Quick Talez

In 1681, a Dutch ship returned home with news of the extinct dodo. But what’s curious is why locals said the bird vanished nearly two decades earlier. Some suspect a secret famine led settlers to erase the 'untasty' bird—once believed inedible—from existence. The dodo's extinction wasn't just from sailors but part of a mysterious culinary lore!

In a bizarre feat of endurance, Frenchman Michel Lotito, known as "Monsieur Mangetout" (Mr. Eat-All), consumed an entire Cessna 150 aircraft over two years from 1978 to 1980. Lotito had a rare condition called Pica, which enabled him to eat metal, glass, and rubber, astonishing doctors worldwide. His diet included a daily accompaniment of mineral oil to help digest the unorthodox meals.

On the Micronesian island of Yap, enormous stone discs known as Rai were used as currency. These limestone discs, up to 12 feet in diameter, were exchanged without being moved. Ownership was recorded orally, and transfers occurred without altering their location, proving that value and trade rely as much on consensus as on physical presence.

During WWII, Dutch painter Han van Meegeren sold a "Vermeer" to Nazi leader Hermann Göring. After the war, accused of collaboration, van Meegeren revealed it was his forgery, painted to dupe the Nazis. He became a national hero overnight for his deception, showcasing an extraordinary twist where art protected art and reputation.

In 1963, a cat named Félicette was launched into space by France. Often overlooked, Félicette was picked from a group of stray cats and became the first—and only—feline astronaut. She survived the trip and returned safely, her short mission proving crucial in advancing human space travel. Salutations pour Maria the Astrocat!

During WWII, the all-female Soviet 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known as the "Night Witches," flew over 23,000 sorties using outdated biplanes. They cut their engines while approaching targets to silently glide in before releasing bombs, terrifying the Germans. Despite meager resources, they became one of the most highly decorated units, earning their nickname for the magical silence of their attacks.