Game shows are not at all unique in the history of television. Neither is there any shortage of bad game shows. There is one bad game show, however, that deserves special attention. […]
That Time a TV Host Apologized For a Bad Show
Was Elizabeth I Poisoned By Her Makeup?
”If looks could kill…” No, we’re not talking about the imperious glare for which Queen Elizabeth I was feared. The killing looks in this case refer to the appearance of Her Majesty. […]
What Was the Most Boring Day in History?
History is filled with dates that will live in infamy. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; the December 7, 1941, bombing of Pearl Harbor; and the November 23, 1963, assassination of John […]
How a 20th-Century Doctor Treated Patients By Sticking an Ice Pick Into Their Brains Through Their Eyes
“It isn’t brain surgery.” We use the phrase to describe simple tasks that anyone should be able to do. The unstated assumption behind this is that brain surgery is far from simple […]
JFK Checked to Make Sure Santa Was Safe From Russian Nuke Tests
With all the responsibilities that fall upon the President of the United States, it’s nice to know he has time to check in on the welfare of Santa Claus.
Learn What Prompted The Most Intelligent Photo Ever Taken
When John F. Kennedy welcomed a gathering of Nobel Prize winners at the White House in 1962, he said, “I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, […]
Was the USA Nuclear Launch Code Really ‘00000000’?
In the 1983 movie WarGames, the fictional W.O.P.R. succeeds in hacking NORAD’s launch code, revealed to be “CPE1704TKS.” National security experts at the time reassured the public that the movie was a […]
What if the President Goes Stark-Raving Mad? Presidential Succession Due to Disability
UPDATED November 19, 2021 An earlier post answered the question about what would happen if something happens to a presidential candidate during the election process. There, we discussed all kinds of scenarios, […]
The Wit and Wisdom of Adlai Stevenson
Few people came to political life with a quicker wit than Adlai Stevenson II (1900-1965). He made his mark in politics as governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953 and received the […]
How JFK Found Happiness in the Presidency
On October 31, 1963, John F. Kennedy held one of his final press conferences. A reporter reminded him that she had once before asked him toward the beginning of his presidency whether […]
Nixon and the Desired Kennedy Speech
Despite a hard-fought campaign and a narrow loss to John F. Kennedy in the 1960 Presidential election, Richard Nixon was able to maintain some sense of good humor. In congratulating the newly-inaugurated […]
JFK’s Jestful Jabs Jar Journalists
During the 1960 presidential campaign, Richard Nixon was hospitalized with phlebitis. John Kennedy called a moratorium on criticizing his opponent as long as he remained in the hospital. Kennedy was questioned about […]
One Sure Thing….
“You know nothing for sure…except the fact that you know nothing for sure.” — John F. Kennedy Read more fun facts about President John F. Kennedy. Read fun facts about philosophy and […]
Betting the Moon on NASA’s Success
On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced the United States’ goal of landing a man on the moon and bringing him safely home before the decade’s end. Three years later, […]
46 Fun Facts About the 46 Presidents
Updated January 20, 2021 to include the 46th President, Joe Biden. In honor of Presidents’ Day, here are some fun facts about the 45 men who served as the 46 Presidents of […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 