7 (More) Stranger Than Fiction Things That Are Absolutely True💥

Summary

The article presents seven unusual but true facts from around the world, ranging from a supposed time-traveling tomb to the origins of bubble wrap.

Abstract

The article delves into seven peculiar truths that challenge the boundaries of belief. It discusses London's Brompton Cemetery's mysterious tomb of Hannah Courtoy, rumored to be a time machine or teleportation device. It also explores the therapeutic benefits of crying, which releases endorphins and oxytocin. The piece humorously notes the annual loss of Guinness in UK mustaches and the musical road in New Mexico that plays "America the Beautiful" through car wheels. It highlights Usain Bolt's remarkable achievements despite his scoliosis, the accidental invention of Bubble Wrap as a failed attempt at textured wallpaper, and the historical reversal of the Dunce Cap's symbolism from a sign of intelligence to one of foolishness.

Opinions

The author finds the legend of Hannah Courtoy's tomb as a time machine or teleportation device amusing, yet intriguing, despite the historian's dismissal.
Crying is portrayed positively, as a natural mechanism for emotional and physical relief, akin to a "happy drug."
The UK mustache study is presented with a light-hearted tone, suggesting that facial hair might not be the most efficient for beer enthusiasts.
The musical road on Route 66 is seen as a creative and patriotic use of road grooves, adding an element of surprise and delight for drivers.
Usain Bolt's scoliosis is presented as a testament to overcoming physical challenges, emphasizing his hard work and strength.
The origin story of Bubble Wrap is shared with a sense of irony, highlighting the unpredictability of inventions and their eventual practical applications.
The Dunce Cap's transformation from a symbol of intellect to one of ignorance is viewed with a touch of irony and a reflection on the changing perceptions of knowledge and intelligence over time.

1. The Tomb Said To Be A Time Machine (Or?)

London’s Brompton Cemetery has inspired some odd ideas. It’s the final resting place of Hannah Courtoy, who was well-known for her respect for ancient Egyptian astrological knowledge. Her remains are interred beneath a 20-foot-tall granite mausoleum with a pyramid peak, and a bronze door etched with Egyptian hieroglyphs, which is inscribed with her name.

The key that opens the chamber was lost, giving rise to its unusual reputation. Because no one can get inside to verify or deny superstitious rumors, there is a local legend claiming it isn’t a tomb at all but rather a time machine. However, historian Steven Coats claims, “It’s not a time machine.” Then what is it? Coats says, “It’s a teleportation device!” (Okay, then 😖)

2. Crying Works Like A Happy Drug

Having a “good cry” might just be what the doctor ordered. According to studies, crying increases the production of endorphins, our body’s natural painkiller, as well as feel-good hormones like oxytocin. Therefore having a “good cry” is a real thing. Shedding tears will likely lead you to smile more in the long run. 😢 😃

3. Almost 25,000 Gallons of Beer a Year Wasted In UK Mustaches

Believe it or not, there was actually a study commissioned in the UK to study how much Guinness was lost a year in the British drinkers’ mustaches. The commission discovered that Guinness drinkers with mustaches unknowingly waste an estimated 162,719 pints every year by trapping it in their facial hair. Perhaps the moral of the story is the shaver will be a saver. 😜 🍻

4. Road Grooves On Route 66 Plays “America The Beautiful”

There’s a desolate stretch of highway a quarter-mile long in New Mexico between Albuquerque and Tijeras. The New Mexico Department of Transportation added grooves in the road. When vehicles drive over the area at 45 mph, the rumble strips cause a vibration. Those groves have been positioned in such a way that “America the Beautiful” can be clearly heard from the sound of the vibrations through the car’s wheels.

5. The Fastest World Runner Has Scoliosis

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt officially holds the world’s record for the Men’s 100 meter sprint time of 9.58 seconds. You would assume that he would be in perfect physical condition. However, he has Scoliosis, a spinal deformation. “My spine’s really curved bad,” Bolt told ESPN Magazine. But he added that he works hard to keep his core and back muscles strong to compensate.

6. Bubble Wrap Was Originally Designed To Be Wallpaper

The original aim of Bubble Wrap was far removed from the usage we know it today. In 1957, Al Fielding and Marc Chavannes were developing a textured wallpaper. To make it, they sandwiched two shower curtains together, trapping air bubbles in the process. As is obvious, today, the wallpaper idea didn’t meet consumer demand!

Next, Fielding and Chanvannes tried to market their invention as greenhouse insulation. Again…no go. Three years later, marketer Frederick W. Bowers got the idea that would work well as packaging material. The rest of the story is Bubble Wrap currently sells around $400 Million yearly as packaging material.

7. Dunce Caps Were Originally To Show Intelligence

The pointed cap was worn by medieval thinkers such as John Duns Scotus, who thought that it would assist in the transmission of information from the tip to the brain. His “Dunsmen” followers wore them as a badge of pride. In the 1500s, though, his ideas began to lose favor and the significance of the Duns cap was reversed, becoming a joke for lack of intelligence.

There you have it. Now your coconut is filled with more interesting trivia. No dunce cap for you! 😆

Don’t forget to check out the first seven 😄