The first iPhone was invented in 1983!
It was designed by Apple computer developer Hartmut Esslinger, and foreshadows the touchscreen designs used by the iPad and iPhone today. He had also developed the Apple IIc, the first “portable” computer by Apple. It was never released to the public, but was kept in the Apple archives until the design was released in 1997 after Steve Jobs rejoined the company.
This iPhone isn’t the only prototype of Apple that never saw the light of day. Apple had toyed around with the iPad design for years before its launch. What’s interesting is that the 1983 iPhone device resembles an iPad with a phone, but iPads still lack this conventional phone call technology despite everything else they do. Perhaps the iPad appliance will enter that direction in its next iteration.
Pistachios can spontaneously combust! How?
Pistachios are growing in popularity as a superfood that’s great for your body. Not only are they delicious, they can even lower your risk for heart disease and improve good cholesterol when eaten in moderation. Because they are high in fat and low in water content, producers must take great care when shipping the green nuts. Pistachios are prone to self-heating and even spontaneous combustion when shipped in bulk containers.
Pistachio kernels are often eaten whole, roasted, and oftentimes salted. They can be enjoyed in ice cream, smashed into a paste for pistachio butter, and baked into cakes or cookies. Because of the pistachio gaining popularity as a health food, “The Pistachio Principle” has been developed. It describes methods of fooling a person into eating less.
This is because the act of shelling and eating pistachios one by one slows consumption, allowing one to feel full faster after having eaten less.
Mattel sued Aqua for the song Barbie Girl!
The hit-song “Barbie Song” by Norwegian-Danish pop group Aqua was the theme song of the 90’s summers. As many of you know, it was a fast paced dance duet between singers impersonating the dolls Barbie and Ken. However, the Mattel Company thought that the lyrics implied that Barbie is a bimbo- not exactly good publicity for the toy that’s always under attack.
So, naturally, the Mattel Company sued Aqua. The case was dismissed in 2002. However 11 years later, both Barbie and Barbie Girl are still relatively successful, so not too much damage was done.
The only part of Napoleon that is preserved is believed to be his penis.
After his death, an autopsy was performed on Napoleon’s body to understand what pushed the great emperor into the cold clutches of death. Napoleon’s heart and stomach were officially removed but the servant of the doctor recorded privately that other unspecified parts of the body were also snagged.
It is rumored that one of these parts is Napoleon’s penis. This “penis” has been displayed and auctioned several times. It is definitely that that body part does belong to Napoleon, but there is still debate about whether it is a penis or not.
Ancient Japanese poets would engage in poetry battles to display their wit and skill.
Renku is a Japanese form of collaborative linked verse poetry. At renku gatherings, participating poets take turns providing verses of 17 and 14 morae. Like the internet, renku distinguished itself through vulgarity and coarseness of wit. Initially, at renku gatherings, participants displayed their wit by spontaneously composing a verse in response to the verse that came before it. It was kind of like a rap battle.
The more interesting the connection between the two verses, the street cred the poet received. This practice first performed by the “waste youth” of the day, developed into a serious artistic tradition. It eventually gave birth to haiku.
