It may sound absurd, but soap production was once strictly regulated to prevent illegal production. According to the Telegraph, the soap tax, which was implemented in 1712, was once a major source of revenue for the Exchequer, raising roughly the same proportion of income as alcohol duty does today. The imposed levies were so high that the tax collector decided to lock the lids on soap boiling pans every night to prevent illegal soap production after hours.

Plath received a $2,080 novel-writing fellowship from the publisher Harper & Row, but when she turned in her manuscript they declined to publish it. An editor at Harper & Row called it "disappointing, juvenile and overwrought." The novel was eventually published in the U.K., but Plath was not able to find a U.S. publisher for it in her lifetime.

Kimchi did not contain chilli prior to the 17th century because chilli had not yet arrived in Korea! The Americas are where hot chilies originated. In the early 1600s, they were brought to Korea by western merchants. Koreans embraced them and included them into their kimchis. Indeed, gochugaru (or chilli powder pepper) and its vibrant red hue are now required ingredients in kimchi. This pepper has a delicious, smokey, and rich flavour.

Elephants are extremely clever and simple to teach, making them ideal for use as executioners and torturers. They may be taught to use enormous blades connected to their tusks to slowly destroy bones, crush skulls, twist off limbs, or even execute people. This manner of death was still used in various regions of Asia until the late nineteenth century.

Cleopatra was an incredibly powerful ruler who could afford luxuries that others could only dream of. For example, she was dissatisfied with the beaches on Sedir Island in Turkey during her vacation. So her lover, Mark Antony, had the white sand she preferred transported all the way from Egypt so she could enjoy it on foreign shores. Because of this, Sedir is now known as Cleopatra's Island.

Not all of the tastes are accessible internationally, and some are no longer available at all! Some of the less well-known and less successful flavours include New Coke, Coca-Cola Orange, and Coca-Cola BlaK, a coffee-flavored variation. Coca-Cola BlaK had a brief existence, lasting just from 2006 to 2008, and was only available in seven countries. Coca-Cola, on the other hand, has stated that it intends to release another coffee-related product in the future.

Cocorico! It derives from the term "chandelier" in Old French. 
A "chandelier" was a ceiling fixture made of numerous candles used to light up the rooms before electricity was invented.

Building pyramids kept the Ancient Egyptians occupied! Over 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt so far, and archaeologists are continually searching for more!

In 2010, a Southern California school district temporarily removed all copies of Merriam-10th Webster's Collegiate Edition from elementary school classrooms. Why get rid of the dictionary? The school district decided to remove the books after a parent informed the principal of Oak Meadows Elementary School that the dictionary contained an explicit definition of a sex act. The dictionary was deemed age-appropriate by a committee of teachers, administrators, and parents, and the copies of Merriam-Webster were returned to the classroom. Let's hope that parent never finds out about Urban Dictionary!

In Dorset, Minnesota, where a new mayor is chosen every two years by drawing names from a hat, a three-year-old named Robert Tufts was elected mayor in 2015. "Being nice and no poopy talk," he says as his governing style. In 2018, I believe we can all agree that the world could benefit from more Robert Tufts in positions of power.

Similar to eyelashes, eyebrows assist in keeping sweat and debris out of our eyes. But did you know that the structure of our eyebrows really prevents water from entering our eyes directly? For instance, rain and sweat splash against your brows and slide down the sides of your face, keeping it out of your eyes.

As previously said, the average butterfly has a limited lifespan; even in their prime, these insects are among the most vulnerable. Staying living for as long as possible provides the butterfly with more chances to mate, and the survival of its species is critical. As a result, butterflies frequently utilize their wings as a form of defense. A butterfly's wings are frequently its best protection, either by folding to blend in with their surroundings or sporting a rainbow of colors and patterns to deter predators.

The official cause of death for Branwell Bront, who passed away in September 1848 at the age of 31, was "chronic bronchitis-marasmus," a type of tuberculosis (then called consumption). His dependence on laudanum, opium and alcohol undoubtedly worsened his condition.

This bridge was inaugurated by our Prime Minister on 26th May. It has been renamed after Assam’s iconic singer Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The total length of the bridge is 9.15 km, making it the longest bridge in India.

Hong Kong is the phonetic equivalent of (heung gong) in Cantonese, which literally translates as "fragrant harbour," derived from the delicious perfume of Aquilaria sinensis, Dongguan incense.

When they assault again, you'll know what they're saying: "Stay off my property, yah hear!"

Nail painting has been practised since 3000 BCE. There is archaeological evidence that the Ancient Babylonians used a solid gold manicure set to paint their nails before battle. People used beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, and vegetable dyes in Ancient China during the Ming Dynasty.

The Constitution, sometimes referred to as ‘a bag of borrowings’, has borrowed provisions from the constitutions of the UK, USA, France, and USSR. Its fundamental principles are inspired by many sources, but keep in mind India’s traditions and our historical, geographical and cultural diversity. Ambedkar studied 60 other constitutions in the course of his work. He was assisted in the drafting by a committee.

The monkeypox virus causes the rare disease monkeypox. It causes a rash as well as flu-like symptoms. It is a member of the orthopoxvirus family, like the more well-known virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox was found in 1958 after two outbreaks of a pox-like disease in research groups of monkeys. It is primarily transmitted by human contact with infected rodents, but it can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Monkeypox virus has two recognised kinds (clades): one that arose in Central Africa and one that originated in West Africa. The less severe West African clade is responsible for the current global outbreak (2022).

Even though eczema is not an allergic reaction, it can become worse when certain environmental factors are present. Knowing what sets off your specific condition can help you avoid flare-ups in the future.

The same is true for knitting. Your overall health is improved by needlecrafts because they significantly lower your stress and blood pressure. They maintain your flexibility and improve the blood flow to your hands. The simultaneous stimulation of both hemispheres of your brain by using both hands in various ways gives your brain a workout that not many other activities can. You can learn more about this topic here and here.

The majority of iguanas lay eggs, however, the amount of eggs varies per species. The female rock iguana normally lays five to twenty eggs, whereas the female green iguana lays roughly 65 eggs. In a warm, sunny location, eggs are placed in a burrow.

Beagles enjoy making noise. This breed might not be the best choice for you if you'd like a new BFF that is a little more reserved. They enjoy barking, howling, and even a vocalisation known as baying, which sounds somewhat like a yodel. Most individuals have no problem with this. Actually, a lot of people find it amusing. Consider it your friend's way of saying hello.