fun facts
The history of Nokia’s iconic ringtone.
Here’s a neat story about some famous (old) musicians and copyrights. You can also hear the original inspiration(s) for the ringtone. | learn more
Category: fun facts
fun facts
Diamonds and gold rain over Russia.
A Russian plane’s door broke, littering the runway and surrounding areas with diamonds and gold. People were told to stay out of the area. Instead, they went treasure hunting! | learn more
fun facts
Robbers steal $5 million in cash from Lufthansa plane in six minutes.
“Five crooks held up security guards at a Brazilian airport and drove off with a large stash of cash from a German cargo plane. Brazilian media say the criminals only took six minutes to pull off the heist.” | learn more
fun facts
The chickens of Silicon Valley.
“Their pampered birds wear diapers and have personal chefs — but lay the finest eggs tech money can buy.” |learn more
fun facts
Thermal comfort.
49 weeks into this newsletter and I finally get to write about air conditioning! 99% Invisible tells a wonderful story here, complete with pictures, videos, and historical context. I read the article, though a podcast version is also available. | learn more
fun facts
Female librarians on horseback delivering books.
“In the 1930s, many people living in isolated communities had very little access to jobs, let alone a good education for their children. In Kentucky, they had isolated mountain communities which could only get their books and reading material from […]
fun facts
A brief history of shipping.
The WSJ has produced a neat set of informational videos across some interesting topics. This one shares the history of shipping, including the invention of the ubiquitous shipping container. | learn more
fun facts
The House of Commons has some interesting rules.
For example, you aren’t allowed to refer to members by their names. Nor can you call a fellow MP a liar, even if they realllllly deserve it. | learn more
fun facts
Saudi Arabia has an annual camel competition.
Even more interesting: “A dozen beasts have been disqualified from this year’s Saudi “camel beauty contest” because their handlers used Botox to make them more handsome.” | learn more
fun facts
Court case over oxford comma finally settled.
Last year a court case went to appeal over whether a group of delivery-truck drivers were due unpaid overtime. The case hinged on the reading of a law that lacked an oxford comma. Now it’s settled for $5 million. The […]