Discussion on the origins of cuteness and its association with cute animals. Study reveals how exposure to cute images enhances performance in playing Operation. Fascinating teeth in various fish species and their correlation with feeding habits. Lengthy book club dedicated 28 years to reading James Joyce's work. Oprah's book club impact on sales and fart volume study. Hilarious phenomenon of visible farts in cold weather and comparison to 'winning the poop'.
The Pillow Book written in Japan in the 10th century contains a list of cute things, providing insight into life during that period
The viperfish's long teeth and expandable stomach are adaptations that help it thrive in its deep-sea habitat
Book clubs, primarily made up of women, have significant influence on book sales and reading trends
Deep dives
Adorable things from a thousand years ago
In a book called The Pillow Book, written by a woman named Sei Shōnagon in Japan in the 10th century, there is a list of cute things that includes faces drawn on melons and chicks whose clothes are too big for them. The book is a collection of random observations and lists, and it provides a glimpse into life and preferences in the high-end period.
The Viperfish's Long Teeth
The viperfish has teeth that are so long that it can't close its mouth properly or it would impale its own brain. It swims with its mouth open and catches prey by clamping its teeth shut like a cage. It can expand its stomach to swallow prey that is 50% bigger than itself. It's an adaptation that allows it to thrive in its deep-sea habitat.
The Influence of Book Clubs
Book clubs are a popular way for people to discover and discuss new books. They contribute to the success of certain books, as being selected by book clubs can lead to becoming a bestseller. Book clubs are estimated to be 88% women, and they often have a significant impact on book sales and reading trends.
Beans Liquid Causes Flatulence
According to an article on Serious Eats, the liquid in a can of beans is more likely to cause flatulence than the beans themselves. The article states that rinsed beans are 20% less likely to cause flatulence compared to unrinsed beans. Additionally, the liquid that is discarded from the can is 30% more likely to cause flatulence. This is due to the liquid absorbing the fart-inducing properties of the beans while they disintegrate. Therefore, rinsing beans and discarding the liquid may help reduce the likelihood of flatulence.
28-Year Book Club Finally Finishes Reading Finnegan's Wake
A book club in America dedicated 28 years to reading James Joyce's difficult and complex novel, Finnegan's Wake. They initially tackled only two pages per book club meeting, but later reduced it to one page. After completing 15 chapters, they finally reached the end of the book, only to discover that the last sentence loops back to the beginning, prompting them to start over again. The book club persisted through the pandemic and held Zoom meetings. While Finnegan's Wake remains an enigmatic and often unreadable work, the club members persevered in their commitment to exploring and deciphering it.