During the California Gold Rush a Chinese laundry man named John-John washed enough gold dust out of pants cuffs and shirttails of miners to set himself up for life. 10
There is a strange subculture of Craigslist art, which involves…
There is a strange subculture of Craigslist art, which involves artists posting offbeat requests on craigslist and seeing what happens. Some examples: Kenneth Tam offered cash to any couple who would let him observe, and film, an ordinary dinner in their home while he sat, silent, in the background. 00
After the release of ‘The Hunger Games’…
After the release of ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Brave’ in 2012, women’s participation in archery rose by 105%. 00
The Japanese practice of repairing broken…
The Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer (Kintsukuroi) is based on the philosophy that the object is more beautiful because it was broken. 00
In 1982, a man named Larry Walters attached…
In 1982, a man named Larry Walters attached 45 helium-filled balloons to a lawn chair and took flight to a height of 16,000 feet. He did so because he was denied entry in the US Air Force due to poor eyesight. 00
In 1901 Spain, a woman adopted a male identity…
In 1901 Spain, a woman adopted a male identity and married another woman. The couple was later discovered and had to escape to Argentina. Their marriage certificate was never annulled, so this is the first recorded same-sex marriage in Spain, 100 years before it was legal. 00
In 1972 Canada had a contest to complete…
In 1972 Canada had a contest to complete the saying “As Canadian as…”. The winner was “As Canadian as possible under the circumstances.” 00
Earlier this year, analysis showed…
Earlier this year, analysis showed that Subway ‘chicken’ was about 1/2 chicken, 1/2 soy mush. 00
The 3 Musketeers bar was originally split…
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. 00
Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, who wrote such hits…
Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, who wrote such hits as “Surfin’ Safari” and “Surfin’ USA,” has a lifelong fear of water. 00