10 questions I can’t answer

I’m very sure that for all of us there are questions that pop into our heads sometimes that we would love to get an answer to. Sometimes the answers are available because someone else has thought of it before. A simple google search for example can reveal some answers on why English first language speakers around the world have different accents. Or why in most languages in the world, the word for mother starts with the letter M. There are some things, however, which google doesn’t seem to be able to solve or provide a credible explanation for in my eyes. In this post I list some of the things that fascinate me about the world in the hope that some researcher or mad scientist reads them and has some sort of explanation or answer. Enjoy!

1. Why are petrol tanks on different sides on different cars?

I’m sure you have noticed that when you fill up your tank people park on different sides of the pump, depending on which side of the car their tank is. Why is it not just standardised for all cars in the world? Wouldn’t that make it easier for everyone?

2. Is there a limit to human speed?

This inspired a blog I wrote recently. If every 60 years humans are reducing the 100m metre world record by half a second, does this mean that at some point in time someone will run 100m in 1 second or less? Is there a time that will never be beaten?

3. Why isn’t solar energy usage more widespread?

I live in a part of Africa that is blessed with warm sunny weather for most of the year. You can in some years go an entire year without wearing a sweater of a jersey as the winters are that mild. I dont understand why it is that we still have cabled municipal or utility electricity as the default energy source for so many homes?

4.Why are gold teeth so popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal?

Since moving here over 3 years ago I must say I have seen more gold teeth than I did in the prior 34 years of my life. It is really fascinating as the propensity for gold teeth here seems increased across all races and all demographics. I really would love to know why this trend took off so strongly.

5.How many songs have I listened to in my lifetime?

Music gives me energy and has the potential to really affect my mood. I enjoy all kinds of music across multiple genres from all over the world. Have you ever wondered how many songs you have heard in your life? There are some songs I hear lately that I last heard many years prior. I actually believe there are some songs I have heard that I will never hear again. Which makes me think, in my lifetime how many songs have I actually listened to or heard?

6. Why do we still have colonial borders in Africa?

Our former colonial masters carved up Africa according to the areas they wanted, laid claim to  and negotiated. Many of these boundaries are arbitrary and looked good on a map, but are impractical in reality. For example, I think of the Limpopo River boundary between South Africa and Zimbabwe. There are people who speak the same language and are directly related, but live on different sides of the river and are, therefore, citizens of different countries. Why haven’t Africa’s governments taken steps to adjust these arbitrary boundaries where it makes more sense for humanity to do so?

7. Who was the first person to eat a prawn and what were they thinking?

Prawns are delicious and I recommend them to anyone who likes sea food and isn’t allergic to them (I’m getting good at disclaimers). However, when we see a live prawn it is ugly, like a giant sea dwelling cockroach. Who was the guy or girl who decided to kill that thing and eat it? Whoever you are…thanks for taking one for the team.

8. Why is it acceptable to eat some meats and not others?

I eat most standard meat generally served in the Western world. Usually this consists of beef, lamb, goat, pork, chicken, duck, fish and various types of sea food. Why is it that cat, horse or dog never made it into the pots of most societies in the world? I know some communities eat almost anything including cats and dogs but also including reptiles, various birds and insects. Who does Fido have to thank for never making it onto a Western menu? Note I am not advocating that we should eat our pets. I’m just wondering why the Western societal convention is that we dont.

9. Why do airlines penalise passengers for arriving late, but get away with delayed flights?

Self explanatory I suppose. This practice makes me want to call airlines all sorts of things. Mostly, with 4 letter words…followed by the letters “ers”.

10. Is there a cut-off age when it comes to learning new skills?

Is there a point in life where one is too old to learn something? So if you havent learned to play the guitar by age 70 as an example. Does this mean you never will be able to?

Please feel free to comment or add your perspectives or additional questions. Will give a very interesting bank of ideas for further reading or research. If you have the answers to any of these, I look forward to reading them too.