The state of Maryland used to have a colony in Africa named the Republic of Maryland. Also known by Maryland-in-Africa, the country merged into Liberia in 1857, becoming the present day Maryland County.
A family-run restaurant in Bangkok…
A family-run restaurant in Bangkok has had a the same giant pot of soup simmering for 45 years. When it runs low, they top it off. It’s a beef noodle soup called neua tuna. It simmers in a giant pot. Fresh meat like raw sliced beef, tripe and other organs is added daily. But any […]
In the United Kingdom, Several Prisons….
In the United Kingdom, several prisons have restaurants that are fully run by inmates at the prison, including chefs and waiters. These restaurants are also open to the public and rank highly on Tripadvisor.
The people of St. Pauli, Hamburg…
The people of St. Pauli, Hamburg, were sick of their district smelling like urine because of nightclub patrons relieving themselves on the street. So they painted the buildings with special paint that repels water so forcefully public urinators end up peeing on themselves.
When city council denied…
When city council denied a permit to build on empty lot, a London man applied for a permit for a tank. Thinking it was a water storage container, council approved. Instead the man bought a Russian T-34 tank, parked it on his property and pointed the gun towards the city planning office.
After a woman died, a multimillion…
After a woman died, a multimillion dollar painting she owned was re-assessed at $0 due to it containing part of a bald eagle. In America, it is illegal to buy or sell them without a permit. The IRS disagreed and put a $65M tax on it. But her heirs cannot sell the painting due to […]
In 2019, a Portugal man hated his…
In 2019, a Portugal man hated his neighbors listening to loud music so he launched a done attack on them with fireworks.
In the 15th century, Richard Strangways…
In the 15th century, Richard Strangways came up with imaginary coats of arms for old kings who had lived before heraldry. For the pre-Christian kings of France he painted a shield with 3 black toads.
Long books, when read, are usually…
“Long books, when read, are usually overpraised, because the reader wants to convince others and himself that he has not wasted his time.” E.M. FORSTER
Ian Fleming named his character…
Ian Fleming named his character “Goldfinger” after the stern architect Ernő Goldfinger, whom he despised. When Ernő filed a suit over the name, Fleming threatened to rename the character “Goldprick”. Ernő dropped the suit in exchange for legal fees and six copies of the book.