Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Going Viral > Baba Recommends

12 Unexpected Facts That Will Leave You In Awe

Edited By: Helena M.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

The more we learn about the world, the better can we understand how marvelous, fascinating, and unexpected it is. Behind any ordinary object or historical event, there is a myriad of lesser-known facts that can blow your mind. This is exactly what we’re about to present to you in the article below. Here are 12 facts about anything - from Rubik’s cube to Ancient Roman customs - that will make your jaw drop.

1. 'Teasmade' was a device popular in the 1960s and 70s in the UK. It was an alarm clock that also made tea, ensuring a hot cup of tea was ready just in time you wake up.

2. There are over 43 quintillion possible combinations to solve a Rubik's cube, yet you are never more than 20 turns away from solving one.

3. In 2011, UK resident Lee Beaumont set up his phone line as a premium rate number because he grew tired of telemarketing calls. When cold callers phoned him, he was making money by keeping them on the line.

4. The first-ever Roman fire brigade was created by Licinius Crassus. During a fire, the firemen did nothing while Crassus offered to buy the burning building from the owner at a very low price. If the owner agreed, they would put out the fire. If he refused, they would simply let it burn down.

5. David Bowie was turned down by a BBC talent selection group just before his breakthrough, stating he was an "Amateur-sounding vocalist who sings wrong notes and is out of tune."

Image Source: Adam Bielawski / Wikimedia Commons

6. Piplantri, a village in Rajasthan, India, plants 111 trees for every girl born in the village. By now, they have a whole forest.

7. There is clear evidence that shows empathy and care practices toward disabled family members within early human and neanderthal groups. Individuals who could not aid in hunting and gathering were still taken care of.

8. The board game Candyland was invented to cheer up children in Polio wards. Polio paralyzed many of its victims, and the game offered the illusion of movement.

9. In 1991, a diver discovered a 20-ton nugget of pure copper in Lake Superior. It took some 10 years of paperwork until it was pulled out in 2001.

Image Source: Yinan Chen / Wikimedia Commons

10. The Mayan people constructed their temples in a way that a handclap at the base of the temple would produce an echo that sounds like the call of the sacred quetzal bird. They believed that the bird was a messenger of the gods.

11. In Japan, it is customary for a girl to ask for the second button from the jacket of the boy they like. This is done because the second button is the closest one to the heart.

Image Source: Jim Epler / Wikimedia Commons

12. Western music was banned in the USSR, but music enthusiasts found a creative way to smuggle it into the country and discreetly distribute it. Improvised gramophone records were made out of X-ray films. This was known as 'Bone Music.'

H/T: Acid Cow

Share these mind-blowing facts with others!

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Baba Recommends

Enrich Your Knowledge with These Intriguing Facts

Expand Your Knowledge with These Intriguing Facts

They say those who keep learning stay young. So if you're a keen learner, check out these fascinating facts about history, nature, and a variety of other topics!

Nature

The Fascinating Origins of 11 Lovely Flower Names

There is no better time than spring to dive headfirst into the fascinating world of flower name etymologies! Here are the origins of the names of 11 lovely flowers.

Travel

7 Mind-Blowing Facts About Rome’s Pantheon

Besides being an impressive building, the Pantheon holds centuries' worth of history. Here are 7 fascinating facts about the iconic Roman structure.

Travel

The Great Wall of China: 8 Facts About the Iconic Landmark

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous man-made monuments in the world. Here are 8 unbelievable facts about this iconic landmark!

Baba Recommends

5 Lesser-Known Stories About the British Monarchy

5 Strange Lesser Known Stories About the British Monarchy

Some of these lesser-known rumors about the British Royal Family are funny, some are mysterious, and some are just plain odd...

Baba Recommends

7 Fascinating Facts About Ancient Humans

7 Facts About Ancient Humans That May Surprise You

Our ancient forefathers displayed many moments of courage and even ingenuity. Here are 7 fascinating and surprising facts about prehistoric humans.

Nature

15 Award-Winning Photographs from the Natural World

We have collected for you 15 stunning photos from among the professional shots sent to this year’s competition, and they are about to remind you what an incredible world we have…

Family and parenting

Guide: How To Manage Anger as a Parent

Learning to manage these emotions effectively isn't just important for your own well-being - it's crucial for your children's development and the overall health of your household.

Send Comment

Related Topics: nature, history, informative, culture, facts, baba recommends, surprising, unexpected, learn about the world

Quizzes

General Knowledge 21 Questions Long

This isn't your typical trivia quiz filled with boring facts you learned in school...

Guess the Country from Its Misconceptions

Underrated But Brilliant Films

Think you know your under-the-radar masterpieces? Let’s see if you can spot these unpolished cinematic treasures, and if not - we've left you some clues...