Top 10 Surprising Ways Diseases Have Been Cured

10 The Unnerving Mystery of Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy is a sudden and alarming condition characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, typically affecting only one side of the face. The swift onset often leaves patients in shock, with facial drooping and an inability to close the eye being hallmark symptoms. While some suspect viral infections, particularly herpes simplex, as the culprit, the exact cause remains unclear.

The condition was first described in detail by Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon, in the 19th century. He observed the rapid progression and debilitating effects on facial movement. Still, despite extensive research since then, the root cause remains elusive. Most patients experience spontaneous recovery within a few weeks to months, but a small percentage endure lingering weakness or permanent damage.

The unpredictability of Bell’s Palsy adds to the anxiety experienced by patients. Some report mild facial weakness, while others suffer from complete paralysis, making everyday activities like eating, drinking, and speaking difficult. Furthermore, the inability to close the eye can lead to dryness and potential corneal damage. Treatment typically involves corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and antiviral medications, but the effectiveness of these interventions varies.

While most people regain full function, the uncertainty surrounding the condition leaves many wondering if and when it might strike again, adding to the unnerving nature of this mysterious affliction.[1]

9 The Debilitating Enigma of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a debilitating disorder marked by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and is not directly caused by any other underlying medical condition. Those suffering from CFS often struggle with muscle pain, headaches, and cognitive difficulties like memory loss and impaired concentration. Despite significant research efforts, the root cause of CFS remains unknown, making it one of the most perplexing disorders in modern medicine.

Many theories have emerged over the years regarding potential causes, including viral infections, immune system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and psychological stress. Some researchers suspect that certain viral infections like Epstein-Barr may trigger the syndrome, while others believe that an abnormal immune response may be the primary factor. However, no single cause has been definitively proven, leaving patients without clear answers or a specific treatment.

The uncertainty surrounding CFS makes it difficult for patients to manage their symptoms and daily lives. The lack of a definitive diagnostic test often results in delayed or misdiagnosis, causing frustration and emotional distress. Moreover, some healthcare providers dismiss the condition due to its unclear origins, leaving patients feeling misunderstood and unsupported.

Treatment for CFS typically focuses on symptom relief, including lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications to manage pain and improve sleep. However, finding an effective treatment remains a challenge due to the variability of symptoms and the lack of a clear underlying cause, making CFS one of the most enigmatic and frustrating medical mysteries.[2]

8 The Agonizing Puzzle of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and localized tenderness. Patients often experience sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood swings. Although it’s believed to involve abnormal pain processing in the brain, the specific cause remains elusive, making it one of the most puzzling conditions in modern healthcare.

Potential triggers include genetic predisposition, infections, and physical or emotional trauma. Some researchers believe that fibromyalgia may be linked to an overactive nervous system, where pain signals are amplified and prolonged. Others hypothesize that hormonal imbalances or autoimmune factors could be involved. However, no definitive cause has been identified, leading to uncertainty in diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment focuses on symptom management through a combination of medication, exercise, and stress reduction. Patients often require a multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapy, psychological counseling, and medication to improve sleep and reduce pain. Despite these efforts, many individuals continue to struggle with persistent symptoms as the medical community continues to search for the underlying cause of this agonizing mystery.[3]

7 Lupus: The Shape-Shifting Disease

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue. The condition primarily affects the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain, leading to a wide range of symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, rashes, and organ inflammation. While genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role, the exact cause remains unknown, making it a particularly challenging condition to diagnose and treat.

There are several types of lupus, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) being the most common and severe form. Symptoms can range from mild joint pain to life-threatening organ failure. The unpredictable nature of lupus means that patients can experience periods of remission followed by sudden flare-ups, adding to the anxiety and frustration of living with the disease.

Treatment typically includes immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory medications to manage flare-ups and minimize organ damage. However, the complexity and variability of lupus make finding effective treatments difficult. Research into its underlying causes continues in hopes of developing more targeted and effective therapies for this shape-shifting disease.[4]

6 Misfiring Nerves from Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, known as myelin, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. The symptoms vary widely, ranging from vision problems and muscle weakness to fatigue and cognitive impairment. Although genetics, viral infections, and environmental factors are suspected contributors, the exact trigger remains a mystery.

In MS, the immune system’s attack on myelin results in scar tissue (sclerosis), which interferes with nerve signal transmission. This damage leads to a broad spectrum of neurological symptoms that can worsen over time or occur sporadically in unpredictable flare-ups. The disease typically presents in two primary forms: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), where symptoms come and go, and primary progressive MS (PPMS), characterized by a gradual decline in function.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression through disease-modifying therapies. These include immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and physical therapy. While these treatments can improve quality of life, they cannot cure the disease or fully prevent its progression, leaving patients and researchers searching for a definitive cause and a more effective solution to this misfiring neurological condition.[5]

5 Relentless Gut and Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly impacts the small intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of Crohn’s remains unclear, making it a challenging condition for both patients and healthcare providers.

While the precise cause is unknown, researchers believe a combination of genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors play a role. Smoking, diet, and stress are considered potential triggers that may exacerbate the condition. The disease can also vary greatly in severity, with some patients experiencing mild discomfort while others endure severe complications like intestinal strictures and fistulas.

Diagnosing Crohn’s Disease requires a series of tests, including blood work, endoscopy, and imaging studies, due to the overlap in symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders. Once diagnosed, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and managing symptoms through anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologic therapies. Surgery is sometimes necessary for patients with severe complications or those who don’t respond to medication.

The unpredictable nature of Crohn’s makes it a relentless and frustrating disorder for many patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. The medical community continues to search for a definitive cause and more effective treatments for this mysterious gut disorder.[6]

4 Enigmatic Lung Scarring in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease characterized by progressive scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue, leading to severe breathing difficulties. The primary symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, and fatigue. Unfortunately, the disease often has a poor prognosis, with most patients surviving only three to five years after diagnosis.

The scarring of the lung tissue in IPF makes it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream, resulting in chronic breathlessness and reduced oxygen levels. While the exact cause is unknown, researchers believe genetic factors and environmental exposures, such as smoking or inhaling dust, may contribute to its development. However, the disease can occur in individuals without any known risk factors, further complicating our understanding.

Treatment options are limited and aim to slow disease progression rather than cure it. Antifibrotic medications, supplemental oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation can provide some relief, but many patients eventually require a lung transplant. Despite advances in understanding the disease, IPF remains one of the most challenging respiratory disorders due to its rapid progression and unknown cause.[7]

3 Interstitial Cystitis’s Bladder Pain Enigma

Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic condition characterized by persistent bladder pressure, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. Its severity varies widely, with some individuals experiencing mild discomfort while others endure debilitating pain that significantly impacts their quality of life. Despite extensive research, the exact cause remains unknown, leaving patients and doctors searching for answers.

The symptoms of IC often mimic those of urinary tract infections but without the presence of bacteria. This leads to frequent misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Potential causes include defects in the bladder lining, autoimmune reactions, nerve abnormalities, and genetic predisposition. However, none of these theories have been conclusively proven, making IC one of the most mysterious disorders affecting the urinary system.

Diagnosing IC involves ruling out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as infections, bladder cancer, or endometriosis. Once diagnosed, treatment focuses on symptom management, ranging from lifestyle changes and dietary modifications to bladder instillations and nerve stimulation. Oral medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, may also help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

The unpredictable and often progressive nature of IC adds to the frustration faced by patients. As research continues to find a definitive cause, the medical community strives to develop better diagnostic tools and treatment options for this enigmatic bladder condition.[8]

2 Kawasaki Disease: A Mysterious Childhood Illness

Kawasaki disease primarily affects children under the age of five and involves inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. The condition is marked by a high fever lasting for more than five days, accompanied by symptoms like a rash, swollen hands and feet, and redness in the eyes, mouth, and tongue. Despite its severe implications, particularly for the heart, the exact cause remains unknown.

An infectious agent is suspected to be the trigger due to seasonal outbreaks and geographic clustering of cases. However, no specific pathogen has been identified. Genetic factors may also play a role, as children of Asian descent, particularly those of Japanese or Korean heritage, have a higher risk of developing Kawasaki disease.

Early treatment with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin is crucial, as it significantly reduces the risk of coronary artery aneurysms, a potentially life-threatening complication. Long-term management often involves regular cardiac monitoring to ensure no further damage occurs. While most children recover fully with early treatment, finding the definitive cause remains a top priority in unraveling this mysterious childhood illness.[9]

1 Primary Biliary Cholangitis Silently Destroys the Liver

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), previously known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a chronic liver disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the small bile ducts within the liver. This gradual destruction leads to bile buildup, causing inflammation and progressive liver damage. Common symptoms include fatigue, itchy skin, and jaundice, though many patients remain asymptomatic in the early stages. Despite intensive research, the exact cause remains unknown.

Genetic predisposition is believed to play a role, as PBC is more common in individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases. Environmental factors like infections or exposure to certain chemicals may act as triggers. Women are disproportionately affected, accounting for nearly 90% of cases, suggesting a hormonal influence. However, the specific factors leading to this immune system misfire are still undetermined.

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests for liver enzymes and antibodies, as well as imaging studies or a liver biopsy to assess disease progression. Treatment aims to slow disease progression and relieve symptoms, with medications like ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) improving bile flow. In advanced cases, liver transplantation may be necessary.

While early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, the unpredictable nature of PBC makes it a silent and formidable liver destroyer. Continued research into its underlying causes and more effective therapies is crucial in combating this enigmatic disease.[10]

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Top 10 Extremely Unsettling Disappearances https://listorati.com/top-10-extremely-unsettling-disappearances/ https://listorati.com/top-10-extremely-unsettling-disappearances/#respond Mon, 06 May 2024 08:45:03 +0000 https://listorati.com/top-10-extremely-unsettling-disappearances/

To have a person vanish out of thin air is extremely disturbing, but to have bizarre events surrounding the disappearance can make the situation even more unsettling. This list compiles ten of the most unsettling disappearances that have occurred. The circumstances surrounding each disappearance are extremely bizarre and many of the crimes have yet to be solved.

See Also: 10 Truly Bizarre And Chilling Cases Of Mass Disappearances

10 Jackie Sutton


Jackie Sutton was a passionate, former BBC journalist who was working for War and Peace Reporting to help local journalists in war torn areas. 50-year-old Jackie Sutton had landed in Turkey from her London flight around 10:00PM in October of 2015. Her connecting flight to Erbil, Iraq, was scheduled to leave at 12:15AM. It was said that Jackie had spent some time in the café leisurely drinking a beer and reportedly fell asleep. At around 12:30 Jackie walked up to the counter in no apparent distress only to be told that she had missed her flight. It’s said that she suddenly started crying and saying that she had no money to pay for another flight, but was told that nothing could be done. From there, the story takes a very odd turn. Jackie was seen entering the bathroom and a few minutes later two Russian women are seen coming out of the bathroom visibly panicked. This is because they found the body of Jackie Sutton after committing suicide in a bathroom stall.

While some have come to terms with the suicide, others believe that there had to have been foul play. Many of her friends say that she was an extremely happy and passionate person, who would never have taken her own life, especially over something as trivial as missing a connecting flight. Even more mysteriously, it was found that Sutton actually had 2,300 euros in her bag, which would go against the fact that she said that she didn’t have enough money to buy another ticket. She had spoken out previously about fear of being targeted by the Islamic State as her predecessor, Ammar Al Shahbander was killed in a car bomb in Baghdad in May of 2015.

9The Toronto Trio


The body of Philip Sit was found in a wooded area of York Region on August 9th, 2006, after disappearing in September 2005. His killer was never found. What is so odd about this case is not just Philip’s disappearance, but also the disappearance of his three friends, Eve Ho, Kevin Lim, Jackie Li that occurred on August 14th, 2006. Eve Ho had arranged to meet up with her best friend at the Eaton Centre, but never showed up. Jackie Li was last seen by her mother when he left their Scarborough apartment to go to work in the morning. He called her later that day, but that is the last she ever heard from her son. Kevin Lim was last seen by his grandmother as he went to the store to buy a drink. Eve and Jackie were dating at the time and Kevin was Eve’s childhood friend, but all three were friends of Philip. What makes this disappearance even more odd is that Philip’s murder was made public on August 25th, 11 days after the trio disappeared. The three are not considered suspects in Sit’s murder, and no leads have been given as to their disappearances.

8 Craig Frear


Craig Frear was a well-built, 17-year-old high school soccer player that vanished after walking into the woods on July 27, 2004. That day, Craig had been at the Cambridge Manor apartments where his girlfriend lived. His mother Veronica had gone to see Craig at Price Chopper, where He was working, but when she got there, she was told that Craig had just stopped showing up a while back. Confused, Veronica was able to get hold of Craig to ask him about what was going on. Craig had told her that he would be home to talk with her about it, but went to the Cambridge Manor Apartments instead. Two middle school boys last spotted him at 2:00PM on July 27, 2004, walking along railroad tracks. It is reported that he put his finger to his lips as if to make a “shh” gesture before walking into the woods and disappearing forever. Over 500 interviews have since been conducted with countless searches and no leads or evidence has ever surfaced.

7Timmothy Pitzen


Amy Fry-Pitzen took her 6 year-old son, Timmothy, out of Greenman Elementary School on May 11, 2011 for a ‘family emergency’. Three days later, his mother’s body was found in a hotel room in Illinois, dead from apparent suicide. With her body, a note was found stating that Timmothy was safe with people who would care for him and that “you’ll never find him”. Timmothy was never seen or heard from again. His father, Jim Pitzen, has no idea where Timmothy could be, but hopes that he is safe. Amy had suffered from depression and previous suicide attempts, but nothing had ever indicated that she was going to disappear and take Timmothy with her. Records show that she made several short phone calls from an unknown location. One call was to her mother who spoke with both Amy and Timmothy, neither appearing to be in any distress. Surveillance video and receipts chronicled what the two had done in the three days before Amy’s suicide. They were seen having fun and visiting zoos and waterparks. On Friday, may 13th, the day before Amy was found dead, however, she was seen visiting a grocery store in Winnebago, Illinois without Timmothy. His location is still unknown.

6Iwona Wieczorek

In 2010, Iwona Wieczorek was a recent high school graduate planning to take a vacation to Spain while waiting to hear back from the university she had applied to. On the night of July 16th, 2010, she went to a party with her friends at one of their places. Later that night, she went to a club in Sopot with her friend Adria and three boys she had gotten to know only the month prior. She was supposed to stay at the first party, but decided to go to the club instead. While at the party, there was an argument between the five, though no one knows what the argument was about. Iwona was seen running out of the club, visibly upset, and going towards the Seaside Promenade. She did not have any money with her and her phone battery was running low.

Once sunrise began, around 4:00AM, she began the 4-mile journey home through Seaside Boulevard; barefoot because her feet hurt from her new heels. On her way home, she texted Adria saying that she was angry that Adria didn’t follow her out of the club. Adria later said that Iwona called her and that they settled the argument. A few minutes after 4:00 she called Adria for the last time to tell her that her phone battery was dying, where she was at (which is consistent with the CCTV footage), that she was a bit drunk, and that she was headed to Adria’s house. She said that she didn’t want to meet Adria’s mom drunk, but Adria said her parents weren’t home and that she would leave the keys outside for Iwona to come in. Adria had almost made it back to her house when talking to Iwona and was walking past Iwona’s apartment.

It was reported that Iwona’s stepfather heard Adria and Iwona speaking because she had the phone on speaker. Surveillance footage at the Jelitkowo beach shows Iwona walking and an unidentified man in a plaid shirt walking behind her with a towel on his shoulder. Investigators are now convinced that he did not have anything to do with her disappearance. It is most likely that Iwona made it to the area she lived, but she never reached Adria or her house. That morning, her mother thought she was at Adria’s, but Adria thought she went home because the keys were untouched. By 5:00pm on July 17th, Adria and Iwona’s family came to the terrifying conclusion that Iwona had disappeared. The police have since questioned over 100 people and offered a 1,000,000 polish zloty award ($270K), but nothing from Iwona has ever been found.

5 Brandon Lawson


Brandon Lawson was a 26-year-old father of four from Texas who made a chilling 911 call in the early morning hours of August 9, 2013. He had apparently run out of gas near Bronte, Texas and began walking in the fields along Highway 277. In the 911 call, he can be heard saying, “Yes I’m in the middle of a field (inaudible) pushed some guys over, right here going towards Abilene, on both sides. My truck ran out of gas, there’s one car here, the guy’s chasing (inaudible) to the woods, please hurry!” The operator then asks him if he needs an ambulance and his final words were, “No I need the cops.” During the call he is clearly distressed and panicked, but no one is sure exactly what happened to him that night. Since the night he disappeared, there has been no cellphone or bank activity in any of his accounts.

4Robert Hourihan


Robert Hourihan is a 33-year-old man from Virginia who left his house at 6:00AM on April 8, 2011, to his job as an electrician for the state. Two hours later, his wife’s coworker said she had seen Hourihan’s white Chevy Cavalier with the license plate “TARAMAE” heading north on the SR53, completely out of the way. Worried, his wife, Tara, called his phone, but repeatedly got his voicemail. He never returned her call; out of character because he would always alert her when he had a scheduling issue.

He never returned home and has not been seen since. Former coworkers did see him eating breakfast at the EW Thomas grocery store in Palmyra around 8:00AM, but that was the last time he was seen. What is even more odd is that Hourihan was not even scheduled to work that day, but left his house in his full uniform. Seven weeks later, his Chevy Cavalier was found in a Target parking lot in La Plata, Maryland, with all of his expensive tools still in the car. Police learned that he planned to meet someone in Palmyra that day, but never arrived. Hourihan was diagnosed with a heart condition, which he took daily medication for. He had missed his dose, and there is no indication that the prescription was ever refilled, but his doctor said he would’ve died in a week without it. To this day, the police are no closer to solving the case than they were in 2011 and Hourihan has yet to be seen or heard from.

3 Kayelyn Louder

Kayelyn Louder was a 30-year-old social worker from Utah who was planning to spend her September 2014 weekend updating her resume and cleaning her condo. In the afternoon, Kayelyn was caught on surveillance taking her pug, Phyllis, for a walk. The next time she was seen on surveillance footage, Louder is seen sprinting out of her home in the rain completely barefoot and without any belongings. This was the last time anyone heard from her. The previous night it was reported that Louder had made an odd 911 call stating that there was a brutal fight going on in the clubhouse at her condo that involved guns, but when police arrived, it was a calm wedding reception.

An hour later she called 911 and abruptly hung up. When dispatchers called back, she told them that her friend had said she was being delusional and paranoid. The morning of her disappearance, she had made another 911 call to say that there was an intruder in her home and she could hear two people talking, even though her roommate said that the door was dead bolted and no one else was there. Weeks after disappearing, a body was found floating in the Jordan River that was identified as Kayelyn Louder. Unfortunately, the autopsy was inconclusive.

2 Lars Mittank

July 2014 started out like any other summer break for 28-year-old Lars Mittank of Germany as he went to spend time with his friend at Golden Sands in Bulgaria. Golden Sands was known as a popular party spot for young people from Germany and England. Partying on the beach, he got into a fistfight over football with some of the other tourists. Mittank sustained a ruptured eardrum and was advised by his doctor not to fly until it healed. During that time, Mittank got a room in a hostel located in the poorer part of town and told his friends to go back to Germany without him. After spending a night in the hostel, Mittank became extremely scared and paranoid. His mother received a panicked text from him stating that he didn’t feel safe, she should cancel his credit card, and that four mysterious men were following him.

The doctor confirmed that Lars had gone to his office the next day, but when he arrived, Lars immediately jumped up and ran out. He soon went to the airport and is seen on surveillance walking through the airport with his luggage. Suddenly, he walks off screen then is seen sprinting the other direction out of the airport without his bags, jumping over the fence, and disappearing into the forest. He was never seen again. He family confirmed that he didn’t suffer from any mental illness and they have no idea why their son would begin acting in such a bizarre and erratic manner. A massive search was launched to find Lars, but was unsuccessful.

1 Juan Martinez


It was June 25, 1986, at 6:00AM as a Volvo F12 truck carrying pure sulfuric acid came barreling down the Somosierra Mountain Pass in Madrid, Spain. The truck began passing other trucks, so close that he knocked the mirror off of one. Suddenly, he reached a third truck and instead of passing it, he pushed it from behind until it was forced off the road. It becomes apparent to the other drivers that the Volvo’s brakes were not working. Suddenly, the Volvo smashed into an oncoming truck going close to 87 mph, causing it to overturn and spill its sulfuric acid contents out all over the road. Rescue working come to find a man and woman in the cabin of the first truck dead and covered in the acid. They immediately begin rescuing the other drivers and pouring sand and lime on the acid to neutralize it. After three hours of work, they able to identify the bodies of Andres Martinez, the owner of the vehicle, and his wife Carmen Gomez, who frequently accompanied him on his trips, as the couple that were covered in acid. That afternoon a call is placed to Carmen’s mother in Murcia informing her of the tragedy. To everyone’s surprise, she replies with, “And the boy? Please tell me the boy is alright!”

Juan Pedro Martinez was the 10-year-old only child of Andres and Carmen. He had accompanied his father on his trips before, but never one this long. His father had promised to bring him on his trip to Basque if he got good grades, and Juan did just that. Andres had his wife come with him on the trip to watch Juan as he unloaded the truck then they would vacation in Basque for a few days. At 7:00PM on June 24, the three left for Cartagena with the truck loaded.

Examination of the cabin after the horrific accident did show child-oriented cassettes and boy clothes in the back, but absolutely no trace of Juan. Many people from the community banded together to search for Juan, digging through the sand and lime that was put down as well as searching through the rubble and surrounding area, but found nothing. While some believed that Juan was completely dissolved by the sulfuric acid, chemists maintain that there is no way that the acid could have dissolved his body that quickly and left no trace. Many tests were done and it was found that even if his body had landed in a ditch that acted as a tub, it would take 24 hours for the soft tissue to be lost and 5 days for bones to be damaged, but the hair, nails, teeth, and some clothing should still be found.

The trucks tachometer was intact and showed that they had reached their scheduled stops including a stop at a gas station and the Aragon inn. A waiter recalled the family and said that they came and went without incident. It was also found, however, that following the inn, the truck made 12 extremely short stops during the ascension of the pass with the shortest lasting less than one second and the longest one near the peak lasting twenty seconds. Truckers that usually drive that route say that they usually make one stop at most and two is a waste of time. Furthermore, there was no traffic jam that would explain the odd stops. Examination of the truck showed that the brakes were not damaged, which means Andre’s speed was voluntary.

The trucker that was run off the road stated that he saw a white Nissan van stop by his vehicle immediately after the accident. At that time, a man with a mustache and foreign accent got out with a blonde woman. He was told not to worry and that she was a nurse. She checked his injuries then moved on to the vehicle that hit the Volvo head on and was never seen again. It was also said that two shepherds saw the white van stop by the Volvo, a Nordic-looking man and women stepped out dressed in doctor clothing. They picked a package up from the wreckage and disappeared. The police attempted to locate these shepherds, but found none in the area that saw the accident. To this day, there has been no trace of Juan Pedro ever found. There are countless theories, but none have proven true.

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Ten Extremely Unexpected U.S. State “Firsts” https://listorati.com/ten-extremely-unexpected-u-s-state-firsts/ https://listorati.com/ten-extremely-unexpected-u-s-state-firsts/#respond Sun, 10 Mar 2024 00:36:01 +0000 https://listorati.com/ten-extremely-unexpected-u-s-state-firsts/

The United States is the land of firsts. States all across the great country love to claim that they were the first place to do this or that. Aviation is a great example of this. North Carolina claims they were the “first in flight” because that’s where the Wright brothers successfully set off in their primitive plane way back at the very beginning of the 20th century. Yet Ohio also claims to be the “first in flight” because that is where the Wright brothers lived full time and owned the bicycle shop and other businesses in which they first tinkered with the idea for an airplane. And so on and so forth—every state lays claim to being the first at something (or many things).

But what about weird and wacky firsts? Not every state “first” is one to be proud of or one to lord over other states. Some are just plain random—and bizarre! In this list, we’ll take a look at ten state “firsts” that you almost certainly have never heard of before. They are funny, quirky, and original—and while these states may not use them to boast in promotional materials and tourism brochures, they are definitely memorable all the same!

Related: 10 Strange Facts About KFC And Its One and Only Colonel

10 Alabama: The First 911 Call

In 1968, the very first 911 call ever made was made in the small town of Haleyville, Alabama. Before 1968, “0” was actually the emergency number all across the United States. You’d call the operator, and the operator would patch you through to the police, fire department, or whatever you needed.

But by 1968, officials realized that they needed a standalone dispatch office and a specific number that people could call with emergencies in order to streamline the process. Trained dispatchers could take the calls, they could send out fire, police, and EMS, and the whole process could happen a good bit quicker than it had been going for a while. And in Haleyville, city officials wanted to be the first-ever spot in America to implement the new system. So, on February 16, 1968, that’s exactly what they did.

That morning, the Alabama speaker of the house picked up a red telephone and made the very first 911 call. Tom Bevill, a Congressman from the state, was on the other end of the line and waiting for the 911 dial-in from his fellow politician. The duo exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes, determining that the line was working and the dispatchers would be able to hear people loud and clear.

It had only been a couple weeks earlier that Congress had mandated 911 become the nationwide emergency phone number, so Haleyville’s turnaround to get it up and running was very quick. Soon after that, plenty of other municipalities followed suit. And today, well, the act of dialing 911 is ingrained in Americans’ heads pretty much from childhood. So the system worked![1]

9 Florida: The First Sunscreen

In 1944, the sunny sights in Miami, Florida, were a must-visit for intrepid tourists and a mainstay for beach-loving locals. World War II was soon to wind down, of course, and Americans were hopeful to one day get back to their lives in peacetime. With that came a rush of outdoor fun that began for stateside locals even before the war ended. And that’s where Benjamin Green comes in.

See, Green had been serving in the war as an airman, just like many of his fellow young men across the United States. But in his personal life, Green had some real medical knowledge; he was a pharmacist, and he knew quite a bit about the human body. He also loved to surf and spend time outside. And he was sick of getting sunburned!

The combination of all those facts made Green a natural to tinker with lotions and lathers until he came up with an appropriate product. That year, Green perfected and then marketed a lotion that would darken tans and leave skin bronzed without having the wearer get so brutally sunburned. Suntan lotion was born, and the idea that a lather could work as a sunscreen immediately took hold.

Miami residents started using Green’s invention, and they loved how it bronzed their skin but left them without the awful red burns caused by the sun’s most intense rays. In turn, Green’s business blew up. Today, you know the brand that came from his 1944 idea as Coppertone. And it all started in Miami![2]

8 Iowa: The First Computer

You may think of Silicon Valley in northern California as the tech hub to end all tech hubs, but way back in the day, that wasn’t the case. In fact, the first “tech” hub was… in Ames, Iowa! What? In 1937, a professor of physics at Iowa State University named John Vincent Atanasoff began to tinker with what ended up being the world’s first electronic computer.

Along with a physics graduate student named Clifford Berry, Atanasoff spent the next five years perfecting the massive, unwieldy device. Finally, by 1942, it was ready to be shown off for what it was: the world’s first-ever electronic computer! Appropriately named the Atanasoff-Berry Computer in honor of the two gentlemen, or the ABC Computer, it made history as the first device created to electronically compute, read, and write.

As with all old technologies like that, the ABC Computer wouldn’t have been recognizable to us today as a computer. It was as big as a desk, and it weighed more than 750 pounds (340 kg). But it had quite a few important functions that were consistently and successfully working by 1942: rotating drums for memory, a read/write system that recorded numbers, glowing vacuum tubes, separate memory and computing functions, electronic amplifiers used as on-off switches, circuits that specialized in addition and subtraction, and a now-standard binary system for arithmetic, counting, and more. Of course, technology surged far beyond the ABC Computer soon enough. But it all started way back when at Iowa State University![3]

7 New York: The First Brewery

The great state of New York can lay claim to what some will consider the most important item on this list: the first public brewery. And it was established long (long, LONG!) before you might suspect—all the way back in 1632! In those days, the Dutch were the ones who built up and controlled the city. This was long before the United States was an independent nation, of course, and back then, the Dutch called their colony “New Amsterdam.”

At the time, for the first decade or so of the Dutch running the show in what would later become New York, beer was mostly brewed at home. But that all changed in 1632 when an enterprising group decided to publicly brew beer and sell it to their neighbors for a profit. And with that, the massive and wildly profitable alcohol industry was born in the U.S.!

The commercial brewery itself was built early in 1632 on lower Manhattan’s appropriately named Brewery Street (which is now known as Stone Street). Grain, malt, and hops all grew in the vicinity of New Amsterdam, so from a logistical perspective, it was very easy for brewers to get what they needed to make beer. In just a few years, the idea proved so popular that beer-making grew to be New Amsterdam’s biggest industry.

Dutch brewers soon sprung up all over the city and started competing with each other to sell suds to the locals and get them all good and soused. It wasn’t quite the same as the craft beer competitions of the last few decades, but it was a wild land grab in the alcoholic beverage industry all the same. Cheers![4]

6 South Carolina: The First Opera

On February 8, 1735, an opera called Flora first premiered in a makeshift theater constructed in Charleston, South Carolina. It was a very popular opera in England for several years running, and theater producers were hopeful that its popularity would catch on in America, too. They were right.

Flora nearly instantly became a hit as what was known then as a “ballad opera,” and soon, Americans were demanding more from the very same genre. In that way, South Carolina then unwittingly made some history: They became the very first-ever state to house an opera. And they weren’t even a state yet! Obviously, all this happened before the American Revolution and the country’s fight for independence.

All this opera stuff might seem like small potatoes, but it was actually a very big deal for American theater. See, this “ballad opera” proved so popular in Charleston that future theater producers and playwrights altered how they told stories in order to attract American audiences. This meant that more than ever before, the songs performed in operas had to be central to moving the storyline of the entire play along.

In turn, that meant that American musicals became a very popular, long-lasting genre. And it should go without saying that today, musicals are still incredibly popular and sought-after. From Broadway shows and the rise in popularity of Hamilton, musical theater is everywhere. And we all have South Carolina and its pioneering performance of Flora to thank for that.[5]

5 Maryland: The First Dental School

The state of Maryland holds the distinction of opening up the first-ever dental school in the United States nearly two full centuries ago. And in fact, it was the first-ever dental school opened anywhere in the world at the time! See, during America’s colonial era, dentistry was very much a hit-or-miss practice.

Some doctors picked up dentistry on the side and were reasonably good at it (you know, for the time period). Other people picked up the practice and mostly butchered their clients without really understanding what they were doing. The whole thing was unregulated and a mess, and it caused a lot of pain for a lot of people who were trying to find some relief from toothaches and jaw pain.

Enter the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. First founded in 1840, it became the first-ever regulated dental school anywhere in the United States. It was so far ahead of its time that it was a pioneer worldwide as far as dental medicine was concerned. Practitioners who went to that school turned out to be more capable at dentistry than any fly-by-night self-taught dentist who had come before them.

As the school churned out more students who were better skilled and more adept at careful and actually successful dental procedures, the country’s oral health slowly but surely improved. Eventually, the college was absorbed by Maryland’s public university system, and today, it is known as the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.[6]

4 Maine: The First City

The city of York, Maine, became the first-ever officially chartered city in the history of the New World when the English made that designation way back in 1641. The area was first settled long before that, in 1624, by Captain John Smith. He had explored the area as early as 1614 but didn’t put down any roots there for a decade. But in 1624, thinking that the York area would be a good site for a town, he opted to settle the area and start building.

At first, the city was known as Agamenticus. Then, in 1641, another explorer of the American continent named Sir Ferdinando Gorges came through the area and officially endowed the city with a charter. Under the name Gorgeana (nothing like naming a city for yourself, right?), Sir Gorges quite literally put the city on the map. And with that, the first official city in America was born.

Eleven years after Gorges’s move to charter things, the Massachusetts Bay Company took over the explorer’s property there. They revoked the Gorgeana charter and re-upped it with a new one of their own. In their designation, they gave the city the name which is still in use today: York.

The name was given in honor of Yorkshire, England—and it stuck! It grew slowly for a while from there. Then forty years later, in 1692, it was nearly completely destroyed in a raid by the local Abenaki Indians. But it persisted! Today, York is a popular tourist attraction for history buffs seeking an old-time colonial feel. It boasts a small but comfortable population of under 15,000 full-time residents.[7]

3 Michigan: The First Paved Road

Henry Ford’s Model T cars were sweeping Detroit and the rest of Michigan by storm at the very beginning of the 20th century. Local government officials realized they needed to build out public works to take care of them. So, in 1909, the very first paved road was built and smoothed over in the United States along a mile of Woodward Avenue in the city of Detroit. It wasn’t a highway as we know the term today, but back then, it was a groundbreaking (literally) move, and fans of the process called it “the world’s first concrete highway.”

See, brick pavers were already a thing long before that. Many streets in Detroit had them, and in cities elsewhere around the country and in other places across the world, too. But pavement that was concrete and smooth was non-existent. Unfortunately, early car models really struggled to navigate over bricks that were often remarkably uneven within blocks of road. So pavement was quickly seen as a better solution, and Detroit jumped on board to get that process started.

Throughout the spring of 1909, construction crews labored hard, and on April 20 of that year, the set-up was complete. For a one-mile stretch between Six Mile Road and Seven Mile Road, Woodward Avenue became paved for car traffic. The whole thing cost about $1,400—with roughly $1,000 in state funds contributing to the budget.[8]

2 Minnesota: The First Mall

Minnesota leads the way in malls in the modern age with the notorious and incredibly massive Mall of America. The thing is truly huge—bigger and wider and longer than many small towns, and with more people, employees, restaurants, and in-mall amusements to boot. So it should maybe make perfect sense that Minnesota is where mall culture first really exploded in the first few decades after the end of World War II.

Soldiers returned home in and then after 1945, and over the next decade, they all got busy starting families, working jobs, buying homes, and making money. That, in turn, pushed enterprising business executives to create massive and immersive shopping experiences where you could buy nearly everything you could possibly need in one place.

On October 8, 1956, that idea debuted in full in the form of Southdale Center. Set off in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina, Minnesota, Southdale Center was the world’s first-ever fully enclosed, climate-controlled shopping center. What we know today as the mall made its notorious debut there in Edina for all to visit and shop within its walls.

Of course, Minnesota winters are very harsh. So the fact that the mall was climate-controlled and totally enclosed meant that people could come there all year round and get whatever they needed. And show up, they did! They showed up in such high numbers that the idea of building a mall soon spread to every other major metropolis across the United States.[9]

1 Arizona: The First Drive-Thru

The first-ever idea of a fast food drive-thru may have been thought about at various restaurants all across the nation, but Arizona catches the distinction of pioneering the practice. See, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, McDonald’s started thinking about how to better serve a driving-happy population in many markets. First, in Los Angeles and San Diego, franchisees started asking the corporate office about the possibility of putting in drive-thru windows so customers wouldn’t have to get out of their cars.

Executives liked the idea and tinkered with it some. Then, a franchisee in Oklahoma City came to them with the desire to put in the first drive-thru there. That McDonald’s had a perfect drive-up location and plenty of space for a line of cars. There was just one problem: the OKC restaurant badly needed to undergo renovations, so its drive-thru development was put on hold.

But the company still wanted to do the drive-thru idea ASAP. So into that space came a McDonald’s in Sierra Vista, Arizona. That restaurant was just down the road from the Fort Huachuca Army Base. At the time, the restaurant was seeing declining sales because of a then-new Army rule. The base had instituted a policy that soldiers had to stay in their vehicles while off-base when wearing fatigues or Army uniforms.

Because of that, they were not allowed to stop at McDonald’s, get out of their car, and pick up some food. The company realized that would be the perfect set-up to build out a drive-thru window, and so they did. Soon after that, other drive-thru windows popped up all over the United States. And now, it’s so commonplace that we think it’s weird when a McDonald’s doesn’t have a drive-thru window attached![10]

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10 Extremely Poisonous Historical Items https://listorati.com/10-extremely-poisonous-historical-items/ https://listorati.com/10-extremely-poisonous-historical-items/#respond Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:12:26 +0000 https://listorati.com/10-extremely-poisonous-historical-items/

When dealing with items in museum collections or newly discovered artifacts at archaeological digs, it’s easy to get excited and want a close look. However, sometimes, these objects of interest contain deadly surprises. They may be covered in poisonous material or have a lethal substance hidden within.

In the past, toxic chemicals were sometimes used in everyday items, such as asbestos being used in a multitude of daily goods before its detrimental health effects were discovered.[1] Poisons were also used throughout history in order to, for example, get rid of political rivals or problematic lovers. So sometimes, items discovered today are revealed to be deadly to those who handle them or to hide secret poisons.

10 Suicide Glasses

The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, has a pair of glasses with a sneaky little secret.[2] Inside the temple tip, there is a small cyanide pill that, if ingested, is deadly.

If a secret agent was captured and was at risk of giving up classified information, they could casually start chewing on their glasses. This would release the pill inside the plastic, resulting in a swift death for the agent and protection of their secrets. These glasses are traced back to the CIA, though similar items would have been used by other agencies, too.

9 Assassin’s Book

In 2008, a German auction house listed a 17th-century faux book that concealed an array of poisons.[3] The book had all its pages glued together, with the inside carved out. Instead, 11 small drawers were placed there, each with a label naming a poisonous plant. The book also contained a small green jar and a drawing of a skeleton.

The drawers were empty, and an analysis of any residual traces of poison has yet to be conducted, but the book has been speculated to have belonged to an assassin. As it is from a time when poison and medicine were highly similar, it has also been theorized to have belonged to a healer. However, three of the drawers list wolfsbane, cowbane, and spurge laurel, which are highly toxic and were not, that we know of, used for medicinal purposes at the time.

8 Deadly Bacteria

It’s not exactly poison, but in 2017, an 800-year-old skeleton containing bacteria was discovered in Northwestern Turkey.[4] The skeleton belonged to a pregnant woman in her thirties who had two calcified nodules below her lower ribs. When they were analyzed, researchers discovered that they contained the bacteria Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Gardnerella vaginalis. The bacteria are likely what killed the woman.

For ancient DNA, usually less than one percent of it survives in the archaeological record. In this case, 31 to 58 percent of the DNA they recovered came from the bacteria.

7 Fatal Books

Three books in the library collection at the Southern University of Denmark were discovered, by chance, to contain deadly levels of arsenic.[5] The books, detailing various historical topics, are from the 16th and 17th centuries. Many books from this time reused old writings in their bindings, such as copies of old Roman laws. Researchers were trying to read and analyze these texts, but there was a green paint obscuring them. They had the books X-rayed in order to see the text better. Rather than discovering old writings, they found that the green paint was made up of arsenic, at a deadly dose.

Arsenic used to be employed to make vibrant green paints before people realized it was poisonous and could cause cancer and death. The arsenic on the books is believed to have been applied to prevent vermin and insects from ruining them, as it is not on the top layer and thus isn’t decorative.

6 Lethal Wallpaper

Arsenic is also present in a sample of wallpaper displayed at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in Manhattan.[6] Green wallpaper used to fade quickly and turn an undesirable brown shade before 1775, when a green pigment, named Scheele’s green, was invented using arsenic. However, this meant that people’s houses were slowly poisoning them. When the wallpaper reacted with moisture in the air, the arsenic would be released in gaseous form. Sadly enough, children died in their own bedrooms from breathing this in.

The museum’s piece of wallpaper is from 1836, and although most of it is faded, the green parts are still bright today. Handling the paper too much would expose a person to arsenic and consequent poisoning, so the piece is placed behind glass while displayed or wrapped up securely if in storage.

5 Dangerous Fashion

Many items from history revealed to be poisonous were so due to arsenic, as it was also used to dye dresses and headdresses green in the Victorian era. After the death in 1861 of a young woman who made green artificial flowers for headdresses, the green dye was investigated. A doctor calculated that a headdress would, on average, contain enough arsenic to poison 20 people.[7] A ball gown often had 900 grains of arsenic, of which about 60 grains would probably shed in a single evening. As only four to five grains is lethal to an adult, this was a worrisome find.

It wasn’t just those who wore the clothes and their friends who were affected; the people who made the items suffered more. Being exposed to arsenic every day, those who worked with green clothes and accessories often got extremely ill. The York Castle Museum has placed one of these dangerous green ball gowns on display. To handle the dress, the curators have to wear gloves to avoid exposure, as arsenic still covers the fabric.

4 Mad Hats

It wasn’t just arsenic that made clothing dangerous in the past; felt hats laced with mercury also caused severe illness in their makers in Britain and France.[8] Hatmakers in the 18th and 19th centuries started using mercury to treat the hare and rabbit fur used to create the felt. While doing this, they would be breathing in the mercury, which went straight to their brains. Mercury poisoning starts with uncontrolled shaking and drooling and results in loss of teeth, cardiorespiratory problems, extreme paranoia, hallucinations, and death.

The hatmakers were the ones who suffered, as the wearers were protected from the mercury due to the lining in their hats. For this reason, mercury never became illegal in hatmaking, and it only stopped being used when felt hats went out of fashion. One such hat is preserved at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. Dated to the 19th century, tests have confirmed that it still contains mercury.

3 Toxic Clothing

In 2018, a burial from between 1399 and 1475 containing the mummies of two girls, aged nine and 18, was found at Cerro Esmeralda in Northern Chile.[9] They were lavishly adorned, including bright red clothes. A chemical analysis of the clothing found that instead of using iron hematite to attain the red shade, as was common at the time, the makers had used cinnabar, which contains high levels of mercury.

The closest cinnabar mine was more than 1,600 kilometers (1,000 mi) away, north of modern-day Lima, Peru. Since the chemical would not have been that easy to acquire, it is speculated that the burial was highly important and that the cinnabar was knowingly added to keep grave robbers away.

2 Poisoned Arrows

Poisoning arrow tips is a practice that has been employed in many places around the world, so when the Victoria and Albert Museum in England received a collection of items, including arrows, from the East India Company in 1880, it was not a big deal that an early note for them stated that they were poisoned.[10] However, when they had them analyzed in more recent times, they were surprised to find that the particular poison used could be active for 1,300 years and still be able to kill someone today.

The arrows came from Assam as well as the Karen people in Burma, who would use the poisoned arrows to hunt animals for food. The poison comes from the sap or crushed seeds of local trees and is smeared onto the arrowhead. If it gets into the bloodstream, it causes paralysis, seizures, and cardiac arrest.

1 Pillbox Ring

A pillbox ring, a ring with a small container used to store something, was discovered in Cape Kailakra, Bulgaria, in 2013.[11] Of the over 30 pieces of jewelry found, this was the only piece with a secret compartment. It is believed to have been used as a poison ring, with a small hole on the side that could be used to quickly slip poison into someone’s drink.

The ring dates to the 14th century and is believed to have belonged to Dobrotitsa, a noble who ruled the area in the second half of the century. This ring may have been the reason so many other high-ranking members of society who were close to him died for unexplained reasons.

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10 Insane Tours That Are Extremely Dangerous https://listorati.com/10-insane-tours-that-are-extremely-dangerous/ https://listorati.com/10-insane-tours-that-are-extremely-dangerous/#respond Wed, 15 Nov 2023 16:30:37 +0000 https://listorati.com/10-insane-tours-that-are-extremely-dangerous/

Every year, thousands of people travel the world, booking tours that offer thrilling and exciting experiences while often completely unaware of the dangers they may present. When we think of guided tours, we imagine a fun and informative experience. What most of us do not picture is a life-threatening situation. Of course, everything in life comes with some level of risk, but when we’re in the care of experienced individuals whose job is to create a safe and exciting environment in which we can learn and experience what the world has to offer, we trust that the excursions we’re spending our hard-earned money on won’t endanger our lives.

There are so many insane tour companies offering very unique experiences, from chasing tornadoes in the United States to mining with dynamite in a mountain that has claimed a countless number of lives throughout history. All the tours featured in this list are extremely dangerous. Fortunately, many of them haven’t had fatal accidents; however, the risk of such an incident is very real in every case. Here are ten insane tours that are extremely dangerous.

10 Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Tours

One of the largest and most iconic nuclear disasters happened at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located in Northern Ukraine, on April 26, 1986. Today, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is a great place for tourists to get a taste of a post-apocalyptic world experience. However, the area has not been deemed safe, and it is unclear how long the Zone will continue to be dangerous. Over the years, levels of radiation have diminished enough for the Ukrainian government to allow guided tours. There are many prohibited activities, however, including smoking, eating, or drinking in the open air as well touching buildings, plants, and trees. Attire is restricted to clothing that covers as much skin as possible when touring.

The website of a business called Chernobyl Tours claims that the level of radiation tourists are exposed to is relatively small, less than we experience when flying. The guided tours avoid areas where radiation is in high concentration, and there is a low chance of tourists inhaling contaminated air in dangerous amounts, resulting in radiation sickness.[1] Although the risk is low, it is not absent, and the possibility of coming into contact with a lethal amount of radiation is constantly present, especially when not following the safety precautions given by the tour guides.

9 Lightning Tours

Lightning is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena that Mother Nature has to offer. Every day, thousands of us marvel at the incredible light shows thunderstorms put on, captivated like a moth drawn to bright light. These light shows are nothing like what can be witnessed in Venezuela where the Catatumbo River meets Lake Maracaibo, a mysterious place known as the unofficial lightning capital of the world and home to the “everlasting storm.” Here, magnificent tours are available that take tourists on sightseeing trips to local villages, night safaris to see alligators, snakes, and birds, a chance to see some dolphins, and, of course, the main event—lightning! It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of witnessing something special and forget the dangers that accompany such an experience.

Lightning has been known to strike from miles away, and this tour takes you right into the heart of the all the action; the town of Maracaibo can receive more than 1,000 lightning strikes an hour. However, lightning is not the only weather phenomenon that Maracaibo residents are familiar with, as hurricanes and tornadoes are known to occur as well.[2] Tornadoes are born from thunderstorms, and with 260 stormy days a year, the chance of one forming increases dramatically. The storms are volatile and can shift direction in less than a minute. This tour is certainly as dangerous as it is beautiful.

8 Tornado Tours


With growing popularity due to the Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers, tornado tours have become a booming business. Every year, extreme weather enthusiasts flock to America’s Tornado Alley in hopes of pursuing their dreams of witnessing one of Mother Nature’s most destructive works of art. Tornado Alley is an area in the center of the United States, named for the frequency of tornadoes due to dry air from both Canada and the Mexican Plateau colliding with moist air from the Gulf of Mexico to make favorable conditions for the development of supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Tornado tours are designed to take paying passengers on the ride of a lifetime, but this doesn’t come without a severe risk to safety. Due to the growing demand for these kinds of tours, more than a dozen companies have emerged in the last 20 years, adding to the amount of vehicles on the road, increasing congestion and putting passengers and storm chasers in very dangerous situations that worry both safety experts and law enforcement.

The tour companies have a strong emphasis on safety, but even the most experienced professionals can find themselves in life-threatening situations, such as with the case of three chasers in Oklahoma during a storm in 2013 and three more in Texas during a 2017 storm.[3] There is no safety when tornadoes can change direction without warning. Lightning and golf ball-sized hail are also a major safety concern during severe weather. As the saying goes: When thunder roars, go indoors.

7 Lava Boat Tours


Watching lava flow is a satisfying sight to see, and the ability to see it flowing into the sea up close would catch anyone’s attention. In Hawaii, there are lava boat tours that take you close enough to hear and feel the heat of the lava as it pours into the water and cools. This tour sounds absolutely fascinating but also comes with its own risks that not everyone may be aware of.

It’s obvious that lava is dangerous, and it’s silly to be within a close distance of the melting destruction it brings. Being aboard a boat when things go wrong is not the ideal scenario, and incidents have happened in the past. In July 2018, an explosion sent molten rock raining down on a boat, injuring 23 tourists as it melted its way through the roof of the vessel. Despite the disastrous turn of events, the tour company has continued their tours while sticking to the revised policy of the Coast Guard.[4]

6 War Zone Tours


War zone tours take thrill-seekers to a whole new battlefield of excitement with life-threatening sightseeing expeditions through destinations that are or were once war zones and extremely dangerous. Tourists are able to witness firsthand the effects of war, including live action and explosions in some places. With tours taking place in many different areas, including Iraq, Mexico, and Africa, there are many opportunities for extreme thrill-seekers to experience a dangerous adventure. A company appropriately called War Zone Tours (WZT) has conducted excursions in over 50 different countries since they were founded in 1993.[5]

All the tours are developed and planned specifically for your desired experience and are led by high-risk environment guides who are highly trained security professionals, according to WZT’s website. However, this does little to help in the case of missiles, as with an incident in 2016 where eight tourists were nearly killed when their tour bus was hit by a rocket in Afghanistan. Most of these tours take place where travel is highly ill-advised.

5 Bungee Jumping Over Crocodile-Infested Waters

Bungee jumping is a very popular extreme sport, but it’s a whole different thing when you’re nose-diving 111 meters (364 ft) toward crocodile-infested waters with your feet bound tight. At the Victoria Falls Bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this exact experience is offered, but not without taking a very dangerous risk. Accidents can happen at any time, even when safety precautions are in place. No one wants to pay for the leap of a lifetime, only to have the bungee cord snap on the way down.

This is exactly what happened to Erin Langworthy, an Australian woman on vacation during New Year’s Eve 2011. Fortunately, she survived with minor injuries, despite having to swim with her feet tied together and having to free the cord at one point when it became caught on some rocks.[6] This thrilling jump is absolutely as terrifying as it is dangerous.

4 Volcano Boarding

Volcanoes are brilliant and scary, and the idea of boarding down the side of an active one is terrifying and dangerous in its own right. Now considered an extreme sport, volcano boarding was invented by an Australian thrill-seeker named Daryn Webb in 2004.

Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro, Central America’s youngest volcano, last erupted in 1999 and is the world’s hot spot for this bizarre sport. This exciting adventure takes endurance; the-hour long hike through 32-degree-Celsius (90 °F) temperatures up the ash-covered side of the volcano and past sulfur-spitting craters serves as a reminder that this volcano could erupt at any time.[7] Once you reach the top and are equipped with a metal-reinforced wooden board with ropes to steer and an orange jumpsuit for protection, you’re all set for the ride of a lifetime.

This young volcano has more than 20 eruptions under its belt since its birth in April 1850 and is considered the region’s most active volcano, featuring occasional lava flows and powerful explosions. Recently, as of October 2018, increased earthquake activity has been noted, which may only put thrill-seeking tourists at an even higher risk.

3 Death Road Tours

Bolivia’s Yungas Road, dubbed “Death Road,” is regarded as the most dangerous road in the world and has claimed numerous lives over the years. It is no surprise that it has become a hot stop for thrill-seeking tourists from all around the world for a mountain biking adventure and a “I survived my ride on the world’s most dangerous road” T-shirt.[8]

Although the road has become safer over the years, it still holds its risk factors and is to be respected as a dangerous tour to go on. The high-elevation trip down 64 kilometers (40 mi) of mostly narrow road lacking guardrails, with the ever-present danger of passing cars and steep drops, is no bike ride through the park. Nevertheless, Death Road still serves as the mountain biking adventure of a lifetime for more than 25,000 thrill-seekers annually.

It is very important to do research on the tour companies offering Death Road tours, as many are available, and they’re far from equal. It is also imperative that you are always comfortable with the bike you’re riding in such a dangerous place.

2 Kayaking With Hippos, Crocodiles, And Bull Sharks


Everybody wants to get close to wildlife, but kayaking with animals that can kill you is something many of us might not have on our bucket list. For the ultimate thrill-seekers, however, the opportunity to kayak with hippos, crocodiles, and even bull sharks exists in the St Lucia Estuary in South Africa and is described as a fantastic way to get up close and personal with nature. You are bound to encounter some breathtaking birds and man-eating predators.

This not a tour for those who are seeking a calming experience with nature and can hardly be considered safe. The tour is not conducted in a controlled environment, and the guides aren’t hesitant to withhold information regarding the dangers of the area, including deaths that have occurred due to animal attacks. It is important to be very careful while on the tour, staying alert at all times and keeping body parts out of the water, so it’s surprising that tourists of all skill levels are permitted to kayak the potentially deadly waters of this estuary.[9] It is not an unknown occurrence to have a hippo surface right in front of one’s kayak.

1 Mining With Dynamite In Bolivia

This tour is one that is hard to believe exists and is the perfect opportunity to experience what life in the mines is actually like. It is as dangerous as it is unbelievable. Near Potosi, Bolivia, sits Cerro Rico (“Rich Mountain”). It has been dubbed “The Mountain that Eats Men” for good reason; Cerro Rico’s silver mine has claimed the lives of many people. With a shrine to the Devil located inside that the miners give offerings to for protection, this tour is definitely not for the faint of heart, or those who value safety in general.

After everyone suits up in the provided safety equipment consisting of a hardhat, boots, and overalls, the multiple-hour tour begins with a trip to a miner’s market, where tourists are encouraged to purchase tobacco, alcohol, live dynamite, and other gifts to offer the workers they will encounter in the mine. At the entrance into the mine, the guide will list off a quick rundown of safety precautions, like not falling into holes, watching out for passing mine carts, and not lighting your dynamite, pretty self-explanatory stuff.[10] Then the tourists venture down into the tight, winding, dark tunnels.

Conditions inside are less than favorable, dark, hot, and dusty, the very same unbearable conditions that African slaves and indigenous people were forced to withstand for weeks on end, with few lucky enough to return to the surface. Once the gift of dynamite is offered to the workers inside the mine, they will detonate it for the terrifying experience of watching the walls trembling and debris falling from the ceilings all around.

In recent years, the condition of the silver mine has become increasingly unstable as the site continues to degrade due to uncontrolled mining operations conducted in the past. While the risk of a collapse is lowered as long as miners conduct their work above the 4,400-meter (14,400 ft) mark in the labyrinth of tunnels, and with some safety measures put in place, the summit persistently sinks by a few centimeters each year, making the mine’s tours among the most dangerous available.

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