8 Surprising Facts About Alcohol You Didn’t Know

Bottles and glasses of alcohol drinks
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Check out these wild and lesser-known facts about alcohol that’ll surely make you think twice before raising that glass next time. It has some surprising effects on your smarts and health, plus insane stories and weird discoveries. Alcohol fits into our lives and affects us much more complexly than one would imagine!

1. High School IQ Linked to Later Alcohol Use

Studies show that your IQ back in high school can actually be an indication of how you will drink later in life. Indeed, people with higher IQs are more likely to end up as moderate or heavy drinkers, rather than total abstainers.

2. No Health Benefits to Moderate Drinking

Contrary to general view, a new study finds that moderate consumption of alcohol does not carry health benefits. Previous studies have exaggerated these benefits; some scientists still raise concerns that the alcohol industry popularized light drinking as a way of living longer. In fact, according to international studies, no amount of alcohol is considered healthy for general purposes.

3. Alcohol Dependence and Sexual Dysfunction

A study revealed that the majority of men who suffer from alcohol dependence also experience sexual dysfunction, adding another dimension to alcohol’s health risks.

4. No Alcohol on the ISS

Alcohol is banned on the International Space Station-but not because of health or intoxication issues. It’s a combustible chemical that can corrode the water filtration systems on the station. For the same reason, NASA also forbids mouthwash and aftershave. Sad fact: Since returning from the Moon, astronaut Buzz Aldrin has publicly struggled with depression and alcoholism.

5. Self-Recovery from Alcohol Dependence is Common

Interestingly, about 75% of individuals who overcome alcohol dependence do so without formal help, such as rehab or Alcoholics Anonymous. Only 13% of alcohol-dependent people ever receive specialized treatment.

6. Saudi Arabia and Alcohol

Alcohol was legal in Saudi Arabia until 1952. That changed after the Saudi king’s son, while drunk, shot and killed a British diplomat. This incident led to the strict alcohol ban still in place today.

7. Cancelling Vertigo with Heavy Water

Drinking heavy water (deuterium oxide) alongside alcohol can cancel out vertigo. If you don’t have access to heavy water, glycerol works as well.

8. Winston Churchill’s Relationship with Alcohol

During Prohibition in the U.S., Winston Churchill was prescribed an “indefinite” supply of alcohol by his American doctor after being hit by a car. He claimed that stopping alcohol abruptly could kill him due to withdrawal. In fact, sudden alcohol withdrawal can be fatal for alcoholics, as can withdrawal from benzodiazepines. Churchill is estimated to have consumed around 42,000 bottles of Pol Roger Champagne in his lifetime, drinking two bottles daily from 1908 until his death in 1965. His daily alcohol intake included whisky, champagne, wine, and brandy, spread across meals and moments throughout the day.

These facts highlight the complex, often misunderstood role that alcohol plays in health, history, and human behavior. Whether you indulge occasionally or abstain, it’s clear that alcohol affects much more than just your next hangover.

10 Vital Facts About Water: Understanding Our Most Precious Resource

water
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Water is not only essential for life but is increasingly becoming a precious commodity in our world. As we face growing concerns over water scarcity and conservation, understanding the unique properties and challenges associated with water is crucial. Here are some fascinating facts about water that highlight its importance and the complexities of managing this vital resource.

1. The True Color of Water: Contrary to common belief, water is not colorless. Pure water exhibits a slight blue hue, which intensifies to green with increased depth. This coloration is due to the selective absorption and scattering of white light, a characteristic inherent to water.

2. Water Collection in Bermuda: In Bermuda, a lack of natural freshwater sources has led to a unique architectural feature: white, stepped roofs designed specifically for collecting rainwater, ensuring that each household has access to water.

3. Water Usage on U.S. Lawns: Residential lawns in the United States consume about 9 billion gallons of water daily, accounting for approximately 2.7% of the nation’s total water usage. This highlights the significant impact of domestic landscaping on water resources.

4. Impending Water Shortages: By 2030, global water demand is projected to outstrip supply by 40%, with 11 major cities facing severe water scarcity challenges. This underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management practices.

5. Water as a Human Right: In July 2010, the United Nations officially recognized access to drinking water as a fundamental human right, emphasizing its central role in sustaining life and dignity.

6. Water on Mars: Recent scientific discoveries have revealed the presence of vast oceans of water on Mars. However, this water is located deep beneath the surface, making it currently inaccessible.

7. Psychological Benefits of Water: Research suggests that being near water can enhance well-being and happiness. This connection to water not only promotes mental health but also underscores the intrinsic value of natural water bodies.

8. Plastics in Bottled Water: Studies have found that bottled water can contain hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles, raising concerns about its safety and the environmental impact of plastic waste.

9. Dangers of Water Intoxication: Drinking an excessive amount of water in a short period can lead to water intoxication, a potentially fatal condition. This highlights the need for moderation even in essential activities like hydration.

10. History of Public Drinking Water: Before the advent of public water fountains, people commonly used a “common cup” to drink water in public spaces. This shared, often unhygienic cup posed significant health risks, reflecting the evolution of public health measures over time.

Water’s role in our world is multifaceted, impacting everything from urban planning and public health to ecological balance and personal wellness. Do you know any other interesting facts about water that weren’t mentioned here? Feel free to share them in the comments below.

Enlightening Insights: Key Facts About Mormons and Their Beliefs

Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) or Mormons in San Diego
Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) or Mormons in San Diego
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Mormonism, a religion deeply rooted in American history, presents a unique blend of beliefs, historical events, and cultural practices that differentiate it from other faiths. Here are some remarkable facts about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormon Church, that highlight its intriguing and sometimes controversial aspects.

1. Presidential Aspirations and Tragedy: Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, was not only a religious leader but also a U.S. presidential candidate. His campaign ended tragically in 1844 when he was assassinated by a mob in Illinois, making him the first presidential candidate in U.S. history to be killed.

2. Prophetic Leadership: The LDS Church believes that its leaders are prophets who receive divine revelations. Notably, Ezra Taft Benson, who served as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower, later became the 13th president of the LDS Church.

3. Divine Family Beliefs: Mormons hold a belief in a Heavenly Mother alongside Heavenly Father, treating her with such reverence that she is seldom mentioned to avoid disrespect. This belief extends to a broader theology that includes the possibility of multiple heavenly mothers, as men can be sealed to multiple women in temple ceremonies, reflecting the notion of eternal families and godhood.

4. Sacred Undergarments: Some devout Mormons wear a special type of underwear known as temple garments. These garments serve as a constant reminder of their sacred covenants and are thought to offer protection against evil.

5. FBI and CIA Recruitment: The Mormon community is a significant recruitment pool for U.S. intelligence agencies like the FBI and CIA. Factors such as their multilingual abilities, often a result of missionary work, along with their typically low-risk lifestyles, make them ideal candidates for security clearances.

6. Controversial Practices with Ancestry: Mormons are known for their emphasis on genealogy, which led to the founding of Ancestry.com. This platform aids members in tracking their lineage, facilitating the Mormon practice of baptizing ancestors posthumously to offer them salvation. This practice has sparked controversy, particularly when it included posthumous baptisms of Holocaust victims, leading to objections from the Jewish community who saw it as disrespectful to the memory of those who died.

7. Religious Conflict and War: In 1857, the U.S. government declared war on the Mormon Church due to its attempt to govern Utah under religious laws that conflicted with federal regulations.

8. Eschatological Beliefs: Mormons have distinctive beliefs about the end times. They believe that during the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, He will govern from Jackson County, Missouri, which they regard as the site for the New Jerusalem. This will initiate a millennium of peace and spiritual refinement, followed by final judgments and the establishment of God’s kingdom.

These elements paint a picture of a faith that is not only rich in doctrine but also deeply entwined with American history and culture. Are there any other fascinating facts about Mormons that you know? Please share them in the comments below. Whether you are familiar with Mormon beliefs or just learning, there’s always more to discover about this distinctive community.

Denim Revealed: 7 Surprising Facts Behind Your Favorite Jeans

Ripped vintage jeans
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Jeans are a staple in many wardrobes around the globe, known for their durability, style, and ubiquity in modern fashion. However, there’s more to jeans than meets the eye, from their environmental impact to the fascinating history behind their design and cultural implications. Here’s an in-depth look at some lesser-known facts about jeans that might surprise you.

1. Environmental Impact: Each time a pair of blue jeans is washed, they can release over 50,000 microfibers into water systems, contributing significantly to microfiber pollution in our oceans and lakes. This sheds light on the ecological footprint of our everyday fashion choices.

2. Pocket Disparity: A study examining 80 pairs of jeans revealed a stark difference in pocket sizes between men’s and women’s jeans from the same brand. Only 40% of women’s jeans pockets could comfortably fit an iPhone X, and a mere 10% were large enough to fit an entire hand. In contrast, pockets in men’s jeans universally accommodated both.

3. The Real Inventors: While Levi Strauss is often credited with the invention of denim jeans, it was actually Jacob Davis who innovated the use of rivets in pants. Davis approached Strauss to help fund the patent, and together they introduced the iconic double orange threaded stitch design.

4. Cultural Bans: In North Korea, jeans are banned as they are seen as a symbol of U.S. imperialism, highlighting the global political and cultural weight that clothing can carry.

5. Watch Pocket Origins: The tiny pocket inside a jeans pocket, often puzzling to many, is historically a watch pocket. Originating with Levi’s first pair of jeans in 1879, it was designed as a secure spot for men to store their pocket watches.

6. Valuable Vintage Finds: In the 1800s, silver miners would often leave their worn-out jeans in the mines. Today, these jeans can fetch upwards of $30,000, especially those from Levi’s, prompting many enthusiasts to explore old silver mines in search of these lucrative artifacts.

7. Washing Advice from Levi’s CEO: In an interesting piece of advice, Levi’s CEO has recommended against washing jeans. This is suggested as a way to preserve the fabric and enhance the jeans’ longevity and sustainability.

Jeans are more than just a fashion statement; they carry stories of innovation, history, and even international controversies. With their widespread use and unique backstories, jeans continue to be a fascinating subject. Are you a daily jeans wearer? If so, which brand do you prefer and why? Share your thoughts and favorite jeans experiences!

Decoding Urban Real Estate: Unseen Quirks and Challenges


The landscape of urban real estate is fraught with hidden quirks and significant challenges that often go unnoticed behind the high-rises and bustling city streets. This deep dive into some of the more peculiar aspects of city housing not only exposes the often glossed-over issues but also sheds light on the resilience and ingenuity of those who navigate this complex environment. From the legality of windowless apartments to the unexpected solutions of those struggling to find affordable housing, these stories paint a broader picture of urban living.

1. Windowless Wonders in Austin: Up until recently, it was perfectly legal in Austin, Texas, for apartments to be built without any windows. What’s more surprising is that landlords often omitted this detail in their advertisements, leaving new tenants in the dark—literally.

2. Economic Sense in Honesty: Researchers using mathematical models have found that laws requiring landlords to disclose bed bug infestations can actually save them money in the long run. The studies suggest that being upfront about such issues not only curbs the spread but also reduces overall extermination and legal costs over five years.

3. Hong Kong’s “Coffin Homes”: In the densely populated city of Hong Kong, some apartments are so tiny that they’ve been dubbed “coffin homes.” These cramped spaces, sometimes as small as 15 square feet, have been criticized by the United Nations as an “insult to human dignity,” highlighting severe issues in housing affordability and human rights.

4. A Prince in New York: The last prince of the Ottoman Empire resided in a rent-controlled apartment in New York, paying astonishingly low rent. After his passing, his wife, Princess Zeynep, continued to live there amidst ongoing legal disputes with the new building owner, who sought to raise the rent from its historical rate of about $390 a month.

5. Jay Leno’s Creative Lodging: When comedian Jay Leno first moved to Los Angeles, he was so hard up for a place to stay that he resorted to hiding in closets at open houses. This unconventional method allowed him to secretly stay in the properties for up to three days at a time, providing temporary shelter during his early struggles.

Have you ever faced or heard of similar housing challenges? Share your story and join the conversation on the diverse experiences of urban living.