In 1931, a book titled “100 Authors Against Einstein” was published by 100 scientists who denounced Einstein’s theory of relativity as nonsense and expressed disappointment in the lack of recognition for their own work.
history
During the Middle Ages, it was believed that…
During the Middle Ages, it was believed that ringing church bells during thunderstorms would ward off lightning. However, this practice was discontinued after over 100 bell ringers were struck and killed by lightning.
Colonial America
Before the revolution in America, the UK had been transporting convicts to the colonies for many years. As a result, there was a significant number of prisoners in colonial America. It is believed that the state of Georgia was established as a penal colony. After the revolution, the UK began sending convicts to Australia instead.
Schweres Wasser
During World War II, the Nazis developed a secret weapon named the “Schweres Wasser” (Heavy Water) which was a isotope of water that was enriched in the hydrogen isotope deuterium. This heavy water was used in the production of nuclear weapons but the allies became aware of this and they launch an operation to sabotage the heavy water production in Norway. The operation was successful and it slowed down the Nazi’s Nuclear weapon development program which in turn changed the outcome of the war.
jiaozi
The first recorded use of paper currency in the world is believed to have occurred in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The Chinese used paper money in the form of “jiaozi,” which were paper notes issued by the government that could be exchanged for gold or silver. The jiaozi were used primarily as a means of exchange, but they also functioned as a way to store wealth, as they were easier to carry than heavy coins. The use of paper money eventually spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and the Americas, where it became an integral part of the financial system.
college football game between Georgia Tech and Cumberland University
In the early 1900s, a college football game between Georgia Tech and Cumberland University ended with a final score of 222-0 in favor of Georgia Tech. Cumberland had only recently formed a football team and was severely outmatched by Georgia Tech, which was one of the top football programs in the country at the time. This remains the most lopsided victory in college football history.
Why people shaved their eyebrows in ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, it was common for people to shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning when their cats died. Cats were considered sacred animals in ancient Egypt and were often depicted in art and literature as symbols of grace, beauty, and good fortune. The loss of a beloved pet cat was therefore a significant event, and many people chose to shave their eyebrows as a way of expressing their grief and devotion to their feline companions. Some people also believed that shaving their eyebrows would help to ward off evil spirits or bring good luck.
One of the craziest facts about ancient Egypt and cats is that it was considered a capital offense to kill a cat, even accidentally. Cats were so highly revered in ancient Egypt that the punishment for harming one was severe. In fact, according to some accounts, a person found guilty of killing a cat could be sentenced to death. The reverence for cats in ancient Egypt was due in part to their role in controlling pests, as well as their association with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted with the head of a cat and was believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who worshipped her. The ancient Egyptians also believed that cats had magical powers and could protect them from harm.
First footing
New Year’s Eve is usually celebrated with parties, fireworks, and other festive activities. In many cultures, it is also a time for making resolutions for the coming year, and for looking back on the past year.
One somewhat unusual tradition that takes place on New Year’s Eve in some parts of the world is the practice of “first footing,” in which the first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day is believed to bring good luck to the household for the coming year. In some traditions, the “first footer” should be a tall, dark-haired man, while in others, the first footer should be a woman with a baby. In some places, it is also considered good luck to be the first to visit friends and family on New Year’s Day.
Another interesting fact about New Year’s Eve is that it is often associated with the concept of “ringing out the old, ringing in the new.” This refers to the idea of leaving behind the challenges and difficulties of the past year and starting fresh in the new year. This is often symbolized by the ringing of church bells or the lighting of fireworks at midnight, which marks the transition from one year to the next.
New Year’s Eve superstitions
Traditionally, New Year’s Eve is a time for superstitions and rituals believed to bring good luck in the coming year. Some people believe that eating certain foods, such as beans, lentils, or pork, can bring prosperity and good fortune. Others believe that performing certain actions, such as wearing red underwear or jumping over waves at the beach, can also bring good luck.
In some parts of the world, people also engage in traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations that involve strange or unusual customs. For example, in Spain, it is traditional to eat 12 grapes at midnight to bring good luck for each month of the coming year. In Denmark, people throw old plates and dishes at the doors of friends and neighbors as a way of celebrating the new year. In Japan, it is traditional to ring a bell 108 times to symbolize the release of 108 earthly desires and troubles.
Despite these strange traditions, New Year’s Eve is a time of joy and celebration for people all around the world, as they come together to ring in the new year and look forward to the possibilities and opportunities that the future holds.
New Year’s resolutions
The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions dates back to ancient Babylon, where it was believed that the gods would bestow good fortune upon those who demonstrated a willingness to improve themselves. The ancient Babylonians would make promises to their gods at the start of the year to pay off debts, return borrowed items, and make amends for wrongdoings.
In modern times, the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions has evolved, and it is now a common practice for people to make promises to themselves to improve their lives in some way. Some common New Year’s resolutions include losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking, and saving money. Despite the best intentions, however, many people struggle to stick to their resolutions and often abandon them within a few weeks or months.