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d Knowledge Series: The Fascinating World of Trivia Trivial facts may seem insignificant, but they are surprisingly informative and entertaining. They reveal the diversity and complexity of the world we live in, and they challenge our assumptions and prejudices. In this article, we will explore some cold knowledge that may surprise and enlighten you. Did you know that the shortest war in history lasted only 38 minutes? It took place on 27 August 1896 between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Zanzibar, a small island off the coast of East Africa. The cause of the war was the death of the pro-British sultan, Hamoud bin Mohammed, and the accession of his pro-German cousin, Khalid bin Bargash. The British government demanded that Khalid abdicate his throne, but he refused. So, at 9 am, the British warships opened fire on the sultan's palace, and within minutes, the palace was destroyed, and Khalid was forced to flee to the German consulate. The British casualties were one sailor injured, and the Zanzibari casualties were around 500 killed or wounded. The war ended at 9:38 am, when the British hoisted their flag over the sultan's palace and declared Zanzibar a protectorate. Another surprising fact is that the world's largest sand island is in Australia. Fraser Island, off the coast of Queensland, is over 120 kilometres long and 24 kilometres wide, and it is entirely made of sand. The island is famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and lush rainforests, and it is a popular destination for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. The sand on Fraser Island is so fine that it can be used to polish silver, and it is a source of silica for high-tech industries. Did you also know that the world's oldest mummies are not Egyptian but Chilean? The Chinchorro mummies, found in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, date back to around 5000 BC, more than 2000 years before the first Egyptian mummies. The Chinchorro people mummified not only their elite but also their children and infants, using a sophisticated technique that involved removing the organs, preserving the skin with a mixture of ash and fat, and painting the faces with red pigment. Some of the Chinchorro mummies even have hair and tattoos, making them more lifelike than the Egyptian ones. In the animal world, there is a species of octopus that can mimic the shape and color of other animals, including snakes, fish, crabs, and even jellyfish. The mimic octopus, found in the waters of Southeast Asia, is a master of disguise and deception, using its flexible body and numerous chromatophores (color-changing pigment cells) to blend in with its surroundings or to intimidate or attract other animals. The mimic octopus can also create false eyes and arms to confuse predators, making it one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. Finally, did you know that there is a language that only consists of whistles? The Silbo Gomero, used by the inhabitants of La Gomera, a Spanish island in the Canaries, is a whistled language that can convey messages over long distances and through dense forests. The Silbo Gomero uses four basic tones and consonants, and it is so efficient that it was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 200
9. The language is still taught in schools and used by the locals, preserving a unique cultural tradition that dates back to pre-Columbian times. In conclusion, the world is full of cold knowledge waiting to be discovered and appreciated. These trivial facts may seem random or useless, but they reveal the wonders and mysteries of nature and human culture. So, embrace the cold knowledge and be amazed by the richness and diversity of our world.