Miscellaneous 2024, November

What does the word "kabuki" mean and other little-known facts about Japanese theater

What does the word "kabuki" mean and other little-known facts about Japanese theater

Kabuki is more than just classic Japanese theater. This is a whole art that touches not only interesting topics and plots, but also the acting, masterful musical arrangement and, of course, the scenery. Today, kabuki is a masterpiece of world heritage, about which we will tell you a few curious and little-known facts

How an actor Jean Mare became a sculptor at 73 and what his "Man Walking Through the Wall" tells about

How an actor Jean Mare became a sculptor at 73 and what his "Man Walking Through the Wall" tells about

An unusual sculpture can be seen in Montmartre in Paris: a bronze man walking through a wall. This strange monument perpetuates the memory of two people at once: the writer Marcel Aimé, who in 1943 wrote the story "The Man Walking Through the Wall", and his friend, the famous actor Jean Marais, who is the author of the sculpture. Few of the fans of "Fantomas" and "Count of Monte Cristo" know that after 50 years, the popular actor returned to his old hobby - painting, and a little later

Who traded slaves and other facts that debunk the most common myths about slavery in America

Who traded slaves and other facts that debunk the most common myths about slavery in America

Since ancient times, the slave trade has been an extremely profitable business for people of completely different nationalities and religions. Everyone did this: Arabs and British, Portuguese and Dutch, Muslims and Christians. By the middle of the 18th century, the Americans had joined the European slave traders. The first in New England to legalize slavery in northern Massachusetts. There are many myths and horror stories about this unsightly period in human history. Find out the whole truth about the five most common

How soda machines appeared in the USSR, and what a funny thing because of them happened to Khrushchev in America

How soda machines appeared in the USSR, and what a funny thing because of them happened to Khrushchev in America

For the first time, the automatic sale of carbonated water in the USSR at the official level was mentioned in 1932. "Vechernyaya Moskva" published a note that the Leningrad plant worker Agroshkin invented an innovative gas water device. The development of automated trade in the Soviet Union began under the auspices of Khrushchev. Pre-war engineering developments were brought to life after Nikita Sergeevich's visit to America, where he was introduced to a similar device. For four decades of operation

Were Soviet submarines involved in the disappearance of the ship, or the missing crew of the Joyita

Were Soviet submarines involved in the disappearance of the ship, or the missing crew of the Joyita

There are many legends around the world about ghost ships, whose crews disappeared without a trace in the depths of the sea. The "Flying Dutchmen" are periodically carried away by the current aground, thrown by the storm wind onto the rocks, and sometimes they even collide with ships sailing in the night. In 1955, the ship "Joyita" was discovered in the Pacific Ocean, from which the crew, passengers and even cargo disappeared without a trace. The incident was blamed on Soviet submariners, Japanese pirates and even drug dealers. And although the official version provided

How the Russians defended the Americans, or why Russian squadrons arrived in San Francisco and New York

How the Russians defended the Americans, or why Russian squadrons arrived in San Francisco and New York

At the beginning of 1863, a tense international situation developed. In Russia, an uprising began in the former Polish territories (in the Kingdom of Poland, the Northwest Territory and in Volyn). The goal of the rebels was to reclaim the borders of the Polish state in accordance with how it was in 1772. In the United States, a civil war has been raging for the third year. England and France supported the Polish rebels in Russia and the rebellious southerners in America. Russia sent two of its squadrons to the shores of the United States, “killing one

Christopher Columbus - a hero or a villain, or How the legend of the great explorer appeared

Christopher Columbus - a hero or a villain, or How the legend of the great explorer appeared

Christopher Columbus is a legendary man, a heroic figure in world history! First explorer to establish a European presence in the New World. His personality is so controversial! In Christian circles, Columbus is almost a saint, his arrival in America is a national holiday. But in fact, who is he, a heroic explorer or a greedy villain?

5 most desperate female pirates in history, whose lives have been more exciting than any novel

5 most desperate female pirates in history, whose lives have been more exciting than any novel

What boy did not play pirates in childhood? After all, it is so exciting and romantic to sail the seas on your own ship, capturing other people's ships. Who has not dreamed of such a dizzying adventure? However, contrary to popular belief, not only men, but also women were engaged in the pirate craft. Moreover, the ladies-corsairs achieved such heights in this difficult matter that they earned the unofficial status of "queens". There is significant historical evidence for this. The most desperate pirates in

Because of what collapsed 6 of the most highly developed ancient civilizations: Secrets discovered by newly discovered artifacts

Because of what collapsed 6 of the most highly developed ancient civilizations: Secrets discovered by newly discovered artifacts

The history of the Ancient World is replete with evidence of the existence of ancient highly developed civilizations. Archaeologists managed to discover many unique artifacts that allowed them to discover most of the secrets of ancient peoples and cultures that lived on Earth many millennia ago. Unfortunately, merciless time indifferently erases the answers to some questions of scientists. But persistent researchers often find answers where they never expected to find them

Why Americans do not take off their shoes at home, and other habits that seem strange to Russians

Why Americans do not take off their shoes at home, and other habits that seem strange to Russians

No, even if we assume that they have “the streets are washed with shampoo,” then “our” person cannot but be distorted by the spectacle when Americans, even just heroes of films, wander in street shoes right on the carpet (my mother would have killed for that!) , or even lie on the bed. It is clear that the difference in mentality also makes itself felt by the difference in habits, but there should be a logical explanation for everything?

7 world celebrities who became inventors and received patents

7 world celebrities who became inventors and received patents

Thousands of patents for a variety of inventions are issued worldwide every year. Many patents have been awarded to the most real inventors who have been doing this all their lives. But in the list of people who have documented their rights to create something new, you can find the names of famous actors, performers and musicians. In our today's review, we will focus on celebrities who became inventors

Forks, football, Smurfs and other inventions that were attributed to the dark forces in different eras

Forks, football, Smurfs and other inventions that were attributed to the dark forces in different eras

Zealots of Christian virtues at all times believed that the machinations of Satan can be very diverse. Sometimes they were found in seemingly completely harmless things. Of course, new inventions were always the first in line. Sometimes it took decades for a novelty to gain trust and remove suspicions of being associated with an unclean

Which predictions of the futurists of the 1950s have already come true, and which will come true soon: distance learning, drones, etc

Which predictions of the futurists of the 1950s have already come true, and which will come true soon: distance learning, drones, etc

Futurology is a very interesting teaching that is at the intersection of science, art and common sense. It has nothing to do with predictions, since futurologists always carefully follow technical innovations and try to guess the vector of human development. Sometimes it works out well, and then we admire their perspicacity, sometimes the trends are guessed wrong, and in that case it looks funny. Not so long ago, another direction has become fashionable - retrofuturism, - the study of prog

How Roquefort and other fascinating facts about cheese appeared from the Neolithic to the present day

How Roquefort and other fascinating facts about cheese appeared from the Neolithic to the present day

This is not just a tasty and healthy product, it is the hero of many legends and traditions, the most ancient of which date back to the Neolithic times! In fact, the cheese itself existed even then - and the attitude towards it in various cultures was equally respectful: the ancient Greeks associated cheeses with the gods of Olympus, and fans of surrealism - with the creations of Salvador Dali

10 new films about iconic artists from different times that reveal little-known facts

10 new films about iconic artists from different times that reveal little-known facts

All too often, genius goes hand in hand with all sorts of oddities and bad temperaments. Therefore, the life of every great artist asks for a screen. Over the past three years, ten biographical films have been filmed about the great masters of art. A gift or a curse to see the world differently from other people? Artists express all the beauty and darkness of this world with the help of their canvases, sketches, sculptures. Some films debunk myths about famous artists, while others contribute to

10 lost treasures that are still looking for today: the Tomb of Genghis Khan, the library of Ivan the Terrible, etc

10 lost treasures that are still looking for today: the Tomb of Genghis Khan, the library of Ivan the Terrible, etc

From ancient times to the present day, countless stories and legends tell of priceless treasures from all over the world, lost without a trace. Some of them exist only in words, while others were found and made public not so long ago. But be that as it may, the lost treasures of the world are innumerable and many of them are of particular importance to history

How the West destroyed the economy of imperial China, dragging the Celestial Empire into a series of conflicts and "scams"

How the West destroyed the economy of imperial China, dragging the Celestial Empire into a series of conflicts and "scams"

The Chinese Empire is generally viewed as economically inferior to the European imperial powers. However, for most of its history, imperial China was significantly wealthier. Even after establishing relations with the West, he ruled the world economy, occupying a dominant position in global trade networks, being one of the richest countries in the world until a certain moment that shook his economy

Because of what Queen Maria de Medici was at enmity with her son and How she became the "kept woman" of the artist Rubens

Because of what Queen Maria de Medici was at enmity with her son and How she became the "kept woman" of the artist Rubens

The story of Marie de Medici is so epic that it’s hard to believe. A failed marriage, lust for power, escape and hatred of her own son are just a small part of what she had to face. The once powerful and domineering woman, forever banished by her own son, ended her days as a poor beggar dependent on the generosity of the artist Peter Paul Rubens. But her name went down in history forever, leaving an indelible mark on it

Lady of the East and captive of Rome: 8 little-known facts from the life of the Palmyra queen Zenobia

Lady of the East and captive of Rome: 8 little-known facts from the life of the Palmyra queen Zenobia

Queen Zenobia of Palmyra faced many difficulties after the death of her husband and the collapse of Roman rule in the Middle East. And to confront her opponents, she created the Palmyra Empire, becoming a cultured, just and tolerant monarch who ruled over multilingual and multi-ethnic subjects, encouraging intellectual movements at court. Unfortunately, her reign was very short and this dynamic female monarch fell to the resurgent Roman Empire

Facts about the life and death of Cleopatra that sound like fiction and resemble a plot for a movie

Facts about the life and death of Cleopatra that sound like fiction and resemble a plot for a movie

Warriors, poets, enemies, rivals and friends, contemporaries and descendants, great empires and Hollywood film studios - all of them, as a rule, fell at the feet of the unsurpassed Egyptian queen. Sly, wise and dangerous Cleopatra to this day is a vivid example of how female beauty, deceit and intelligence can not only save the world, but also destroy it, leaving after an indelible mark in history, and thereby forcing researchers to fight in eternal guesses how the last ruler of Egypt died and where

Why the samurai disappeared: 12 fascinating facts about fearless warriors

Why the samurai disappeared: 12 fascinating facts about fearless warriors

The samurai were some of the most impressive warriors the world has ever known. Fiercely loyal to their lords, they would rather kill themselves than face dishonor. These people were highly trained, battle-hardened career soldiers who were ready to fight to the death in an instant. Or at least it was during the Sengoku period. By the end of the Edo period, many of them had become less militaristic and more bureaucratic. The decline and fall of the samurai took place slowly and as a result of many

Why England's Virgin Queen Elizabeth I never got married: 13 very good reasons

Why England's Virgin Queen Elizabeth I never got married: 13 very good reasons

From an early age, she had incredible willpower and a strong character. Her intelligence and stubbornness made her one of the most powerful and desirable women in history. She managed to make the parliament dance to its tune and become everyone's favorite. But despite the power and the throne, Elizabeth I never married, forever remaining a virgin queen. What was the reason for this - further in the article

14 tragic facts from the life of the most unfortunate queen in history: Mary Stuart

14 tragic facts from the life of the most unfortunate queen in history: Mary Stuart

Mary Stuart's life was turbulent and incredibly dramatic. And it is not at all surprising that she has become a favorite object of filmmakers and writers, praising and throwing mud at her. As a Catholic, the Scottish queen, raised in France, faced a Protestant wave during her six-year reign. She had no luck with men, and it seemed that fate was against her at every turn. Problems and strife did not subside around the crown. Since Mary was a direct descendant of Henry VII, then

Why the Italians in the 17th century invented "wine windows", and How the plague tradition has revived today

Why the Italians in the 17th century invented "wine windows", and How the plague tradition has revived today

During this endlessly ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all types of businesses are looking for different ways to continue providing their services while ensuring social distancing. Some entrepreneurs have shown miracles of creativity in this matter. Recently in Florence they even decided to revive the legendary tradition of those times when plague was raging in Europe for this purpose. Thanks to this, a national Italian tradition that dates back to the 17th century has come to life

Why the life of the Austrian Empress Sissi is compared to the story of Princess Diana

Why the life of the Austrian Empress Sissi is compared to the story of Princess Diana

She had a carefree childhood and an almost "fabulous" life, so much like a golden cage. She was loved and despised. They looked at her with admiration, adoration and envy. She was the very woman who once saw her, it was impossible to forget. And the history of the Bavarian rose is compared with the story of Princess Diana, who became the favorite of the whole world

Why the Soviet Ice Queen was not allowed abroad: Swedish love, a criminal husband and tragic vicissitudes in the fate of Inga Artamonova

Why the Soviet Ice Queen was not allowed abroad: Swedish love, a criminal husband and tragic vicissitudes in the fate of Inga Artamonova

The name of the skater Inga Artamonova is hardly heard by today's sports fans. Perhaps only sports historians will remember the outstanding speed skater, whose record has not been broken so far. She became world champion four times, but she never made it to the Olympics. At the age of 29, she was killed by her own husband, stabbing her heart

How the empty graves of the cenotaph appeared, And who do people worship on them

How the empty graves of the cenotaph appeared, And who do people worship on them

A gravestone over an empty or non-existent grave sounds like the beginning of a detective story. But it is quite possible that we are talking about a cenotaph, and then the novel can become historical. True, the appearance of such a structure is sometimes really associated with both crimes and investigations

Lunches with mummies and other oddities of the most dissolute king of Naples: Ferrante of Naples

Lunches with mummies and other oddities of the most dissolute king of Naples: Ferrante of Naples

The passion for collecting was born, probably, together with the person. However, in the Middle Ages, when stamps, badges and matchboxes had not yet been invented, collectors of rarities had a hard time. Crowned persons could collect jewelry, military victories or mistresses, but the king of Naples, Ferdinand I, who lived in the 15th century, collected the mummies of his enemies. Interestingly, everyone around him, including his wife, was aware of the strange "infatuation", but never argued. Possibly out of oops

How the children of the legendary Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are remembered in the world

How the children of the legendary Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are remembered in the world

Queen Victoria is considered the most iconic and most prominent monarch throughout the world. Together with Prince Albert, they ruled long and wisely, and the foundations of the British monarchy that they laid are still valid today. However, did you know that the queen had as many as nine children, and that she perfectly combined maternal and royal qualities? Who were they, the royal offspring, and what are they best known for?

What secrets are kept by the most ancient rotunda in Greece with golden mosaics, and why is it called the Lesser Pantheon of Greece

What secrets are kept by the most ancient rotunda in Greece with golden mosaics, and why is it called the Lesser Pantheon of Greece

In the center of the second largest Greek city of Thessaloniki stands a mighty round brick structure with a conical roof - the ancient Rotunda of Galeria. While its appearance is awe-inspiring, the real treasure is the golden Byzantine mosaics hiding inside. This building has witnessed more than seventeen centuries of the city's history and welcomed Roman and Byzantine emperors, Orthodox patriarchs, Turkish imams and then Greeks again. Each of these peoples left their mark, which

What was the "divine art of asceticism and piety" in the Byzantine Empire

What was the "divine art of asceticism and piety" in the Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire, also known as Byzantium, was a cultural and political center during late antiquity and the Middle Ages. Its ideology and culture have been heavily imbued with a religiosity-oriented Christianity. Consequently, all this and much more had a huge impact on art, which absorbed asceticism and piety

The secret of the popularity of the most seductive actress of the 20th century: Sophia Loren

The secret of the popularity of the most seductive actress of the 20th century: Sophia Loren

The most beautiful Italian and one of the most seductive actresses of all time is Sophia Loren. The woman about whom the archbishop of Genoa once joked: "The Vatican, of course, is against cloning people, but for Sophie's sake I would make an exception!" The great Fellini himself compared Lauren with the Mona Lisa. What made this talented actress so beautiful, mysterious and desirable? Let's try to reveal the main secret of Sophia Loren's crazy attractiveness

Adriano Celentano and Claudia Mori: go through everything and stay together

Adriano Celentano and Claudia Mori: go through everything and stay together

Half a century - this is how long the love of famous Italian actors and musicians Adriano Celentano and Claudia Mori lasts. Their happiness was not cloudless: there were quarrels, betrayals, partings, stormy reconciliations, passion, but most importantly, there was always love. After all, a relationship cannot be perfect, this is what distinguishes real feelings from love on the screen. Ultimately, the only thing that matters is that they have been together for 50 years and are still incredibly happy

The most precious inheritance: How was the relationship in the family of Irina Alferova with her own and adopted children

The most precious inheritance: How was the relationship in the family of Irina Alferova with her own and adopted children

Sergei Martynov and Irina Alferova have been living together for a quarter of a century. He was called the Soviet Alain Delon for his incredible beauty and special masculine charm, and Irina Alferova, despite the many roles she played in the cinema, for many viewers remained Constance Bonassier from the film "D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers". After the wedding, they lived together, but soon in their family, in addition to their own daughter Irina Alferova, three children appeared at once in a difficult adolescence

What does Boris Moiseev look like in a new image: How the king of outrageous recently surprised his fans

What does Boris Moiseev look like in a new image: How the king of outrageous recently surprised his fans

Boris Moiseev, an extravagant dancer, choreographer and singer who ascended to the top of the national Olympus three decades ago, turned 66 in March this year. No matter what he did in his life, there were always far fewer people who believed in him than those who tried to throw a stone at him. But, the artist stubbornly, with all his might, swam against the current and still achieved his goal. And now, having survived a difficult stroke, he has been reborn like a Phoenix from the ashes and continues to amaze and shock

100 roles, 8 children and not a step back: Actor Sergei Gorobchenko's happiness formula

100 roles, 8 children and not a step back: Actor Sergei Gorobchenko's happiness formula

Many people know Sergei Gorobchenko as a famous actor who has made a successful career in cinema and theater. The hero of comedies, action films, melodramas and theatrical performances, possessing a radiant smile, has been famous among his fans for many years as the heartthrob of Russian cinema. However, only loyal fans know that Sergey's heart is trembling in his hands with one unique and unique, and that he is the father of eight children

How the two daughters of Alexei Batalov communicated and shared the inheritance from different marriages

How the two daughters of Alexei Batalov communicated and shared the inheritance from different marriages

Alexey Batalov, a famous Soviet actor, was married twice. In his first marriage with Irina Rotova, a daughter, Nadezhda, was born, very similar in appearance to her famous father. The second marriage of Alexei Vladimirovich lasted more than half a century, the wife of Gitan Leontenko gave her husband a second daughter, Maria, who has been suffering from a serious illness since birth. How did the relationship between Nadezhda and Maria develop, and how did they share the legacy of their famous father?

Daughters who are like two drops like their star fathers

Daughters who are like two drops like their star fathers

They say that every man dreams of a son, but loves his daughter more. And you can't argue with that. Apparently, these celebrities also wanted the birth of their daughters so much that their heiresses turned out to be like two drops similar to stellar fathers. Don't believe me? Then take a look at these photos. You will be surprised at this similarity

Children of celebrities who are very similar to their star parents

Children of celebrities who are very similar to their star parents

Parents from the first days of their child's life look for their own traits in him and are very proud if the heir is like them. Celebrities are no exception. At the same time, everyone hopes that children will not only look like them in appearance, but will also be able to inherit talent and reach great heights in life. In our selection of famous parents and their adorable children, very similar to mom or dad, and sometimes both at once

How was the professional fate of the children of famous Soviet actors

How was the professional fate of the children of famous Soviet actors

Very often children of people of creative professions choose the same profession as their parents. From childhood, they absorb the creative atmosphere, often visit the theater, on the set and on tour with their parents, and then make a choice in favor of the inherited profession. However, it also happens that children of stars not only do not want to repeat the path of their parents, but also choose something exactly the opposite