Weird facts about all 50 states
How much do you really know about the United States? Wendover Productions is here to take you through all 50 states, one weird fact at a time. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/weird-facts-about-all-50-states/
The Hidden Secrets Of Native American “Marker Trees”
Unless you live in the middle of a bustling city, trees are probably something you take for granted. They surround us almost everywhere we go, making it hard not to forget about their existence every once in a while. The average person can most likely identify a few types of trees, like an oak or a pine, but the rest of them sort of blend together after a while. There are a few trees across the United States, however, that you can’t help but pay attention to when you come across them in the wilderness. Referred to as “marker trees,” these natural structures were a way for Native Americans to communicate important information from nation to nation. You can always spot a marker tree by its curved trunk, which makes it look more alien than earthly. Today, marker trees are becoming harder and harder to find, but, thanks to Dennis Downes, these gorgeous landmarks will be preserved for years to come. Check out the images below to learn more about these mysterious trees and the special purpose they served in Native American culture. Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans navigated the land without any help from Google Maps or Yelp. Native American Trail Marker Trees They relied on nature to help them find their way and send important messages to one another. Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society Have you ever seen a tree shaped like this? Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society They’re called “marker trees” or “trail trees,” and they held a wealth of information for Native Americans. Believe it or not, these trees were manipulated to grow in specific directions. Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society Members of different nations would use these trees to mark borders and guide travelers toward food and water. This tree stands in between two neighboring nations, which explains why its trunk points in two different directions. Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society (deployads = window.deployads || []).push({}); They pointed out everything from plants that could be used for medicine to sacred burial sites. Native American Trail Marker Trees Marker trees situated near rivers would indicate areas that were safe to cross. Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society Different nations had their own unique shapes to communicate a variety of messages. Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society Just like the highway signs we use today, navigating the dense forests of early America would have been difficult without marker trees. Native American Trail Marker Trees Native Americans were highly skilled when it came to following trails created by animals. Unfortunately, they needed to begin forging their own paths, and marker trees were the best means they had at their disposal. Native American Trail Marker Trees Oaks, maples, and elms tended to make the best marker trees. Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society When settlers from Europe landed in America, they, too, learned how to read marker trees. Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society (deployads = window.deployads || []).push({}); There aren’t many marker trees around […]
How to stop someone from snoring
There’s nothing like a taste of your own medicine to cure a bad habit… Read more: http://www.wimp.com/how-to-stop-someone-from-snoring/
Dick Van Dyke sings “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at a Denny’s
Customers at Denny’s got the surprise of a lifetime last week when Dick Van Dyke put on an impromptu performance of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Even though he’s 90 years old, Dick Van Dyke hasn’t lost any of the talent and charm that audiences fell in love with. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/dick-van-dyke-sings-chitty-chitty-bang-bang-at-a-dennys/
2 Hospital Employees Adopt Unwanted Baby Born Without Nose Or Eyelids
In what is a shocking response from parents, Baby Adam’s family refused to take him home from the hospital after he was born. Then, they went even further, adding that, if they did take him home, Baby Adam would be poisoned! When his birth parents saw that Adam was born without his eyelids, a nose, or hands, and that his legs were fused together, they were ashamed to call him their son. It is hard not to judge, not knowing the whole story, but most parents would do anything for their children, no matter the hardship. Unfortunately, that is not what happened for Adam. Raja and Jessica Paulraj, a hospital administrator and nurse who had been working with Adam, knew they had to do something. The couple decided that they would adopt this precious child. Adam was born with the rare genetic disorder called Bartsocas-Papas Syndrome. To combat the effects of the disease, this brand-new family traveled from Northern India to North Carolina. There, a team of doctors donated their services to save little Adam’s life. Even though the doctors had given their time, Adam’s medical bills were mounting. The hospital workers and surrounding community came together and raised $100,000 for this beloved tiny guy, all in only a week’s time. Thanks to the aid of Raja, Jessica, and a loving community, Baby Adam got the help he needed. He was able to close his eyes and mouth for the first time. Adam loves spending time with his parents and giggles as his dad plays with him. Will Adam be okay? His doctor, John van Aalst, says much remains to be done, but adds, “Is he going to be perfect? Yes, he’s already perfect.” Be sure to SHARE this incredible story with your friends and family! H/T: The Official 700 Club Read more: http://www.wimp.com/2-hospital-employees-adopt-unwanted-baby-born-without-nose-or-eyelids/
Russian train drops a sick beat
As this train pulls out of the station, it drops a sick beat that sounds like something straight out of a rap song. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/russian-train-drops-a-sick-beat/
The tiny town in Sweden where arson is a Christmas tradition
When we think of Christmas traditions, arson isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. After all, the only thing we’re used to roasting is chestnuts on an open fire, which, last time we checked, wasn’t a felony. But the people of Gävle, Sweden have a unique (and fiery) tradition that you won’t find in any Norman Rockwell illustration. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/the-tiny-town-in-sweden-where-arson-is-a-christmas-tradition/
Asian man sings country music on “Mongolia’s Got Talent”
Mongolia might not be known for its country music scene, but that didn’t stop O.Enkh-Erdene from belting it out like one of Nashville’s best cowboys. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/asian-man-sings-country-music-on-mongolias-got-talent/
A unique take on the meaning of life
Have you ever looked out at the night sky and wondered what your purpose is in life? While we may never know for certain, this video from YouTuber “AtheneWins” offers a unique perspective on a question that we will never stop pondering. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/a-unique-take-on-the-meaning-of-life/
This Guy’s Got The Funniest Strategy To A Buffet I’ve Ever Seen
Back in the days when I was a traveling minstrel, rockin’ shows all across this great land, I had a lot of opportunities to familiarize myself with the all-you-can-eat buffets of the world. As a bunch of broke musicians, we loved buffets because they were a cheap way to get a lot of food. Believe me when I say, we definitely knew how to put that stuff away. When it comes to maximizing your time at a buffet and getting your money’s worth, it’s important to have some strategy. You can’t just go for the filling stuff right away – that’s a fool’s game and it’s people like that who keep buffets in business. Although everyone has their own little tricks to buffet hacking, my method involved taking one lap around just to scope everything out and take bite size samplings of whatever looks interesting. Then you figure out what you liked most and go nuts on it. Avoid soups and heavy carbs until at least your third plate or else you’ll fill up too fast. Sushi is a great way to start the first round or two because it’s light and it’s an otherwise expensive menu item. Of course, you could go a totally different way and just load up on what you already know you love, like the guy in this video does with these noodles. If there was a prize for eating at a buffet, this guy would surely win. Sometimes the key to success is to throw caution to the wind and follow your passion. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/guy-has-hilarious-funny-strategy-for-buffet-noodles/