Which is the most intriguing town in the world, and why? Rochefourchat France. This tiny town even deceives Google. How? Read on. Since the census of 1999, this town has had only one inhabitant, making it the least populated commune in France and the world, excluding those destroyed in World War I that now have zero inhabitants (List of French villages destroyed in World War I – Wikipedia). In 1793, Rochefourchat had 220 inhabitants. That was its peak, and since then, the population has steadily declined. Between 1990 and 1999, another inhabitant died. Did the remaining resident handle the funeral? If you’re tired of noisy neighbors, early morning visits from […]
Why do people climb mountains? In short, “The Very Big and the Very Small.” To elaborate, there’s a route in the Rainbow Slab of North Wales named “The Very Big and the Very Small.” When it was first established, it was one of the most challenging slab climbs in the world. The name of this route derives from the contrast between the extreme focus gained by immersing oneself completely in the sensation of one’s body during the climb (the very small) and the experience of feeling fully open to the entire surrounding environment when reaching the end of the climb or a ledge on a multi-pitch climb (the very big). […]
It had been several days since Pooh and Piglet last heard from Eeyore. With concern in their hearts, they donned their hats and coats, embarking on a journey through the mystical expanse of the Hundred Acre Wood. Their steps led them to Eeyore’s humble abode, a house crafted from sticks and twigs. Inside, they found Eeyore. “Hello, Eeyore,” said Pooh, his voice a gentle whisper in the stillness. “Hello, Pooh. Hello, Piglet,” replied Eeyore, his tone tinged with a melancholic undertone. “We came to see how you are,” said Piglet, his words wrapped in sincere worry. “We hadn’t heard from you and wanted to know if you were okay.” Eeyore […]
Is Immortal Life Possible? Life is already immortal. We lament our mortality, while each of us is merely an expression of the phenomenon of life that began billions of years ago and may continue for trillions of years. We do not know exactly when life began on Earth, but the oldest confirmed traces date back 3.7 billion years. It was then that the self-sustaining, never-ending, and incredibly complex chemical reaction we call life began. Every time organisms reproduce, this reaction spreads to new clusters of matter. They are insignificant as long as the whole phenomenon persists. We see this in eusocial organisms like ants and termites. They sacrifice their lives […]
What Are the Things People Never Tell You About Life? One of the seldom mentioned truths about life is regret. Most people keep their regrets to themselves, feeling too ashamed or believing there is no need to speak of what has already passed. What do people regret the most? “If only I had been brave enough to speak my mind. If only I had believed in myself more.” Indeed, something worse than failure is regret. As I read the novel *Before the Coffee Gets Cold*, I came to understand an essential truth rarely spoken of about life: the regrets that people tightly keep to themselves. Regret for choosing to leave […]
As an American, is there a way to live self-sufficiently off-grid without worrying about property taxes or government issues? Yes, there is. Based on your very limited criteria… A.) Choose one of the following states (note the later edit about “Indian” reservations!): Alaska, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, Tennessee, or Texas. (These states have legalized off-grid living and offer a high standard of living for those who choose it.) In other states, off-grid living is essentially criminalized. B.) Find a ranch, farm, oil field, or other facility where property taxes are free/reduced. C.) Negotiate a barter agreement with the owner/operator of that facility – trade labor on the farm or ranch (a […]
Why don’t the Black Americans, who feel unjustly treated in America, wish to return to Africa? There was a man named David Robinson. He was the son of the legendary American baseball player Jackie Robinson. Over thirty years ago, he decided to leave America. He sold everything he owned – his house, his car, his entire American life – and set out for the countryside of Tanzania. One day, David Robinson was walking with one of his grandchildren on his farm. Amidst the vast greenery, he said, “One day, all of this will be yours.” His words carried gently on the wind. He was a proud man. Robinson and his […]
Meeting the Cyclist Attempting a World Record: 110 Days Around the Globe Lael Wilcox, a name spoken in hushed reverence among the world of long-distance cycling, was, surprisingly, a late bloomer in the sport. It was a sun-kissed morning on May 26, 7:06 a.m. precisely, when Wilcox pedaled away from Chicago’s Grant Park, initiating her audacious pursuit of the Guinness World Record for circumnavigating the globe by bicycle. The clock had started ticking. Her goal was clear: to cover 18,000 miles in 110 days, demanding at least 163 miles of daily cycling, a challenge that would test the very fabric of her endurance. In pursuit of this record, Wilcox […]
A 12-year-old boy fell from a boat into the middle of the sea, unnoticed by anyone. Scott Welsh, a 40-year-old man from New Zealand, had a passion for fishing. This love for the sport had been passed down to his 12-year-old son, Rico. Scott, Rico, and Rico’s uncle, Krunal, would seize any opportunity to embark on fishing trips together. They had fished in various exotic locations, reeling in rare catches. Their next fishing trip was meticulously planned, and they decided to venture out to sea in a motorboat. With all preparations complete, they set out in the morning, heading for the southern coast, hoping to land some good fish. A […]
What are the tough wild animals that survive in the harsh wild? There are many, but let me tell you something different. You often eat this. Think your life is the hardest? This fish is threatened with death every second from all directions by various ocean creatures! You know the answer already, don’t you? Yes, the sardine, also known as the “pilchard” in some parts of the world. What’s special about sardines and other similar small fish? Sardines can live up to more than ten years in the wild, but usually only around five years because of the many serious threats they face, including large-scale human fishing. Their strategies […]