In 2015, a journalist wanted to prove that the media will be quick to grab on any scientific claims to make news. He fabricated a study that claims chocolate helps in weight loss, got it published, then released it. He succeeded, fooling 20 countries. 00
Coca-Cola has been used effectively as a first line treatment for…
Coca-Cola has been used effectively as a first line treatment for phytobezoars, a trapped mass in the stomach composed of indigestible plant material which can lead to serious symptoms. 93.1% cases were resolved. 00
In 1926, Poland sent the US a birthday card…
In 1926, Poland sent the US a birthday card with over 5 million signatures. Polish citizen Leopold Kotnowski visited the White House to present the card for America’s 150th birthday. It has 30,000 pages full of art, photos, poems and pressed flowers. 00
In 1981 the Pentagon spent $6 million…
In 1981 the Pentagon spent $6 million trying to determine whether or not burning a photograph of a Soviet missile would destroy the actual missile. 00
Sir Isaac Newton had a dog called “Diamond”…
Sir Isaac Newton had a dog called “Diamond” who knocked over a candle and set fire to twenty years worth of his research. 00
The first Roman fire brigade was created…
The first Roman fire brigade was created to be very lucrative. Arriving at the scene the fire fighters did nothing while a price was negotiated. Failing to reach a deal, the structure was allowed to burn to the ground after which an offer was made to purchase it for a fraction of its value. 00
The forgery artist Wolfgang Beltracchi, rather…
The forgery artist Wolfgang Beltracchi, rather than copying existing artwork, created brand new pieces in the style of famous artists. His forgeries have sold for over $45 million dollars. He signed his paintings in the famous artists’ names, came up with an elaborate backstory as to why the paintings had been hidden away so long, […]
In the 1980s, Frances Gabe built…
In the 1980s, Frances Gabe built and patented the world’s only self-cleaning home. The patent contained 68 inventions. She died in obscurity last year at 101 years old. 00
In 1842 Abraham Lincoln was challenged…
In 1842 Abraham Lincoln was challenged to a duel by political rival, James Shields. Due to his towering height, Lincoln chose broadswords. When the day of the duel arrived Lincoln demonstrated his strength by chopping a nearby tree branch in half, causing Shields to back out and apologize. 00
Soviet leader Konstantin Chernenko…
Soviet leader Konstantin Chernenko started smoking at the age of 9. He died after only 13 months in office, the third Soviet leader to die during Reagan’s presidency. When informed, Reagan remarked, “How am I supposed to get anyplace with the Russians if they keep dying on me?” 00