Europe

Why Europe Doesn’t Build Skyscrapers Like US or Asia

Why Europe Doesn’t Build Skyscrapers Like US or Asia
Curiosities
year ago

Most of Europe’s skyscrapers are concentrated in 5 cities. But even combined, all these places have fewer skyscrapers than New York City alone! For a building to be considered a modern skyscraper, it has to be about 490 ft high, which means it should have at least 40 to 50 stories. A story is simply one floor of a building with an average of 14 feet from floor to ceiling.If you had visited the US just before the 1870s, you’d have found only one skyscraper. The Home Insurance Building in Chicago was the world’s first high-rise building, with 10 floors. Wow! North America started to construct more and more high-rise buildings. It happened because cities were getting too populated. Every piece of land was too valuable.

The Story About the First Person in Europe With Down Syndrome Who Managed to Get an Education and Find a Job

The Story About the First Person in Europe With Down Syndrome Who Managed to Get an Education and Find a Job
People
5 years ago

In 2009, the Spanish film Me, Too was released. The main character of the film is a guy with Down syndrome. This disease did not prevent him from becoming a college graduate, a teacher, and a fan of art. The movie is fictional, but it could easily be a documentary. The thing is, the main part in the film about the only person in Europe with Down Syndrome that managed to get a college degree and find a job is really played by the only European man with Down syndrome and a college degree — Pablo Pineda.

I Won’t Give Up My Dreams Just Because My Grandson Needs Me

I Won’t Give Up My Dreams Just Because My Grandson Needs Me
Family & kids
4 days ago

Life has a curious way of putting us in uncomfortable dilemmas at the least expected moments. That’s what happened to “Margaret,” a woman who sacrificed for others throughout her life. At 74, just as she was about to make her lifelong wish come true, her son showed up asking her for something that meant putting her dreams on hold in favor of something else. Now Margaret is faced with a difficult crossroads that she doesn’t know how to face and for which she needs some advice: should she continue to sacrifice for her family or is it time to put her happiness first? Let’s break down this complicated situation and explore the emotional conflict Margaret is subjected to.

10 Stories That Prove Family Vacations Are Far From Stress-Free

10 Stories That Prove Family Vacations Are Far From Stress-Free
Curiosities
2 weeks ago

Most people look forward to vacation—a chance to unwind by the seaside, go camping, or explore new destinations after long hours of work and stress. However, family trips don’t always go as planned, and sometimes, they can be more exhausting than a day at the office. Here are 10 stories of family vacations that went completely wrong.

8 Brides Who Got Their Sweet Revenge—And It Was Glorious

8 Brides Who Got Their Sweet Revenge—And It Was Glorious
Curiosities
2 weeks ago

Wedding day is a dream come true for many people: flowers, tears of happiness, promises of eternal love... and in some cases, the perfect opportunity for epic revenge. Because not all brides walk down the aisle with angelic smiles and impeccable gowns. Some have a very clear mission in mind: to get revenge in the most brilliant and memorable way possible. Whether it’s against a toxic ex, a meddling family member, or even the groom himself, these brides have proven that saying “I do” can be accompanied by a sweet (and sometimes brutal) act of poetic justice.

23 Unbelievable Conversations That People Had With Colleagues

23 Unbelievable Conversations That People Had With Colleagues
Curiosities
month ago

Good conversations can spark great things, or at least good thoughts. But what happens when you come across people who have a limited viewpoint, the kind who don’t know much about anything? Here are some Redditors who had the strangest of conversations with colleagues and co-workers, making for some indelible, if hilarious memories.

My DIL Humiliated Me in Public, but Karma Came Fast

My DIL Humiliated Me in Public, but Karma Came Fast
Family & kids
month ago

Family gatherings are meant to bring people closer, but sometimes, they reveal unexpected tensions. What should have been a joyous celebration turned into an uncomfortable moment that left one woman feeling humiliated and unappreciated. A simple reaction, filled with excitement, was met with anger, creating a ripple effect that now threatens family harmony. As emotions settled, an unexpected discovery added another layer to the situation, leaving her unsure of how to move forward.

My Daughter Treated Me Like a Free Maid, but I Turned the Tables on Her

My Daughter Treated Me Like a Free Maid, but I Turned the Tables on Her
Family & kids
month ago

A family vacation is supposed to be a time for bonding, relaxation, and shared experiences. But what happens when those expectations are one-sided? Our reader has been looking forward to her long-awaited trip to Europe, only to find herself treated more like a caretaker than a fellow traveler. As tensions rose, she had to make a difficult choice: prioritize her own happiness or avoid upsetting her daughter.

I Charged My Stepchildren $500 for Christmas Dinner to Teach Their Mother a Lesson

I Charged My Stepchildren $500 for Christmas Dinner to Teach Their Mother a Lesson
Family & kids
3 months ago

We recently received a letter from a stepmom whose holiday plans were turned upside down by a surprise visit she’ll never forget. After planning a romantic trip to Europe with her husband, she opened the door on the morning of their flight to find his two kids, and his ex-wife, waiting on the doorstep. Now, she’s asking BrightSide for advice: how do you handle unexpected family drama, set boundaries, and keep your sanity intact?

I Charged My Stepchildren for Christmas Dinner — My House, My Rules

I Charged My Stepchildren for Christmas Dinner — My House, My Rules
Family & kids
3 months ago

We recently received a letter from a stepmom whose holiday plans were turned upside down by a surprise visit she’ll never forget. After planning a romantic trip to Europe with her husband, she opened the door on the morning of their flight to find his two kids, and his ex-wife, waiting on the doorstep. Now, she’s asking BrightSide for advice: how do you handle unexpected family drama, set boundaries, and keep your sanity intact?

The Future of Fashion: 2025 Trends You Need to Know

The Future of Fashion: 2025 Trends You Need to Know
Design
4 months ago

With cozy vibes on the horizon, fashion is getting a fun update this fall and winter. Exciting new trends are making their way into the spotlight, and we’ve rounded up the best of them. Get ready to finish 2024 in style and step into 2025 with fresh, bold looks that’ll keep you on-trend all season.

12 People Share Their Most Devastating Regret Ever

12 People Share Their Most Devastating Regret Ever
Curiosities
year ago

Mistakes and miscalculations in life are bound to happen. The most challenging part is dealing with the regret that follows. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that everything occurs for a reason. We should view these setbacks as opportunities to motivate ourselves for improvement. In this article, people share their significant regrets, transforming them into valuable stories from which we can learn.

20+ Facts About “Inspector Rex” That Won Our Hearts 30 Years Ago

20+ Facts About “Inspector Rex” That Won Our Hearts 30 Years Ago
Films
year ago

In 1994, the first season of the series Inspector Rex was released and immediately became very popular. The audience watched the adventures of the police officer and his dog with bated breath. They cried with emotion when the heroes came to each other’s rescue in dangerous situations, and laughed when they couldn’t share a hot dog. Our favorite TV show has turned 30 so we decided to tell you some interesting facts about it.

10 brilliant items from Amazon that reviewers call real space savers

10 brilliant items from Amazon that reviewers call real space savers
Shopping
year ago

Having little storage space is not a problem when you surround yourself with the right tools that can help you make the most of what you have. In our today’s selection of Amazon finds we’ll tell you about 10 items that will help you save space, from a kettle that can be squashed, to ingenious drying rack that lies flat on the wall when you don’t use it. Add them to your shopping cart, and you’ll be surprised to see how much storage space there really is in your house.

15 Users Tell How They Knew They Had Fallen in Love With the Wrong Person

15 Users Tell How They Knew They Had Fallen in Love With the Wrong Person

In the complex dance of love, we sometimes encounter couples who seem destined for an unfortunate ending. It’s not easy to take off the rose-colored glasses and let go of a relationship that doesn’t work out, but sometimes some situations force us to accept that Cupid has smitten us with the wrong person. On this occasion, Internet users answered how they realized their relationship would end soon.

Why India Keeps Its Cities So Short

Why India Keeps Its Cities So Short
Places
year ago

It all started with the Home Insurance Building that was built in 1885 in Chicago. Just a ten-story building, but it was a revolution at the time, and that was the beginning of the era of skyscrapers. It was constructed using a revolutionary method: the building had an inner skeleton made of steel, which allowed the walls to be thinner and the whole structure being higher than ever.

This Cat Doesn’t Drink and Leaves No Pawprints

This Cat Doesn’t Drink and Leaves No Pawprints
Animals
year ago

Let’s get into the “purrfect” world of felines. From the sand cat that can go for weeks without drinking water to the first cat that went to space. Here are the 10 interesting cat facts for you to enjoy and be informed about.

Watch Earth Change 100 Million Years in the Future

Watch Earth Change 100 Million Years in the Future
Curiosities
year ago

This. Is. Earth... 335 million years ago. I wasn’t around then, but there’s just one supercontinent, Pangaea. See? Let’s watch it shift around in fast-forward. Ok here we go, it just split into two huge pieces! Australia goes this way, North and South America go that way. Africa, Asia, Europe, forming, forming... and there we go, the planet as it is today. Let’s keep going, I mean, the continents are always on the move! Over time, some of them will crash into each other, others will break apart. But that’ll take about 100 million years! Better put it on super fast-forward! 100 years from now. Humans keep spitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and the planet’s already warmed up a bunch. The world’s ocean levels have risen about 4 feet. The Bahamas? They’ve totally disappeared! 200 years from now. The Earth’s population is about 19 billion people. The climate’s gotten even warmer, we’re packed in like sardines over here! New medical tech makes it possible to live to 180! But why? Fossil fuel reserves of oil and gas... long gone. Oh, and the continents have drifted over 16 feet!

Atlantic Ocean Is Growing and Pushing Pacific to Disappear

Atlantic Ocean Is Growing and Pushing Pacific to Disappear
Curiosities
year ago

In 2016, scientists decided to visit the widest part of the Atlantic Ocean, between Africa and South America. It’s kind of lonely there. They went days without seeing a single plane or ship. It was mostly just dolphins and whales swimming by. They were in the middle of nowhere, so why?They were floating right above one of the most important geological spots on Earth, the mid-Atlantic ridge. It’s where two monster tectonic plates meet. Tectonic plates are massive jigsaw pieces that are constantly moving, even though we usually can’t feel them. They form Earth’s crust and, in this case, meet beneath the Atlantic Ocean.

15+ Realities of Life in Austria That Can Puzzle Newcomers

15+ Realities of Life in Austria That Can Puzzle Newcomers
Places
year ago

Austria, located in the heart of Europe, remains a perennial favorite among tourists. Its magnetic allure attracts visitors from far and wide, seeking to explore renowned ski resorts and immerse themselves in its abundant historical and cultural treasures. The captivating landscapes of Austria never fail to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience them. Once enchanted by its beauty, it is no wonder that visitors yearn to return to Austria time and time again, drawn by its irresistible charm.

What If Columbus Never Reached the Americas

What If Columbus Never Reached the Americas
Curiosities
year ago

It was hot in the tropics. A type of heat unknown to the men aboard the Ninã, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria ships, led by Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. It had been months since these men left their home cities in Europe. And until then, Europe was all they knew. They were given a difficult and even dangerous task. Spain hired Columbus to find a New Western Route to Asia. They needed new routes for trading and buying spices. But it was far from a simple job.I mean, crossing the ocean never is. Little did those sailors know that their lives were about to change forever! “Land in sight!”, someone must have shouted on board. But when they finally stepped on that new foreign land, they discovered they were not in Asia. They had landed in the Americas.

10 Intriguing Finds From Frozen Places

10 Intriguing Finds From Frozen Places
Curiosities
year ago

Meet “Ötzi” or “The Iceman” — a natural mummy. He lived sometime between 3350 and 3105 BCE. He was discovered in 1991 in the Ötztal Alps, near the borders of Austria and Italy. And yes, the nickname derives from the name of the mountain. Ötzi is Europe’s oldest known naturally mummified human. Ötzi was 40 something when it happened. Science is awesome. We now even know that he was left-handed and lactose intolerant! He was wearing shoes stuffed with grass and laced with aurochs leather. He also had a fur hat and carried a backpack with everything he needed to quickly make a fire. His body is now kept in a special room at a constant temperature of around −21˚ Fahrenheit. These days, Ötzi is kinda a celebrity, featuring in numerous documentaries and books.

Scientists Have Successfully Grown Plants in Moon Soil

Scientists Have Successfully Grown Plants in Moon Soil
Curiosities
2 years ago

Ever wanted to taste a salad from space? Well, you might be able to one day. Scientists have taken soil from the Moon and successfully grown plants in it! Back in the late 1960s and early 70s, it was the first time in our history we set foot on a surface that wasn’t Earth. During the several trips to the Moon in the Apollo program, astronomers brought back some rocks and soil to study. Some scientists knew it would be a good idea to preserve this soil, stick some seeds in it, and see what would happen. They didn’t do anything at first, aware that decades into the future, they’d have more advanced equipment to conduct these studies. The researchers named the lunar soil “regolith” and used the seeds of a particular plant called blah-bah-blah-baa — you can read it here [Arabidopsis thaliana] which is found in Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa. It’s similar to such veggies as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli. Yum.

What’s Up With These Weird-Looking Mushrooms?

What’s Up With These Weird-Looking Mushrooms?
Curiosities
2 years ago

Did you know that the largest living creature on our planet is a mushroom? I know, your first thought was probably a whale or some large tree, like the Sequoia. Surprisingly, if we look at square footage, the largest single living organism is a species of mycelium called Armillaria Ostoyae or the honey mushroom. And you can find it in Oregon’s Malheur National Forest. It stretches across 3 square miles! Not only is it the largest, but it’s also thought to be the oldest organism as well, estimated to be around 8,000 years old! Some scientists believe that mushrooms are intelligent, too. Well, sort of — they don’t have emotions and aren’t actually capable of thinking. But they do have some of the most complex and extensive communication systems in the world.

A Man Who Climbed 700 Skyscrapers Without Equipment

A Man Who Climbed 700 Skyscrapers Without Equipment
People
2 years ago

Imagine climbing a skyscraper without any protection. You have no security rope, no special equipment, and no special powers like Spiderman. The wind pushes you from the side, and the edges under your fingers are slippery.Plus, hundreds of people are watching and cheering you on from the ground. Would you try it? Me? No. There’s not enough money to get me to... However...

Mysterious Man From a Non-Existent Continent — Who Was He?

Mysterious Man From a Non-Existent Continent — Who Was He?
Curiosities
2 years ago

The theory of parallel worlds has been discussed in the scientific community for a very long time. Unfortunately, we’re not developed enough yet to prove or disprove it. But it’s still an interesting theory, and that’s why we have a lot of unusual urban legends about “the guests from a parallel reality”, according to many. Let’s check out a few of them. A man from a non-existent country.