The Hoover Dam, adjusted for inflation, cost less than a modern B2 Stealth Bomber. Cost of a B2 Spirit bomber, including development and production costs = $2.1 billion in 1997. Hoover dam construction cost adjusted for inflation = $836 million.
The inspiration for “Nacho Libre” was Fray Tormenta, a Mexican priest…
The inspiration for “Nacho Libre” was Fray Tormenta, a Mexican priest who turned to wrestling to raise money for an orphanage, but he himself got the idea and name from a 1963 film… about a priest who turns to wrestling to raise money for an orphanage.
The United States Government gave Indiana…
The United States Government gave Indiana University one million dollars to study memes.
In order to popularize potatoes in France, Antoine-Augustin…
In order to popularize potatoes in France, Antoine-Augustin Parmentier placed armed guards around his potato fields, instructing the guards to accept all bribes and allow people to “steal” the crop.
In 1906, a three-year-old Swiss toddler was convicted
In 1906, a three-year-old Swiss toddler was convicted to three and a half months’ imprisonment for “theft.”
Believing that insurance was seen as not trusting in God, and….
Believing that insurance was seen as not trusting in God, and viewing social security as a form of old age and survivors insurance, the Amish refuse to pay the premium or accept the benefits of social security.
A company in England accidentally sent letters to some of its…
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.