In 1978, Charlie Chaplin’s body was stolen and held for ransom. His widow refused to pay ransom demands of £400,000 because “Charlie would have thought it ridiculous.” The body was found 11 weeks later.
The US Congress voted to pay George Washington $25,000 a year…
The US Congress voted to pay George Washington $25,000 a year. He declined since he valued his image as a selfless public servant but ultimately accepted to avoid a precedent where the presidency would be perceived as limited only to wealthy individuals who could serve without pay.
In 2010 UK Game retailer Gamestation gained ownership of over 7,500 souls…
In 2010, UK Game retailer Gamestation gained ownership of over 7,500 souls due to a clause in their Ts&Cs. The “Immortal Soul Clause” was added as part of an attempt to highlight how few customers read the terms and conditions of an online sale. GameStation claims that 88 percent of customers did not read the clause, which gives legal ownership of the customer’s soul over to the UK-based games retailer.
Stop signs originated in Michigan in 1915. The first ones had black…
Stop signs originated in Michigan in 1915. The first ones had black lettering on a white background and were 24 by 24 inches, somewhat smaller than the current sign.
Your body paralyzes itself when you sleep to keep you from acting…
Your body paralyzes itself when you sleep to keep you from acting out your dreams. However, it is possible to wake up while still paralyzed; many people who have experienced this claim they felt a malevolent presence nearby.
The term “nutritionist” is not legally protected nor regulated, so anyone…
The term “nutritionist” is not legally protected nor regulated, so anyone can advertise themselves as a nutritionist regardless of education or credentials. But “dietitian” or specifically “registered dietitian” legally requires education via credited curriculum and passing a registration exam.
Hitler whistled Disney’s “When You Wish Upon A Star” while overlooking…
Hitler whistled Disney’s “When You Wish Upon A Star” while overlooking the recently conquered city of Paris.
Hard partying may just be “masked depression,” a clinical condition…
Hard partying may just be “masked depression,” a clinical condition in which all the “fun” is just a way to conceal overall unhappiness and lowered self-esteem.
John F. Kennedy’s last words were, “No, you certainly can’t” in response…
John F. Kennedy’s last words were, “No, you certainly can’t” in response to the Governor of Texas’s wife, Nellie Connally saying, “you certainly can’t say that the people of Dallas haven’t given you a nice welcome.” Moments later he was assassinated.
Carl Sagan has a number named after him. Sagan’s number is approximately…
Carl Sagan has a number named after him. Sagan’s number is approximately 300 sextellion and refers to the number of stars in the universe.