Category: Facts

Exclusive Passports: The Fascinating World of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

The diplomatic passport of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is said to be the rarest passport in the world.The Sovereign Military Order of Malta issues the world’s rarest passport, with only a few hundred people possessing one. As of February 2018, there were around 500 diplomatic passports in circulation. Eligibility for this passport is exclusive and limited.

However, the passport’s utility is restricted, as countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and New Zealand do not accept it for travel. Furthermore, many other countries and territories enforce similar rules. Out of the 26 Schengen Area member countries, only 23 recognize the passport.

Established in 1113 and officially recognized by Pope Paschal, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is among the oldest Christian institutions. The Order’s full title is “Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta,” reflecting its historical development and various headquarters over the centuries. The Order comprises over 13,500 knights, dames, and chaplains, alongside 80,000 volunteers and 25,000 medical employees. Although it does not govern any territory, it maintains diplomatic relations with more than 100 states.

The Order primarily operates as a charitable organization, providing medical aid worldwide. Passports are issued for four-year terms, allowing holders to carry out diplomatic assignments. In addition to passports, the Order also produces its own postage stamps and currency. Despite its unique status, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta passport is far from being one of the world’s most powerful passports.

Class & Language: A 1950s British Paradox

In the 1950s, it was observed that the British middle class often employed intricate language in an effort to appear more sophisticated. In contrast, the genuine upper class favored the simpler vernacular of the working class, opting for terms like “scent” rather than “perfume.”

A 1940 study examining the linguistic disparities between the American upper and middle classes found similar results. For example, the American upper class preferred the term ‘curtains,’ while the middle class opted for ‘drapes’. Interestingly, the affluent class in the US used the word ‘toilet,’ while their less wealthy counterparts said ‘lavatory’—a reversal of the British pattern.

Friends: Salary Standoff & Lasting Legacy

In 2000, as the “Friends” cast insisted on a $1,050,000 per episode salary, Garth Ancier from NBC created promotional material teasing the end of the series with the tagline, “After seven years of laughter, join us for the Friends series finale this Thursday.” This tactic led the cast to compromise on their wages.

“Friends” became a cultural phenomenon during its 10-year run from 1994 to 2004. The show’s iconic catchphrases, like Joey’s “How you doin’?” and Janice’s “Oh. My. God,” became widely recognized. Furthermore, Jennifer Aniston’s hairstyle as Rachel Green, dubbed “The Rachel,” gained immense popularity in the 1990s. The Central Perk coffeehouse, a popular setting on the show, inspired real-life coffee shops around the world, demonstrating the lasting impact of this beloved sitcom.

Ant Pheromone Experiment: Life in the Ant Graveyard

Upon death, ants emit a specific chemical that signals their demise, prompting fellow ants to remove and dispose of the deceased. In an intriguing experiment, a scientist successfully synthesized this chemical and applied it to a living ant. Despite the ant’s persistent efforts to clean itself, resist being carried, or return to its duties, its comrades continually escorted it to the designated graveyard. This behavior demonstrates the power of chemical communication within ant colonies, which relies on a complex system of pheromones to regulate tasks, coordinate activities, and maintain colony organization.

Online Education Shift Neutralizes Appearance-based Bias in Grading

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition to online learning revealed an interesting change in academic performance. Research shows that attractive female students, who were previously found to receive higher grades, experienced a leveling of this advantage when classes moved to a virtual format.

This finding suggests that biases based on physical appearance may have played a role in grading before the pandemic. The online learning environment, which often involves less face-to-face interaction, may have reduced the impact of attractiveness on academic evaluations. This highlights the importance of addressing appearance-based biases in educational settings to ensure fair and equitable assessment for all students.