Social Custom
America’s Coffee Break Festival: Celebrating a Beloved Workplace Tradition
Social Custom
For many office workers, the short coffee break holds great importance. Each year, Stoughton, Wisconsin, honors this ritual with its Coffee Break Festival, featuring coffee tastings, brewing contests, and even bean-spitting competitions.more
Fly Bikes: No Longer Sci-Fi—British Inventors Make Them a Reality
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You can actually buy a flying bicycle. It sounds like science fiction, but British inventors John Foden and Yannick Read have created one: the XploreAir Paravelo. Combining a foldable bicycle with a lightweight trailer housing a biofuel-powered fan engine, it can take flight with a long enough "runway," reaching speeds of 25 mph and heights up to 4,000 feet.more
World’s Largest Padlock Weighs 916 Pounds
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The world’s largest padlock, certified by Guinness World Records, was crafted by 师生 from Russia’s Pavlovo Art College. It measures 56.8 inches in height, 41.3 inches in width, and 10.2 inches in thickness, with its key included in the total weight of 916 pounds.more
Ukrainian Traditional Hairstyle: The Distinctive Single Lock of Hair
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In Ukraine, there exists a unique and eye - catching traditional hairstyle that has a long - standing history. This style features a man with most of his head closely shaven, while a single lock of hair gracefully hangs down.more
McDonald’s Drive-Thru: Born from Military Needs
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The first McDonald’s drive-thru window opened in Sierra Vista, Arizona, driven by a specific military requirement: soldiers from a nearby camp were barred from entering public places in uniform. To accommodate them, the restaurant’s manager cut a window in the wall, allowing soldiers to buy meals without leaving their vehicles.more
Germany’s Walkable "Lego Bridge" Blends Art and Architecture
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In Wuppertal, Germany, there’s a pedestrian bridge that looks like it’s built from giant Lego bricks. Though it’s actually a concrete structure, artists have painted it to mimic the iconic toy blocks, creating a playful optical illusion.more
Squirrels: The Surprising Culprits Behind Most U.S. Power Outages
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Most power outages in the U.S. are actually caused by squirrels, according to the American Public Power Association (APPA). The association has even developed a "Squirrel Index" system to track patterns of how squirrels impact electricity supplies.more
Ancient Greeks and Romans Used Spider Webs as Bandages
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In ancient Greek and Roman times, doctors would use spider webs to dress wounds. It was believed that spider webs had natural antibacterial and anti-mold properties, and they were also rich in vitamin K, which aids in stopping bleeding and promoting wound healing.more
Swedish Blood Donors Get Texts When Their Blood Saves Lives
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To encourage young people to donate blood, Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, sends donors a text message when their donated blood is actually used. This lets them know their contribution has truly helped someone in need.more
Rent a Country: Liechtenstein Offers Its Throne for Hire
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In a rather extraordinary move, Liechtenstein, a tiny yet prosperous principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria, has made an unconventional offer to the world. Since 2011, the country has been available for rent at a price of £40,000 per night. This unique proposition allows individuals to experience a taste of royalty and assume the role of the "temporary king" of Liechtenstein.more
Greek Men and Their Braids: A Historical and Cultural Exploration
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In ancient Greece, men's hairstyles were not only a matter of personal preference but also carried significant cultural and symbolic meanings. Among these styles, braids held a special place.more
Italians Struggle Without Their Daily Coffee Fix
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In Italy, coffee is not just a beverage; it's an integral part of the culture and daily life. Italians are so accustomed to their coffee that going without it can be a real challenge. For many Italians, starting the day without a shot of espresso or a creamy cappuccino feels incomplete.more