Spiders fly across Lake Michigan.
While visiting the Willis Tower for a meeting this week, I heard a story of spiders flying across the lake from Michigan and attaching themselves to tall buildings. My skepticism alarm went off right away…
Category: fun facts
Why Bob Vila left This Old House.
“Why Bob Vila, perhaps the most famous handyman in history, may have set the stage for a digital era in which stars aren’t afraid to cash in on their names.” | learn more
Cargo ships sink when their cargo suddenly liquefies.
“On average, ten ‘solid bulk cargo’ carriers have been lost at sea each year for the last decade.” | learn more
Botched CIA communications helped blow cover of Chinese agents.
“It was considered one of the CIA’s worst failures in decades: Over a two-year period starting in late 2010, Chinese authorities systematically dismantled the agency’s network of agents across the country, executing dozens of suspected…
Bees are thriving in Amsterdam.
Couldn’t miss this fact – especially as I was stung for the first time in about 25 years. “While scientists have been sounding alarm bells over the decline of bees globally, Amsterdam may have worked…
Researchers turn to sewage to test population-level drug use.
“Sewage tests from two small towns in western Kentucky showed that on the US Independence Day and solar eclipse in 2017, drug use was way higher than during ‘normal’ periods.” | learn more
A colony of wild parakeets is flourishing in Amsterdam.
Kim noticed some parakeets in the Vondelpark, so she put on her internet sleuth hat and found this explanation. | learn more
Remember the Trapper Keeper?
Thank you, Tedium for not letting us forget: “The Trapper Keeper is a beacon of nostalgia, but genericized branding and school rules have pushed it off to the side. Good luck finding a new one…
Admiral Nelson’s body was preserved in brandy.
I learned this on a tour of London this weekend. During the battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the victorious Admiral took a sniper bullet to the shoulder and soon died. The ship’s surgeon William Beatty decided…
Swedish royal family’s crown jewels stolen in speedboat heist.
“Two thieves escaped a cathedral in Sweden with priceless historical ornaments, taking off in a speedboat moored nearby.” | learn more
How air conditioning created the modern city.
How could I not take this opportunity to share a cool article about air conditioning? | learn more
Sludge – investigative journalism about money in politics.
I recently discovered this newsroom that runs on the same platform as Block Club Chicago. “We look beyond public records and disclosures to reveal the hidden networks and conflicts of interest that drive systemic corruption.”…
Chain letter meets book exchange meets Instagram.
“It turns out that giving your address to strangers on the internet … can be good?” | learn more
Fake designer wins Paris Fashion week.
Do you remember the guy who made his shed the top-rated London restaurant on TripAdvisor? He also became a fake fashion designer and went to Paris Fashion week. | learn more
How to build a cow out of butter.
In case you need another reason to love the Midwest… “Sculpting a cow from butter is a beloved state fair tradition. This is how it’s done.” | learn more
Russians sitting on suitcases.
There’s an old Russian tradition to sit for a bit before leaving on a trip. I still practice this for no good reason. | learn more
The unlikely etymology of the word orange.
The geeky level of detail in this article is excellent. It’s rare for colorblind Pavel to share an article about colors, so savor this moment! | learn more
How America uses its land.
Bloomberg put together a series of graphics that shine a light on how the US uses its land – from timberland to pasture and urban housing. This is quick to scroll through and quite interesting. | learn…
Why do so many TV shows have 65 episodes?
I got hooked on this article in the intro where I learned that The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire was modeled after another Bel Aire show with a different demographic. “How the calculus of ’80s…
Why does the TI-83 still cost $100?
I ran into one of these at Target last week, and my jaw dropped when I saw it still costs so much! Someone shared this article with me that explains how Texas Instruments has locked…
The biggest digital heist in history isn’t over.
“Carbanak’s suspected ringleader is under arrest, but $1.2 billion remains missing, and his malware attacks live on.” | learn more
Tortilla chips spontaneously combust… twice.
“[The Austin Fire Department] says the factory was trying out a new blend of chips that ‘didn’t work out so well.’” | learn more
Russian ship with $130B of gold found near S. Korea.
“A South Korean salvage team has discovered the wreck of a Russian warship that was sunk in a naval battle 113 years ago and is believed to still contain a trove of gold bullion and…
Stories of billionaire honeymoons.
Jack Ezon, founder of Ovation Vacations, shares a bunch of entertaining stories from honeymoons his company has planned for always rich and sometimes famous clients. |learn more