In 2010, China had a recurring traffic jam involving thousands of cars that lasted for more than ten days. Many drivers were able to move their vehicles only 1 km (0.6 mi) per day, and some drivers reported being stuck in the traffic jam for five days.
The stated sunscreen SPF values are correct only if…
The stated sunscreen SPF values are correct only if 2 μL of sunscreen is applied per square cm of exposed skin. This translates into about 28 mL (1 oz) to cover the whole body of an adult male, which is much more than many people use in practice.
When a British captive officer challenged french…
When a British captive officer challenged french Navy officer Surcouf with the words “You French fight for money while we fight for honor”, Surcouf replied “Each of us fights for what he lacks most”.
The Soviet Union could have vetoed the Korean War…
The Soviet Union could have vetoed the Korean War, but did not. Their delegates were boycotting the UN over a separate issue when the resolution was proposed.
Hungry men find women with higher body…
Hungry men find women with higher body weights more attractive, according to a scientific study.
The liqueur Curaçao is made from orange trees…
The liqueur Curaçao is made from orange trees brought to the Caribbean from Spain in 1527. The trees failed to thrive and were abandoned. The fruit evolved from sweet orange into bitter green. Experimentation with dried peels of the fruit later led to the creation of the liqueur Curaçao.
The Antiques Roadshow appraised a grotesque jug to be worth…
The Antiques Roadshow appraised a grotesque jug to be worth $50,000, comparing it to a Picasso. Unknown to the appraiser, it was actually made by some random high school kid over 40 years ago. After finding out, he changed his appraisal to $5k, saying it was “not bad for a high schooler”.
Elvis wore a cross, a star of David and…
Elvis wore a cross, a star of David and the Hebrew letter chai. He said: “I don’t want to miss out on heaven due to a technicality”.
In NYC there is a pizza sized plot of land…
In NYC there is a pizza sized plot of land sitting in the middle of a sidewalk. As a result of a surveying error, it was left as part of an estate. The heirs refused to donate the plot of land to NYC, instead putting a mosaic on the plot in 1922. The mosaic is […]
Pheasent Island is jointly owned by France…
Pheasent Island is jointly owned by France and Spain, for six months alternatingly.