Trivia

[phkrause]

5 Shocking Things You Didn't Know About Osama bin Laden

On March 10, 1957, terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden was born in Saudi Arabia. Osama bin Laden formed the al-Qaeda network which carried out global strikes against Western interests, culminating in the September 11 terror attacks. Here are shocking 5 facts you didn't know about Osama bin Laden...

He Loved Whitney Houston

Bin Laden was quoted as saying “Music is the flute of the devil;” which makes his love of Whitney Houston all the more weird. A woman who was a captive of bin Laden said he adored singer Whitney Houston and wanted to add her to his collection of wives. That same woman claims bin Laden spoke of arranging  a meeting with the superstar.“ He was less enthusiastic about her husband Bobby Brown and fantasized about killing him.

He Downloaded A Lot Of Pornography

Authorities recovered five computers, USB drives, and cell phones during the compound raid. The hard drives on his computers contained an extensive collection of pornography.  They also discovered a significant stash of porn videos in his bedroom in a wooden box. 

He Equipped Himself With a Getaway Robe

U.S. authorities discovered 500 Euros and two telephone numbers sewn into the pockets of bin Laden’s robes. This would allow him to abandon his Abottabad hideout and disappear into the Pakistani countryside at a moment’s notice. By constantly being prepared to flee, bin Laden had successfully evaded capture by U.S. forces for ten years. Bin Laden was captured May 2, 2011, and killed by a team of U.S. Navy Seals, ending his reign of terror.

He Loved Volleyball

According to one of bin Laden’s former bodyguards, Osama was a talented volleyball player. His height gave him a distinct advantage. Standing at 6’4″ and relatively lanky, it’s not much of a surprise to hear that bin Laden could kill on the volleyball court. However, he was apparently so competitive that he never allowed anyone who was better than he was to play on his team. 

He Stocked His Compound With American Brands

Despite projecting the image of a humble cave-dweller to the media, bin Laden apparently enjoyed access to “all the best brands” while residing in his Abbottabad compound. Osama bin Laden and his compound-mates loved Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Vaseline, and Nesquik, among other infidel-friendly Western products. According to a Pakistani grocer whose store was just 150 feet from Bin Laden's compound, whenever Bin Laden's aides would come shopping, they would always leave with multiple cases of Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The grocer said they never showed any favor to either brand, and the men would leave with enough food and beverages for 10 people.

[phkrause]

5 Facts You Didn't Know About The TV Show "Cops"

On March 11, 1989, Cops, a documentary-style television series that follows police officers as they go about their jobs, debuted on Fox. Here are 5 things you probably didn't know about this addictive reality series...

A Cocaine Bust Inspired The Idea For The Television Show

John Langley, the show's co-creator, was in charge of a film crew that covering a real-live drug raid for a 1983 documentary when inspiration struck. He had the idea for a television program that would chronicle the everyday experiences of police officers.  He was told that a show without a plot, music, or narrator would never succeed. Cops went on to become one of the longest-running shows in television history.

A Writers' Strike Got It On The Air

Langley had been pushing to get his show on the air for a large part of the 1980s when he sat down with producers at Fox in 1988. At the time, there was a writers’ strike in Hollywood, and the network needed new programming that wouldn’t require writers. The show was unscripted, which worked in Langley’s favor when he pitched his idea. The show  became a pioneer in reality television. Crews with camcorders followed law enforcement officers on patrol, tracking down suspects and making arrests. 

The Theme Song Wasn't Written Tor The Show

"Bad Boys” is one of the most recognizable television theme songs of all time.  However Inner Circle, a Reggae group that recorded the song for their 1987 album wasn’t thinking about the show when they recorded the song. The song was heard by a Cops crew member, who then played it for Langley.  Inner Circle sold Langley the rights to the song for $2500. The show used the full version of the song for the pilot, although it has been whittled down to just the chorus since then.

Arrested Suspects Have to Sign a Release

To make an appearance on the TV show, the producers of Cops have to get releases signed by both the suspects and the arrestees. Langley has said that proper timing is key when it comes to getting their permission to appear on the show. He estimated that 95 percent of everyone filmed signs a waiver to appear. 

The Crew Has Had To Interfere Occasionally

The official Cops policy states that the camera and microphone operators are only there to observe. They are not allowed to interfere with anything that is taking place. The exception, Langley says, is if an officer’s life is in danger. In one instance, a suspect reached for a policeman's weapon, and a sound man had to throw down his microphone to jump in and help. In another show, a crew member, who was a paramedic, administered CPR.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About The Girl Scouts

On March 12, 1912, the Girl Guides, the forerunner of the Girl Scouts of America, was founded.  There, is a lot more to the Girl Scouts than badges, camping and cookies. Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about Girl Scouts..

The Girl Scouts Was Built On Breaking Stereotypes

On March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Guides of America (later renamed the Girl Scouts of the United States) with an emphasis on inclusiveness, the outdoors, self-reliance, and service. Low wanted to create an environment where girls could feel empowered and discover a life outside of traditional female “roles” at the time. Early on, Girl Scouts went on camping trips, learned about first aid and astronomy, and played sports!

Girl Scouts Were Involved In War Efforts

World War II led the Girl Scouts to operate bicycle courier services, run Farm Aide Projects, collect scrap metal, and more. “Kits for Korea” were created by the Girl Scouts during the Korean War in the 1950’s, consisting of items needed by Korean citizens. Today, Girl Scouts partners with various organizations to send care packages to members of the armed forces serving overseas through Care to Share.

The Original Girl Scout Cookie Was The Sugar Cookie

Before the 11 different varieties of cookie flavors there was only one beloved Girl Scout cookie: the sugar cookie. In 1917, a Girl Scout troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma began baking their own sugar cookies as a way to fund troop activities. Troops raised money through the sale of commercially baked cookies in the 1930’s, with over 125 Girl Scouts councils holding sales nationwide. By 1951, Girl Scouts Cookies came in three varieties: Shortbread, Sandwich, and the infamous Thin Mints.

Girl Scouts Troops Exist Around the World

Girl Scouts isn’t limited to just the United States. Girls Scouts can be found in more than 145 countries worldwide, ultimately making it the largest leadership organization for girls in the world! Based in inclusivity, girls from every type of background, ability, financial situation, and religion have always been welcome to join. There are currently 2.6 million Girl Scouts, which consists of 1.8 million girls and 800,000 adults. 

Celebrities Number Among Alumnae Members

You actually might be familiar with some famous Girl Scout alumnae! Celebrities such as Venus Williams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Taylor Swift and public figures such as Michelle Obama, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton and even Queen Elizabeth II were all Girl Scouts! 

[phkrause]

5 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know About Harvard

On March 13, 1639, 'New College' was renamed Harvard in honor of Reverend John Harvard who donated half of his estate and his entire library to the school upon his death. Here are 5 interesting facts about Harvard that you likely didn't know...

The Statue of John Harvard is Referred To As The "Statue of Three Lies"

At Harvard Court sits the statue of John Harvard, which some Harvard students refer to it as the "statue of three lies." On the pedestal of the statue is inscribed, "John Harvard, founder, 1638." There are a few problems with this inscription. For starters, Harvard was not the founder. Instead, he was a sponsor of the oldest university in the country. Further, Harvard University was not founded in 1638 but in 1636. Lastly, the statue doesn't depict the actual John Harvard, but a random student who posed for the sculptor.

Harvard's Magic Number is Eight

Many influential people graduated from Harvard, including eight who signed the declaration of Independence. These include John Hancock, John Adams, William Hooper, Samuel Adams, William Ellery, William Williams, Elbridge Jerry, and Robert Treat Paine. Another eight graduates went on to become US presidents, including John Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, John Quincy Adams, Rutherford Hayes, George W. Bush, John Adams, Ted Roosevelt, and Barack Obama. As such, eight is considered to be Harvard's magic number.

Commercial Filming Is Prohibited On Campus

The most prestigious university of America cannot have its students getting distracted from school now, can they? Commercial filming on university grounds is banned at Harvard and it has been a no-film zone since 1970. “Commercial filming is not allowed anywhere on campus,” the Harvard Public Affairs and Communications website informs the general public. Although films such as The Social Network (2010) were set at Harvard they were filmed elsewhere, complying with university regulations.

First-Year Students Used to Pose Naked For Photos

Between 1940 and 1970, many Ivy League universities including Harvard, had an unusual rule that required all first-year students to pose nude for a photographer. It was believed that psychologist William Herbert Sheldon used these photos as part of a research project to study issues with posture, such as scoliosis. But Sheldon's classified records indicate the scientist used the freshmen's nude photos to study the link between the body and its intelligence.

Harvard is Older Than Calculus

Harvard University is so old that calculus — also referred to as mathematical analysis — didn't even exist when the school was founded. Calculus eventually came about at the end of the 17th century after Gottfried Leibniz's work Nova Methodus was released.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Albert Einstein_3

Today is March 14th, and that makes it the birthday of Billy Crystal, Michael Caine, and Stephen Curry. But we decided to focus on someone else born today: Albert Einstein. We dug up 5 things we bet you didn't know about Einstein. Ready?

He Married The Only Female Student in His Physics Class

Mileva Maric was the only female student in Einstein’s physics class at Zürich Polytechnic. She was passionate about math and science, and was an aspiring physicist in her own right, but she gave up those ambitions when she married Einstein and became the mother of his children.  The marriage didn't last, and the couple eventually divorced.

He Paid His First Wife His Nobel Prize Money For a Divorce

Anticipating winning a Nobel Prize, Einstein offered all his expected prize money to his first wife, Mileva Maric, so she would agree to grant him a divorce. The award added up to $32,250, which was more than ten times the annual salary of the average professor at the time.

Einstein's Second Wife Was His First Cousin

Einstein’s second wife, Elsa, was not only his first cousin on his mother’s side, but also his second cousin on his father’s side. Cousins marrying each other wasn’t frowned upon at that time. Their fathers were cousins and their mothers were sisters. They both spent their childhood together, forming a strong friendship. As adults, they reconnected when Albert moved to Berlin for work. Elsa was living there with her two daughters. She had been recently divorced from her first husband. The two began a romantic relationship. Elsa didn't have to change her last name when she married Albert, as her surname was also Einstein.

He Was Asked To Be President of Israel

Einstein may not have been a religious man, but he was still connected to his Jewish heritage.  As such, he was often heard speaking out against anti-Semitism. After the death of the head of state Chaim Weizmann in 1952, he was approached by the Israeli government to become the president of the nation. The 73-year-old wasted little time in declining the honor. “All my life I have dealt with objective matters,” Einstein wrote in a letter to the Israeli ambassador, “hence I lack both the natural aptitude and the experience to deal properly with people and to exercise official function.”

His Brain Was Stolen After His Death

After Einstein's death in 1955 from an abdominal aneurysm rupture, an autopsy and several studies were conducted on Einstein's brain. Two interesting discoveries were made: first, Einstein's brain weighed notably less than the average human brain. His weighed 1,230 grams, while the average is 1,400 grams. Second, his parietal lobe (where mathematic thought resides) was 15 percent larger. The pathologist who conducted the autopsy later stole Einstein's brain and was fired from Princeton when he refused to return it (he later did bring it back, but not until 1998).

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About The Godfather_3

The Godfather, a movie based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, premiered in New York on this date in 1972. Leave the gun, take the cannoli, and celebrate these 5 things you didn't know about The Godfather...

The Cat Wasn't Supposed to Be There

The cat that belonged to Don Corleone in the film was not originally supposed to be there. But this little stray kept hanging around the set, and Coppola decided that Don Corleone might want a pet. When he got Brando to meet the cat, it turned out the cat took to Brando immediately and was so cooperative that Coppola had Brando holding the cat in scenes.

The Studio Objected to Hiring Marlon Brando

When Francis Ford Coppola initially mentioned casting Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, the head of Paramount, Charles Bluhdorn, told Coppola that Brando would “never appear in a Paramount picture.” The studio wanted Laurence Olivier to star as Vito but agreed to cast Brando under three conditions: 1) Brando had to do a screen test; 2) if cast, Brando would have to do the movie for free; and 3) Brando would have to personally put up a bond to make up for potential losses caused by his infamously bad on-set behavior. Coppola tricked Brando into what he told Brando was “makeup test,” which in reality was the screen test the studio demanded. When Coppola showed the studio the test, they liked it so much they dropped the second and third stipulations and agreed to cast Brando in the role.

Marlon Brando Didn't Bother Memorizing His Lines

Brando insisted that reading his lines during the take increased his spontaneity and made his lines sound less canned. “If you have a general idea of what the words are, then you look at the card and it gives the feeling to viewer that the person is really searching for what he is going to say,” Brando said in the documentary The Making of Superman: The Movie. Brando began using the cards as early as 1966; directors taped cards to lamps, bushes, and even on other actors to keep them from showing up in the shot.ad 

The Horse’s Head Was Real

And so were actor John Marley’s screams. In one of the movie's most dramatic scenes, Marley's character Jake awakens to find a horse head in his bed.  A fake horse head was used in rehearsals, but when the cameras were actually rolling, Coppola replaced it with the real thing, much to Marley’s surprise.  This added realism because the screams coming from John Marley were the real thing.

The "Take the Cannoli" Line Was Improvised

Even if you don’t know anything about The Godfather, you probably still recognize the line, “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli”. The original line in the script had actor Richard Castellano, who played Clemenza say “Leave the gun” after a hit on the mobster who ratted on the Corleones. He was inspired to add "Take the Cannoli" after Coppola inserted a line in which the character’s wife asks him to buy cannoli for dessert.

[phkrause]

5 Facts About The U.S. Military Academy at West Point_2

On March 16, 1802, the U.S. Congress authorized the opening of a military engineering academy at the site of the military fort at West Point in New York. Here are five things you probably didn't know about the U.S. Military Academy at West Point...

West Point Is The Oldest Continuously Operated Army Post In The United States

American soldiers first occupied West Point on January 27, 1778. When the harsh winter from late 1777 to early 1778 froze the Hudson River, a Connecticut militia unit marched across the river and set up camp at what is now West Point. During the Revolutionary War, West Point was known as Fort Arnold, but after Benedict Arnold’s betrayal, it became known as Fort Clinton. Though the location was used for training cadets in engineering starting in 1794, it officially became the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1802. 

West Point Is The Site Of Benedict Arnold’s Betrayal

When it became clear to Arnold that the colonial forces were going to grant him command of West Point, he began to discuss deals to give up the fort to the British. He even sent his British contacts detailed drawings of West Point during his first visit to the fort.  Arnold entered into secret negotiations with the British, agreeing to turn over the U.S. post at West Point in return for 20,000 pounds and a command in the British army. The plot was discovered, but Arnold escaped to British lines. His name has since become synonymous with the word “traitor.”

The First West Point Superintendent Had No Military Experience

President Thomas Jefferson created the academy with the intention of creating a national university founded on science. He made Jonathan Adams, a prominent scientist and relative of Ben Franklin president of the university. Adams had no previous experience in the military. Nevertheless, he accepted the position of colonel and reported to West Point.

The Federal Government Didn’t Own the Property

Alexander Hamilton officially purchased West Point while secretary of the treasury.Despite American forces inhabiting West Point starting in 1778, the American government did not own the land. The land was originally owned by General Stephen Moore of North Carolina. In 1790 Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, purchased West Point from Moore for $11,085.

If A Cadet Is Worried About Exams, They Visit John Sedgwick

John Sedgwick’s legacy is his infamous last words at Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, where, according to legend, he remarked “Why are you dodging like this? They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.” Moments later, in a form of cruel irony, Sedgwick was struck by enemy fire. To current West Point cadets, Sedgwick is an ironic symbol of good luck. Before finals, if a cadet is nervous about exams, they visit Sedgwick’s monument on campus in full dress at midnight. Legend says if they spin the statue’s spurs, they will pass all their final examines.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About St. Patrick's Day_3

On March 17, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated around the world. The holiday, which falls on the anniversary of St. Patrick's death, is accompanied by parades, drinking beer, and eating corned beef and cabbage. Here are 5 things you didn’t know about the world’s favorite Irish holiday...

Saint Patrick Wasn’t Irish And His Name Wasn't Patrick

Wait what?  The man we know as St. Patrick  who was born in the late 4th century, and had parents that were Roman that lived in either Wales or Scotland. He was kidnapped as a teen, taken to Ireland, and sold into slavery. After escaping back to England, he became ordained as a priest and returned to Ireland to convert the Irish Celtic pagans to Christianity. His real name, before it was changed when he became a priest, was Maewyn Succat.

There Were Actually No Snakes in Ireland

According to legend, Saint Patrick rid Ireland of its snake population in the 5th century AD when he was on a mission to convert the country’s people from paganism to Christianity. It is said that the Christian missionary chased the snakes into the Irish Sea after they started attacking him during a 40-day fast he undertook on top of a hill. However, biologists believe Ireland never had any snakes.  Scholars believe the snake story is an allegory for St. Patrick’s eradication of pagan ideology.

St. Patrick’s Day Parades Began In The United States

St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated with a parade since long before the American Revolution. The first known parade happened in Boston in 1762 when Irish soldiers, who were in the English military, marched down New York City on March 17 to honor their Irish roots. The tradition has continued into the 21st century, and New York City’s parade is now the oldest and the largest parade in the county. The first celebratory parade held in Ireland was in 1931.

America Has More Irish Than Ireland

According to a US Census, there are more Irish people in America than there are in Ireland. As of 2021, there are 32 million people in the United States that claim full or partial ancestry from Ireland.  This is a huge number compared to the 4.9 million who lived are currently living in Ireland today.

The Pubs in Ireland Used to Be Closed On St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is famous for the wearing of the green and drinking beer or stout, depending on where celebrants live. However, St. Patrick’s Day was strictly religious in Ireland during a large part of the 20th century, and pubs there were actually closed on March 17. It became a national holiday in Ireland in 1970, and the pubs opened to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by hoisting a glass in honor of the patron saint of Ireland.  

[phkrause]

5 Famous Car Brands That No Longer Exist

On March 18 1933, Studebaker declared bankruptcy. The company’s president resigned and later that year died by suicide. The company eventually rebounded from its financial troubles, only to shut down for good in 1966. Here are 5 other popular brands that are no longer exist.

DeLorean Was a Lemon

Widely viewed as the car with the quirkiest back story, the DMC-12 will be forever seared into 1980s pop culture for its role in the 1985 sci-fi film “Back to the Future.” Founded by auto industry bohemian renegade John DeLorean, DeLorean Motor Company produced only 9,000 of these sporty, stainless steel-bodied lemons with gullwing doors. As flawed as it was iconic, the DMC-12 was the only car ever built by Delorean before it went under in 1982.

Hummer Ran Out of Steam

The origin in the Hummer comes from a contract AM General was awarded to develop high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles for the U.S. ground forces. General Motors bought the brand name in 1998 and produced the H1, H2 and H3 models. Rising gasoline prices, changing consumer tastes, and the Great Recession of 2008 put an end to the Humvee era. However, in early 2020, GM announced that it would design and release an electric pickup under the Hummer name. 

Checker Made The Iconic American Taxi Cab

Many people still associate the heavy, big yellow Checker taxi car with New York City of the ’60s and ’70s, but are likely not aware the car was actually produced in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A Russian immigrant founded the Checker Cab Manufacturing Company. One estimate from 1963 concluded that 35,000 of the nation’s 135,000 taxis were Checkers, used primarily in Chicago and New York but also in smaller cities. The company went defunct 13 years after the death of founder Morris Markin due to greater demand for fuel economy in the taxi business.

Pontiac Sold Its Last Car in 2010

Pontiac gave us cars like the Trans Am, GTO, and Grand Prix. General Motors created the Pontiac brand in 1926 as a companion to its more upscale Oakland brand. Pontiacs became more popular and entirely replaced the Oakland brand entirely by 1933. Marketed as a performance brand, Pontiac specialized in mainstream vehicles. However, financial problems and restructuring efforts at General Motors in early 2009 led to the brand being completely shut down by October 2010. The last Pontiac badged cars were built in December 2009, with one final vehicle in January 2010.

A Shaky Business Model Brought Down Saturn

General Motors established the Saturn automaker in an attempt to compete with the growing popularity of Japanese auto brands, which were offering more reliable cars for the same price as U.S.-made cars. Saturn’s first car, the S-Series, was a mold-breaker for GM and was well received, as were other ’90s-era models. But difficulties the early 2000s and the Great Recession killed the brand.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Graceland_2

On March 19, 1957, Elvis Presley put a down payment on Graceland, a mansion on the outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee. Here are 5 things you probably didn't know about Elvis Presley's iconic Southern mansion...

Elvis Didn’t Name His Estate Graceland

The name "Graceland" will forever be associated with Elvis, but the King didn't actually name the property. The mansion was named by the family who originally owned the property, The Moores. Presley purchased Graceland from Mrs. Ruth Brown Moore, who named the property after her aunt, Grace Toof. The King purchased Graceland when he was only 22 years old for $102,50. 

Bruce Springsteen Came For a Visit

Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen was such a big fan of Elvis Presley that he hopped over the fence at Graceland one evening in 1976, hoping to meet his idol. Unfortunately for him, however, Graceland had security guards as well as large dogs. The security guards on the estate caught him and escorted him out. He wouldn’t have been able to meet Elvis anyway because the King was away at Lake Tahoe anyway at the time. Unfortunately, Bruce Springsteen never got to meet his idol, who died in 1977.

It's Second Only to The White House

...in visitors that is. Graceland, which was named a National Historic Landmark in 2006, is the second most visited home in the United States with over 700,000 visitors a year. Only the White House has more visitors.

Tourists Can't See The Upstairs

Graceland mansion encompasses 17,552 square feet and opened to the public on June 7, 1982, as a museum with a large part of it available to the public. The second floor containing the master suite has been kept off-limits to the public.The only people allowed upstairs are his former wife, Priscilla, his daughter, Lisa Marie, and the property's curator.  It was in the bathroom of the second floor suite that Presley's body was found after his death on Aug. 16, 1977.

Elvis Made His Final Recordings in The Jungle Room

The most captivating room in Graceland, the Jungle Room was where Elvis really let his decorative taste go wild. The kitschy den, featuring green shag carpet, plastic plants, wood paneling and tiki-inspired décor, was where the King spent much of his time. By the mid-1970s, Presley's career had stalled and his interest in recording had wavered. So RCA did what they could to entice the superstar: they turned his beloved Jungle Room into a makeshift recording studio. In the comfort of his own home, Presley recorded his final song, "She Thinks I Still Care."

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About The Republican Party_3

On March 20, 1854, the Republican Party was founded by former members of the Whig Party in Ripon, Wisconsin. To celebrate the anniversary of this landmark event in U.S. political history, here are 5 facts you probably didn't know about the Grand Old Party...

The Republican Party is Younger Than The Democratic Party

Believe it or not, the Republican party is about 70 years younger than the Democratic Party. The Republican party was established in 1853. Democrats, however, have been around ever since 1792. The first Democrat was Thomas Jefferson, who used the term "Jeffersonian Republican" for his platform. Those who followed after him would continue to use that term until the 1820s. Andrew Jackson was the first president to align themselves with the Democratic party using its current namesake. Meanwhile, on the Republican side of things, it was Abraham Lincoln who was the first Republican to hold the esteemed position of president. The party existed since 1853, with John C. Fremont being the first presidential candidate to run (but not succeed) as a Republican.

GOP Didn't Originally Stand For "Grand Old Party"

It's common to use the acronym GOP to refer to the Republican Party. But while the acronym currently stands for Grand Old Party, it originally stood for Gallant Old Party. The original nickname was coined in 1877 - roughly 20 years after the GOP was established. Over the years, the name shifted to Grand Old Party, which is often shortened to GOP.

The Republic Party Was Originally The More Liberal Group

Today, the Republic Party is known to be the more conservative of the two major US parties. But that wasn't always the case. In fact, the Republican Party was actually more liberal than the Democratic Party. Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, was considered among the more liberal presidents in the 19th century. By the mid-1900s, the Republican Party shifted to becoming the more conservative party of the two.

The Elephant Symbol Was Adopted By The Republican Party in 1874

During Democrat Andrew Jackson’s campaign in 1828, the opposing party in the election often called him a “jackass,” but Jackson thought it was funny and began using the donkey to illustrate his stubbornness. In 1874, the famous 19th century Harper’s Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast drew a cartoon depicting the donkey to represent Democrats and an elephant to represent the Republican Party. The image of an elephant representing the Republican party has stuck ever since.

The Republican Celebrities May Surprise You

In the world of Hollywood, it's typical to assume that the large majority of celebrities are Democrats. However, there are still plenty of conservative Republicans in the entertainment industry. What celebrities are Republicans, you ask? Current celebrities that support the Republican Party include Adam Sandler, Tim Allen, Clint Eastwood, Caitlyn Jenner, James Earl Jones, Kelsey Grammer, Mel Gibson, Jon Voight,  and actress Heather Locklear just to name a few. Famous Republicans from yesteryear include actresses Jane Russell and Ginger Rogers, Bing Crosby, Charlton Heston, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Alcatraz_2

On this day in 1963, Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco's Bay closed down and transfered out its last prisoners. Alcatraz remains an icon of American prisons for its harsh conditions and record for being inescapable. Here are 5 things you didn't know about Alcatraz...

Al Capone Played Banjo in The Inmate Band

The notorious gangster and mob boss was among the first prisoners to occupy the new Alcatraz federal prison in August 1934. Capone had bribed guards to receive preferential treatment while serving his tax-evasion sentence in Atlanta, but that changed after his transfer to the island prison. The conditions at Alcatraz broke Capone. “It looks like Alcatraz has got me licked,” he reportedly told his warden. In fact, Capone  became so cooperative that he was permitted to play banjo in the Alcatraz prison band, the Rock Islanders, which gave regular Sunday concerts for other inmates.

In Spite of His Nickname, The “Birdman of Alcatraz” Had No Birds in The Prison

While Robert Stroud was serving a manslaughter sentence for killing a bartender in a brawl, he fatally stabbed a guard at Leavenworth Prison in 1916. After President Woodrow Wilson commuted his death sentence to a life of permanent solitary confinement, Stroud began to study ornithological diseases, wrote and illustrated two books, and raised birds in his Leavenworth cell. He was ordered to give up his birds in 1931, and he was banned from having any avian cellmates during his 17 years inside Alcatraz, which began in 1942. The 1962 movie “Birdman of Alcatraz,” for which Burt Lancaster received an Academy Award nomination just weeks before “The Rock” closed, was largely fictitious.

Prisoners Requested to Be Transferred to Alcatraz

Despite the harsh conditions of Alcatraz — which were tough even for Al Capone to handle — the prison became an attractive option for prisoners because of the one-inmate-per-cell policy. Such an arrangement made prisoners less susceptible to attacks by other inmates. As such, prisoners from other jails requested to be sent to Alcatraz. Further, the prison was known for serving good food, which prison wardens believed helped cut back on prison riots. Plus, inmates were free to get second helpings. Inmates displaying good behavior had access to privileges including monthly movies and a library with 15,000 books and 75 popular magazine subscriptions.

The Odds Of Escaping Alcatraz Were Slim

The location of the prison in San Francisco Bay surrounded by frigid waters made escaping extremely difficult. In fact, it's assumed that anyone who ever tried to escape never made it. They were either killed by prison guards, recaptured, or drowned. However, three inmates were never found after attempting to escape in 1962 by making a raft out of raincoats. That said, it's assumed that they didn't make it to dry land alive, as the chances of making it given the water conditions and the distance from the island to the mainland were slim.

Prison Guards Lived on the Island With Their Families

Considering the location of Alcatraz on an island in San Francisco Bay, it would have been difficult for prison guards to commute to and from the prison from the mainland. Instead, they lived on the island, along with their families, in separate housing that used to be Civil War barracks. Families often took weekend boat trips to nearby Marin to stock up on groceries and other essentials. While they were forbidden to make contact with inmates, a few made a spectator sport of watching new arrivals come in wearing shackles.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About The Hummer

On March 22, 1983, the Pentagon awarded a contract worth more than $1 billion to AM General Corporation to develop 55,000 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, nicknamed the Humvee. Here are 5 things you didn't know about the origins of the Hummer....

The Name of the Military Version Is Hard to Remember

Hummer is short for Humvee, which in turn is short for "High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle," the military Daddy to the civilian Hummer. No wonder the name got shortened. Incidentally, the original Humvee got its squashed, flat-roof appearance from the fact that as big as it is, it still had to fit under the wing of a cargo airplane. The Humvee was to the first Gulf War what the Jeep was to World War II. 

It Was First Used During Operation Just Cause

The first military use of the Humvee took place during the land invasion of Panama, which was codenamed Operation Just Cause.  The operation lasted over a month between mid-December 1989 and late January 1990.  The operation's outcome included the arrest of dictator Manuel Noriega who was wanted by the United States for racketeering and drug trafficking. Following the operation, the Panama Defense Forces were dissolved. The Humvee gained more considerable publicity during Operation Desert Storm. However, the operation's active phase lasted 100 hours, and smaller ground vehicles including the Humvee saw limited engagements with Iraqi forces.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Helped Bring It To The Masses

Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger saw the Humvee as a business opportunity when he drove one in Kindergarten Cop in 1990. He contacted AM General and urged them to make the vehicle available to the public. Although hesitant at first, the company marketed the Hummer H1 in 1992 with the consumer choice of several versions, including a pickup, station wagon and slantback.

The Concept Hummer Was Green All the Way

A Hummer concept vehicle won an award in 2006 for environmental sustainability in design. The concept, called the Hummer O2, had algae-filled body panels that used photosynthesis to take carbon dioxide out of the air and to produce oxygen, which was released into the atmosphere, inside and outside the vehicle. The concept was built entirely with recycled materials, and ran on hydrogen fuel cells.

Difficult Economic Times Killed The Hummer

The gas crises in the mid 2000s and the 2008 economic crash hurt the popularity of the H2 and H3, and they became to be seen as caricatures of an era of excess and cheap oil. H2 sales had slowed to a trickle by 2009, the last year of production. H2 production ended in 2009 while the last H3 rolled out of the factory in 2010.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Patrick Henry_2

On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry called for America's independence from Britain, telling the Virginia Provincial Convention, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" Find out five things you probably didn't know about Patrick Henry.

No One Knows How Accurate Henry's Statement Was

On March 23, 1775, Henry gave a speech that would define his legacy and capture the spirit of the American Revolution. Henry gave his speech at the Virginia Convention in Richmond about the need for an organized militia for the inevitable war with Britain. To conclude the speech, Henry shouted “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” But then again, he might not have said it. There was no transcript of the speech and it remained  unpublished until it turned up in Patrick Henry's biography in 1817. Author William Wirt said he interviewed eyewitnesses to the famed speech, including Judge St. George Tucker and mostly used the judge's description to piece together the speech.

Henry Was The First Elected Governor Of Virginia

Elected in 1776, Henry served three terms as governor of Virginia until June 1, 1779. While governor, he married Dorothea Dandridge after the death of his first wife, Sarah, in 1775, who was a cousin of George Washington's wife. In 1784, Henry was re-elected as governor and retired from the post in 1786.

He Unsuccessfully Argued Against The Constitution

Henry declined to attend the Constitutional Convention in 1787 in Philadelphia and became one of the strongest critics of the proposed Constitution. He feared that it gave the federal government too much power and leaned closer to a monarchy. Henry spoke against adopting the Constitution in 1788 at the Virginia Ratification Convention, taking up 25 percent of the floor time. Still, the Virginia representatives adopted the constitution by a ten-vote margin.

Henry Preferred The Articles of Confederation Over The Constitution

The Articles of Confederation were the original constitution created after the United States declared independence. And the Articles were a mess. They decentralized national government for a reason; no one wanted a hint of centralized, monarch-style rule. But they left the states pretty much on their own with a hodge-podge of laws that ended up being more annoying than anything else. In 1789, the states reconvened to create a new constitution, but Henry balked at the idea, claiming the new version, which gave more power to a central national government, was too close to monarchy. 

He Turned Down George Washington's Offer To Be Secretary of State

In 1795, President George Washington offered Patrick Henry the position after his previous Secretary of State Edmund Randolph Jennings resigned. Henry politely declined the position and told Washington he could not move to Philadelphia  due to family obligations. Henry went on to say that he was now supporting  “no less than eight children by my present marriage,” and a widowed daughter from his previous one. Timothy Pickering was then tapped by Washington to fill the void in his cabinet.

[phkrause]

5 Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About Houdini

On March 24, 1874, Erich Weiss, better known as Harry Houdini, was born in Hungary. He went on to become one of the greatest illusionist and showmen of all time. Here are five things you didn't know about Houdini...

Houdini Copyrighted His Most Famous Trick

Houdini’s terrifying trick, the Chinese water torture cell, caused him to be lowered into a tank filled with water upside down with his feet locked, so he might have drowned before escaping. Houdini had the trick copyrighted when he included it in his play “Houdini Upside Down!” That way, no other magician could perform it. The first time Houdini performed the escape, he played to an audience of only one person, but he continued to perform it until his death in 1926.

Houdini Séances Are Held Every Halloween

Houdini vowed to his wife Bess that he would try to contact her from beyond the grave. Houdini died on October 31, 1926, and every year on Halloween, his widow, Bess, conducted a séance, hoping to receive a pre-arranged coded message from Houdini. Bess spent a decade trying to contact her husband before giving up, supposedly saying, “ten years is long enough to wait for any man.” Others continued the search, however, and since the 1930s, fans have held Houdini séances every Halloween to attempt to communicate with the magician’s ghost.

He Was An Aviation Pioneer

Houdini developed a passion for aviation in 1909, and bought a French-made biplane and learned to fly. He crashed during his first flight, but he stuck with it, and during a tour of Australia in March of 1910, he became the first person to successfully pilot a plane in Australia, making three successful flights near Melbourne, each only a couple of minutes long. He apparently had plans to make a transatlantic flight in 1920, years before Lindbergh. However, the flight never happened.

He Named Himself After Another Magician

Houdini was born Erik Weisz, but his name was altered to Ehrich Weiss after his family emigrated from Hungary to Wisconsin when he was 4 years old. Young Ehrich—nicknamed “Ehrie” or “Harry”—had a fascination with magic, particularly the work of the famed French conjurer Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin. When he began his own magic career in the 1890s, he paid homage to his hero by adding an “i” to the name “Houdin” to create the stage moniker “Harry Houdini.” 

The Cause Of His Death Is Still Debated

Houdini died on Halloween 1926 at the age of 52, just days after struggling through a final performance in Detroit. The official cause of his death was peritonitis brought on by a ruptured appendix, but several legends continue to swirl around his last days. Once incident occurred after a performance in Montreal when Houdini was approached in his dressing room  by a university student who inquired about a rumor that he could withstand heavy punches to his abdominal muscles. When Houdini boasted about his physical strength, the young man walloped him in the stomach without warning, leaving him doubled over in pain. Houdini complained of stomach pains for the rest of the day, leading many to conclude that the unexpected punch somehow triggered his appendicitis. Others, meanwhile, allege that the magician was poisoned by Spiritualists, who had previously issued several death threats against him weeks earlier.

[phkrause]

5 Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About Vladimir Putin

On this day in the year 2000, Vladimir Putin was elected president of Russia. Get to know "The Gray Cardinal" himself with these five surprising facts you probably didn't know about the former KGB agent and Russian president.

He Has Black Belts—Yep, More Than One—in Karate.

Back in 2014, then-62-year-old Putin earned his third black belt in karate. Not only does the Russian president have a 5th-degree judo black belt and 9th-degree black belt in taekwondo (the highest rank possible, granting him the prestigious title of "Grand Master"), he also has an "8th Dan" black belt in Kyokushin-kan karate. 

He Has His Own Comic Book

Most of us only dream of having a superhero molded after us on the pages of a comic book. President Putin gets to live it every day. You can check out SuperPutin online, where the Russian president can be found karate chopping terrorists and going head-to-head against a horde of zombies. He also held a gallery showing of some of the comics in Moscow back in December 2017 after announcing his plans to run for a fourth presidential term. 

He's Good Friends With Action Movie Star Steven Seagal

Every powerful world leader needs an eclectic sidekick. Kim Jong-Un of North Korea has Dennis Rodman, and Vladimir Putin has none other than Nico Toscani himself—Steven Seagal. The two have a storied friendship stemming from their mutual love of martial arts. Seagal once called Putin "one of the greatest living world leaders." Putin repaid the compliment by attempting to get Seagal named an honorary delegate to Russia in California and Arizona (a request that Barack Obama reportedly scoffed at and said, "You've got to be kidding.") 

He Loves The Beatles

You might not have much in common with Vladimir Putin. But if you love The Beatles, that’s one thing!
His favorite Beatle is Paul McCartney – and his favorite Beatles tune is “Yesterday.”  As a huge Beatles fan, it’s not surprising that Putin was partially responsible for getting a Beatle to perform in Russia. In 2003,  Paul McCartney took the stage in Moscow's Red Square and proceeded to rock the socks off of Vladimir Putin and 20,000 other Russians. The show was the first time a Beatle had ever set foot in or played in Russia.

He Doesn't Speak Very Good English

Only about three percent of Russians today are fluent in English—President Putin is not among them. Putin generally refrains from speaking English in public settings due to his lack of comfort with the language. Get him in a room with a German dignitary—like Chancellor Angela Merkel for example—and he turns into a regular jabber-jaw. Putin speaks perfect German having spent time in East Germany during his time in the KGB (he was there when the Berlin Wall came down). 

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About The U.S. Navy_3

On March 27, 1794, President George Washington and Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Navy to defend the American colonies from British attack. Here are 5 facts you probably did not know about America’s maritime branch of the military...

The Navy Produced Six Future Presidents During World War II

No president had ever served in the Navy until World War II, when it suddenly turned into a near prerequisite for reaching the White House. John F. Kennedy commanded a motor torpedo boat that was run over by a Japanese destroyer in the Solomon Islands; Lyndon B. Johnson was briefly stationed in New Zealand and Australia despite being a sitting member of Congress; Richard Nixon supervised air cargo operations; Gerald Ford served as an aircraft carrier’s assistant navigator and was nearly swept overboard in a typhoon; Jimmy Carter attended the Naval Academy (and became a submariner after the war); and George H.W. Bush flew 58 combat missions, including one in which he was shot down over the Pacific. In fact, from 1961 to 1993, the only non-Navy man to become president was Ronald Reagan. 

Debates Still Persist About The Birthplace Of The Navy

Many have argued the Navy's birthplace. More specifically, both Beverly, Massachusetts, and Marblehead, Massachusetts — claim to be the Navy's real birthplace. Each town claims to be homeport of the schooner Hannah's the first armed sea vessel of the American Revolution, and founding boat of the U.S. Navy. Each argument has some clout: while Beverly outfitted the vessel, Marblehead filled it with crew members. Interestingly, other cities have also claimed to be the Navy's birthplace, including Philadelphia, PA, Providence, RI, and Whitehall, NY. The Navy takes no position on its place of origin.

All Submariners Volunteer For Their Positions

Being a submariner is not for the faint of heart. It requires both physical and physiological stamina, given the conditions of being submerged underwater for months at a time in a vessel with no windows or natural light. Further, submarines are notoriously lacking in space, with only about 33 feet of width to roam within and just 15 square feet of living space with no privacy. Plus, a nuclear reactor is on board, which is enough to make anyone squeamish. Considering this, all submariners are volunteers, and have passed rigorous psychological and physical tests. Claustrophobics need not apply

The Secretary Of The Navy Is In Charge Of Naming Ships

Since 1819, the Secretary of the Navy has been in charge of naming Navy ships after the Chief of Naval Operations signs and recommends the list of names to the Secretary. Names are typically based on active and retired sailors' suggestions, those from naval history, and even members of the public. Navy ships that are named after people are christened by the oldest living female descendent of that person. Commissioned ships are prefixed with USS, which stands for United States Ship.

There Are No "Walls" Or "Bathrooms"

The Navy has a unique vocabulary, particularly when it comes to describing ships. Rather than "walls," for instance, Navy ships have "bulkheads." The "head" is where toilets are located, the "mass deck" is where sailors eat, and the "rack" is where ship crew sleep.

[phkrause]

5 Surprising Facts About Hitchcock's "The Birds"

On March 28, 1963, the Alfred Hitchcock film "The Birds" premiered in New York. To celebrate the anniversary of this Hollywood classic, here are five interesting facts you didn't know about this famous Hitchcock film...

Mattel Celebrated The Movie's 45th Anniversary With a Barbie Doll

By 2008, "The Birds'' had already been out for 45 years. And to celebrate that occasion, toymaker Mattel came out with a commemorative Barbie doll based on the film's main character, Melanie Daniels. The character was played by Tippi Hedren, who made her screen debut in the film, and Mattel's Barbie doll was a dead ringer for Hedre, right down to the famous green Edith Head suit worn by the character. 
The Barbie doll also came with some interesting accessories including three detachable crows in attacking positions.

A Television Sequel Came Out in 1994

Many hit movies have come out with sequels, and The Birds was no exception. However, The Birds II: Land's End was not shown in theaters but was instead a small screen production premiering on March 14, 1994, on Showtime. Hedren appears in the low-budget sequel, but interestingly, she did not reprise her infamous role as Melanie Daniels. Instead, she played the role of a new character named Helen. Hedren claims to have regretted making the film, as did director Rick Rosenthal, who was so dissatisfied with the end product that he used the pseudonym Alan Smithee in place of his real name during the opening credits. 

An Avian Hospital Was Set Up to Ensure the Birds Were Unharmed

Animal handler Ray Berwick was hired to train hundreds of birds for use in the movie, along with an entire team of crew members who handled the birds in between takes. The American Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was on set to ensure the animals were never harmed during filming and oversaw the building of an avian hospital for any injured birds. A large net was also set up to prevent the birds from flying through the studio.

Alfred Hitchcock's Dogs Made a Cameo

Alfred Hitchcock was both the master of suspense and an early adopter of cinematic Easter eggs. Hitchcock was known to make brief appearances in his films. But he also got his own dogs in on the action in The Birds. Hitchcock's furry friends made on-screen cameo in the film during the scene when Melanie goes into a pet shop near the beginning of the movie. In fact, Hitchcock himself leads the small Sealyham Terriers out of the store during the scene.

A Mickey Mouse Co-Creator Helped With Special Effects

While most of the birds seen in the film are the real thing, some were mechanical and used for special effects. Further, the film involved a bit of matte work, which involves combining images from two separate reels of film. Hitchcock enlisted the help of Ub Iwerks to assist with these effects. Iwerks had plenty of experience in this department, working for Walt Disney since 1924 and even helping to create the famous Mickey Mouse in 1927.

[phkrause]

5 Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About Wayne Gretzky

On this day in 1999, Wayne Gretzky of the NY Rangers scored the last of his record 894 goals in the NHL. Nicknamed "The Great One," Gretzky is widely considered hockey's greatest player in history.  To honor his historic last goal, here are 5 interesting facts you should know about The Great One...

His Jersey # 99 Is The Only Number Retired Across The Entire NHL League

Usually, teams will only retire the numbers of their own stars following long, distinguished careers, which means that no one else on that team could ever wear that number again. In Gretzky's case, his infamous number 99 was retired league-wide at the 2000 All-Star Game because of his contributions to hockey. The only other sports player to have his number completely retired league-wide is legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson.

The Canadian Government Got Involved When Gretzky Was Traded

In 1988, just after another Stanley Cup win with the Oilers, Gretzky was traded to the LA Kings. This was a massive trade and one that did not sit well with Canadians. The trade was such a big deal that the Canadian government leaders demanded that Prime Minister Brian Mulroney block the trade from going through. However, there was nothing the government could do to stop the trade, which was ultimately approved by the NHL.

Two National Anthems Were Changed For Him

Gretzky's last game in the NHL was played at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 1999. Though the game was between two American teams, both the American and Canadian National Anthems were played to honor Gretzky. But instead of the regular lyrics to the Canadian anthem, singer Bryan Adams sang “We’re gonna miss you Wayne Gretzky” instead of “We stand on guard for thee.”  For the Star Spangled Banner, longtime anthem performer for the Rangers John Amirante sang “O’er the land of Wayne Gretzky” in place of “O’er the land of the free.”

He Is The Only NHL Player With Over 200 Points In One Season

Points are awarded to players when they score a goal, as well as when they assist in a goal. Gretzky is the only NHL player to have scored over 200 points in a single season, an incredible achievement. And not only did he do that once, but he managed to accomplish that goal four seasons in a row in the early to mid-1980s. Gretzky ended his NHL career having accumulated a whopping 2,857 points.

An Unofficial Rule Was Named After Him

In the 1980s, the Edmonton Oilers — where Gretzky experienced his glory years in the NHL — were a force to be reckoned with. The team was so powerful, not just because of Gretzky, but also thanks to other powerhouse teammates like Mark Messier, and Paul Coffey. The team won four Stanley Cups within a five-year span. Part of that success was due to their on-ice command of four-on-four situations, where minor penalties given to both teams would put a player from each team in the penalty box. Because Gretzky and the Oilers were so good in small numbers on the ice, the NHL enacted the “Gretzky Rule,” forcing teams to play at full strength despite the called penalties. The rule has since been revoked, but lives on in spirit in overtime when teams play at four-on-four strength to potentially garner faster goals.

[phkrause]

5 Shocking Facts You Didn't Know About Jeopardy!

On March 30, 1964, the world saw the first episode of Jeopardy! This show has turned into one of the most popular game shows ever, and in its current version, it is one of the longest-running. Here are 5 shocking facts you many not know about Jeopardy!

It Was Not The First Game Show To Give The Answers And Ask For The Questions

Contestants on Jeopardy! are tasked with coming up with questions to the answers provided by the host. But it wasn't actually the first game show with this premise. CBS aired the first ever live TV quiz show, named CBS Television Quiz, from 1941 to 1942.  No recordings or images remain from the broadcasts, but the format was similar to Jeopardy! with host Gil Fates providing answers and asking contestants to provide the matching questions.

The Odds Of A Three-Way Tie Are One In 25 million. It Happened Once.

March 16, 2007, was a day for the record books. For the first time in the show's history, Jeopardy! concluded with each of the three contestants having exactly the same winnings - $16,000.  At the end of the episode, Alex Trebek invited all 3 contestants back the next day. CBS Television Distribution, which syndicates the show for Sony Pictures claims a statistician they hired calculated the odds of a three-way tie on the show as one in 25 million.    

John McCain Was A One-Day Champion In 1965

Future Arizona Senator John McCain was featured on Jeopardy! in 1965. He won on his first appearance but ended up losing in Final Jeopardy on his second day. The loss came after incorrectly asking, "What is Wuthering Heights?" in response to the question, "Cathy loved him but married Edgar Linton instead." He could only remember the name of the book rather than the name of the character.

The Jeopardy! Theme Song is Called "Think!"

Few TV theme songs are as well-known and catchy as the one on Jeopardy! The song is aptly named "Think!" and was composed by series creator Merv Griffin. He released multiple albums over the years and created additional pieces for Jeopardy! including "January, February, March" and "Frisco Disco." It is estimated that Griffin has earned an astounding $70 million in royalties from "Think!"

Jeopardy! Has Been Featured In A Handful Of Television Sitcoms

TV shows like Cheers and Mama's Family featured episodes in which the characters appeared on Jeopardy! In 1988, Mama's Family aired an episode that featured Thelma Harper winning a trip to Hawaii after finishing runner-up. Two years later, everyone's favorite Cheers mailman plays his favorite game when Jeopardy! comes to Boston in "What is... Cliff Clavin?"

[phkrause]

5 Crazy Facts You Didn't Know About The Eiffel Tower

On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was dedicated in Paris in a ceremony presided over by Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s designer.  In honor of the anniversary of it's opening, here are 5 crazy facts you might not know about the Eiffel Tower…

Hitler Ordered The Demolition Of The Tower

In 1944, when Adolf Hitler was about to lose Paris to the Allies forces, he ordered his military general Dietrich von Choltitz to destroy the entire city of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. Fortunately, Choltitz  didn't agree with the order and instead later surrendered to the Allies. He is popularly now known as the Saviour of Paris, as he disobeyed Adolf Hitler's orders to destroy the city. He later asserted that his defiance of Hitler's direct order stemmed from its obvious military futility, his affection for the French capital's history and culture, and his belief that Hitler had by then become insane.

An American Woman Married the Eiffel Tower

Mrs. Eiffel is not the wife of the late engineer who built the tower. It is actually an American named Erika Aya (or Erika Eiffel, as she prefers to be called) who actually married the Tower in a commitment ceremony in 2007!  Ms. Eiffel suffers from paraphilia, which helps explain her odd obsession with a Paris landmark. Paraphilia is a medical condition where people can develop relationships with inanimate objects. Before the nuptials, she served in the United States Air Force and was a world-renowned competitive archer.

It’s Technically Illegal to Photograph The Eiffel Tower at Night

Every night, the Eiffel Tower lights up in what is called the Illumination Show. Naturally, anyone witnessing the beautiful spectacle is tempted to take a snapshot. But the government claims that the show is considered artwork, and therefore copyrighted. As such, anyone taking photos of the light display and posting it on social media can be fined.

The Repainting Of The Eiffel Tower Is Done By Hand

The Eiffel Tower has been repainted 18 times since it was built more than a century ago. In fact, its color has changed over the decades, going from reddish-brown when it was first erected to the bronze tone that we see today. Somewhere in between, the tower was even yellow in color. The tower's repainting follows stringent traditional tactics, which means no machinery is used when touch-ups are necessary. Instead, an old-fashioned paintbrush is used to repaint the tower as required.

It’s The Most Visited Paid Tourist Attraction In The World

The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid-for monument in the world, and welcomes almost seven million people a year. Located in the heart of Paris, the most romantic city in the world, the Eiffel Tower was also recently named the most popular spot in the world to take a selfie.  A must-see for everyone who visits Paris, over 300 million visitors have visited the Tower since it opened to the public in 1889.

[phkrause]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Marvin Gaye

On April 1, 1984, Marvin Gaye was shot and killed by his own father one day short of his 45th birthday. Here are 5 facts you probably didn't know about the soul singer and songwriter known as the "Prince of Soul"...

Marvin’s Last Name Didn’t Always End in “E”

Rumors that Marvin was homosexual and his father a crossdresser caused the singer to change his last name by adding an "e" at the end. Gaye said his father sometimes wore his hair long and curled and dressed in women's clothes, but he, himself, was not gay. Another reason Gaye changed his name was to distance himself from his abusive father.

He Was A Motown Drummer During His Early Years

Gaye had started his career as a member of the doo-wop group The Moonglows in the late 1950s. He then ventured into a solo career after the group disbanded in 1960, signing with Motown Records subsidiary, Tamla. He started off as a session drummer, and as a road drummer for The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and The Marvelettes. Gaye drummed on the Marvelettes hits, “Please Mr. Postman”, Stevie Wonder’s “Fingertips” and was one of two drummers behind Martha and the Vandellas’ landmark hit, “Dancing in the Street”.

He Stopped Performing Duets in 1970

Marvin Gaye performed most of his legendary duets (“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “You’re All I Need To Get By”) with singer Tammi Terrell. Terrell died from brain cancer in 1970 and Gaye vowed never to sing with another person or on stage ever again. 

He Attempted Suicide Three Times

In addition to substance abuse, Gaye secretly suffered from depression. In 1969, he attempted to shoot himself with a handgun but was stopped by Berry Gordy. In 1979, he ingested a full ounce of cocaine thinking it would be a “slow but pleasant death, less messy than a gun.” The week of his death, Gaye jumped out of a moving car but survived with minor injuries. Marvin Gaye described his depression during an interview a year before his death. “I was at my lowest ebb. I really didn’t feel like I was loved. Because I didn’t feel love, I felt useless.”

His Father Murdered Him

After an argument between father and son escalated into a physical fight on the morning of April 1, 1984, Alberta Gay was trying to calm her son in his bedroom when Marvin Sr. took a revolver given to him by Marvin Jr. and shot him three times in his chest. Marvin Gaye’s brother, Frankie, who lived next door, and who held the legendary singer during his final minutes, later wrote in his memoir that Marvin Gaye’s final, disturbing statement was, “I got what I wanted….I couldn’t do it myself, so I made him do it.”

[phkrause]

6 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Florida

On April 2, 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed on the coast of Florida and claimed the territory for the Spanish crown. Find out five things you probably didn’t know about the state of Florida.

Juan Ponce De Leon Named Florida

Ponce de Leon sailed from Puerto Rico to what is now the area of St. Augustine, Florida, in 1513. Although other European navigators may have sighted the Florida peninsula before, Ponce de León is credited with the first recorded landing and the first detailed exploration of the Florida coast. The Spanish explorer was searching for the “Fountain of Youth,” a fabled water source that was said to bring eternal youth. Ponce de León named the peninsula he believed to be an island “La Florida” because his discovery came during the time of the Easter feast, or Pascua Florida.

Florida Is a Really Big State

Much larger than England, Florida covers 58,560 square miles, but a large part is swampland. The land area is 54,136 square miles. That leaves the rest as swampland, including the famed Okefenokee, which encompasses 353,981 acres.

FLORIDA IS 8223 SQUARE MILES BIGGER THAN ENGLAND.The state has an area of 58,560 square miles, but a lot of that is swampland. Land totals 54,136 square miles and water covers 4424 square miles.

South Florida Is The Only Place On Earth Where Crocodiles And Alligators Coexist In The Wild

The Florida Everglades is famous for many things, one of them being the only environment on earth in which Alligators and Crocodiles coexist in harmony. You are very likely to run into these reptiles during an Everglades airboat tour. To distinguish the two, alligators have a more U-shaped snout, are a darker, blackish-grey in color, and prefer fresh water  while crocodiles have a more pointed or V-shaped snout, are a lighter, olive green or brown color, and tend to prefer saltwater or brackish water, which is a combination of saltwater and freshwater.

The Florida Keys Seceded From The United States

In 1982, Dennis Wardlow, the mayor of Key West, declared war against the United States because of a roadblock by the Border Patrol in Florida City, the mainland gateway to the island chain. The tongue-in-cheek secession renamed the area the Conch Republic with Wardlow as its prime minister. The campaign was short-lived; within two minutes, Wardlow had surrendered and requested $1 million in foreign aid.

Children in Florida Childcare Centers Must Listen To Classical Music Every Day

Florida Law requires day cares to play at least 30 minutes of classical music every day.  In 1998, Florida passed the Beethoven’s Babies Bill which is based on a study of the “Mozart Effect”- the belief that classical music encourages a child’s intellect. Studies have linked classical music to enhanced brain development among infants and toddlers.

St. Augustine Is The Oldest City In The USA

Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously-inhabited European-established settlement in the United States – and is more commonly called the "Nation’s Oldest City." St. Augustine was founded by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, Florida's first governor. He named the settlement "San Agustín", as his ships bearing settlers, troops, and supplies from Spain had first sighted land in Florida eleven days earlier on August 28, the feast day of St. Augustine. The city served as the capital of Spanish Florida for over 200 years.

[phkrause]

5 Things You May Not Know About The Pony Express_4

On April 3, 1860, the Pony Express began on a 2,000-mile route to deliver mail using relay riders from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. The Trivia Today team pulled together these five riveting facts about The Pony Express...

Mail Was Delivered Really Fast for Those Days

Around the clock, riders raced their mounts around 10 mph over sections of routes covering almost 2,000 miles, passing through eight states in only 10 days. The route ran from Missouri through Kansas and Nebraska on to Wyoming, Utah, Nevada to Sacramento, California. By riding on horseback, the mail delivery was possible in seven days, instead of the 24 days it took for a stagecoach.

The Pony Express Used Around 400 Horses

Riders for the Pony Express usually rode 75-100 miles, which is a long time in the saddle. However, they changed horses frequently, with stations located about every 10 miles. Riders sometimes swapped their horses as many as 10 times, so there was a need for many horses along the routes.

The Pony Express Only Operated For About 19 Months

Although the Pony Express is well-known, it operated for less than 19 months.. The Pony Express was forced to close after the opening of the transcontinental telegraph. Telegraphs could be sent much faster and with less expense. In the end, the business venture that was the Pony Express lost a lot of money and became outdated fairly quickly. Despite operating for only 19 months, its riders had successfully delivered some 35,000 pieces of mail and traveled more than half a million miles across the American frontier.   

Pony Express Riders Were Asked To Carry Bibles

Alexander Majors, the co-founder of the Pony Express, made all the riders carry a Bible.  Riders were expected to be stand-up citizens and were required to sign an oath on the inside of the Bible promising they would not curse, drink, or fight. However, most riders ignored their orders and left their Bibles behind because they were heavy, as riders wanted to carry as little weight as possible to increase their speed.

You Can Still Use The Pony Express To Send A Letter

The National Pony Express Association conducts a commemorative ride for members every June along the same route the riders traveled. The route runs from St. Joseph, Missouri, as far as Sacramento, California, or in the other direction depending on the year.  Over 700 riders come together to travel the 1,966 mile Pony Express Trail in a meager ten days. For $10, you can send a personal letter to someone along the path anywhere in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, or California. 

[phkrause]

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Easter

Easter Sunday is the most important day of the year for Christians, as it is the celebration of Jesus being resurrected from the dead. Here are five interesting facts about the Easter holiday to impress your friends and family today. 

Easter Eggs Date Back Way Before Easter

The egg appears in many ancient traditions as a symbol for life, or life's beginnings. In medieval Europe, eggs were often one of the first foods — blessed by a priest of course — eaten after the Lenten fast. The practice of dyeing eggs can be traced back to early Greek and Syrian Christians, who exchanged crimson eggs to represent the blood of Christ. German and Austrian immigrants later brought the practice to America. Today, the colorful eggs are mostly just a fun way to celebrate Easter.

We Can Thank Germany For The Bunny

Have you ever wondered where the Easter Bunny story originated? We can say that the story of rabbits bringing eggs doesn’t make a lot of logical sense. But just like Santa Claus has no Christian significance to Christmas, the Easter Bunny also has no real connection to this holy day.  The idea of the Easter bunny giving candies and eggs is said to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages, with the first written mention of this tradition dating back to the 16th century. Dutch settlers in Pennsylvania brought the bunny to the United States in the 1700s.

Americans Eat About 1.5 million Peeps Euring Easter

Peeps actually date back to the 1920s and at the time were very difficult to make by hand, requiring approximately 30 hours to complete just one. Thankfully, automation sped the process down to around 6 minutes. These days, over 70 million of the tasty chicks are sold at Easter every year.  That makes these colorful marshmallows the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy. The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, factory makes an impressive 5.5 million a day.

Congress Once Outlawed Easter Egg Rolling

One of the most well-known Easter traditions in America is the annual Easter Egg Roll that dates all the way back to President Andrew Johnson. However, there was a point in our nation’s history when holding an Easter egg roll on the Capitol grounds was a violation of federal law. By 1876, the annual egg roll had ripped up the Capitol’s landscaping and they didn’t have enough money in the budget to fix it. So the following year, U.S. Rep. William Steele Holman of Indiana introduced the Turf Protection Act “to prevent any portion of the Capitol grounds and terraces from being used as play-grounds." Congress passed the Act, putting the kibosh on Easter Egg Rolls for a time. Thankfully, Pres. Rutherford B. Hayes renewed the tradition in 1878 by holding an Easter egg celebration at the White House.

Most People Eat This Part Of The Chocolate Eater Bunny First

It happens every spring, researchers say: A disturbing epidemic of confectionary rabbit auricular amputations. Or, in layman’s terms, biting the ears off of your chocolate Easter bunny. As it turns out, a new study looks at our preferences for deforming the chocolatey critters. It notes that an online survey of more than 28,000 Americans reveal that 59 percent of us eat the ears first. About 4 percent start at the other end with the feet or tail, while 33 percent of people indicate no preference at all when going in for the all-important first bite.