The modern world has many criminal organizations, each with its own leaders and bosses. Comparing today’s crime figures with the gangsters of earlier eras, however, is difficult and often misleading. Many of the notorious figures of the past built criminal empires based on violence, extortion, illegal gambling, and drug trafficking. Their so-called families operated according […]
It’s no secret that today’s consumers are becoming increasingly self-reliant. Instead of going to a barber and paying for a haircut, some people buy clippers and do the job themselves. Instead of heading to the store for fresh yogurt, they buy a yogurt maker and prepare it at home. Fortu...
Throughout history, governments have passed laws that seem bizarre, excessive, or downright amusing by modern standards. Some were introduced to maintain public order, others reflected religious beliefs or political anxieties, and a few addressed problems so specific that it is difficult to imagine...
One of the latest developments attracting attention is the newly unveiled Tesla Roadster. Its spectacular demonstration included airborne stunts and technology associated with SpaceX. However, calling it a true flying car is misleading: it is primarily an electric sports car, and the demonstrated ab...
Henry Ford’s contemporaries believed it might take a hundred years to determine whether he had helped or harmed humanity. There was no doubt about one thing: the American industrialist changed the world forever. There is little point in repeating the familiar story of a young mechanic who beca...
Most of human knowledge in every field exists only on paper, in books – this paper memory of humanity… Therefore, only a collection of books, a library, is the sole hope and indestructible memory of the human race… Schopenhauer A library is an institution that not only preserves pr...
Interest in stratospheric parachute jumps was rekindled by Felix Baumgartner, who planned to jump from an altitude of 36 kilometers. On Tuesday, 9 October 2012, Baumgartner had to postpone his jump even though he had already climbed into the balloon capsule. An unexpected gust of wind, reaching appr...
Annexation (from the Latin annectere, meaning “to join”) is the unilateral incorporation by one state of all or part of another state’s territory. Unlike occupation, which refers to effective control over territory by a foreign military, annexation asserts that the territory has become part of...
Catholics around the world have followed the historic events taking place in Vatican City. Pope Benedict XVI, who led the Catholic Church for nearly eight years, officially announced his resignation on 11 February 2013. The previous papal resignation had taken place almost six centuries earlier, whe...
Nuts are a favorite food not only of Jumbo the elephant. Humans also enjoy these nutritious, delicious foods. It’s time to give nuts the recognition they deserve, and today we’re looking at some of the most remarkable examples. Here are ten nuts that stand out for unusual qualities. 1 Th...
Many foods and drinks once popular in different parts of Europe have become less common as tastes and shopping habits have changed. Here are ten nostalgic products that can be difficult to find today. 1 Jell-O Pudding Pops These creamy frozen desserts became a hit in the United States during the 198...
Before human spaceflight became possible, scientists sent animals into space to study the effects of weightlessness, radiation and launch conditions on living organisms. From dogs and monkeys to tiny insects, these pioneering space travellers helped shape our understanding of space biology. 1 Dogs D...
What food should be on a festive table to make it look luxurious? Caviar, of course! Red caviar is a popular choice, while black caviar is often considered the ultimate luxury. Everyone knows how expensive it can be, and many have heard that fish roe contains a remarkable range of nutrients. After a...
Renewable energy is expanding rapidly around the world. Environmental concerns, energy security and falling technology costs are encouraging countries to invest in solar, wind, hydropower and other renewable sources. However, progress varies considerably: some countries lead in the total amount of r...
Almost every wealthy person eventually acquires a wine collection, whether small, large, or truly enormous. Even those who prefer other drinks may keep a collection of fine wines, because wine is not merely a beverage: it can also be a symbol of status, history, and refined taste. Some bottles have...
For centuries, humans have considered themselves the “crown of creation,” proudly believing in their superiority and treating the environment as though the planet belonged to them. Yet nature repeatedly reminds us of the limits of human power. The devastating toll of natural disasters is a sobering...
Some people adore cats, others love dogs, while many are fascinated by aquarium fish. They can spend hours watching these finned creatures glide through their glass underwater worlds. Now imagine how they feel when they enter enormous aquariums filled with marine life from oceans and seas around the...
A walk through the quiet halls of a natural history museum can be a great way to spend a hot day. But jokes aside, natural history museums have always attracted enormous curiosity from people of all ages. For many scientists, the fascination with prehistoric life began in halls just like these. So w...
Pirates! The legendary outlaws of the seas. For centuries, their names have inspired fear, fascination and countless stories. Captain Flint, Jack Sparrow, Long John Silver, Captain Hook… the list of fictional pirates is almost endless. But behind the legends were real men and women who raided ships,...
Majestic, alluring and mysterious, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most famous natural landmarks. But, despite its imposing name, it is not the largest canyon in every category. Our planet is full of enormous gorges and valleys whose dimensions can be difficult to compare because scient...