At first glance, most religions appear to be completely separate from each other. But upon further inspection, this is hardly the case as many of them share similar themes and even their sacred figures. You’d be surprised to learn just how much religions have copied from each other, be it due to violent raids and crusades, or just naturally interacting with different cultures. There is so much to discuss, but here are the top five ones.

1. Moors Bring Greek Philosophy

For nearly 535 years, the Moors ruled over Sicily, Malta and the Iberian Peninsula, raiding Christian churches and restricting public displays of anything that wasn’t Muslim. However, during the 9th and 10 centuries CE, venerated intellectuals such as al-Kindi and al-Razi were strong supporters of the previously dismissed teachings of Greek philosophers such as Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. So they spread these Greek teachings which remained highly favored among Spanish theologians who originally translated the texts not in Greek, but Arabic.

2. Roman Mythology Was Heavily Influenced by the Greeks

The Roman and Greek gods are often thought to be one and the same, just with different names. You know, like how Mars and Ares are the gods of war, while Pluto and Hades rule the underworld. The reason for those striking similarities is because of the multiple Greek invasions, which led to the Romans adopting parts of the Greek faith, much like your friends copying your homework. Roman mythology also differed from the Greeks’ in the sense that religion played a huge role in the social life of its citizens, such as the publicly accessible priesthood institutions.

3. Greek Mythology Changes Christianity

Most of the early copies of the New Testament were originally written in Greek, before it was translated into other languages. So it only seems natural that the Greeks would insert their own beliefs while translating Christian texts. According to Arthur Fairbanks’ 1910 novel A Handbook of Greek Religion, the sudden rise of Virgin Mary as a heralded figure was significantly influenced by the worship of the Greek goddess of virgin and wisdom, Athena. Similarly, saints and gods began to mirror each other, such as St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors being modeled after Poseidon, the god of the sea. The same goes for holidays, such as Easter.

4. Christianity Overlaps with Hinduism

There is a widely held belief within the Vedas, ancient scriptures of Hinduism, that Jesus Christ was the eighth incarnation of their god, Vishnu as a human. However, many historians believe that this was not an organic addition into their mythology, but rather the result of forgeries to the Vedas by British colonizers in an attempt to convert the Indian people to Christianity. As for the Vedas, its origins are so unclear that many historians believe they came from Aryans in Central Asia instead of India.

5. Hinduism to Buddhism

For one reason or another, certain sects of Hinduism were willing to incorporate figures from other religions, though they were still Hindus first and foremost. Vaishnavism, in particular, states that Bhudda was another incarnation of Vishnu in the flesh, the 9th one to be precise. A claim that was first made by 12th century poet Jayadeva who believed that Vishnu became Buddha with the goal of putting an end to the practice of animal sacrifice that was widespread among the Hindu community. Though the math doesn’t quite add up, considering that Christ, the supposed 8th incarnation of Vishnu, was born several centuries after Buddha’s death.

When we hear of DNA tests, paternity comes to mind but there is so much more to it. DNA tests or genetic testing involves examining one’s DNA, a chemical database that contains instructions of the body’s processes. These tests can indicate mutations in the genes that can result in diseases. They are used for carrier testing, newborn screening, prenatal testing, ancestry identification and to determine the best medicine to treat an individual’s illness. One’s genes reveal quite a bit about who they are. You just might be amazed by the following five DNA tests that can actually be done.

1. DNA Testing for Athletes

Athletes are known to possess strength, fitness, speed and endurance. Well, it is possible to know whether one has such characteristics through DNA testing. There are tests that can indicate genetic variants that predispose individuals for high aerobic fitness. Some companies promise that by swabbing one’s cheek and mailing the sample to them, they can reveal personalized information that can be useful to individuals, especially athletes. These tests have been marketed to help athletes and bodybuilders for instance make decisions regarding their training and diet to help them maximize their potential. This information can help in understanding how best to avoid injury.

2. DNA and Weight Management

One’s DNA can affect the way that the body responds to different foods. The ability to store and burn fat, appetite and capacity to maintain a healthy weight following weight loss are all factors that have been linked to specific genes, according to research. An app is included with the DNA test which can be used to manage food intake and have better success with weight loss. Scientists have conflicting views of the effectiveness of such testing and the guide to a weight loss regimen.

3. DNA Tests and  Food Sensitivity 

People who have food allergies frequently have a lower quality of life and experience much anxiety while choosing food. There are science-based DNA tests that demonstrate how aspects of one’s life may be more likely than not to make one susceptible to common irritants. Sensitivity to gluten, lactose, cow milk protein, peanuts and histamine can be detected. This can motivate individuals to make certain modifications to their eating habits and food choices in order to live more comfortably.

4. DNA and Romance

Many people desire finding a life partner and go to great lengths to achieve this. Blind dates, speed dating, online dating and taking personality tests, have been quite popular over the years. There are now companies that seek to generate potential matches based on DNA analysis of individuals. By examining how similar or different two people’s HLA genes are, the majority of DNA matching websites try to forecast if they would have a love chemistry. According to several studies, diversity is good, and opposites draw each other.

5. DNA and Personality Traits

Your genes determine who you are. Personality traits are the persistent patterns of thoughts, emotions and behaviors that represent the propensity to act in particular ways under particular circumstances. Various lifelong consequences can be predicted by personality traits, which are moderately heritable. The significance of genetics in a person’s behavior is shown through longitudinal research. According to scientists, genetics accounts for between twenty and sixty percent of temperament.

Ever wondered how movies created those insane action scenes, complete with crazy fiery explosions and crashes? Well to make the movie seem more real, directors blow up actual cars, planes, buildings, you name it. And sometimes, the filming equipment gets caught in action too, much to everyone’s dismay. Either way, let’s have a look at the most expensive things that have been destroyed in the name of entertainment.

1. The Sands Casino at the End of Con Air

The most memorable scene in Con Air was the one where a massive prison transport plane crash landed into the Sands Casino. It’s the same Sands Casino where the Rat Pack filmed Ocean’s 11. The casino was sold in 1988 for $110 million, and by 1996, it was pretty much falling apart and set for demolition. So producers decided to take advantage of this situation by asking the owners to put off the destruction for a few weeks to film the scene. Fourteen cameras were placed at various angles since they only had one chance at this.

2. Furious 7 Destroyed Nine Lykan Hypersport Stunt Cars Worth Millions

No other film franchise has wrecked more cars than the Fast and Furious, though most of them were simply tube-chassis shells with salvaged V8 engines. In the Furious 7 alone, an estimated 1,500 cars were destroyed, including an authentic Lykan Hypersport. To be precise, nine of the ten that were made for the movie were obliterated, while the tenth was sold at an auction for nearly $2 million. Even though the true value of the destruction is still unknown, it’s safe to assume that the bill definitely runs in the millions.

3. Michael Bay Blew Up a Real Mansion for Bad Boys II

From Armageddon to Transformers, Michael Bay certainly loves making things go boom! He also directed the Bad Boys trilogy, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. But the most remarkable explosion scene was in the second installment, where a real mansion was blown to smithereens. Instead of demolishing it himself, the mansion’s owner sold it for $16.5 million so he could convert the lot into three new properties. Though Bay did have to replace the walls with lighter ones and fake parts to make it explode faster.

4. Buster Keaton Destroyed a Locomotive in the Silent Film The General

Wanting to make a big impression on audiences, Buster Keaton something that was completely unheard of during his time. In 1926, Keaton starred and directed the silent film, The General. And in one particular scene, a train can be seen hitting a burning bridge then crashing right through the river below. The train was the real thing, costing Keaton an impressive $42,000 or $682,000, if adjusted for inflation. Though he made sure to stay clear of the train, a promise he made to his wife who demanded that he wouldn’t board it.

5. Jessica Biel Destroyed a $300,000 Camera Making Blade: Trinity

For her role as Abigail Whistler in Blade: Trinity, Jessica Biel had to take up archery lessons, a skill that she became really good at. But, maybe a little too good. For one scene, the producers had Biel shoot directly at the camera, and to ensure their safety, the camera was placed behind a plexiglass with a 2 inch by 2 inch hole for the lens. Well, her aim and eyesight was beyond what they were expecting, because Biel sent her arrow flying through the hole and right into the $300,000 camera, some 40 feet away.

Is your knowledge about animals and their biology based on actual researched facts? Or is it based on repeated misconceptions that we’ve either heard as children or seen on television. You know, like that supposed eagle cry we hear in movies, or that rabbits absolutely love carrots more than anything else. Most of these so-called facts are nothing but lies that we unknowingly believe to be the truth. So let’s clear things up, shall we? Here are five of the funniest misconceptions we have about biology.

1. Bats Are Blind

Bats are one of the most misunderstood creatures in the animal kingdom. These nocturnal mammals sleep during the day but use echolocation at night to navigate their surroundings at night and to identify their prey. Because of this, many people wrongfully assume that they have poor vision, even to the point of blindness. But the truth is that bats have much sharper and accurate vision than humans. It’s just that their eyes are sensitive to sunlight due to their evolutionary adaptation to darkness, which is why they avoid both natural and artificial sources of light.

2. Carrots Are a Part of a Rabbit’s Diet

Whether it’s cartoons, TV shows or movies, there’s always a depiction of a rabbit munching down on a tasty carrot. While it’s true that rabbits enjoy eating them as a tasty treat, it shouldn’t be a major part of their diet. This is due to the high sugar content which affects microbial balance in the rabbit’s gut. Also when sugar ferments, it produces gas which can cause gastrointestinal stasis, a potentially fatal condition in these fluffy. Furthermore, rabbits don’t eat carrots at all in the wild.

3. The “Eagle” Cry in Movies Is Made by an Eagle

So it turns out that the cinematic eagle cry sound effect we often hear in movies is anything but that of a bald eagle’s. That’s actually the screeching from a red-tailed hawk. One probable reason for this is because the real cry of an eagle is much weaker than you’d think. Instead, it sounds more like a high-pitched screech or chirp. Other times, they will produce a deep guttural growl, which is used as a warning call to other bald eagles. Bald eagles also use a wide variety of other sounds including hissing, clicking and mooing.

4. Sharks Are the Ultimate Predators in the Ocean

Yes, sharks, especially great white sharks are downright scary given that they can tear our limbs off with little to no effort. But they are far from being at the ocean’s top of the food chain. That title belongs to orcas who many people mistake for whales but are actually part of the dolphin family. Unlike sharks, these vicious animals are known for hunting in packs, hence why they’re nicknamed the wolves of the ocean. They can even take down a blue whale, the largest known animal in the world.

5. Bulls Get Angry When They See Red

Many people assume that bulls react negatively to red capes simply because of the color. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. First of all, bulls and other cattle are dichromat, which means that they can only perceive two color pigments. This means that they’re partially colorblind and red is one of the colors that they can’t see. So what makes them so angry? It’s really the movements of the red cape that irritates them so much, not to mention that they’re specifically bred for aggression and physique.

An economic activity that occurs outside of officially recognized channels is known as a black market. Market participants conduct illegal transactions “under the table” to get around price regulations or levies imposed by the government. The products and services sold on the black market are often in high demand. Generally speaking, the extent of economic activity that occurs through the black market can be expected to be higher the more the government attempts to manage and control the economy. Some black markets are well known but there are those who many people don’t know exist. Here are five of these.

1. Spam

The Hormel Company began to manufacture Spam from 1939 . Spam has become increasingly popular over the years and now sells millions of cans yearly. With Spam being widely available, why did it make this list? Spam is quite popular in Hawaii. In fact it was a local delicacy there. In 2017, Hawaii’s demand for Spam became so great that businesses had to deal with a wave of thefts and a burgeoning illicit market for the meat. Thieves were stealing it in bulk from stores, and it was being resold on the black market and from the trunks of cars to make money quickly.

2. Oltermanni Cheese

Cheese of various kinds is well liked and is used in a variety of dishes. There is a major black market for cheese in Russia. The most popular commodity being traded illegally in Russia is a cheese from Finland called Oltermanni. This was brought about by the travel restriction in Europe during Covid-19. In Finland, a kilogram of this cheese costs five Euros but it is four times more in Russia. The trucks from Russia that have been bringing the cheese across the border have been under surveillance by customs officers in Finland.

3. Razors

Razors are often sold at the supermarket, convenience stores and beauty supply stores. Quite often they are displayed in glass cases and under lock and key. But why? Razors and razor blades are small and very easy to conceal and steal. This was an observation made by US police. Razors and replacement blades, especially from top brands, are expensive. Thieves resell this commodity quickly as there is a demand for them. These stolen items are untraceable and can be sold online on Craig’s List and at small local shops. This trend was observed in the US from 2016.

4. Body Modification

Body modification, when done by authentic and licensed plastic surgeons, can result in satisfied clients who get just what they wanted. However, the black market for these medical procedures is run by unlicensed individuals who may have no medical background or experience. They do botched injections using free-silicone which is a liquid which is a non-approved form rather than like an implant. This can harden and even travel around making it harmful to one’s health. There are people who have lost their lives by undergoing such a procedure.

5. Plagiarized Dissertations

To obtain a doctor’s degree, a dissertation is a requirement. Well cheating in academia is more common than one may think. Students at this level look to take the easy road out by purchasing plagiarized dissertations on the black market. This practice is popular in many countries such as Russia. These dissertations, which are written by individuals with a little integrity, copy parts of dissertations, repackage them and sell them. Over 5,600 cases were detected by a group of volunteers who seek to expose this kind of fraud.

While Hollywood has seen many eras, the Golden Age between the 1920s and 1960s, may have had the greatest influence on society. This was a period where many famous movie actors were at their peak and several classic films were released. MGM, Paramount, Fox, Warner Bros and RKO are the studios that dominated the making of major motion pictures during Hollywood’s Golden Age and were in charge of every aspect of a movie’s production. Here are five of the best movies that were produced during this era1

1. Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane, a classic masterpiece released in 1941, is well known for its remarkable scenes, cinematic and narrative techniques. Produced by Orson Welles, this film is rated by critics as one of the greatest films ever made and as one of the pinnacles of Hollywood’s Golden Age. It is a biographical film that explores Charles Foster Kane’s life and legacy. After Kane passes away at the beginning of the movie, a reporter interviews people who knew him and the significance of his last word “Rosebud.” Flashbacks of Kane’s life are shown to accompany the interviews.

2. Around the World in Eighty Days

This 1956 American movie is one of adventure, comedy and history, based on the 1873 novel by Jules Verne. It is centered around Phileas Fogg, played by David Niven, a gentleman adventurer, who sets off on a journey to circumnavigate the globe and return home in eighty days after he bets that he can do so. While on his quest, Fogg is hounded by a persistent police inspector, Mr. Fix, who suspects Fogg of chicanery. Fogg is accompanied by his stalwart manservant, Passepartout.

3. Gone With The Wind

The 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell serves as the basis for the epic American historical romance film Gone with the Wind released in 1939. This movie is set in Georgia during the American Civil War. The beautiful but manipulative and selfish Scarlett O’Hara, daughter of a Georgia plantation owner, has a turbulent romance with a rogue profiteer. This movie was quite popular for years after its release and won eight Academy Awards.

4. The Grapes of Wrath

John Ford’s 1940 drama film “The Grapes of Wrath” is an American production based on the 1939 novel by John Steinbeck who won the Pulitzer Prize. It is centered on a family from Oklahoma that is forced from their farm by the Dust Bowl’s destitution and hopelessness, and migrates westward to California, where they experience the hardships of being homeless during the Great Depression. The themes of resiliency and courage are emphasized in this film. It is a gripping anxious mellow drama that is incredibly realistic and full of social and political explosions.

5. King Kong

Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack directed and produced the 1933 American pre-code adventure fantasy horror monster movie “King Kong.” One of the most recognizable movie scenes features a twenty-five-foot-tall ape on top of the Empire State Building, holding a distraught blonde in the palm of his hand while military planes try to take him down. This scene comes from the movie “King Kong.” The methods used to create King Kong were seen as cutting edge at that time. The use of miniature models, trick photography and incredible stop motion made this movie an epic one.