Ripley Entertainment Inc.'s Blog, page 6
September 24, 2023
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The Hambone Award: The Most Unusual Pet Insurance Claims Of 2023
Featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
People’s pets sometimes find themselves in problematic situations that can be both expensive and scary for their hoomans. Every year, Nationwide Insurance raises awareness of these accidents in the form of the Hambone Award. Nationwide awards the top dog, cat, or other animal that safely navigated out of trouble with the help of their pet parents and the veterinarians who provide their medical care.
The History Of The HamboneNamed after a dog who got hypothermia after getting stuck in a refrigerator and eating an entire holiday ham, this year’s Hambone Award finalists include a very resilient group of furry and feathered friends.
“Each year, we’re able to highlight nominees that have made remarkable recoveries because of the diligence of the pet parents and the incredible skills of their treating veterinary healthcare teams,” said Dr. Jules Benson, Vice President of Pet Health and Chief Veterinary Officer for Nationwide.
2023’s finalists include several dogs, cats, and even a parrot. One of the most notable entrants is a cat named Miko from New Orleans. Miko was hanging out on his home’s “catio” when he leaped seven feet into the air towards a group of doves.
1. Miko’s Mid-Flight EncounterCat mom Teresa was surprised when her husband asked her to check out Miko, who was pawing at his face following the encounter. “I [could] see blood coming down from his eye. Like a tear of blood … I could see very visibly that something had poked him, because there was a chunk of fur missing,” she explained.
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Home security footage revealed how Miko was bitten mid-flight near the eye by a bird. Fortunately, he only suffered minor injuries.
2. A Remarkable JumpMiko was not the only pet with a penchant for high-flying adventure. Labrador retriever Grayson Haze from College Station, Texas, spontaneously decided to jump off a 36-foot-high bridge. Pet parents Mark and Annie had no idea why their dog decided to jump off the side of the structure, knocking himself unconscious. While he sustained some internal injuries after landing on a concrete embankment, Grayson Haze did not require surgical intervention.
3. Sunny’s Shocking StorySunny, another Labrador, managed to drag his crate several feet across a room in his home in Anaheim, California, towards an electrical outlet. He then proceeded to eat three phone charger cords. According to his pet mom Molly, “The X-ray captured a clump of wires intertwined with each other, and it was so large in comparison to his body—I just could not believe it.”
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The veterinarian also discovered that Sunny had digested more than just the cords. He ate candy wrappers and other items as well. The dog needed emergency surgery to remove the foreign objects, but thankfully had a full recovery.
4. Belle’s Buck Wild IncidentJindos are medium-sized dogs, and one named Belle decided to start a fight with a deer in her Atlanta, Georgia, backyard. This spunky girl was just a tad outsized when she encountered the buck.
Her human Rick explained, “A lot of deer wander around back here; there’s basically a game trail behind our house [and] this time some of those deer were in our backyard. Unfortunately, this deer was not a doe—it was a buck, and he was not happy. One thing about Jindos is they’re extremely brave, but it wasn’t enough to keep her from losing that fight.”
The good news is that Belle only suffered from some soft tissue damage and felt better after a few days.
That’s Not AllOther Hambone Award finalists include:
Goldendoodle, Aurora who broke her leg in a storm drain in New HampshireBernie, a mixed breed pup who was hit by an ATV in CaliforniaA kitten named Giles who got trapped in a folding couch in New York CityA pug named Jax from Las Vegas who got overheated after spending too much time in a blanket post-surgeryJosie, a pup who lost four teeth but survived a high-speed collision with a cast-iron stadium seat in San FransciscoRolex, a green-cheeked conure who accidentally got slammed into a door in Massachusetts.All of them recovered from their injuries. Nationwide gives the winner of the Hambone Award a trophy and gift card and donates money to a pet charity of the owner’s choosing.
Sensing You Want MoreRipley’s is no stranger to incredible pet stories. We’ve covered everything from four-eared cats to fashionable lizards, trained circus rats, and beyond. Find other amazing animal tales in the pages of our latest book, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Level Up — available now at major retailers and on Amazon!
By Noelle Talmon, contributor for Ripleys.com
EXPLORE THE ODD IN PERSON! Discover hundreds of strange and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives when you visit a Ripley’s Odditorium!Source: The Hambone Award: The Most Unusual Pet Insurance Claims Of 2023
Roar Into ‘Survivor’ Season 45 With 15 Fiji Fun Facts
Featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
The highly-anticipated 45th season of Survivor premieres on Wednesday, September 27, at 8/7c on CBS and Paramount+. This incredibly popular and long-lived television series shows no signs of slowing down!
To celebrate the milestone, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is dressing its iconic Hollywood Boulevard dinosaur in the show’s signature bandana, or “buff!” Join in on the fun and wear a buff just like the Ripley’s dino by using the #SurvivorBuffTakeover filter on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat!
Our large-and-in-charge T. rex was chosen to symbolize the strength demanded of Survivor castaways, and the dino-sized buff represents the latest group emerging to compete in the greatest game ever played. But just where, exactly, are the Survivor castaways surviving? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is here to give you the scoop on the series’ iconic location.
Fiji: Home of SurvivorSurvivor’s history in Fiji goes back to its 14th season, when it filmed on the island of Vanua Levu. The show didn’t return to the country until season 33, and it has stayed in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji ever since. The show’s host, Jeff Probst, has fallen in love with the nation over the years. “I hope we stay here forever,” he once said in an interview, “This is our home. I hope we end our show here.”
“Buff” up your Survivor trivia knowledge, and explore the location that’s become an integral part of the show’s epic legacy with these 15 fun and interesting facts about Fiji!
1. Fiji is made up of hundreds of islandsDid you know that Fiji contains more than 300 islands? Or that only a third of them are habitable? All told, Fijians call 110 islands home. But there are also 500 islets! These land formations point to a long history of volcanic activity in the area.
Most residents of Fiji live on the island of Viti Levu along the coastline. As for the interior of the island? It’s considered uninhabitable due to extreme terrain. The island with the second-largest population is Vanua Levu. Considering how gorgeous Fijian beaches are, sticking to the edges is hardly a sacrifice!
3. Fiji is seriously multiculturalIt would be easy to assume an archipelago like Fiji doesn’t have much in the way of diversity. But that’s as far from the truth as you can get! In reality, the nation contains residents who are indigenous to Fiji, India, Europe, and China.
4. And multilingual!As a result, Fiji is one of the few countries on Earth where three national languages are spoken — English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi (a dialect of what’s spoken in India).
5. Fiji is home to a record-breaking templeFiji’s islands may be diminutive compared to continents like Australia but that doesn’t mean they lack for sacred space. Fiji boasts the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere — Sri Siva Subramaniya in Nadi! You’ll also find many Christian churches dating to the 1800s.
Exterior of the Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu temple.
6. Fiji is going plastic-freeOne of the biggest problems facing ocean health is the onslaught of plastics that have made their way into marine ecosystems. These harmful materials can take as many as 1,000 years to disintegrate. Fortunately, Fiji takes plastic pollution very seriously. The nation is working to go completely plastic-free.
7. Fiji produces tons of sugarWith so many islands at Fiji’s disposal, some are devoted to sugarcane plantations. How sweet is Fiji’s ultimate impact? In 2018, the nation produced a massive 176,595 tons of raw sugar.
8. Rugby is Fiji’s favorite sportWhile the U.S. loves baseball and football and the rest of the world can’t get enough of soccer, Fijians obsess over rugby. The British may have introduced rugby to the islands at the end of the 19th century, but Fijians have run with it. Not only is it the national sport, but Fiji boasts one of the best teams in the world. In 2016, they clinched the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
9. Fiji has a history of cannibalismCannibalism was practiced on the islands for at least 2,500 years. One of the most famous instances occurred on July 21, 1867, when the Methodist minister Reverend Thomas Baker and seven of his followers ended up as the main course. Thankfully, King Ratu Cakobau outlawed eating other people in 1871.
10. Firewalking started in FijiFirewalking has long captivated peoples’ imaginations. It’s been the subject of shows like Mythbusters and practiced with mixed success at Tony Robbins events. Although it’s become a thorough part of Western culture, walking over burning coals originated on Bega Island in Fiji 500 years ago!
11. FIJI Water is not the country’s most popular drinkFiji Water’s clever branding has made it synonymous with high-end aqua. But don’t expect to stick solely to H₂O on the islands. Instead, locals sip kava, a traditional drink that’s developed into the nation’s top beverage. Made from the ground root of a plant from the pepper family, kava boasts numerous health benefits, especially for stress, headaches, and insomnia.
12. Britain once owned FijiStarting in 1874, the British took control of Fiji. They did so through the Deed of Concession, signed by a handful of high-ranking traditional chiefs, including Ma’afu and Cakobau. This explains the Union Jack still visible on Fiji’s flag today. And the influences of British culture are evident, from rugby to the parliamentary and legal systems of the islands.
13. It is traditional to cook food underground in FijiFijian cuisine is celebrated the world over for its delectable flavors. Cooks continue to rely on the same traditional methods of cooking employed for centuries. This includes the use of underground pits, known as lovo pits, to cook ingredients wrapped in banana leaves.
Fijian food Lovo. Lovo (Fijian cooking food underground) is commonly made during special events such as funerals, weddings, Christmas or birthdays.
14. Boiled bat is a delicacy in FijiSpeaking of what to eat in Fiji, boiled bat is considered a real treat. Served whole and uncut in a bowl of soup, it’s a highly expensive menu item that’s not for the faint of heart. Although boiled bat may not look like much prep goes in, it’s a labor-intensive dish. Bat has a strong and overpowering odor that isn’t especially appetizing. So, chefs must soak it in a special sauce of garlic and chili for extended periods to cover the smell.
15. You can time travel in FijiTechnically speaking, you can be in two different time zones at once on the island of Taveuni. The destination is bisected by the international dateline. And when you’re visiting, you can explore the actual location where time jumps forward. That said, Fiji has nudged the border to ensure the entire country fits into one time zone, which has made New Year’s Eve on Taveuni a lot less complicated.
Now You’re Ready to Watch Season 45 of Survivor!Impress your friends and family with these fun facts about Fiji as you tune in to this milestone season premiere of Survivor on Wednesday, September 27, at 8/7c on CBS and Paramount+.
Photo Credit: Jordan Orsak courtesy of Catalina Productions
Share your excitement by using the #SurvivorBuffTakeover filter on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat! And if you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Hollywood to take a selfie with our buffed-out dino — don’t forget to tag us!
By Engrid Barnett, contributor for Ripleys.com
EXPLORE THE ODD IN PERSON! Discover hundreds of strange and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives when you visit a Ripley’s Odditorium!Source: Roar Into ‘Survivor’ Season 45 With 15 Fiji Fun Facts
September 21, 2023
September 20, 2023
September 19, 2023
Under Pressure With Power Washing Artist Sam Ward
Featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Shout out to Sam Ward, of New Braunfels, Texas, for introducing us to what might be the most satisfying art form ever — pressure washing!
Sam is the artist behind the popular TikTok account @powerwashingart. Using a high-powered stream of water, he carefully blasts the grime off of dirty sidewalks to create two-toned illustrations. The result is surprisingly effective and has earned Sam tens of thousands of followers online.
No PressureIt’s not an easy task spraying the perfect likeness of icons like David Bowie and Batman into dirty driveways and sidewalks. To create his masterpieces, Sam alternates through a wide range of nozzles and pressures to ensure the details are accurate — and that he doesn’t crack the concrete!
Courtesy of Sam Ward.
Power(wash)ing Through BoredomFrom a young age, Sam always knew he wanted to be in a career that would allow him the freedom to create and be artistic. Even as a child, Sam had a passion for drawing and building with LEGO.
Fast forward to today and what started as a hobby to combat boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic, evolved into a unique art form that continues to draw eyes across social media.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! had to see Sam and his incredible art in person. Sam agreed, and we even got the chance to ask him a few questions of our own.
Speaking with Pressure Washing Artist Sam WardRipley’s: How much water do you typically use when creating your art?
Sam: When I’m doing power washing art, I use about 30 to 40 gallons. Which is about as much as you use in the shower everyday.
Ripley’s: Do you clean the entire surface when making the art?
Sam: I don’t clean the rest of the surface, I just clean what I need to make the art.
Being creative is something I have to do to survive… I went out to start pressure washing and cleaning the driveway, the next thing you know I started drawing.
Ripley’s: What are some of the more memorable pressure washing pieces you have done?
Sam: Bob Ross, Tupac, Biggie, Batman. I really like to do animals. Most of the time it’s about the difficulty level — Can I do that with a pressure washer? Will that look good?
Courtesy of Sam Ward.
After seeing Sam’s work, Ripley’s believes the answer is a resounding “Yes — he can do that with a pressure washer!”
Want to see more of Sam’s incredible pressure washing art? Follow him on Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date with his most recent work!
Level Up With Ripley’s Latest BookFind this story and more inside Ripley’s latest book, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Level Up. The 20th installment of our annual series showcases all-new, all-true stories and features interactive elements you don’t want to miss! Available now on Amazon and at most major retailers.
Newly Discovered Golden Orb From Bottom of Ocean Stumps Scientists
Featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
It’s not every day that scientists run across something that totally stumps them. But if it’s going to happen, the ocean remains one of the most likely places for such a scenario to play out. After all, 80 percent of the world’s oceans have yet to be explored, let alone mapped and scientifically observed. Nevertheless, scientists have found themselves humbled by the recent discovery of a golden-colored orb.
Here’s what we know so far and where this line of research may take scientists moving forward.
A Mysterious Golden “Orb”What do you think of when you hear the phrase “a mysterious golden orb”? Maybe the first line or title of a new Harry Potter spin-off? Although a fanciful description, this phrase has nothing to do with fiction or fantasy. (At least, in this context.) Instead, we’re talking about the way ocean researchers are describing their latest find.
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska.
And beyond these descriptive words, scientists don’t have much more to say about the object. Sam Candio of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains, “While we were able to collect the ‘golden orb’ and bring it onto the ship, we still are not able to identify it beyond the fact that it is biological in origin.”
While this assessment doesn’t narrow it down much, scientists remain hopeful about uncovering the real identity of the mystery object. They hope that placing the specimen in a lab setting where the scientific community can weigh in on its identity will yield new insights.
A Discovery Unlike Any OtherWhere did the mystery orb come from in the first place? Researchers recovered it about two miles below the water’s surface on an underwater mountain or seamount. The seamount is located in the Gulf of Alaska, and the specimen measures roughly four inches wide.
On land, the specimen looks a bit dingy and blobby. But an underwater photograph of the orb shows just how shiny and golden it looks in its natural habitat. Apart from the striking appearance, the orb has a hole at its base, which initially led researchers to hypothesize that it might be an egg sac.
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska.
But further investigation made them look for other explanations. Some scientists assumed the object must be a kind of dead sea sponge, but analysis disproved this theory, too. What else is on the list of guesses? Some researchers think it may represent an unknown life stage of an already known creature, while others guess it’s an entirely new species.
Next Steps for the Golden OrbSo, what’s next for the strange blob? As part of the NOAA Seascape Alaska expedition, the orb and other samples removed from the ocean’s floor will be extensively studied. The mission of the effort is to learn more about the deep water off the shores of Alaska. After all, this relatively unknown corner of the ocean is unmapped and begging for exploration.
Scientists eagerly anticipate what they’ll learn based on the data and specimens recovered. As Candio explains, “Collectively, the data and information gathered during this expedition will help us close gaps in our understanding of this part of the planet, so we can better manage and protect it.”
Studying new species and ecosystems also comes with many potential benefits for humanity. These may include new sources for medical therapies, food, energy, and vaccines. If anything holds the potential for bettering society as a whole, we’d put our money on a shiny golden orb.
Are you fascinated by the planet’s oceans? Or perhaps you don’t know much about them but are curious? Either way, it’s time to start planning your next vacation to one of our three amazing Ripley’s Aquariums locations.
By Engrid Barnett, contributor for Ripleys.com
EXPLORE THE ODD IN PERSON! Discover hundreds of strange and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives when you visit a Ripley’s Odditorium!Source: Newly Discovered Golden Orb From Bottom of Ocean Stumps Scientists
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