Second Generation Television
Compared to movies or theater, TV is a relatively new medium, but it’s just old enough that it’s the family business for multiple generations.
Daily Dispatch
Seattle’s Superheroes Must Die(t)
For the better part of the last decade, Seattle man Ben Fodor has patrolled the means streets of his city dressed as a costumed vigilante named “Phoenix Jones.” He’s also the leader and founder of The Rain City Superhero Movement, a group of Seattleites who, inspired by Fodor/Phoenix, defend truth, justice, and the American Way.
And the Award For Most Awards Goes To…
At the recent 68th Annual Tony Awards, one of the recipients set a new Tonys Record. Here’s what Audra McDonald did, along with some other award-show record holders.
Mmmm…Conspiracy Theories
Does The Simpsons know more about geopolitical affairs than they’re letting on? Here’s a look at the “evidence.”
The Fall of Colossus
It’s the end of an era. Colossus, one of the world’s most famous roller coasters, is about to bite the dust.
Ask Uncle John Anything: Burn, Baby, Burn
How do food makers determine the calorie counts placed on food packages?
Calories provide energy to the body. You need to get a base of calories from food so your body can perform basic functions like pump blood and send electrical signals, and more calories to power any and all activities, like standing, walking, and talking.
The Weird World of World Cup Commercials
The FIFA World Cup is the planet’s most beloved sporting event. The 2014 edition is taking place in Brazil as we speak, and tons of international companies are eager to cash in on all the excitement. Here are just a few of the kooky World Cup-related ads that have been airing around the globe in recent weeks.
Fact-or-Fake Friday: Father’s Day Edition
Here are three news items about dads, fathers, and daddies. Two of them are real stories…and the third one we made up. Why? Because we thought it would be fun to see if you can guess which one is too weird to be true.
FREE: Facts to Go History Makers
Have you checked out our eBook minis yet? Now is your chance to get one for free. From now until the end of June, we are giving away a FREE copy of Uncle John’s Facts to Go History Makers. Head over to your favorite eBook retailer and download your free copy!
The Dark Side of the World Cup
Hooray for exciting, world-class soccer! Boo for vuvuzelas and overspending!
- In 2003, Brazil banned the sale and consumption of beer at soccer stadiums due to the high rate of violence and deaths during rowdy games. For the 2014 World Cup, one of the primary sponsors is Budweiser…which lead organizing body FIFA to successfully lobby the Brazilian government to rescind the ban during the World Cup.
5 Dumb Doodads for Dad
Is your dad a gadget guy? Then here’s your Father’s Day shopping list…or maybe not.
Does your dad love toast, and does he also love listening to the radio? Is he in need of new models of both of these appliances, which tend to last a very, very long time? Then get him the Radio Toaster—it’s a two-slice toaster with an FM radio and speaker built right in. The cost: $115±—more than a toaster and radio bought separately.
Impossible Questions: Musical Conundrum Edition – Answer Revealed!
What distinction do Chubby Checker, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Joan Jett, and Jim Croce share?
All of these acts are among the most successful, famous, and popular musicians to ever come out of Philadelphia…and none of them are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In fact, only one major act from the City of Brotherly Love has been inducted into the Rock Hall: Hall and Oates, and that was earlier this year.
The Hard Luck of Andrew Ridgeley
Wham! was one of the most successful groups of the 1980s. While George Michael went on to lasting solo success with more serious music (and some tabloid scandals), his former bandmate just couldn’t catch a break.
Impossible Questions: Musical Conundrum Edition
Think you know the answer to this question? Think you can get it? Good luck…and come back tomorrow to see if you’re right.
What distinction do Chubby Checker, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Joan Jett, and Jim Croce share?
You’re Saying It Wrong: Celebrity Names Edition
In which Uncle John corrects widespread grammatical and language abominations. Here are a few celebrity names that you may be pronouncing wrong. Can you name any others?
Bjork
The world’s most famous Icelander and swan dress-wearer pronounces her name “b-yerk,” not “b-york.”
The Musical Careers of Three Former Child Stars
These three actors rode the waves of fame at an age when most of us were still picking bubblegum out of our braces. But once those careers slowed down, they chased a different spotlight into the music business.
Hollywood’s Ghost Towns
Westerns were incredibly popular in the mid-20th century. Amazingly, many of the sets used in these films are still standing and you can even visit some of them. Here are just a few, pilgrim.
Fact-or-Fake Friday: Booze News You Can Use Edition
What follows are three weird news items. Well, sort of. Two of them are true…and one of them isn’t. Why? Because we made it up, that’s why! Can you guess which one is the phony? (The answer is at the end of the post.)
