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Train

Swiss Break Record with 1.2-Mile-Long Passenger Train

The Swiss have commemorated the 175th anniversary of their first railway by launching a record-breaking 1.2-mile-long passenger train consisting of 100 cars.

Weighing 2,990 tons, the extra-long train was comprised of 25 smaller “Capricorn” electric trains, traveled approximately 15 miles from Preda to Alvaneu along a UNESCO World Heritage route in eastern Switzerland on October 29, according to CNN. The area is renowned for its plunging hills, switchbacks, viaducts, and tunnels.

Chugging Along
During the hour-long excursion, the train descended from 5,866 feet above sea level in Preda about 30 miles from Italy’s border to 3,279 feet at Alavneu. The route is slightly treacherous due to its sharp curves, 22 tunnels, 48 bridges, and narrow-gauge construction.

Belgium and the Dutch previously held the longest passenger train record but did so by operating their trains on standard-gauge railways on level landscapes. In contrast, the Swiss train traveled on a narrow-gauge railway in which the rails were spaced just 3.3 feet apart as opposed to the standard gauge of 4 feet 8.5 inches. →

Mystery

The Medical Mystery of Tarrare, a Cannibalistic French Spy

The walking manifestation of one of the seven deadly sins prowled the cobbled streets of 18th-century Paris, seeking only to indulge his endless hunger. Earlier in life, his dietary needs started out robustly, but were otherwise innocuous. However, things would soon take a sinister turn so far as this overzealous diner was concerned. According to contemporary accounts and existent medical records, his quenchless appetite continued growing to the point that his legendarily gluttonous gorging caused this ravenous Frenchman to ingest live animals and maraud morgues for sustenance. He was once even suspected of kidnapping and devouring a toddler.

The crack team at Ripleys.com was able to speak with a doctor who specializes in science-based nutrition in search of a possible diagnosis, but first, let’s chew the fat on the life of this legendary cannibal and his strange circumstances of existence. Be warned, this is not for the weak of heart, but if you think you can stomach it, then strap in! →

From Globe, For Globe - Pulse of the Planet

Scrap

Street Artist Bordalo II Turns Trash Into Vibrant Sculptures

Upcycled Art
One man’s trash is always our treasure here at Ripley’s. From collections of belly button lint, to upcycled art pieces, we love things that would otherwise be thrown away. We’ve held contests celebrating upcycled art in the past. And if we were running another one now, it’s fair to say street artist Bordalo II would be in the running for the top spot.

Bordalo II
Born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1987, Bordalo II is making a name for himself all over the world. Like most artists, he looked to the trappings and messages of his generation and decided to say something about it.

Unlike most artists, he looked to trash to make his statement. Using what he refers to as “end-of-life materials,” Bordalo II strives to make a statement about sustainability and social awareness.

Big Trash Animals
Some of his most striking work is seen in the collection titled “Big Trash Animals.” They’re massive structures made entirely out of end-of-life materials and painted and staged to look like animals. →

Referred by ripleys.com - where the world’s most extraordinary stories are discovered and celebrated.

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Watch the Trained Rats and Cats

From Nation, For Nation - Pulse of the Nation

Swiss Break Record with 1.2-Mile-Long Passenger Train

The Medical Mystery of Tarrare, a Cannibalistic French Spy

From Globe, For Globe - Pulse of the Planet