The Calcutta Black Hole was a dungeon where British POWs allegedly died in 1756. John Holwell’s account of the incident is disputed, with little objective support. The prisoners were confined to a small room with no water, and only 23 survived. Historians doubt the number of prisoners and question whether they could physically fit in […]
The Black Death killed millions in Europe between 1347 and 1351. A 2018 study suggests that human parasites, such as body lice and human fleas, caused the outbreak, rather than rodents. The study analyzed data from outbreaks in Europe and found that the human parasite model better reflected death rates in seven of nine regions […]
Black soapstone is a soft, black metamorphic rock containing talc and magnesium. It has a “soapy” feel and is ideal for carving. It is widely used for worktops and can be repaired by sanding and applying mineral oil. Black soapstone is classified as a soft, black, metamorphic rock. Soapstone is also sometimes called steatite or […]
The Black Death, a deadly plague that killed one in four people in Europe between 1347 and 1350, wiped out a third of Europe’s population and continued to spread death for the next 300 years. The plague started in China and was spread by infected rats and fleas to humans. It included three different types […]
A study by the Medical University of Vienna found a correlation between enjoying “sick jokes” and higher verbal and non-verbal intelligence, education, good humor, and lower aggression. The study focused on 156 people who watched 12 darkly funny cartoons. “What do you get when you crossbreed a rabbit and a Rottweiler?” “Just a Rottweiler.” If […]
The terms “black” and “African American” are both used to refer to Americans with African ancestry, but there is confusion over which term is appropriate. “Black” is preferred by some due to its inclusivity of biracial individuals and recent immigrants from Africa, while “African American” acknowledges the African ancestry of all Americans with African heritage. […]
The Black Visa Card is an exclusive credit card made of black graphite composite material, with a $495 annual fee and a credit limit in the millions. It offers personalized service from a designated concierge and exclusive benefits, but approval is limited to individuals and corporations that conduct financial transactions of seven figures or more. […]
Black Bart, or Bartholomew Roberts, was a successful pirate who captured over 400 vessels during the Golden Age of Piracy. He was a skilled captain and navigator, and enforced moral rules on his crew. He operated in the Caribbean, off the coast of New England and Africa, and his treasure is estimated to be worth […]
The Black Panthers, a black activist organization formed in 1966, called for an armed revolution against racial inequality. They also addressed poverty in black communities with free breakfast programs. The party faced law enforcement campaigns and internal leadership struggles, leading to its decline by the late 1970s. In the years following the end of slavery […]
“Black and white” refers to clear answers or thinking in absolutes. Children often think this way, while mature thinking recognizes gray areas where context matters. Recognizing the gray area is important for making good decisions and understanding different perspectives. When something is “black on white,” it means that the answer is very clear, that there […]
Black gums can be caused by amalgam tattoos, tartar buildup, or malignant melanoma. Proper oral hygiene can prevent most cases, but if left untreated, it could lead to gum disease or cancer. Amalgam tattoos can be removed by a dentist. While black gums aren’t normal, they can usually be treated and aren’t typically a sign […]
Black lung disease, caused by inhaling coal dust, can lead to progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and is responsible for the deaths of thousands of coal workers annually. While there is no cure for PMF, early diagnosis and prevention can help halt the disease’s progression. Safer mining practices have reduced the risk of exposure to coal […]
Black cats have been victims of superstitions for millennia, with many cultures viewing them as unfortunate beasts. However, some cultures revered the animal, such as ancient Egyptians who worshipped black cats. The negative attitude towards black cats may have come from the Crusades and early Americans’ preoccupation with witchcraft. While the superstition that a black […]
The boogeyman is an imaginary monster used by adults to threaten children into behaving or sleeping. It has various incarnations and may have arisen from an evolutionary need to keep children safe. The term “boogeyman” is related to the word “bogle” and is now used to describe any irrational fear. Famous boogeyman figures include Rawhead […]
Black fever, or leishmaniasis, is a parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies, causing severe skin lesions, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia. It is more common in poor countries and can be fatal if left untreated. Treatment involves antimony medication and sometimes hospitalization. It is not easily transmitted from person to person, but can be […]
Black liberation theology applies Christian beliefs to address the subjugation of African Americans. Its founder, James Cone, was influenced by Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Cone’s Black Theology and Black Power further articulated the reasons and methods for implementing the theology. The approach is similar to Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the […]
“Black and blue” refers to bruises caused by blood under the skin. It’s often used to describe physical conflict, but can also refer to injuries from inanimate objects. “Black eye” can also mean damage to one’s reputation. “Blue Monday” may refer to punishment of deserting sailors. These idioms belong to the category of medical idioms, […]
The Black Dahlia mystery has haunted Los Angeles for almost 60 years. Elizabeth Short’s body was found in 1947, and her murder remains unsolved. Many theories and suspects have been suggested, but no one has been convicted. The case has been the subject of books, TV shows, and a film. The killer is likely dead, […]
“The pot calling the kettle black” accuses someone of hypocrisy. The phrase originated in medieval kitchens where pots and kettles were made of cast iron and blackened with use. The phrase has been used in literature, including Don Quixote and by Shakespeare. The phrase is not racist, as it refers to the color of the […]
The term “Black Irish” is used outside of Ireland to describe people of Irish descent with darker features than stereotypical Irish features. Its origin is unclear, but it may refer to descendants of Spanish soldiers or immigrants during the Great Famine. It may also have sociopolitical origins or be used to hide true ancestry. Some […]
