A list of curious facts
One: Yes, 3D printing can churn out all sorts of things—including medicines and even chocolates. But did you know that we can now ‘print’ entire neighbourhoods? A Texas startup has ‘constructed’ 100 homes using a machine that is 45 feet wide. It prints three-to-four bedroom houses using a mix of sand, water, concrete powder etc.
The nozzle literally “squeezes out the concrete mixture like toothpaste onto a brush” to make “corduroy-effect” walls. Just one machine plus one construction crew takes three weeks to print a single house. The bad news: the thick walls make it harder to get a wi-fi signal. The more surprising bit: these homes cost anywhere between $450,000 and $600,000. Printing a home isn’t exactly cheaper than building one the old-fashioned way. You can see the printer in action in the video below—and the final product in the lead image. (Reuters)
Two: The words sarcasm and sarcophagus may seem completely unrelated, but both these words have the same roots in death. The Greek word sark means “flesh”. Hence, ‘sarcasm’ means “tear flesh like dogs” because—hey—the words always bite. And ‘sarcophagus’ means “flesh-eater”—a reference to the limestone used to make the coffins–which help decompose flesh. Also unlikely twins: ‘disaster’ and ‘asteroid’—which have aster or star in common—and ‘seminar’ and ‘semen’, which are both derived from serere—the act of sowing seeds. Something to remember when you’re next in class:) Mental Floss has a longer list.
Three: Once upon a time, influencers were busy showing off their hottest swag—which worked really nicely for brands. Now, they’re racking up views telling you not to buy anything at all. Say hello to the new TikTok trend called “underconsumption core”—which is a fancy version of less is more. So instead of showing off a new lipstick or hot summer dress, these underconsumption connoisseurs are flaunting bare closets—filled with hand-me-downs or upcycled items.
It’s a whole new kind of virtue-signalling—and no less inorganic. It’s already being branded in terms such as “flexing ‘luxe’ slowness.” Also this: “lower-income individuals have been doing many of the things that are shown in these videos for ages.” In any case, you’ll at least be making your dada/dadi proud. For inspiration, check out an #underconsumptioncore video below (The Guardian)
Four: This one will blow your mind. Did you know that China exports more mangoes than India—and most of them are Indian varieties such as Dasheri, Chausa, Langda, and even Alphonso. Even more heart-rending: India exported mangoes worth $55.94 million in 2023. China’s number in the same year: $59.43 million. It gets worse: We actually import some of those ‘Made in China’ mangoes, as well.
The reason for this national shame—Jawaharlal Nehru. Yup, for once the BJP folks can feel entirely vindicated. This disaster was put in motion by his “mango diplomacy” back in the 1950s and 1960s—and the eight saplings he gifted Beijing. This is why China wants all those panda babies back! (Mint, paywall, The Tribune)
Bonus fact: Entire novels have been penned about gorgeous, impeccably women geishas who serve ‘salarymen’ in Japan. But Japan has been home to “host clubs” for female clients since the 1960s. To this day, “male geishas” pamper and flirt with them all night—for a hefty price. Many of them are dressed as KPop stars—with “designer clothes, perfect hair, lithe bodies, spray tans, and even plastic surgery.” One reason for their enduring popularity: “More than 60% of Japanese women in their late 20s are unmarried, double the rate in the mid-1980s.” Many of these ‘hosts’ are now celebs—and show up on TV shows. But they’re also under fire for seducing women into massive debt. (Economist, paywalled, Japan Times)
