A weekly newsletter for all your intellectual, spiritual, and physical needs
Hello all! Welcome to Volume 256 of Dovi’s Digest!
Sometimes I feel old. My back gets sore if I sit for too long. Occasionally my knees do a pretty good impression of Rice Krispies when I stand up (Snap, Crackle, and Pop). I’ve even been known to fall asleep at inopportune moments.
One thing however keeps me young – being very much up to date with the zeitgeist. I’m still pretty hip and happening when it comes to memes and whatever it is that makes the young ‘uns laugh (although I must confess skibidi toilet took me a while.) I know what’s going on in the world culturally and have for years. I was there for “the dress”, the pink and grey Vans (and the dayummm Daniel), Yanni and Laurel, and what there are more of: doors or wheels.
So, I wasn’t all that surprised that something new cropped up in the last few weeks. It’s raised quite a few eyebrows, but the latest internet fuel debate is whether 100 men could beat a single gorilla in hand-to-hand combat. Now, 100 men is a lot, and should be able to overwhelm the gorilla through sheer force of numbers. But one needs to take into account that a fully grown gorilla stands 1.7m tall, and weights upwards of 200kg, most of which is muscle. They could literally tear a man’s head off his body.
Of course, this has fuelled very spirited debate on the interwebs, with people taking sides, getting angry, and then hurling insults. Typical internet stuff.
Luckily for us, some primatologists have waded into the argument, and have given us an answer. You can read this week’s headline article to finally settle it once and for all.
Seeing as this week was also Star Wars Day (May the fourth, as in: may the fourth be with you) I’ve thrown in a few related articles. It was also cinco de quatro, but that’s more niche, but if you get it, please please message me.)
In this week’s added extras:
Scientists captured the first footage of a colossal squid in its natural habitat. (Courtesy of Yisroel G)
WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE OTTERS: A new National Geographic documentary tells the story of a man who became friends with a starving otter pup named Molly. After the death of his parents, Billy helped nurse Molly back to health and learned a lot about love, nature, and I’m already crying just talking about it.
What would a nanosecond on the sun do to you?
Try to name all the characters in this sprawling animated scene.
Do you enjoy the Digest? Would you like it to get better? Then please consider sharing it, as the more articles I’m sent, the better it is. It only takes a few seconds, and all you need to do is click here 👇. Thank you!
There were ZERO correct answers to any of last week’s questions. So, I’ll leave them up for another week. There’s a new riddle below as well.
Keep those articles (and everything else) coming.
Have a great weekend,
Dovi
And now, the articles:
Could 100 Men Beat a Gorilla in a Fight? Here’s What Primatologists Say
The latest debate to tear through the internet envisions a gladiatorial battle between humans and one of our great-ape relatives.
When Reggie, the World’s Tallest Dog, Met Pearl, the World’s Shortest Dog
He was a massive Great Dane. She was a pint-sized Chihuahua. During one adorable playdate, the two superlative pups became fast friends.
George Lucas Reveals Why Yoda Talks Backwards at ‘Empire Strikes Back’ Anniversary Screening
The Economics of Golden Visas
A program that grants residence to investors has brought in needed cash but exacerbated affordability problems in European countries. Is the United States next?
Do Twins Become Allergic to The Same Things?
If one of a pair of twins is allergic to something, does that mean the other twin will be sensitive too?
Rancho Obi-Wan
The largest Star Wars collection in the world is its own galaxy of collectibles.
Losing My Dad in Installments
Back then, it felt easier to say goodbye to each part of him as they left.
Quote of the Week:
“A true gentleman is one who knows how to play the bagpipes – but doesn’t.” Anonymous
Word of the Week:
(Courtesy of Tamya D)
Cineaste
sin-EE-ast/ˈsɪnɪast/
noun
a filmmaker.
A person who is fond of or knowledgeable about the cinema.
Do you know a word you think others should know about? Submit it here!
Facts of the Week:
The bootlace worm is as long as Nelson’s Column is tall.
The Ravenmaster at the Tower of London whistles a special tune to summon the ravens to bed each night.
In 1959, a new language was discovered in the Pyrenees that consisted entirely of ear-splitting whistles.
The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers a degree in yodelling.
He’e holua is the traditional Hawaiian sport of lava sledding.
Skyaking is the extreme sport of skydiving in a kayak.
The oldest skydiver is a 101-year-old British D-Day veteran.
You can scuba dive underneath Budapest.
Only 16% of Hungarians think they live in a tolerant nation.
Cartoon of the Week:
Tweet of the Week:
Headline of the Week:
Brainteaser of the Week:
Below are the chapter headings for the Wikipedia article of a famous historical figure. Who is it?
1. Name
2. Birth and historical background
3. Early life
4. Chinon
5. Military campaigns
6. Trials and execution
7. Visions
8. Clothing
9. Legacy
Last week’s brainteaser:
1. Which of these is NOT an anagram of a breed of dog?
- Nitrate
- Looped
- Tea garden
- Tester
2. Which pair of words are BOTH anagrams of countries?
- Moan and Planes
- Ignite and Chain
- Serial and Rabies
- Regalia and Candela
3. Which pair of words are NOT both anagrams of chemical elements?
- Ringtone and Groan
- Sliver and Deal
- Nit and Humidor
- Snuggest and None
4. Which of these has an anagram that has the opposite meaning to itself?
- Angered
- On the sly
- Twelve plus one
- Evil