
A Chinese empress is said to have discovered silk in the past, and for thousands of years, it was a closely guarded state secret. But as new trade routes appeared, silk began to reach new markets via what came to be known as the Silk Road. Other nations eventually began to learn the art of sericulture (or silk production).
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Just as there was a run on pet rats, the population of clownfish in their natural habitats took a precipitous drop following the release of Finding Nemo, which stars a clownfish. Marine biologists reported that the numbers of the fish dropped by as much as 75 percent in the Australian reefs they inhabit.
Yes, you read that correctly. According to Sveaskog, forests cover around 57% of Sweden. That equates to 23 million hectares or roughly the size of the United Kingdom. The Swedish Forestry Act governs forest management in terms of both production and the environment. The Act, among other things, says that there is a responsibility to reestablish forest after it has been felled.
Moses, according to the Bible, drew water from a stone in Wadi Musa, also known as the Valley of Moses. The water supply for Petra came from this location, which, according to Biblical legend, continued to gush water after Moses' miraculous act. Even though the architects of Petra were not Christians, the ancient city's proximity to Wadi Musa makes it an appealing pilgrimage destination for Christians.
Lao-Lao is a powerful rice whiskey produced in Laos that costs less than a dollar per liter! The spirit is the cheapest in the world and can be found in any corner store, a mom-and-pop business, or market across the country. However, before you get too thrilled, the extremely low price has its own set of consequences. It tastes like a bottle of Methylated Spirits, has caused blindness on extremely rare occasions, and is a sure bet that you won't recall the events of the previous night. Of course, this is all hearsay. Take this as a warning.
The Netherlands could be crammed into Mongolia 37 times. It is the world's 18th most populous country (Iran is 17th).
Chamomile tea is antispasmodic, thus it may aid with period pains. According to a study published in the Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility, 40 women reported fewer cramps and lower anxiety after drinking chamomile tea twice a day during the luteal and menstrual phases of their cycles (two weeks before their period and when you actually bleed).
If you thought being bilingual made you an overachiever, you’re about to get schooled. Queen Victoria was fluent in no fewer than five languages: English, German, French, Latin, and Italian. She also learned a little Hindustani and Urdu to chat with her Indian servants at Windsor Castle (above)
Humans have been trying to get insight into their lives based on the stars for thousands of years. According to an article on Babylonian horoscopes published in the Journal of Cuneiform Studies, the oldest horoscope that has been discovered was on Apr. 29, 410, B.C. and was written in cuneiform.
According to a United Nations research, the average marriage age in Switzerland is 31.8 for males and 29.5 for women. The Local CH, on the other hand, claims that the divorce rate in Switzerland is over 40%, and according to a publication from the Central Intelligence Agency, the average age for Swiss women to have their first child is 30.4 years, making them the oldest woman in Europe to do so.
Rowland Hill, a schoolteacher from Birmingham, devised the postage stamp in 1839. He went on to construct Britain's first modern postal system.
Betel leaves are a mild stimulant that the locals like to chew on for a couple of minutes. Unfortunately, the leaves cause their mouths to water, which in turn is mixed with the red dye of the substance. People then spit this out onto the floor causing red stains along the street. The first impression when you see this ubiquitous marking on the floor may be blood. But, it’s not.
When you’re in Myanmar, you’ll see people chewing this and will become familiar with the red stains that line the streets. Vendors sell large green leaves containing the nut with spices and occasionally tobacco. Try it yourself if you dare.
When you’re in Myanmar, you’ll see people chewing this and will become familiar with the red stains that line the streets. Vendors sell large green leaves containing the nut with spices and occasionally tobacco. Try it yourself if you dare.