The eyes of the world were turned spaceward in October 1957 because the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik, the first manmade object sent into space. Or was it? Just a few […]
Did a Manhole Cover Become the First Manmade Object in Space?
“A Cacophony of Hell” — The Terrifying Crocodile Massacre at the Battle of Ramree Island
War can be terrifying enough when humans are the only combatants. Imagine how much worse it can be when nature takes sides. Such was the case during the Battle of Ramree Island […]
The Last-Minute Change that Created One of TV’s Favorite Shows
It was 1969 and Fred Silverman had to scramble to revise his big plans. He staked a lot on a new children’s program that he was sure was going to be a […]
Meet the Phantom: the World’s First Superhero
While many people assume Superman was the first superhero, fandom actually owes recognition to another costumed crimefighter, who made his appearance two years ahead of the man from Krypton. The Phantom first […]
If You Crave Peace and Quiet, This Place is For You
When your “quiet place” isn’t quiet enough, what do you do? For Microsoft the answer was obvious: they built their own. Located in Building 87 of Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington campus is […]
Need a Hand? They Have Plenty to Spare
Afflicted with a condition called macrodactyly, Lui Hua of Jiangsu, China had one of the largest hands on record. His left thumb was 10.5 inches (26 cm); his index finger was 12 […]
When Collecting Stamps Just Doesn’t Do it For You
Graham Barker shows off 26 years’ worth of belly button lint. People who collect coins are called numismatists, and stamp collectors are known as philatelists, but what do you call a person who […]
The Seeds of Death
Castor oil has been used for centuries as a laxative and all-purpose curative. Ironically, the same plant that makes possible this healthful oil also happens to be the world’s deadliest plant. The […]
Ministers Marry Lots of People… But Typically By Officiating, Not By Participating
Rev. Glynn “Scotty” Wolfe (1908 – 1997) holds the Guinness World Record for the largest number of monogamous marriages. Between 1926 and his death in 1997, Wolfe was married twenty-nine times to […]
Thanks for the Memories… And the Honors
Bob Hope (1903-2003) holds the world record for being the most-honored entertainer in history. He received more than 2,000 awards and citations for humanitarian and professional efforts, including five honorary Academy Awards, […]
World’s Most Difficult Math Problem Took 357 Years to Solve
Pierre de Fermat (1605-1665) wrote in the margin of a book, next to the equation xn + yn = zn, “I have discovered a truly remarkable proof of this theorem which this margin […]
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With the World’s Most Expensive Dessert
In the mood to treat yourself to something special? A Golden Opulence sundae from New York City’s Serendipity 3 restaurant is covered in 23-carat edible gold leaf and is also rich in […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 