A list of curious facts
One: The new Telfar bag costs $150 and is a lovely shade of… dusty pink? Nope, the correct answer: Corned Beef. Yup, that’s the fact. Also: the winner of ‘the most likely to be banned bag’ in India. (The Cut)
Two: In ancient Roman Egypt, artists painted stunning funerary portraits of their subjects while they were alive. These were then placed on the faces of their mummies on death. What is astonishing is both their haunting beauty and how well they have survived the ravages of time. You can read historian William Dalrymple’s excellent thread—which also includes pretty images—to learn more. Or watch this lovely 14-minute video from The Met.
Three: Sticking with ancient Egypt, this 3,200 year-old ancient attendance register records reasons for absence—which include ‘his wife was bleeding’, ‘strengthening the door’ and ‘scorpion bit him’. The most popular: ‘brewing beer’, of course. (British Museum)
Four: Did you know that many countries have a list of banned baby names? For example, Sweden will not allow you to name your spawn Ikea, Veranda, Superman, Elvis and Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116 (pronounced Albin, of course). If you’re curious about the last, the parents claimed their son’s name was a “pregnant, expressionistic development that we see as an artistic creation.” USA Today has an excellent and amusing global list.
Five: Trash trucks in Taiwan play Beethoven’s ‘Fur Elise’—which is a cue for residents to come streaming out with their garbage, and maybe hang with the neighbours. New York Times has a fun piece on this eco-friendly block party. You can check out the trucks below: