Category: Language and Culture
Hi all.
In this topick you can write about interesting facts about your country or facts that you heard of.
I will post one about my country soon.
Nikos
The following is taken from an article called 10 things to still from the Greeks.
You can read it all at http://www.greecetaxi.gr/index/greekcustoms.html
If you visit Greece or Cyprus you will see a lot of people having a kompoloi especially men. But what exactly is a kompoloi and what it means you can read from the article below.
• The kompoloi, or string of beads, a familiar sight in the hands of many Greek men, originally came from the Orient. Once it arrived in Greece, it became
a form of plaything, always with an uneven number of beads. The word komboloi incorporates the word kombos, meaning the "knot". The fascination and magic
derived from these "knots" running through your fingers must come from the thoughts conjured up from playing with these beads.
• The kompoloi is certainly more than just a mean of passing time. Once is almost tempted to say that is reflects a way of life. There is the sound of the
beads clocking together, the feel of the smooth beads between your fingers, the hours that slip away while playing with the beads, including an almost
trance - like state. There is one important, yet very basic lesson to be learned from playing with the kompoloi beads and that is that the circular string
of beads symbolizes the belief that everything returns, nothing really ends: in other words, the belief in infinity.
I personaly have got one as well.
Nikos
I thought I'd see if I could rustle up 10 facts that are at least of some interest about England/Britain as it is the land in which I was spawned. Strap up and try not to fall asleep!
Very interesting Dan. I Look forward for more facts about other countries.
Hi,
Here is an interesting fact about an aspect of French law. In France, when you die you're not at liberty to choose exactly what happens to certain possessions. When you die, by law your house has to be left to your eldest son, and a certain percentage of your money goes to the state. I just thought that was interesting, because I know that in Great Britain and I suppose countries like America etc, you can do what you want with all your possessions when you die and no exceptions.
What about if somebody hasn't got a sun? Where does the house go? lol.
Anyway another fact about Cyprus and Greece is that people selebrate their name day as well as bbirthdays. For example because my name is Nikos my name day is the 6th of december and everyone with the name Nikos selebrade. I know in some countries they have got saint Nikolas day on the 6th of December.
So when people selebrade name days they might get presents similar to birthdays.
Now that is quite interesting! I know that in the states at least, when you pass on, if you have a legally binding will and testament, that allows you to leave various parts of your estate, posessions, cash, stocks, bonds, reel estate etc, to whomever you specify. However, if you do not have a legally binding will when you die, your estate is often times turned over to the govenrment. One issue some people have with leaving their estates to other individuals is that their debts come along with it. This can be a major problem if someone's debts amount to more than the total financial value of their assets!
This is an interesting topick. I have Canoed the River Severn in England and Canoed 11 miles. Also what I found interesting was the selobrating of Names in Greece. I wonder what mine would be what date. My name is Michelle. Now some facts about Scotland. Scotland is the home place of Golf, Scotland has the best water in the world and they make the best whisky. I don't drink whisky though.
Interesting. Keep them coming and thanks to the people who replied already
The Scots allow you to be on the internet as Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, they also keep you alive with Penecillan, they invented the Stamp and the Pnuematic Tyre, also Tarmac for all those huge straight american roads. The american navy was created by a Scot John Paul Jones, the 1st national park in america,was created by a Scot John Muir. Scotland is home to one of the most famous names in bike racing, Jim Moodie, who won the fearsome Isle of Man TT race 8 Times, and no it hasn't gone to his head. Good job the helmet would be a guy tight fit..smile.
hmmm.
Australia was a penal colony which the british ran for a long time before they stopped sending convicts here.
Australia's population is mostly gathered round the coastline, there's considerably less people in the middle, as much of that is desert.
Australia is home to the longest stretch of straight railway line in the world, the 180 KM line through the Nullaboure plain.
2 out of every 3 australians eat vegemite for breakfast on their toast.
Australia is part of the british empire.
Australia has an agreement with the US that if ever the US go to war, we have to help them.
There's a town called hell in the country, and also a Chinamans nob.
hmmmm, that's all i can think of now.
CG If you ever get the urge to try a dram I'd advise MacAllan as it's so smooth, or Glenmorangie, is equally good.
I didn't understand the previous post and if it is related to this topick. CG didn't post anything here anyway.
But good facts about Australia and Scotland.
Greetings Nikos,
I was referring to Chocolate Girl and a dram is drink of whisky.
Sorry. I didn't know about the whisky and i didn't realise you ment chocolate girl with the letters CG.
I never had whisky before. I had Irish coffee which consists of whisky but i am sure whisky on its own must be much stronger.
Nikos
Dram…that’s a new term to me… so here is a bit of research:
Thanks Connie.
That was interesting.
Nikos
The Scottish whisky comes in Single Malt and Blended the Single Malt is smoother and much more expensive, however there are smoky whiskies from the isle of Jura, which would seem really rough unless you have become accustomed to the smoke and strength of the whisky. The 2 I mentioned are very smooth, you just sit back and sip it slowly, preferrably in a warm bath, on a cold wet night. smile.
Cold wet night you say… sounds as though Summer is quickly advancing to the finding of its transformation, for soon the briskness of the chill of frosty Autumn with Winter not far behind, nippingly refreshing as snow glistens the skye of night with flecks of crystallized icy snow descending in order that the hills are blanketed, keeping safe the newest blooms yet to be of a Springtime only moments away…
Thanks everyone for your comdributions.
Please keep posting.
Nikos
Hi all.
We didn't have any facts for long time.
Look forward to read more about other countries.
The Strangest Laws in the World
Taken from http://www.weird-websites.com/justweird/strangelaws.htm
The law is an ass – No matter what you want to do there will have been a time and place when it was legal and another time and place where it was illegal.
The following are some of the strangest laws that have existed. Be careful some are still in force.
Scotland
It is illegal to be possession of a cow while under the influence of drink.
If someone comes to your house and asks to use of your commode, you must let them enter.
England
It is an offence to impersonate a Chelsea Pensioner.
A Member of Parliament must not enter the House of Commons wearing a full suit of armour.
Committing suicide is classified as a capital crime – punishable by death.
Sticking a postage stamp, bearing the Queens portrait, upside down on an envelope is an act of treason.
In Chester you are allowed to shoot a Welsh person with a bow and arrow provided it is done inside the city walls and after midnight.
France
Between the hours of 8AM and 8PM, the music played by radio stations must be a minimum of 70% by French artists.
It is illegal to kiss on railways.
Pigs must not be called Napoleon.
Kissing on French railways is illegal.
Italy
It is illegal to practice the profession of charlantry.
A man may be imprisoned for wearing a skirt.
Singapore
It is illegal to perform oral sex unless it is part of foreplay leading to full sex.
Anyone not flushing a public toilet may receive a large fine.
A person convicted of littering three times, will have to clean the streets on Sundays wearing a sign saying "I am a litter lout."
Relieving yourself in an elevator is particularly forbidden.
Sweden
Prostitution is legal but using the services of a prostitute is illegal. – Must make trade rather difficult!
South Korea
Traffic police are required to report all bribes that they receive from motorists.
Switzerland
After 10 P.M. a man may not relieve himself while standing up.
It is perfectly legal to drink absinth (a type of alcohol), but it is illegal to produce, store or sell it.
Australia
All taxi cabs must carry a bale of hay in the trunk.
Victoria
In Victoria only licensed electricians may change a light bulb.
In Victoria it is illegal to wear pink pants after midday on a Sunday.
Canada
In Toronto it is illegal to drag a dead horse down Yonge Street on a Sunday.
Teenagers must not walk down main street in Fort Qu'Appelle with their shoes untied.
Swear in French has been outlawed in Montr?al.
The owner of a can be fined if he cannot provide "proper accommodation" for any guest with a horse.
China
It is illegal to go to college unless you are intelligent.
Rescuing a drowning person is not allowed as it would be interfering with their fate.
Denmark
Attempting to escape from prison is not illegal, however, if caught, the person must serve out the remainder of his term.
Middle East
In most Middle Eastern countries following Islamic law is enforced: "After having sexual relations with a lamb, it is a mortal sin to eat its flesh."
In Lebanon, it is legal for men to have sex with female animals. However, having sexual relations with a male animal is punishable by death.
In Indonesia the penalty for masturbation is decapitation.
In Hong Kong a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, provided she does so with her bare hands. The husband's lover, quite rightfully,
may be killed in any desired way.
In Singapore, it is against the law to not flush the toilet after using it. Special police randomly check on public restrooms and violators are publicly
caned.
Only blood donors are allowed to duel in Uruguay.
USA
Alabama
Driving a vehicle while blindfolded is prohibited.
Arkansas:
The Little Rock parliament passed a law forbidding the Arkansas River to rise higher than the level of the Mai
In Mobile, pigeons are prohibited from eating the pebbles on composite roofs.
Anyone caught causing "unseemly laughter" by wearing a false moustache in church will be arrested.
It is forbidden for a man may beat his wife more than once a month
It is illegal to mispronounce the name of the state of Arkansas.
Alaska
In Fairbanks, moose are forbidden from having sex on the city streets.
By law no child is allowed to build a snowman taller than himself within school grounds.
California
In California it is illegal to set a mousetrap without a hunting license.
In Berkeley, before 7 A.M., it's against the law to whistle in an attempt to find your lost canary.
It is illegal to peel an orange in a hotel room.
It is forbidden for anyone to ride a bicycle in a Baldwin Park swimming pool
In Glendale horror films may only be shown on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday
It is against the law to drive more than 2000 sheep down Hollywood Boulevard at a time.
Hunting moths under streetlights has been banned in Los Angeles.
Washing two babies in the same tub is forbidden in Los Angeles.
Colorado
In the state of Denver, it is against the law to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbour.
In Logan County a man must not kiss a woman while she is asleep.
Growing dandelions is illegal in Pueblo.
Connecticutt
Nobody in Devon is allowed to walk backwards after sunset.
In Delaware it is illegal for a person to pawn his wooden leg.
In Hartford, it is illegal to kiss your wife on Sunday.
Delaware
A local law, in Lowes Crossroads, forbids any pilot or passenger from carrying an ice cream cone in their pocket while flying or waiting to board a plane.
District of Columbia
Sex is illegal unless performed in the missionary position.
Florida
Women may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer, as well as the salon owner.
Sexual relations with a porcupine is quite illegal.
It is illegal to sing in a public place while wearing a swimsuit.
Imitating animals is against the law in Miami.
Have sexual relations with a porcupine is a bad ideal – for legal as well as other obvious reasons.
It is illegal to fart in a public place after 6 P.M. on Thursdays.
No divorced woman may parachute on Sunday afternoons.
Georgia
In Atlanta, you are not permitted to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp.
It is illegal to say "Oh, Boy" in Jonesboro.
In Quitman a chicken may not cross the road – no jokes please!
It is a misdemeanour for anyone to attend church worship on Sunday, unless equipped with a loaded rifle.
Women, in Pocataligo, weighing over 200 pounds and wearing shorts must not pilot an aeroplane.
Hawaii
Inserting pennies into your ear is forbidden.
Illinois
It is against the law to make faces at dogs.
Talking English has been banned because the state language is "American."
Barber in Elkhart are not permitted threaten to cut off a child’s ear.
Bees must not fly over through its streets of Kirkland.
A monster is not allowed within the Urbana city limits – okay – so you tell it.
A law in Oblong, Illinois, forbids love making while hunting or fishing on your wedding day.
Wearing pyjamas while fishing is prohibited in Chicago.
Indiana
For a four hours period, after eating garlic, citizens are not permitted to attend a cinema or theatre.
On Fridays the 13th all black cats in French Lick Springs must wear belts.
It is illegal to carry fish tackle into a cemetery in Muncie.
Iowa
A kiss must not last for more than five minutes.
Transvestites are prohibited from wearing shoes with heels measuring more than 2 and one-quarter inches high.
Horses in Marshalltown are forbidden to eat fire hydrants.
Kansas
Everyone must bathe at least once a year.
Walk down a street in Lawrence while carrying bees in his hat is a crime.
A wife may successfully file for divorc? on the grounds that her husband mis
A wife may successfully file for divorc? on the grounds that her husband mistreated her mother.
Kentucky
Any female wishing to bathe on any highway within this state must escorted by at least two officers or be armed with a club However, this statute shall
not apply to any female weighing more than 200 pounds.
Legally, regardless of how much a person has had to drink he is considered sober until he "cannot hold onto the ground."
In Frankfurt: shoot off a police man's tie is considered unlawfull.
In Kentucky it is illegal to marry the same man more than 3 times. ( and probably pretty dumb too )
Louisiana
Catching lizards is fine by day but is prohibited at night.
It is illegal to shoot at the a bank teller with a water pistol while robbing a bank.
Biting someone with your natural teeth is assault, but biting someone with your false teeth is aggravated assault
It is an offence to wear an alligator costume
Maryland
In Baltimore, it's illegal to take a lion to the movies.
A woman is prohibited from going through her husband's pockets while he is sleeping.
Oysters are protected by law from being mistreated.
Massachusetts
Tomatoes must not be put in clam chowder.
It is illegal to go to bed without first having a bath. Yet another law prohibits the taking of baths on Sunday.
Mourners at a wake in Boston must not eat more than three sandwiches each.
In 1659 Christmas was made illegal - humbug.
A license is required before a goatee beard can be grown.
Only after all bedroom windows are closed and locked is it legal to snore.
Diapers must not be delivered on a Sunday.
The only place in Winchester where tightrope walking is permitted is outside a church.
Taking a bath in Boston is illegal unless one has been ordered to do so by a physician.
Michigan
A woman is not allowed to cut her hair without her husband's consent, because he legally owns her hair.
In Clawson City, it is perfectly legal for a farmer to sleep with his horses, goats, pigs, cows and chickens. ( makes for a rather crowded bed )
In Minnesota it is illegal to cross a state line with a duck on your head.
In Detroit it is illegal to wilfully destroy your radio.
A man in Detroit must not scowl at his wife on Sunday – oh well at least that leaves six other days a week.
The rather unromantic governors of Kalamazoo dictate that men are not allowed to serenade girls.
In Minnesota, it's illegal to tease skunks.
In Minnesota women may face up to 30 days in jail if they impersonate Santa Claus.
Mississippi:
No person shall shave in the middle of the street in Tylertown
In Bourbon there is a law prohibiting turtle races being held at the airport
It is forbidden to shoot squirrels in a courtroom in Canton.
Montana
In Bozeman, a law prohibits sexual activity between members of the opposite sex in the front yard of a home after sundown - but only if they're nude. (
You must practice safe sex and wear socks – well you're safe from the law at least!)
It is a felony for a wife to open her husband's mail
New Hampshire
By law you are forbidden to tap your feet, nod your head, or in any way keep time to the music in a tavern, restaurant, or caf?.
New York
In New York City women can ride the city subways topless.
In Carmel, is not allowed to be seen in public wearing a jacket and pants that do not match. (well that’s understandable)
A man greeting another by “placing the end of his thumb against the tip of his nose and wiggling the extended fingers of that hand." Will be arrested for
disorderly conduct.
Playing golf in the streets of Albany is forbidden.
Brooklyn donkeys are not allowed to sleep in bathtubs.
On Staten Island a man is not permitted tocall his son a faggot or queer in the hope that it will cure his ‘girlish’ behaviour.
North Carolina
Having sex in a churchyard is strictly prohibited.
Elephant must not be used plough fields.
A law has b
A law has been passed which bans hurricanes from entering Topsail Beach city limits.
Ohio
In Cleveland it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting license.
In Paulding, a policeman is allowed to bite a dog in order to stop it barking.
Selling corn flakes on a Sunday, in Columbus, is forbidden.
You can be arrested in Youngstown, if you run out of petrol.
People wearing a Santa Claus outfit must not advertise beer.
If you must through a snake at someone avoid Toledo.
Causing a fish to become intoxicated is against the law.
In Shawnee three or more dogs are not permitted to meet on private property without the consent of the owner.
Oregon
In Willowdale cursing while having sex with his wife is totally taboo.
Also in Willowdale a husband may not whisper sweat nothings into his wife's ear during sex if the sweet nothings are in any way ‘dirty’
Pennsylvania
It is an offence for a housewife to sweep dust, out of sight, under a rug.
A man must obtain written consent from his wife if he wishes to purchase alcohol.
Have sex with a truck driver in a Harrisburg toll booth should be avoided for you are likely to be arrested.
In Morrisville, woman must gain a permit to put on make-up.
Rhode Island
In Providence a tooth brush and toothpaste must not be sold to the same person on a Sunday.
Tennessee
It is illegal lasso to catch fish with a lasso.
A Dyersburg woman must not call a man and ask for a date.
San Francisco
Tripping horses for entertainment has now been made illegal.
Animals are banned from mating publicly within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school, or place of worship.
In Cupertino, it is illegal to count backwards audibly in hexadecimal.
South Carolina
Eating watermelons in the Magnolia Cemetery is strictly forbidden
Tennessee
It is against the law to shoot deer from a moving automobile but whales may be.
In Memphis, it is illegal to sell teddy bears on a Sunday.
Texas
It is illegal to put graffiti on another person’s cow.
Pigs, in Kingsville, are prohibited from having sex on the city's airport property.
A stoke of genius saw the creation of a law which dictates that criminal must give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain
the nature of the crime the intend committing.
In Clarendon, it is against the law to dust any public building with a feather duster.
It is an offence to carry a sword or a spear to a polling place
In Clarendon lawyers must accept eggs, chickens, and other produce as payment of legal fees.
Vermont
It is forbidden to deny the existence of God
If a women wishes to wear false teeth she must first obtain written permission from her husband.
Whistle under water is against the law.
Virginia
Hens are not permitted to lay eggs before 8 am or after 4 pm
In Lebenon it is a crime for a man to kick his wife out of bed
In Richmond flipping a coin to decide who pays the bill in a caf? is illegal.
In Norfolk, a woman must not go out unless wearing a corset. Corset inspector were introduced to enforce the law – some people have all the lousy jobs.)
West Virginia
Huntington firemen must not whistle at or flirt with any woman who is passing the firehouse.
In Nicholas County clergyman are not permitted to tell jokes or humorous stories from the pulpit during a service.
Washington
In a cunning plan to reduce crime a law was passed which requires all motorists with criminal intents to telephone the Chief of Police before crossing the
city limits.
Lollipops are illegal. ( this has created a sub-culture of lollipop dealers )
By law having sex with a virgin under any circumstances is illegal – even on the wedding night!
In Bellingham, it is illegal for a woman to take more than 3 steps backwards while dancing.
Citizens of Seattle must not carry a concealed weapon that is over six feet in length.
Wisconsin
In a rather prudish move the Governors of
In a rather prudish move the Governors of Connorsville have made it illegal for a man to shoot off a gun when his partner has an orgasm.
In Milwaukee, parking a car for over two hours is not allowed unless a horse is tied onto it.
I know this was a long document but i found it interesting.
I hope you like it.
Nikos
that was interesting.
Wow. I don't know if all of those are true, but they are funny all the same.
Greetings Nikos,
Thanks Connie for the link. I will check it out.
I never heard this song before but i like the lyrics.
It's a very good way of describing the new day.
Anyway we are out of the subject now. If anyone has got more facts please post them.
Greetings Nikos,
Some more MICHIGAN/State of, information/facts:
Capital
Lansing
Total Area
58,527 sq mi
151,586 sq km
Population
9,938,444 (2000 census)
Major Cities
Detroit (1,000,272), Grand Rapids (188,242), Warren (138,078), Flint
(134,881), Lansing (125,736) (July 1996 est.)
Highest Point
Mt. Arvon
1,979 feet
603 meters
Industry
motor vehicles, machinery, fabricated metal products, food processing,
chemicals, mining, tourism
Agriculture
dairy products, beef cattle, vegetables, hogs, corn, hay, soybeans
Natural Resources
natural gas, iron ore, petroleum, magnesium, portland cement
(U.S. Government sources)
Thanks Connie.
Very interesting.
Greetings Nikos,
On the radio this morning was this advertizement re:
http://michigan.org
It is a web place re: MICHIGAN information
Thot you might enjoy researching/reading about
Connie
Thanks Connie. I will have a look.
They are all pretty interesting facts!
I forgot about this topick. Glad it came back lol.
Glad you liked it Sandra.
Some facts that i just recalled awhile ago
There are 7107 islands in the Philippines
It is divided into three regions Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
There are so many dialects, but the main language is Tagalog
The capital of the Philippines is Manila
The place is known for some extinct plants and animals
It's a good place to take a vacation
There is a place called Boracay and it is famous for having white sandy beaches and a good tourist spot.
Thanks for bringing back this topick.
Nicosia, the capital of my country Cyprus is the only devided capital in europ. Cyprus is devided in two parts. The south which is the Greek part and it is the bigger and the one rekognised, and the north which is Turkish. It is a long story how it happened and i am not good explaining. I believe Greek and Turkish both are to blame of what happened. Both parts made mistakes.
Some Greek Cypriots don't like Turkish people but i don't have anything against them. The only Turkish people that i don't like are the people in the Turkish goverment and army.
If you want to read more you can find information in wikipedia and in other sites on the internet. One is www.kypros.org but i would suggest that you find sources from both sites so you can make your mind.
Firsts in U.S. Cities:
Famous first-City-Date
Ambulance service Cincinnati, Ohio 1865
Aquarium New York, N.Y. Dec. 10, 1896
Automobile service station Pittsburgh, Pa. Dec. 1, 1913
Baseball stadium Pittsburgh, Pa. June 30, 1909
Cathedral, Roman Catholic Baltimore, Md. Built 1806–1821
Commercial radio station Pittsburgh, Pa. Nov. 2, 1920
Computer Philadelphia, Pa. 1946
Daily newspaper Philadelphia, Pa. Sept. 21, 1784
Electric company New York, N.Y. Oct. 15, 1878
Elevator, safety New York, N.Y. 1852
Ferris wheel Chicago, Ill. June 1893
Hospital Philadelphia, Pa. Feb. 11, 1752
Lighthouse Boston, Mass. 1716
Motion picture theater Los Angeles, Calif. April 2, 1902
Opera house New Orleans, La. 1859
Parking meter Oklahoma City, Okla. July 16, 1935
Public museum Charleston, S.C. Jan. 12, 1773
Public TV station Houston, Tex. May 25, 1953
Railroad station Baltimore, Md. May 1830
Railway, elevated Chicago, Ill. 1892
Revolving restaurant Seattle, Wash. May 22, 1961
Skyscraper Chicago, Ill. 1885
Subway Boston, Mass. Sept. 1, 1897
Traffic light Cleveland, Ohio Aug. 5, 1914
Zoological garden Philadelphia, Pa. July 1, 1874