The tallest statue in the world

THE STATUE OF UNITY

Imagine stacking 200 elephants on top of each other—it’s crazy, right? Well, that’s how tall the Statue of Unity is! It is 182 metres (597 feet) tall, making it the tallest statue in the world.

Located in Gujarat, this statue is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. It was built in just four years with over 3,000 workers and 250 engineers working day and night. The most exciting part? You can go inside the statue and reach a viewing gallery 135 metres high, from where you get a breathtaking view of the Narmada River!

Did you know? The statue is so tall that if you stand at its feet and look up, it feels like you’re staring at a skyscraper!

History

SHOELACES 

The history of shoelaces goes back thousands of years. Here’s an overview of how they evolved:

Ancient Origins (Prehistoric Times - 1000s BCE)

The oldest known evidence of shoelaces comes from the Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy found in the Alps. His shoes were made of leather and grass, fastened with primitive laces.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used leather straps to secure sandals, a concept similar to shoelaces.

Medieval & Renaissance Period (500 CE - 1600s)

Shoelaces became more common as shoes evolved. They were typically made from leather, hemp, or other natural fibers.

By the Middle Ages, shoes featured holes (eyelets) through which laces were threaded, much like modern designs.

Industrial Revolution & 19th Century (1700s - 1800s)

Shoelaces became standardized with the mass production of shoes.

In 1790, Harvey Kennedy is often credited with "inventing" the modern shoelace and aglet (the small plastic or metal tip on laces), though laces existed long before.

20th & 21st Century (1900s - Present)

Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester replaced leather and cotton for durability.

Elastic and Velcro closures emerged, but shoelaces remained dominant in most footwear.

Today, shoelaces come in various styles, materials, and even self-tightening versions, like Nike’s self-lacing sneakers (2016) inspired by Back to the Future.

Do you know

WHY DO WE SCRATCH WHEN A PART OF OUR BODY ITCHES?

We have all experienced itching at some point or the other in our lives. You may even feel this rather unpleasant sensation at the very moment. 

An itch, known also by its Latin name Pruritus, is a sensation to which your body wants you to respond with scratching. You may either feel an intense desire to scratch or simply have an involuntary reaction - a scratching reflex. 

Itch signals are received by the same part of the brain that receives pain signals. 

It is believed that about 5% of our pain nerves are preset to send itch signals. Itching is one of our defense mechanisms in many ways like tickling and pain itself. 

Do you know

WHY ARE CHOCOLATES PACKED IN METALLIC FOIL?

Chocolates are often packed in metallic foil for a couple of yummy reasons! First, the foil helps keep the chocolates fresh by protecting them from things like air and light that can make them go bad. Just like how you might put your favourite cookies in a jar to keep them tasty, chocolate needs a little wrapper to stay delicious. 

Second, the shiny foil makes the chocolate look extra special and fancy. It’s like giving the chocolates a shiny outfit! This makes them more appealing when you see them in the store or get them as a gift. Plus, the foil helps keep the chocolate from melting too quickly in your hands, so you can enjoy it without making a sticky mess. 

So, next time you unwrap chocolate with that crinkly sound, remember that the foil is like a superhero cape, protecting and presenting your sweet treat in the most delightful way!

A World of Fun

 CARTOONS 

Cartoons are a fantastic way to tell stories through visuals, and it’s amazing to see how different cultures bring their own unique animation styles to life! Take Japan, for example, known for its anime style, which is filled with vibrant colours and intricate details that make characters feel like they’re truly alive. Shows like Naruto and One Piece are popular worldwide for their thrilling adventures, magical moments, and deep friendships from touching romances to epic battles.

In the United States, the approach is often more exaggerated and whimsical. Cartoons like The Simpsons and Sponge Bob Square Pants find humour in everyday life, with simple character designs, but their adventures are just as exciting and funny. And, of course, we can’t forget the iconic Disney cartoons and movies, which have captured hearts all over the world.

Europe also brings something special to the table with their animation styles. French cartoons, for instance, often have a beautifully artistic, charming feel. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is just one example, blending stunning visuals with captivating storytelling. Countries like Germany and the UK also create unique animations, with a perfect mix of art and narrative that appeals to audiences of all ages.

And it’s not just these regions- South Korea, India, China, Canada, and Australia and manymore countries all have their own distinctive styles. In the end, what makes cartoons so magical is not just how they look, but the stories they tell. Which cartoon’s storyline is your choice?

Unusual architecture

THE BASKET BUILDING 

The Basket Building in Ohio was an iconic structure in Newark, Ohio, designed to resemble a giant picnic basket. It was originally the headquarters of the Longaberger Company, a famous handcrafted basket manufacturer.

Key Facts:

Built: 1997

Height: 7 stories (approximately 180,000 square feet)

Design: Modeled after the Longaberger Medium Market Basket, complete with two massive handles on top.

Architects: NBBJ and Korda Nemeth Engineering

Closure: The Longaberger Company faced financial struggles, and the building was abandoned in 2014.

Current Status: In 2017, it was sold, and renovations began to turn it into a luxury hotel.

As of February 2025, the Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, remains unoccupied. Originally constructed in 1997 as the headquarters for the Longaberger Company, the seven-story structure was designed to mimic the company's signature woven basket. After the company vacated the premises in 2016 due to financial difficulties, the building has seen various ownership changes and proposed redevelopment plans.

In December 2017, developer Steve Coon purchased the building for $1.2 million, intending to convert it into a luxury hotel. However, by January 2021, these plans were abandoned, and the property was listed for sale at $6.5 million. As of October 2022, the building remained empty, with no confirmed redevelopment plans. 

Despite its vacancy, the Basket Building continues to attract attention for its unique architecture and stands as a notable landmark in Ohio.

Do you know

WHY DOESN'T  THE CHOCOLATE IN THE  CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES MELT?

Chocolate melts when heated, but when you bake chocolate chip cookies, you don't end up with a gooey mess.

Why? Cooking chocolate tends to have less cocoa butter than eating chocolate, which raises the cooking chocolate's  melting temperature and makes it more difficult to melt. 

However, the chocolate will still melt in the oven. The chocolate chips in your cookies are simply held in shape by the surrounding cookie mixture. When the cookies cool, the chips solidify again, so it looks as if they never melted.