Prior to becoming President, William Howard Taft served as Governor General of the Philippines. After going on a goodwill mission to one of the Philippine islands and spending the day traveling by horseback through the mountains, he sent a telegram to Secretary of War Elihu Root, briefing him on the day’s activities: “Stood trip well. Rode horseback twenty-five miles to five thousand feet elevation.”
Root, obviously mindful of Taft’s 320 pounds, immediately responded: “Referring to your telegram … how is the horse?”
The President With a Lead Foot
Imagine the police officer’s surprise. Washington, D.C. Officer William West was on routine patrol on M Street when he saw a vehicle approaching at a dangerously fast speed. He conducted what he thought would be a routine traffic stop. Much to his astonishment, the driver of the vehicle was the most powerful and famous man…
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The Russian Beard Preservation Law, Otherwise Known as the Russkaya Pravda
Facial hair used to be important in Russia. No, you don’t understand. It was REALLY important! We know this because of the Russkaya Pravda (Rus’ Justice or Rus’ Truth), one of the primary sources of Old Russian Law. It dates back to the 12th century and was designed to protect Russian beards and mustaches.
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Abraham Lincoln: Animal Lover-in-Chief
Entire libraries could be filled with books about President Abraham Lincoln. Historians have rightfully praised his vision, intellect, humor, courage, and determination. Any study into the life of this extraordinary man would be incomplete without acknowledging that he was one of the biggest animal lovers to ever reside at the White House.
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Commonplace Fun Facts 