6 Facts About Boogers and Snot
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about snot, boogers, phlegm, mucus…
Weird, Wonderful World
How to Hypnotize a Chicken
When Uncle John learned that it was possible to do this, his first thought was, “Why would anyone want to hypnotize a chicken?” Good question. As Sir Edmund Hillary would say, “because it’s there.” (And it’s a lot easier than climbing Mt. Everest.)
Don’t Hold the Mayo
Anyone asked to name a favorite condiment might quickly say ketchup or mustard, and sure—those are good. But here’s why mayonnaise is the real culinary star.
Too Many Presidential Candidates?
There are more than a dozen candidates running for the GOP nominations, and half a dozen running for the Democratic nominations. Think that’s a lot? In all, more than 1,220 people filed paperwork with the Federal Election Committee, declaring their intention to run for president. Here are a few of them.
Coined By Comic Strips
Many common words and phrases were invented by cartoonists and first used in comic strips.
Ask Uncle John Anything: Grape(fruit) Expectations
Uncle John knows pretty much everything—and if he doesn’t, he heads his massive research library, or puts one of his many associates on the case. So go ahead: In the comments below, ask Uncle John anything. (And if we answer your question sometime, we’ll send you a free book!)
Cat Painters
Not people who paint cats, but cats who paint.
Three Alien Hoaxes
As Fox Mulder often said on The X-Files, when it comes to space aliens “the truth is out there.” But in each one of these cases, the “truth” wasn’t.
Icy Language
Antarctic research stations are so isolated that they have a lingo all their own.
Wanna Buy a Haunted Doll?
Who would want to bring a toy possessed by a ghost into their home? Here’s a look at the very strange world of haunted doll collecting.
Every Haunted Mansion on the Planet
This popular attraction can now be found in five Disney theme parks around the world. The original one in Anaheim, California has been welcoming “foolish mortals” since 1969. Here’s a peek at each one of the mysterious mansions.
Hey, Nice Mudflaps!
Early automobiles were boring black boxes, devoid of personality…until all this stuff came along to spice things up. So honk if you like car-accessory origins!
Bombed on Broadway
If your play manages to get to Broadway, you’ve already achieved a huge accomplishment in the world of theater. But, um, then you’ve got to deliver. These folks didn’t.
Better Than Gold
“Worth its weight in gold” is used to describe very valuable items. But based on weight, gold—worth around $40 a gram—is far from the most valuable commodity around.
7 Great Sandwiches From Around the World (That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)
Bread is an almost universal foodstuff, which means that making sandwiches, the act of stuffing food inside that foodstuff, is just as universal.
9 Weird Facts About Babies
Babies: they’re even weirder than you thought. This story was originally published in the 28th annual edition, “Uncle John’s Factastic Bathroom Reader.”
3 of the Most Expensive Restaurants in the World
Here are some great places to check out if you’re looking for a good meal that costs about as much as a used car.
6 Facts About the Common Cold
Cold season is upon us. Here are some interesting facts about the common cold because knowledge is power (although we realize that it may be “cold comfort” if you actually have a nasty cold).
