A company in England accidentally sent letters to some of its wealthy customers that began “Dear Rich Bastard”. One customer who did not receive the letter complained, certain their wealth was enough to warrant the “rich bastard” title.
Henry III received a polar bear as a gift from King…
Henry III received a polar bear as a gift from King Haakon of Norway in 1252. The bear lived at the Tower of London and was given a long leash so it could swim in the river Thames and catch fish.
Before about 1700, it was customary for people of European…
Before about 1700, it was customary for people of European descent to bring their own spoons to the table. Spoons were carried as personal property in much the same way as people today carry wallets, key rings, etc.
The “fact” that you eat 8 spiders a year was a social…
The “fact” that you eat 8 spiders a year was a social experiment to show how fast false information spreads on the internet.
Jaywalking was made a law due, in part, to a deliberate effort…
Jaywalking was made a law due, in part, to a deliberate effort by promoters of automobiles, such as local auto clubs and dealers, to redefine streets as places where pedestrians do not belong.
Greenland has a university, with 14 staff and 150 students…
Greenland has a university, with 14 staff and 150 students. It is so small because the Government pays for students to have a free university education anywhere in Europe or North America.
According to researchers, “Night Owls” (people who prefer…
According to researchers, “Night Owls” (people who prefer to stay up late and sleep in) tend to be more extravagant, impulsive, and novelty-seeking. They also tend to be more likely to develop addictive behaviors, mental disorders, and antisocial tendencies.
If you come across a stranded dolphin, do not help it back…
If you come across a stranded dolphin, do not help it back into the water. More often than not, they beach themselves purposely because they are sick/injured and are trying to avoid drowning.
During 9/11, the Russian government canceled military exercises….
During 9/11, the Russian government canceled military exercises in the North Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, in order to avoid provoking the US, which had raised it’s military alert readiness to DEFCON 3.
In Japan if someone on trial is filmed while in handcuffs…
In Japan if someone on trial is filmed while in handcuffs their hands have to be pixelated to be shown on TV. This is because a man named Kazuyoshi Miura brought a successful case to court arguing the image of him in handcuffs implied guilt and had prejudiced his trial.