Traffic jams are nothing new. In 45 BC, Rome banned all vehicles from within the city – and in other cities vehicles, including horses, were allowed only at night… because of traffic jams.
Traffic jams occurred in ancient Rome and in 45 BC, several types of vehicles were banned within the city.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Traffic jams occurred in ancient Rome and in 45 BC, several types of vehicles were banned within the city.
In ancient China, the nose of a criminal who attacked travelers was cut off.
Beheading, strangulation and starvation were all acceptable execution methods in 19th-century China. What’s more, even those not sentenced to death could endure days of suffering in devices such as the one pictured above.
In ancient China, the nose of a criminal who attacked travelers was cut off.
On April 11, 1984, the first cell phone, a Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, was sold in the US.
The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X was designed by Rudy Krolopp and weighed 2 pounds.
On April 11, 1984, the first cell phone, a Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, was sold in the US.
Electric cars were introduced in 1896 and by the end of the century almost 50% of motorcars worldwide were electric.
Yet, by 1905 80% of cars were petrol driven and by 1920 the electric car was, well, almost history.
Electric cars were introduced in 1896 and by the end of the century almost 50% of motorcars worldwide were electric.
The muscle that lets your eye blink is the fastest muscle in your body.
It allows you to blink 5 times a second. On average, you blink 15 000 times a day. Women blink twice as much as men.
The muscle that lets your eye blink is the fastest muscle in your body.
On his deathbed, Leonardo da Vinci apologized for the quality of his work.
In 1519, famous artist Leonardo da Vinci spoke these last words on his deathbed: “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.”
On his deathbed, Leonardo da Vinci apologized for the quality of his work.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Hurricanes, tornadoes and bigger bodies of water always go clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
This directional spinning has to do with the rotation of the earth and is called the Coriolis force.
Hurricanes, tornadoes and bigger bodies of water always go clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
Bananas rate consistently as the number one compliant of grocery shoppers.
Most people complain when bananas are overripe or even freckled when in fact, spotted bananas are sweeter, with a sugar content of more than 20%, compared with 3% in a green banana.
Bananas rate consistently as the number one compliant of grocery shoppers.
Milk chocolate was invented by Daniel Peter - not by Henri Nestle.
Daniel Peter sold his milk chocolate concept to his neighbor Henri Nestlé.
Milk chocolate was invented by Daniel Peter - not by Henri Nestle.
In 1816, Frenchman J.R. Ronden tried to stage a play that did not contain the letter "A".
The Paris audience was offended, rioted and did not allow the play to finish.
In 1816, Frenchman J.R. Ronden tried to stage a play that did not contain the letter "A".
Wine can contain particulates other than just grapes - sticks, insects, and rodents often make their way into the product.
Most wines are made from grapes harvested by machines that scythe through everything in their path, including sticks, insects, rodents, and even larger mammals , which can make their way into the end product. This is known to wine growers as MOG, or “material other than grapes.”
Wine can contain particulates other than just grapes - sticks, insects, and rodents often make their way into the product.
The first Oxford English Dictionary was published in April 1928 - 50 years after it was started.
It consisted of 400,000 words and phrases in 10 volumes. The latest edition fills 22,000 pages, includes 33,000 Shakespeare quotations, and is bound in 20 volumes. All of which is available on a single CD, flash drive, or as a digital download.
The first Oxford English Dictionary was published in April 1928 - 50 years after it was started.
A person remains conscious for eight seconds after being decapitated.
A man tested this by agreeing to blink his eyes in response to questions asked to him after his head was lopped off.
A person remains conscious for eight seconds after being decapitated.
In 1933, a 19-year-old student started a suicide fad by jumping into the crater of a volcano.
19-year-old Kiyoko Matsumoto committed suicide by jumping into a 1,000 foot volcano crater on the island of Oshima, Japan. His act started a bizarre fad in which over 300 children died mimicking his act.
In 1933, a 19-year-old student started a suicide fad by jumping into the crater of a volcano.
Because redheads have thicker hair, they have fewer strands of hair than people with other-colored hair.
While blondes have on average 140,000 hairs, redheads have the fewest strands of hair, with an average of only 90,000 strands.
Because redheads have thicker hair, they have fewer strands of hair than people with other-colored hair.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Hair on the head grows for between two and six years before being replaced.
In the case of baldness, the dormant hair was not replaced with new hair.
Hair on the head grows for between two and six years before being replaced.
Peaches, apples, nectarines, and strawberries are among the top six "dirtiest" foods.
According to investigations by the Environmental Working Group these are the top “filthiest” foods. More than 90 percent of samples of these fruits tested positive for detectable pesticides, even after being rinsed or peeled.
Peaches, apples, nectarines, and strawberries are among the top six "dirtiest" foods.
Writer Sherwood Anderson died from accidentally swallowing a toothpick at a cocktail party.
In 1941, write Sherwood Anderson accidentally swallowed a toothpick at a cocktail party. He died a few days later from peritonitis (inflammation of the inner wall of the abdomen) while traveling on an ocean liner bound for Brazil.
Writer Sherwood Anderson died from accidentally swallowing a toothpick at a cocktail party.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
After a certain period of growth, hair becomes dormant.
That means that it is attached to the hair follicle until replaced by new hair.
After a certain period of growth, hair becomes dormant.
Citrus Red No.2 is often used to give Florida oranges a brighter, more appealing hue.
The same dye has been banned for use in food processing because studies have shown that it causes cancer.
Citrus Red No.2 is often used to give Florida oranges a brighter, more appealing hue.
None of the Salem Massachusetts “witches” were burned at the stake but one was pressed by heavy stones.
Bridget Bishop holds the unfortunate distinction of being the first “witch” executed in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. In all, nearly 150 “witches” were arrested but only 31 were tried. All 31 were found guilty and executed – 19 were hanged, 2 died in jail, and one (a man) was slowly...
None of the Salem Massachusetts “witches” were burned at the stake but one was pressed by heavy stones.
Monday, May 27, 2013
A person can live without food for about a month, but only about a week without water.
You’ll drink about 75,000 liters (20,000 gallons) of water in your lifetime.
A person can live without food for about a month, but only about a week without water.
In 1991, Kimberly Bergalis died from AIDS that she contracted from a dental operation.
Bergalis was one of six patients infected with HIV after visiting David J. Acer, a dentist who had AIDS. This incident is the first known case of clinical transmission of HIV.
In 1991, Kimberly Bergalis died from AIDS that she contracted from a dental operation.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Overconsumption of purine-rich foods like lobster, foie gras, and liver can lead to gout, a type of arthritis.
Gout attacks can last for weeks , and can damage joints, tendons, and other tissues. Gout has been called the “rich man’s disease” because of its association with fine foods like lobster and foie gras. But, gout can also be caused by excessive alcohol use; this type is known as “poor...
Overconsumption of purine-rich foods like lobster, foie gras, and liver can lead to gout, a type of arthritis.
Actress Amanda Blake, Miss Kitty on TV's Gunsmoke' died from AIDS she contracted from her bisexual husband.
Actress Amanda Blake (Beverly Neil), aka Miss Kitty on the television show Gunsmoke, died of AIDS in 1989. She contracted AIDS from her bisexual husband. Upon her death, doctors tried to cover up the cause by announcing it as a “cancer-related death”. Her husband, Mark Spaeth of Austin,...
Actress Amanda Blake, Miss Kitty on TV's Gunsmoke' died from AIDS she contracted from her bisexual husband.
It is impossible to sneeze and keep one's eyes open at the same time.
And 55% of people yawn within 5 minutes of seeing someone else yawn.
It is impossible to sneeze and keep one's eyes open at the same time.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite.
More specifically, peanut oil. Nitroglycerine, the primary explosive ingredient in dynamite, is made from glycerol which is derived from peanut oils.
Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite.
Until 1796, there was a state in the United States called Franklin.
By early 1789, the government of the State of Franklin had collapsed entirely and the territory was firmly back under the control of North Carolina. Soon thereafter, North Carolina ceded the area to the federal government to form the Southwest Territory, the pre-cursor to the State of Tennessee.
Until 1796, there was a state in the United States called Franklin.
The Auschwitz Concentration Camp Complex was the only place where prisoners were given identification number tattoos.
The practice began in 1941 when Russian POWs were stamped on the upper-left breast. Jews started receiving tattoos (on their forearms) in 1942.
The Auschwitz Concentration Camp Complex was the only place where prisoners were given identification number tattoos.
A typical human fart is 59% nitrogen, 21% hydrogen, and 9% dioxide
The odor of farts comes from small amounts of hydrogen sulfide in the gas.
A typical human fart is 59% nitrogen, 21% hydrogen, and 9% dioxide
The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle or GP.
Early in 1941, Willys-Overland demonstrated the vehicle’s off-road capability by having it drive up the steps of the United States Capitol.
The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle or GP.
The highest point in Pennsylvania still doesn't even reach the lowest point in Colorado
The highest point in Pennsylvania is Mount Davis at 3,213 feet. The lowest point in Colorado is at the Arikaree River at Kansas border which stands at 3,317 feet.
The highest point in Pennsylvania still doesn't even reach the lowest point in Colorado
In the 1930s, the U.S. Army had only about 130,000 soldiers, only the sixteenth largest force in the world.
The United States Army was smaller than Czechoslovakia, Poland, Turkey, Spain, and Romania.
In the 1930s, the U.S. Army had only about 130,000 soldiers, only the sixteenth largest force in the world.
The Olympic gold medals awarded in 1912 were made entirely from gold.
Currently, the gold medals just must be covered in six grams of gold.
The Olympic gold medals awarded in 1912 were made entirely from gold.
These words have no rhymes in the English language - depth, month, orange, silver, and purple.
The word queue is the only one in the English language that is still pronounced the same when the last four letters are removed.
These words have no rhymes in the English language - depth, month, orange, silver, and purple.
Food makers now conceal MSG in packaged foods by listing it under other names.
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, can also be labelled as autolyzed or hydrolyzed vegetable protein, torula yeast, soy extracts, yeast extract, and protein isolate.
Food makers now conceal MSG in packaged foods by listing it under other names.
Romanian president, Nicolae Ceausescu, was executed on live TV by a firing squad.
In Romania’s 1989 Romanian Revolution, much to the glee of Romanian citizens, Ceausescu’s brutal regime was overthrown. He attempted to flee but was captured. After a quick two-hour trial, he and his wife were executed by a firing squad. The execution was broadcast live on television.
Romanian president, Nicolae Ceausescu, was executed on live TV by a firing squad.
Over the last 150 years the average height of people in industrialized nations increased by 10 cm (4 in).
In the 19th century, American men were the tallest in the world, averaging 1,71 meters (5’6″). Today, the average height for American men is 1,763 m (5 feet 9-and-half inches), compared to 1,815 m (5’10?) for Swedes, and 1,843 m (5’11?) for the Dutch, the tallest Caucasians.
Over the last 150 years the average height of people in industrialized nations increased by 10 cm (4 in).
Nearly ten percent of the Russian government's income comes from taxes on the sale of vodka.
According to some sources, the first production of vodka took place in the area of today’s Russia in the late 9th century; however, some argue that it may have happened even earlier in Poland in the 8th century. In Russia, black-market or “bathtub” vodka is widespread...
Nearly ten percent of the Russian government's income comes from taxes on the sale of vodka.
The 7-Up drink was originally named "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Sodas".
In 1929, the Howdy Company introduced its “Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Sodas” after realizing great success with its Howdy Orange Drink. Launched a week before the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the original formula contained contained lithium citrate, a mood-stabilizing...
The 7-Up drink was originally named "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Sodas".
Playing-cards were used in Persia and India as far back as the 12th century.
At that time, a pack of cards consisted of 48 cards (12 ranks, 4 suits) instead of 52 cards. An earlier, similar version of playing cards existed in China in the 9th century – they were referred to as “leafs”.
Playing-cards were used in Persia and India as far back as the 12th century.
During the 6th Century, it was customary to congratulate people who sneezed because it was thought that they were expelling evil from their bodies.
During the great plague of Europe, the Pope passed a law to say “God bless you” to one who sneezed.
During the 6th Century, it was customary to congratulate people who sneezed because it was thought that they were expelling evil from their bodies.
China uses over 45 billion chopsticks per year.
It is estimated to require over 25 million trees to make a year’s worth of chopsticks for the Chinese.
China uses over 45 billion chopsticks per year.
It is fairly common for a person to sneeze hard enough to break a rib.
Even worse, doctors say that if try to suppress a sneeze you risk rupturing a blood vessel in your head or neck.
It is fairly common for a person to sneeze hard enough to break a rib.
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, was afraid of the dark.
Edison also had life-long hearing problems which resulted from being slapped on the ears by a train conductor (right before being thrown off the train) after his chemical laboratory experiment in a boxcar caught fire.
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, was afraid of the dark.
The human stomach must produce a new lining every day to protect itself from its own acid.
The acid in your stomach is so powerful that it can dissolve a razor blade in less than a week.
The human stomach must produce a new lining every day to protect itself from its own acid.
Friday, May 24, 2013
In Australia, there are over 7 sheep for every person in the country.
There are more than 150 million sheep in Australia, a nation of 21 million people. New Zealand is home to 4 million people and 70 million sheep.
In Australia, there are over 7 sheep for every person in the country.
Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was beaten to death in prison with a broomstick.
In 1994, mass murderer Jeffrey Dahmer was beaten to death with a broomstick by a fellow inmate at the Columbia Correctional Institute. A few months prior, he had his throat cut by another inmate but managed to survive that attack.
Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was beaten to death in prison with a broomstick.
The poison from a Blowfish, a delicacy in Japan, is 500 times stronger than cyanide.
Blowfish (fugu), a delicacy in Japan and Hong Kong, contains deadly amounts of tetrodotoxin. Several diners die each year from blowfish consumption.
The poison from a Blowfish, a delicacy in Japan, is 500 times stronger than cyanide.
Chocolate contains the alkaloid theobromine which can kill pets even in small amounts.
Chocolate contains the alkaloid theobromine, which in high doses can be toxic to humans and is even more dangerous to pets. Even in small amounts, theobromine can kill dogs, parrots, horses, and cats.
Chocolate contains the alkaloid theobromine which can kill pets even in small amounts.
Gelatin is made from animal tendons, ligaments, and bones.
Gelatin is used for more than just a gelling agent in food and medicines. Gelatin is used by synchronized swimmers to hold their hair in place during their routines as it will not dissolve in the cold water of the pool. It is frequently referred to as “knoxing,” a reference to...
Gelatin is made from animal tendons, ligaments, and bones.
On average, you speak almost 5,000 words a day.
Almost 80% of speaking is self-talk (talking to yourself).
On average, you speak almost 5,000 words a day.
In 1927, actress Isadora Duncan was strangled to death by her scarf after it caught in the wheel of her car.
Her typical silk scarf, draped around her neck, became entangled around the open-spoke wheels and rear axle of her car, breaking her neck and strangling her to death.
In 1927, actress Isadora Duncan was strangled to death by her scarf after it caught in the wheel of her car.
A "jiffy" (as in, "I'll be back in a jiffy") is an actual unit of time for 1/250th of a second.
More accurately, the duration of a “jiffy” varies depending upon the field of study. In electronics, a jiffy is the time between alternating current power cycles, 1/50 of a second in most main power supplies. Within the Linux operating system kernel, since release 2.6.13, on the...
A "jiffy" (as in, "I'll be back in a jiffy") is an actual unit of time for 1/250th of a second.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Members of Adolf Hitler's inner circle called Rudolf Hess "Fraulein Anna" because he was a homosexual.
He had another unflattering nickname too – “Brown Mouse.”
Members of Adolf Hitler's inner circle called Rudolf Hess "Fraulein Anna" because he was a homosexual.
According to some old legends, birth marks are wounds from where you were killed in a past life.
Nobody really knows what causes birth marks but we know what they are. Vascular birthmark, a red, pink or purple blemish, is caused by abnormal blood vessels under the skin. Pigmented birthmarks, usually brown marks, are caused by the clustering of pigment cells.
According to some old legends, birth marks are wounds from where you were killed in a past life.
Millions of trees are planted on accident by squirrels.
Squirrels bury nuts and then forget where they hid them.
Millions of trees are planted on accident by squirrels.
Fish and insects do not have eyelids.
Their eyes are protected by a hardened lens and hence, no need to lids.
Fish and insects do not have eyelids.
On average, you breathe 23,000 times a day.
Breathing generates about 0.6g of CO2 every minute. On average, people can hold their breath for about one minute. The world record is over 20 minutes.
On average, you breathe 23,000 times a day.
Nessie, the Loch Ness monster is protected by the 1912 Protection of Animals Acts of Scotland.
With good reason – Nessie is worth $40 million annually to Scottish tourism.
Nessie, the Loch Ness monster is protected by the 1912 Protection of Animals Acts of Scotland.
A Colombian soccer player was murdered by fans angry over an accidental goal he had scored during a World Cup game.
In 1994, Colombian soccer player Andres Escobar was murdered by still-unidentified fans, in anger over the accidental goal he had scored for the United States during a World Cup game.
A Colombian soccer player was murdered by fans angry over an accidental goal he had scored during a World Cup game.
The first projection of an image onto a screen was made by a German priest in 1646.
In 1646, German priest Athanasius Kircher used a candle and oil lamp to project his hand-painted images onto a white screen.
The first projection of an image onto a screen was made by a German priest in 1646.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The word millionaire was first used by Benjamin Disraeli in his 1826 novel Vivian Grey.
The first American printed use of the word is thought to be in an obituary of New York tobacco manufacturer Pierre Lorillard II in 1843.
The word millionaire was first used by Benjamin Disraeli in his 1826 novel Vivian Grey.
Your mouth produces 1 liter (1.8 pints) of saliva a day.
Spit is 99.5% water, while the other 0.5% consists of electrolytes, mucus, glycoproteins, enzymes, and antibacterial compounds.
Your mouth produces 1 liter (1.8 pints) of saliva a day.
The invention of the paperclip was attributed to Norwegian inventor Johann Vaaler but never went into production.
As it turned out, his design was rather poor – it lacked the two full loops of wire found on modern-day paperclips. His patent was allowed to quietly expire without ever going into production.
The invention of the paperclip was attributed to Norwegian inventor Johann Vaaler but never went into production.
Jean-Dominique Bauby wrote the book "The Driving Bell and the Butterfly" by blinking his left eyelid.
At age 43 he suffered a massive stroke. When he woke up 20 days later, he found that he was completely paralyzed except for his left eyelid. He wrote the entire book The Driving Bell and the Butterfly by blinking his left eye – the only part of his body that he could move.
Jean-Dominique Bauby wrote the book "The Driving Bell and the Butterfly" by blinking his left eyelid.
The Chinese, not Gutenberg, invented the printing press but then discarded the method.
Johannes Gutenberg is often credited as the inventor of the printing press in 1454. However, the Chinese actually printed from movable type in 1040 but later discarding the method.
The Chinese, not Gutenberg, invented the printing press but then discarded the method.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The spine-tailed swift is the fastest bird on the planet.
It flies 106 mph (170 km/h). Second fastest is the Frigate, which reaches 94 mph (150 km/h).
The spine-tailed swift is the fastest bird on the planet.
Horror film maker Michael Findlay died from decapitation by a helicopter blade.
In 1977, horror film maker Michael Findlay was boarding a helicopter when the landing gear broke causing the helicopter to tip on its side while the rotors were running. The spinning blades killed Findlay and two other passengers.
Horror film maker Michael Findlay died from decapitation by a helicopter blade.
About 50% of Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace.
Living near your place of birth is called propinquity.
About 50% of Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace.
Monday, May 20, 2013
The world’s longest nonfiction book is The Yongle Dadian
The Yongle Dadian, a 10,000-volume encyclopedia was produced by 5,000 scholars during the Ming Dynasty in China 500 years ago. The scholars incorporated 8,000 texts from ancient times through the Ming Dynasty.
The world’s longest nonfiction book is The Yongle Dadian
As they grow older, one of a flatfish's eyes will slowly migrate to the side of its head
Flatfish (halibut, flounder, turbot, and sole) are born with eyes like any other “normal” fish. As they grow older however, they turn sideways and one eye moves around so they have two eyes on the side that faces up.
As they grow older, one of a flatfish's eyes will slowly migrate to the side of its head
In 1972 Leslie Harvey of Stone the Crows died after being electrocuted onstage in England.
In 1976 Keith Relf, who used to play for The Yardbirds, was electrocuted by his guitar while playing in his basement. During a mid-performance in 1994 Ramon Barrero, a Mexican musician famous for playing the world’s smallest harmonica, inhaled the harmonica and choked to death.
In 1972 Leslie Harvey of Stone the Crows died after being electrocuted onstage in England.
Captured female World War I spy Mata Hari, blew kisses to the firing squad right before she was executed.
On October 15, 1917, World War I spy and Dutch exotic dancer Mata Hari (Gertrud Margarete Zelle) was executed by a firing squad after being accused of being a German agent (in the 1970′s, unsealed German documents proved the accusations were true). She refused a blindfold and threw a kiss...
Captured female World War I spy Mata Hari, blew kisses to the firing squad right before she was executed.
The first Harley Davidson motorcycle was built in 1903, and used a tomato can for a carburetor.
The first engine prototypes were designed for use in a regular pedal-bicycle frame. Although a tomato can was used for the carburetor, most of the major parts were made elsewhere, including some that were most likely fabricated at the West Milwaukee railshops where oldest brother William A....
The first Harley Davidson motorcycle was built in 1903, and used a tomato can for a carburetor.
Lightning strikes men about seven times more often than it does women.
Sorry guys, women make up 49% of the world population so the odds still don’t even out.
Lightning strikes men about seven times more often than it does women.
Clara Blandick, Auntie Em in The Wizard of Oz, committed suicide with pills and a plastic bag over her head
In 1962, Clara Blandick, the actress who played Auntie Em in The Wizard of Oz, committed suicide by taking sleeping pills along with a plastic bag tied over her head. She was 81-years-old and suffering from crippling arthritis.
Clara Blandick, Auntie Em in The Wizard of Oz, committed suicide with pills and a plastic bag over her head
Sunday, May 19, 2013
The Carpenters signature song, "We've Only Just Begun", was originally written as a TV commercial for a California bank.
Originally recorded by Smokey Roberds, the song played over footage of a young couple getting married and just starting out. Direct reference to the bank was left out, in part to make the song more marketable. Carpenter ran into the writer on the record company’s lot and asked...
The Carpenters signature song, "We've Only Just Begun", was originally written as a TV commercial for a California bank.
Like people, animals also are either right-handed or left-handed.
Polar bears are almost always left-handed – and so is Kermit the Frog.
Like people, animals also are either right-handed or left-handed.
In 1097 the midwife of Salerno, Trotula, wrote a medical book titled The Diseases of Women.
The Diseases of Women book was used in medical schools for over 600 years.
In 1097 the midwife of Salerno, Trotula, wrote a medical book titled The Diseases of Women.
Horse racing jockey Frank Hayes is the only person to win a horse race after death.
On June 4, 1923, riding a 20-1 outsider in the Belmont Stakes, horse-racing jockey Frank Hayes suffered a fatal heart attack during the race. His horse, Sweet Kiss, took the lead on the home stretch and went on to win the race with its lifeless rider atop. Fans thought Hayes, who...
Horse racing jockey Frank Hayes is the only person to win a horse race after death.
The sentence "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet.
And the smartest thing President George Bush ever said has exactly 0 letters.
The sentence "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Ray Combs, the host of Family Feud, hanged himself with bedsheets while on a 72-hour suicide watch
Ray Combs, the host of the popular Family Feud game show, hanged himself on the night of June 2, 1996, using bed sheets from his hospital room at Glendale Adventist Hospital. He was on a 72-hour suicide watch.
Ray Combs, the host of Family Feud, hanged himself with bedsheets while on a 72-hour suicide watch
The South American giant anteater eats more than 30,000 ants a day.
A large group of ants is called an “army”.
The South American giant anteater eats more than 30,000 ants a day.
A group of geese on the ground is a gaggle - a group of geese in the air is a skein.
Other “animal collective nouns” include the following:
Alligators Congregation
Apes Shrewdness, Troop
Bacteria Culture
Badgers Cete, Colony, Set, Company
Barracudas Battery
Cockroaches Intrusion
Crows Murder, Horde, Parcel,...
A group of geese on the ground is a gaggle - a group of geese in the air is a skein.
Sharks and rays share the exact same kind of skin
Instead of scales, they have small tooth-like spikes called denticles. The spikes are so sharp that shark skin has long been used as sandpaper.
Sharks and rays share the exact same kind of skin
Eskimos use refrigerators to keep food from freezing.
To freeze food they just leave it outside.
Eskimos use refrigerators to keep food from freezing.
Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a YMCA youth coach.
Naismith invented the game to occupy students between the football and baseball seasons.
Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a YMCA youth coach.
No piece of dry paper can be folded more than 7 times in half.
And millions of trees are needlessly destroyed after people read this trivia fact.
No piece of dry paper can be folded more than 7 times in half.
The first pick in the first-ever NFL draft (1935) ended up never playing in the league.
The first pick (by Eagles) in the first NFL draft in 1935, was Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago. He never played in the league.
The first pick in the first-ever NFL draft (1935) ended up never playing in the league.
The only president buried on the grounds of a state capitol is James Polk in Nashville, Tennessee
The states with the most presidential burial sites are Ohio and Virginia (a tie).
The only president buried on the grounds of a state capitol is James Polk in Nashville, Tennessee
Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people do.
Every year, thousands if left-handed people die using tools that were designed for right-handed people.
Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people do.
Burials in America deposit 827,060 gallons of embalming fluid - formaldehyde, methanol, and ethanol - into the soil each year.
Cremations are not much better. Cremations pump dioxins, hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide into the air.
Burials in America deposit 827,060 gallons of embalming fluid - formaldehyde, methanol, and ethanol - into the soil each year.
In 1905, 18 men died from injuries sustained on the football field.
President Theodore Roosevelt stepped in and instituted safety measures to make the game safer.
In 1905, 18 men died from injuries sustained on the football field.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Paul McCartney was the last bachelor Beatle.
Paul McCartney was the last bachelor Beatle when he married Linda Eastman in a civil ceremony in London, 1969. Paul’s brother Mike was his best man. No other Beatle attended the wedding.
Paul McCartney was the last bachelor Beatle.
The stretchy skin on your elbow is called "wenis".
A penis is like an elbow in another way too – as with your elbow, you should not put it on the table.
The stretchy skin on your elbow is called "wenis".
Cats are never mentioned one single time in the Bible.
Sheep are mentioned 45 times and goats 88 times in the Bible. Dogs are mentioned 14 times and lions 89 times, but domestic cats are not mentioned.
Cats are never mentioned one single time in the Bible.
The countries that make up "the orient" differs depending upon where you live.
To most Americans, the orient is China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam; to Europeans it is the area of India and Pakistan.
The countries that make up "the orient" differs depending upon where you live.
No network video footage exists of Super Bowl I.
It was taped over, supposedly for a soap opera.
No network video footage exists of Super Bowl I.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
The Beatles song "Martha My Dear" was written by Paul McCartney about his sheepdog Martha.
In 1965 soon after buying his first house on Cavendish Avenue, Paul McCartney bought his first pet, an Old English sheepdog puppy that he named Martha. McCartney became very close with the dog and she often accompanied him in public. Martha died in 1981 at the age of 15 at McCartney’s farm...
The Beatles song "Martha My Dear" was written by Paul McCartney about his sheepdog Martha.
Parker Brothers was founded in 1885 by George Swinerton Parker when he was just 18 years old.
The first game produced was ‘Banking,’ in which the player who amasses the most wealth is the winner.
Parker Brothers was founded in 1885 by George Swinerton Parker when he was just 18 years old.
The giant squid has the biggest eyes of any animal.
Its eyes measure 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter.
The giant squid has the biggest eyes of any animal.
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, at 0,16 square miles (0,44 square km).
The most populated city in the world – when major urban areas are included – is Tokyo, with more than 37 million residents.
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, at 0,16 square miles (0,44 square km).
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
It is believed that men blink less as a self-preservation measure.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
The first woman to break the 12-second barrier in the 100-meter race was a man.
Poland’s Stella Walsh (Stanislawa Walasiewicz)-won the women’s 100-meter race at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first woman to break the 12-second barrier. When she was killed in 1980 as an innocent victim in a robbery attempt, an autopsy declared her to be a male.
The first woman to break the 12-second barrier in the 100-meter race was a man.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Some bird species, usually flightless birds, have only a lower eyelid.
Pigeons however, use upper and lower lids to blink.
Some bird species, usually flightless birds, have only a lower eyelid.
The most visited presidential grave is John F. Kennedy's in Arlington National Cemetery.
The only other president buried at Arlington National Cemetery is William Howard Taft.
The most visited presidential grave is John F. Kennedy's in Arlington National Cemetery.
In many men, the distance between the wrist and elbow is the same length as their foot.
If you don’t believe this, put your foot against your forearm and check. Similarly, the distance between the ear and nose is the same length as their erect penis (I wonder how many people just put their penis on their face).
In many men, the distance between the wrist and elbow is the same length as their foot.
The modern Olympic Games were held for the first time in 1896 at Athens, Greece.
They were then followed by the 1900 Paris games. The winter games were added in 1924.
The modern Olympic Games were held for the first time in 1896 at Athens, Greece.
The pig is rated the fourth most intelligent animal but are mentioned only twice in the Bible.
Humans of course are the smartest followed by chimps, dolphins, and elephants.
The pig is rated the fourth most intelligent animal but are mentioned only twice in the Bible.
Alcohol doesn't actually kill brain cells, it just causes them to grow a little slower.
Whif splains why my postss are stimes a bit off.
Alcohol doesn't actually kill brain cells, it just causes them to grow a little slower.
A snail has two pairs of tentacles on its head.
One pair of tentacles is longer than the other and houses the eyes. The shorter pair is used for smelling and feeling its way around. (Some snail species have only one pair of tentacles, thus they have just one eye.)
A snail has two pairs of tentacles on its head.
The only president buried in Washington, D.C. is Woodrow Wilson.
Woodrow Wilson was laid to rest in the National Cathedral.
The only president buried in Washington, D.C. is Woodrow Wilson.
The oldest inhabited city is Damascus, Syria.
The first city in the world to have a population of more than one million was Rome.
The oldest inhabited city is Damascus, Syria.
The Ouija board is named for the French and German words for "yes" - "oui" and "ja"
The oiuja board was invented by Isaac and William Fuld, and was patented July 1, 1892.
The Ouija board is named for the French and German words for "yes" - "oui" and "ja"
Before the advent of computer word processors, about 100 people choked to death on ballpoint pens each year
And if they choked on their pens in water, their bodies would decompose four times faster than on land.
Before the advent of computer word processors, about 100 people choked to death on ballpoint pens each year
The world's first roller coaster opened in 1884 at Coney Island, New York.
It was designed by Lemarcus Thompson, a former Sunday school teacher.
The world's first roller coaster opened in 1884 at Coney Island, New York.
Gone with the Wind was the first color film to win a Best Picture Oscar.
At 3 hours and 56 minutes, it was also the longest film to have won a Best Picture Oscar.
Gone with the Wind was the first color film to win a Best Picture Oscar.
Every odd number greater than 5 is the sum of three prime numbers.
For instance: 2+2+5 = 7. The prime number 379009 held upside down spells “Google”.
Every odd number greater than 5 is the sum of three prime numbers.
Cockroaches can live for nine days without their heads, at which point they die of starvation.
A human head remains conscious for about 15-20 seconds after decapitation.
Cockroaches can live for nine days without their heads, at which point they die of starvation.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
In Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. game, the bushes are just clouds that have been colored green.
Mario was originally known as Jumpman. However, when Nintendo’s US office were trying to think of a better name in time for the American release of the game, they were interrupted by their landlord Mario Segale, after whom they christened the character. Hardware graphic limitations...
In Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. game, the bushes are just clouds that have been colored green.
In 1845, President Andrew Jackson's pet parrot was removed from his funeral for swearing.
According to one obituary, “The General’s parrot, excited by the multitude and the wailing of the slaves, let loose perfect gusts of ‘cuss words.’ The Negro slaves of the General were horrified and awed at the bird’s lack of reverence.”
In 1845, President Andrew Jackson's pet parrot was removed from his funeral for swearing.
The poker hand that Wild Bill Hickok held when he was gunned down became known as "Dead Man's Hand".
Wild Bill Hickok was killed playing poker, holding two pairs – aces and eights, which has become known as ‘Dead Man’s Hand.’ Of the 2,598,960 possible five-card hands, there is a very slim chance of being dealt a “Dead Man’s Hand”.
The poker hand that Wild Bill Hickok held when he was gunned down became known as "Dead Man's Hand".
William Shakespeare wrote his first play, The Taming of the Shrew, in 1593.
Efforts to establish the play’s date of composition and genesis have been complicated by its uncertain relationship with another Elizabethan play with an almost identical plot but different wording and character names,
William Shakespeare wrote his first play, The Taming of the Shrew, in 1593.
Organist Wilbur Snapp was ejected from a baseball game for playing a song the umpire didn't like.
It occurred in 1985 at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater, Florida. The organist, Wilbur Snapp, played the song “Three Blind Mice” following a poor call by umpire Keith O’Conner. The umpire was not amused and ejected Snapp from the game.
Organist Wilbur Snapp was ejected from a baseball game for playing a song the umpire didn't like.
When a person dies, hearing is generally the last sense to go.
The first sense to go when a person dies is usually sight followed by taste, smell, and touch.
When a person dies, hearing is generally the last sense to go.
The surname of the only guy without a beard in the band ZZ Top is (wait for it) - Beard
10 years into their career, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill both grew bears by coincidence. After returning from extended vacations, Gibbons and Hill learned that each had let their beards grow to doormat proportions. The drummer, Frank Beard, is clean shaven.
The surname of the only guy without a beard in the band ZZ Top is (wait for it) - Beard
The heart of a blue whale is the size of a small car.
The tongue of a blue whale is as long as an elephant. A blue whale weighs as much as 40 rhinos.
The heart of a blue whale is the size of a small car.
Barbie doll's full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts
Barbie was introduced at the New York Toy Fair on 9 March 1959; her real name is and her parents are Ruth and Elliot Handler. Barbie has four sisters: Skipper (1964), Stacie (1992), Kelly (1995) and Krissy (1995). Ken, Barbie’s boyfriend, debuted in 1961. Unfortunately, they split up on...
Barbie doll's full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts
Did you know the three wise monkeys have names?
They are: Mizaru (See no evil), Mikazaru (Kikazaru – Hear no evil), and Mazaru (Iwazaru – Speak no evil). The fourth wise monkey is called Shizaru (Do no evil).
Did you know the three wise monkeys have names?
Japan fought with Britain, France, and the U.S. during WWI then changed sides because they felt cheated.
Japan felt cheated after World War I for its failure to gain much territory when the peace treaty was reached. This, along with a renewed fanatical nationalists sentiment, prompted Japan to side with Germany during World War II.
Japan fought with Britain, France, and the U.S. during WWI then changed sides because they felt cheated.
Scotland has the highest proportion of redheads in the world.
While Scotland has the highest proportion (13%) of redheads (followed by Ireland with 10%), the United States has the largest population of redheads in the world, with between 6-18 million redheads, or 2-6% of the population.
Scotland has the highest proportion of redheads in the world.
A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court.
Gold is so pliable that it can be made into sewing thread. An ounce of gold can be stretched over 50 miles.
A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court.
In 1939, the Nazis began a “euthanasia” program in which 100,000 Germans who were disabled or mentally retarded were murdered.
The program was based in Berlin at No. 4 Tiergartenstrasse and became known as the T-4 program.
In 1939, the Nazis began a “euthanasia” program in which 100,000 Germans who were disabled or mentally retarded were murdered.
Before the year 1000, the word "she" did not exist in the English language.
The singular female reference was the word “heo”, which also was the plural of all genders. The word “she” appeared only in the 12th century, about 400 years after English began to take form. “She” probably derived from the Old English feminine “seo”, the Viking word for feminine...
Before the year 1000, the word "she" did not exist in the English language.
Monday, May 13, 2013
The first documented use of the phrase OMG was in a 1917 letter to Winston Churchill.
In a 1917 letter to Winston Churchill, Admiral John Fisher used the phrase “O.M.G.”
The first documented use of the phrase OMG was in a 1917 letter to Winston Churchill.
"Silver Bells" was called "Tinkle Bells" until co-composer Jay Livingston's wife told him "tinkle" had another meaning.
Alternative names included “wee-wee bells”, “yellow bells”, and “pee pee bells”.
"Silver Bells" was called "Tinkle Bells" until co-composer Jay Livingston's wife told him "tinkle" had another meaning.
The musical themes from several Clint Eastwood movies were written himself.
Themes from movies Unforgiven, A Perfect World, The Bridges of Madison County, and Absolute Power were all written by Clint Eastwood.
The musical themes from several Clint Eastwood movies were written himself.
The average single man watches porn for 40 minutes, 3 times per week
The average married man watches porn 1.7 times per week for about 20 minutes each session.
The average single man watches porn for 40 minutes, 3 times per week
An ostrich can run up to 43mph (70 km/h).
That’s about twice as fast as a speedy human can run.
An ostrich can run up to 43mph (70 km/h).
There is disagreement amongst historians as to when World War II started.
Most historians agree that WWII began when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Others however, say it started when Japan invaded Manchuria on September 18, 1931. Some wayward scholars go so far as to suggest that WWII is actually a continuation of WWI, with only a short break in...
There is disagreement amongst historians as to when World War II started.
Approximately 1-2% of humans, or about 2 in 100 people in the world, have red hair.
The ancient Greeks believed that redheads would turn into vampires after they died.
Approximately 1-2% of humans, or about 2 in 100 people in the world, have red hair.
When Polk County Sherriff was asked why suspect was shot 68 times he replied, "That's all the bullets we had".
Angilo Freeland was shot at 110 times and hit 68 times by Polk County, Florida sheriffs during a manhunt that ensued after a routine traffic stop. When reporters asked the Coroner why he had reported that the illegal alien “died of natural causes”, when he had 68 bullets in his...
When Polk County Sherriff was asked why suspect was shot 68 times he replied, "That's all the bullets we had".
Many sailors used to wear gold earrings so that they could afford a proper burial when they died.
Ditto for gold teeth. Silk underwear on the other hand, they wore for other reasons…
Many sailors used to wear gold earrings so that they could afford a proper burial when they died.
Monks in the 16th century recorded seeing a giant explosion on the side of the Moon.
It most likely was a large meteor that slammed into the Moon and left a large crater.
Monks in the 16th century recorded seeing a giant explosion on the side of the Moon.
The average person laughs 12 times a day.
The average person also checks the time at least 50 times a day, falls asleep in 7 minutes, goes to the toilet 6 times per day, and swallows 295 times during a meal.
The average person laughs 12 times a day.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
In 1493, Columbus thought he saw mermaids.
They were “not as pretty as they are depicted, for somehow in the face they look like men.” (They were probably manatees.)
In 1493, Columbus thought he saw mermaids.
In colonial America, lobster was readily available and not considered a delicacy.
In fact, lobster was so cheap and plentiful it was often served to prisoners.
In colonial America, lobster was readily available and not considered a delicacy.
In 1980, Detroit presented Saddam Hussein with a key to the city.
A little more than 20 years later, the United States entered Iraq using no keys whatsoever.
In 1980, Detroit presented Saddam Hussein with a key to the city.
Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison were often considered bitter enemies
Nikola Tesla on Thomas Edison: “He had no hobby, cared for no amusement of any kind and lived in utter disregard of the most elementary rules of hygiene.”
Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison were often considered bitter enemies
Marie Curie, radiation researcher and first women to win a Nobel prize, died from radiation poisoning.
Her research notebooks are still radioactive to this day.
Marie Curie, radiation researcher and first women to win a Nobel prize, died from radiation poisoning.
The speed of sound at sea level is 343.2 meters per second or 768 miles per hour
It takes about five seconds for sound to travel one mile. When asked if he knew the speed of sound, Einstein said he “didn’t carry such information in my mind since it’s readily available in books.”
The speed of sound at sea level is 343.2 meters per second or 768 miles per hour
The first public Internet webcam watched a coffee pot.
It allowed researchers at Cambridge to monitor the coffee situation without leaving their desks.
The first public Internet webcam watched a coffee pot.
Duncan Hines (the desert food brand) was a real person.
He was a popular restaurant critic who also wrote a book of hotel recommendations.
Duncan Hines (the desert food brand) was a real person.
Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote Meteorologica, a textbook on weather, in 350 BC.
It remained the standard textbook on weather for 2,000 years.
Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote Meteorologica, a textbook on weather, in 350 BC.
There are four types of marriages: monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, and group marriage.
Monogamy is one wife, one husband. Polygyny is one husband, several wives. Polyandry is one wife, several husbands. Group marriage is by far the rarest and has never been the prevailing form of marriage in any known society.
There are four types of marriages: monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, and group marriage.
In 1975, Louis Abalofia's presidential run included a nude photo of himself and the slogan, "I have nothing to hide".
In 1975, Emil Matalik made a run for US Presidential candidate. He advocated a maximum of one animal and one tree per family because he believed that there were too many animals and plant life on earth. In the 1860s, financier George Francis Train ran for office with one item: the...
In 1975, Louis Abalofia's presidential run included a nude photo of himself and the slogan, "I have nothing to hide".
Bolivia has had more governments (over 200) than any other country in the world
Bolivia holds the highest turnover of governments. Since their independence from Spain in 1825, Bolivia has had almost 200 governments. Since 1945, Italy saw more than 50 governments and more than 20 Prime Ministers.
Bolivia has had more governments (over 200) than any other country in the world
The first novel was written in 1007 by Japanese noble woman, Murasaki Shikibu.
Considered a “masterpiece” by modern-day scholars, The story of Genji was likely written in installments, chapter by chapter, as the full tale was being told to aristocrats.
The first novel was written in 1007 by Japanese noble woman, Murasaki Shikibu.
Thomas Jefferson wrote his own epitaph before his death
Unfortunately, he failed to mention that he was the President of the United States.
Thomas Jefferson wrote his own epitaph before his death
The US has the highest documented per capita rate of imprisonment of any country in the world.
About 2% of white males, 4% of Hispanic males and 10% of black males are incarcerated. There are more black males in prison than in colleges in the US.
The US has the highest documented per capita rate of imprisonment of any country in the world.
An exocannibal eats only its enemies.
And as if that’s not bad enough, we must inform you that indocannibal eats only friends.
An exocannibal eats only its enemies.
Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, was buried atop Beinn Bhreagh mountain.
When Alexander Graham Bell passed away in 1922, every telephone served by the Bell system in the USA and Canada was silent for one minute in his honor.
Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, was buried atop Beinn Bhreagh mountain.
Before writing 007 novels, Ian Fleming studied languages at Munich and Geneva universities.
He also worked with Reuters in Moscow and then became a banker and stockbroker before settling down to write James Bond books.
Before writing 007 novels, Ian Fleming studied languages at Munich and Geneva universities.
The British royal family changed their surname (last name) from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor in 1917.
The new surname was derived from the name of the castle that they lived in.
The British royal family changed their surname (last name) from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor in 1917.
In the West, the most popular male names are James and John.
The most popular female name is Mary.
In the West, the most popular male names are James and John.
The shortest Oscar ceremony ever, held in 1929, lasted only about 15 minutes.
The ceremony was so short because all the winners had been announced three months earlier. The longest Oscar awards ceremony was in 2000, running for 4 hours and 16 minutes – beating a previous record by 16 minutes.
The shortest Oscar ceremony ever, held in 1929, lasted only about 15 minutes.
A grand piano can be played faster than an upright (spinet) piano.
A grand piano can be played faster than an upright (spinet) piano because it has a repetition lever that allows the pianist to repeat the note when it is only half way up. An upright piano requires letting the key all the way up to reset the hammer action. Both types however, cover the...
A grand piano can be played faster than an upright (spinet) piano.
Not all stars are found inside galaxies.
Astronomers have found stars moving between the galaxies, which are millions of light years apart. These stars may even have planets, possibly with intelligent life on them. If they do, these beings would see a lonely sky with just one star (its own sun) and a few faint galaxies.
Not all stars are found inside galaxies.
There are about one billion cattle in the world of which 200 million are in India.
About 1/5 of the world’s cattle are in India where they hold a special religious status amongst their people.
There are about one billion cattle in the world of which 200 million are in India.
Scientist believe that diamond rains occur on Neptune and Uranus.
The heart of these planets may be a layer of diamonds hundreds of miles thick.
Scientist believe that diamond rains occur on Neptune and Uranus.
A canary's pulse rate is 1,000 beats per minute - more than 10 times faster than a human
Feel the pulse in your wrist? For humans the normal pulse is 70 heartbeats per minute. Elephants have a slower pulse of 27 beats per minute. Still, in one day a human’s heart beats more than 100,000 times.
A canary's pulse rate is 1,000 beats per minute - more than 10 times faster than a human
Saturday, May 11, 2013
To make 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) of honey, bees have to visit 4 million flowers.
While visiting these flowers the bees would cover a distance equal to 4 times around the earth.
To make 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) of honey, bees have to visit 4 million flowers.
"Tip" is an acronym for “To Insure Promptness.”
In Iceland, it is considered an insult to be offered a tip.
"Tip" is an acronym for “To Insure Promptness.”
The tallest waterfalls in the world are Angel Falls in Venezuela.
At 979 m (3,212 ft), they are 19 times taller than the Niagara Falls, or 3 times taller than the Empire State Building. Although the Angel Falls are much taller than the Niagara Falls, the latter are much wider, and they both pour about the same amount of water over their edges – about...
The tallest waterfalls in the world are Angel Falls in Venezuela.
The machine that carried the Space Shuttle to the launching pad moved at a snail-paced 3km/h (2 mph).
The Space Shuttle Crawler’s 2 mph top speed was only attainable when it was unloaded. When loaded it can only travel at 1 mph. At a weight of 2,721 tons, it is also the world’s largest self-powered land vehicle.
The machine that carried the Space Shuttle to the launching pad moved at a snail-paced 3km/h (2 mph).
Earth is not round; it is slightly pear-shaped.
The North Pole radius is 44mm longer than the South Pole radius.
Earth is not round; it is slightly pear-shaped.
The 3 Musketeers bar was originally split into three pieces with three different flavors
Vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. When the other flavors became harder to come by during World War II, Mars decided to go all chocolate.
The 3 Musketeers bar was originally split into three pieces with three different flavors
The Library of Congress stores 18 million books on approximately 850 km (530 miles) of bookshelves.
The collections include 119 million items, 2 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4 million maps and 53 million manuscripts.
The Library of Congress stores 18 million books on approximately 850 km (530 miles) of bookshelves.
Vincent van Gogh sold only painting in his entire life to his brother.
His brother owned an art gallery. The painting is titled “Red Vineyard at Arles.”
Vincent van Gogh sold only painting in his entire life to his brother.
The Statue of Liberty is the largest hammered copper statue in the world.
The largest statue in the world is Mount Rushmore, the heads of four US Presidents carved into the Black Hills near Keystone. The heads are 18 m (60 ft) tall.
The Statue of Liberty is the largest hammered copper statue in the world.
Barbara Cartland completed a novel every two weeks, publishing 723 novels.
Her works were almost exclusively romantic novels. It is estimated that she sold over 1 billion copies of her books.
Barbara Cartland completed a novel every two weeks, publishing 723 novels.
The best selling book in history has never appeared on a best-sellers list.
Even though it is never featured on any best-selling list, the Bible still is the world’s best selling book.
The best selling book in history has never appeared on a best-sellers list.
The first history book was published by Rashid-Eddin of Persia in 1311.
The book was titled the Great Universal History and yes, by that time there was a bit of history to report.
The first history book was published by Rashid-Eddin of Persia in 1311.
Picasso could draw before he could walk.
When he finally learned to talk, Picasso’s first word was the Spanish word for pencil.
Picasso could draw before he could walk.
There are 701 types of pure breed dogs.
There are about 54 million dogs in the US, and Paris is said to have more dogs than people.
There are 701 types of pure breed dogs.
William Faulkner once refused a dinner invitation from JFK's White House.
“Why that’s a hundred miles away,” he said. “That’s a long way to go just to eat.”
William Faulkner once refused a dinner invitation from JFK's White House.
Ernest Vincent Wright's 1939 novel Gadsby has 50,110 words, none of which contains the letter "E".
The book is a favorite of fans of “constrained writing” and is a sought-after rarity among some book collectors. Wright says his primary difficulty was avoiding the “-ed” suffix for past tense verbs.
Ernest Vincent Wright's 1939 novel Gadsby has 50,110 words, none of which contains the letter "E".
The Sahara desert expands at about 1km per month.
So keep the broom and dustpan handy…
The Sahara desert expands at about 1km per month.
African elephants only have four teeth to chew their food with.
When an elephant’s teeth fall out, they do not grow back. When all their teeth have fallen out, they starve and die.
African elephants only have four teeth to chew their food with.
We actually do not see with our eyes – we see with our brains.
The eyes basically are the cameras of the brain.
We actually do not see with our eyes – we see with our brains.
Sumerians invented writing in the 4th century BC.
The first book published is thought to be the Epic of Gilgamesh, written at about 3000 BC in cuneiform, an alphabet based on symbols.
Sumerians invented writing in the 4th century BC.
In 1961, Matisse’s Le Bateau (The Boat painting) hung upside-down for 2 months.
The painting hung upside-down for 2 months in the Museum of Modern Art, New York. None of the 116,000 visitors had noticed.
In 1961, Matisse’s Le Bateau (The Boat painting) hung upside-down for 2 months.
The sailfish is the fastest swimmer in the ocean, reaching 68 mph (109 km/h)
Still, there are unconfirmed reports that a black marlin has been clocked at 80 mph (128 km/h). The slowest fish is the Sea Horse, which moves along at about 0.01 mph (0.016 km/h). Dolphins can reach 37 mph (60 km/h).
The sailfish is the fastest swimmer in the ocean, reaching 68 mph (109 km/h)
Fredric Baur invented the Pringles can
When he passed away in 2008, his ashes were buried in one.
Fredric Baur invented the Pringles can
M&M's actually stands for "Mars & Murrie's"
The last names of the candy’s founders.
M&M's actually stands for "Mars & Murrie's"
Friday, May 10, 2013
The FBI named Ted Kaczynski the “Unabomber” because of the bomb’s recipients
Why did the FBI call Ted Kaczynski “The Unabomber”? Because his early mail bombs were sent to universities (UN) & airlines (A).
The FBI named Ted Kaczynski the “Unabomber” because of the bomb’s recipients
Your heart beats 101,000 times a day.
During your lifetime it will beat about 3 billion times and pump about 400 million liters (800 million pints) of blood.
Your heart beats 101,000 times a day.
From the Middle Ages until the 18th century the local barber's duties included dentistry
Other middle-ages barber duties included, blood letting, minor operations and bone-setting. The barber’s striped red pole originates from when patients would grip the pole during an operation.
From the Middle Ages until the 18th century the local barber's duties included dentistry
Due to earth's gravity it is impossible for mountains to be higher than 49 000 feet (15,000 meters).
At 29,029 feet, Mount Everest is considered the tallest followed by K2 at 28,251 feet.
Due to earth's gravity it is impossible for mountains to be higher than 49 000 feet (15,000 meters).
The United States has banned just 10 chemicals from cosmetics.
The European Union has banned more than 1,100 chemicals from cosmetics.
The United States has banned just 10 chemicals from cosmetics.
The US nickname Uncle Sam was derived from a real person.
His name was Uncle Sam Wilson, a meat inspector in Troy, New York.
The US nickname Uncle Sam was derived from a real person.
The names of all the continents end with the letter they start with.
On every continent there is a city called Rome.
The names of all the continents end with the letter they start with.
For 3000 years, until 1883, hemp was the world's largest agricultural crop
During its heyday, hemp was widely grown from which fabric, soap, paper, medicines, and oils were produced. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp. Ben Franklin owned a mill that made hemp paper. The US Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.
For 3000 years, until 1883, hemp was the world's largest agricultural crop
In 1939, Hitler's nephew wrote an article called "Why I Hate My Uncle."
He came to the U.S., served in the Navy, and settled on Long Island.
In 1939, Hitler's nephew wrote an article called "Why I Hate My Uncle."
The word malaria comes from the words mal and aria, which means bad air.
This derives from the old days when it was thought that all diseases are caused by bad, or dirty air.
The word malaria comes from the words mal and aria, which means bad air.
In the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, 13 of the 15 jockeys were black.
Of the first 28 Derby winners, 15 were black.
In the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, 13 of the 15 jockeys were black.
The sum of all the numbers on a roulette wheel is 666.
Yeah, gambling is indeed the root of all evil.
The sum of all the numbers on a roulette wheel is 666.
A human has over 60,000 miles of blood vessels running throughout their body
Your blood takes a very long trip through your body. If you could stretch out all of a human’s blood vessels, they would be about 60,000 miles long. That’s enough to go around the world twice.
A human has over 60,000 miles of blood vessels running throughout their body
"Jay" used to be slang for "foolish person."
So when a pedestrian ignored street signs, he was referred to as a “jaywalker.”
"Jay" used to be slang for "foolish person."
The Q in Q-tips stands for quality.
They were originally called Baby Gays.
The Q in Q-tips stands for quality.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Only one McDonald's in the world has turquoise arches–in Sedona, Arizona.
Government officials in Sedona, Arizona, thought the yellow would look bad with the natural red rock of the city.
Only one McDonald's in the world has turquoise arches–in Sedona, Arizona.
Oscar the Grouch used to be orange.
Jim Henson decided to make him green before the second season of Sesame Street. How did Oscar explain the color change? He said he went on vacation to the very damp Swamp Mushy Muddy and turned green overnight.
Oscar the Grouch used to be orange.
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