It’s that time of year when the Nobel Prize is awarded for achievements in a number of disciplines. Swedish inventor and philanthropist Albert Nobel (1833-1896) donated his fortune (from being the creator of dynamite) to provide large monetary prizes to recognize annual major contributors to the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace…but not […]
They’re creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky, and October is the perfect time to talk about The Addams Family. The Addams Family began in the 1930s as a series of cartoons in The New Yorker by Charles Addams. None of the macabre, gothic characters who lived in an old spooky mansion had names, which left the […]
Here’s a look at how much money Americans made in the year just before the Civil War started…and what they had to spend that money on. Nickel and Dimed There were few labor laws in the United States at the time. The average work week was 60 hours (10 hours a day, six days a […]
The three things that the Chicago Cubs are most famous for: the ivy-covered wall of Wrigley Field, longtime play-by-play man Harry Carey, and the supposed “curse” that has kept them from winning a World Series in more than 100 years. The Chicago Cubs are in the Major League Baseball playoffs, having won first place in […]
There are a handful of phone numbers made famous by songs, movies, and TV shows. Ever wonder what happens if you actually call them? This article was originally published in our 29th annual edition, Uncle John’s Uncanny Bathroom Reader. 867–5309 According to rock legend, Tommy Tutone lead guitarist Jim Keller wrote “867-5309/Jenny” about a real […]
Uncle John knows pretty much everything—and if he doesn’t, he puts one of his many researchers 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!) Where does the phrase “going to the loo” come from? Uncle John […]
Today marks the approximate date in 1492 that Christopher Columbus…discovered America? Not exactly. Here’s a rundown on a bunch of the misconceptions that have persisted regarding Columbus’s landmark voyage that started out as a way to find a faster trade route to Asia.
Some mouthwatering facts about everyone’s favorite snack. This article was first published in our 29th annual edition, Uncle John’ Uncanny Bathroom Reader. Americans spend more than $4 billion annually on bacon. Bacon dates back at least 3,500 years. The Chinese were the first to cook salted pork bellies. The salt preserved the meat so it […]
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!) Why are British TV seasons so […]
When a player signs or is traded to a new team, his favorite number—possibly the one he’s been wearing since childhood—isn’t always available. Unless he’s a respected veteran and the number he wants belongs to a rookie, it’s very common for a trade or purchase to occur. This was first published in our 29th annual […]
It’s the month of Columbus Day, Halloween…and National Kale Day. Oct. 5: National Kale Day The holiday was created in 2012 by a kale promoting organization to promote this leafy superfood, which is one of the best plant-based sources of iron, among other vitamins and nutrients. It’s only recently become a dietary staple; throughout the […]
Ready to try your hand at this Ultimate Coloring challenge? You can download free coloring pages from the books below. America the Beautiful and These Colors Don’t Run feature all the fantastic scenes that make our country a beauty to behold, so you can show your patriotic pride one red, white, and blue at a […]
When a TV series takes place in the past, writers, set designers, and prop masters do their best to make sure that all the details are historically accurate. But sometimes they make mistakes. This was first published in our 29th annual edition, Uncle John’s Uncanny Bathroom Reader. Happy Days (1974–84) Scene: Howard, Marion, and Joanie Cunningham […]
Memphis is one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the U.S. to not have a team in the NFL. But it’s not for a lack of trying. Here’s a brief history of how pro football just never seems to come (or stick around) to the football-loving Tennessee city. In 1974, the NFL announced its first […]
Tattoos are nothing new. Even some historical figures had them. This article was first published in our brand-new, 29th annual edition, Uncle John’s Uncanny Bathroom Reader. Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) The rugged president was a pioneer of modern masculinity, including tattoos. As a young man, he had the Roosevelt family crest inked onto his chest. Andrew […]
Economists estimate that as much as 90% of all retail goods available in the United States are made overseas, particularly in China. These products include stereos, plastic toys, cups, belts, TVs, shoes, T-shirts, backpacks, telephones, coffee makers, toasters, and even religious memorabilia, just to name a few. Even though so many things are made in […]
Rejection is a part of life, particularly for those in the creative field. But these stories of rejection ultimately had happy endings. Stranger Things Last summer, Netflix had one of its biggest hits ever with the original series Stranger Things, a nostalgic, supernatural thriller set in the ‘80s. Co-creator Matt Duffer told Rolling Stone that […]
Back in colonial days, folks used to mix some mighty peculiar drinks. Here are a few favorites from the 17th and 18th centuries. SACK POSSET: Made by mixing clots of curdled milk into ale or wine EGG POP (or Egg Hot): Eggs, brandy, sugar, and ale ALEBERRY: Ale boiled with sugar, spices, and sops of […]
