You probably had to learn the names of all 50 states back in elementary school. Here’s a look into an alternate universe, where you would’ve had to memorize totally different state names. Here’s a look at some rejected options. Deseret After a plan to have a much larger state comprising parts of present-day Nevada, Arizona, […]
It was traditional for ancient Greek Olympic athletes to compete naked. Women weren’t invited as competitors or spectators. An Olympic torch weighs 3 1/2 pounds, a little more than four cans of beer. It’s made of wood, aluminum, and gold-plated brass, with a tank hidden in the base that holds 40 minutes’ worth of propane. […]
Here are some stories about some truly unique wines. We hope you think they’re really grape.
It’s hard to imagine that anyone could possibly believe these old superstitions, but then some people actually doubt the existence of the Great Flooplenocker, so go figure. A newborn’s first sneeze is lucky. Before the sneeze, the baby is under the influence of bad fairies, and the newborn who does not sneeze may become a […]
In one of the most memorable moments of the 1992 presidential campaign, Arkansas governor Bill Clinton appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show and played Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” on the saxophone, along with the show’s house band. Here’s a look at some other presidents (and presidential candidates) who showed off their musical talents. Harry Truman […]
Every two years, we’re treated to another round of Olympics. Whether you watch them or not, it’s impossible to avoid all the hype—which, it turns out, isn’t all true. Next time someone refers to “Olympic tradition,” read them this.
Myth: August is the only month without any major holidays in it. Truth: August has plenty of holidays in it…although none we’d call “major.” Here are a bunch of silly observances to look forward to in the comic weeks. August 2: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day Summer has been going on so long that for […]
There are dozens of Olympic events, but there’s only so much time and space. Here are some sports that were once, but are no longer, part of the Olympic games. Skijoring What is skijoring, exactly? It’s a combination of equestrian, dog sledding, and skiing. Human athletes strap on skis, and let horses pull them through […]
On August 1, 1981—35 years ago today—MTV went on the air in a handful of cable system across the country. You probably know that the first video played was the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star,” but did you know these behind-the-scenes stories from some iconic early music videos? “Money for Nothing” British band Dire […]
Sure, the “VHS era” ended more than a decade ago with the arrival of DVDs, and then streaming video, but now it’s official: the last VCR will roll off the assembly line in 2016. Here’s a look at some other big lasts in the world of VHS. The Last VCR By 2012, two companies still […]
Yet again the BRI asks—and answers—the question: Where does all this stuff come from? Tiki Bars The very first was Don the Beachcomber, opened in Hollywood in 1933 by Ernest Gantt, a bohemian who had traveled the South Seas and brought back all kinds of idols, masks, and other relics. He used them to decorate […]
Marni Nixon passed away this week at age 86. She sang in some of the most popular movies—especially musicals—of the all time. You’ve definitely heard her voice, but you probably don’t know her name or what she looks like. Here’s why. Born in California in 1930, Nixon was a classically trained soprano, boasting an incredibly […]
American politics is—for better or for worse—entrenched in a two-party system. But the Founding Fathers never even intended for there to be political parties. Here’s the first part of the story of how we got the Dems and the Repubs. This article was first published in Uncle John’s Political Briefs. Party Poopers For all the diversity […]
Here at the Bathroom Readers’ Institute, we like to keep you up to date on the all the latest breakthroughs in toilet technology. Here are some potties on the cutting edge of bathroom science. So fancy! Bathroom fixture company Kohler offers a model called the Numi. It’s loaded with features that turn using the facilities […]
Many of the top honors in the arts, sports, and the sciences are named after people. Here are the stories of the names behind the awards. JOHN HEISMAN Heisman coached football at Auburn, Clemson, and Georgia Tech in the 1890s and early 20th century. In the 1930s, he worked as athletic director at the Downtown […]
After the birth of North America’s first political party: the Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, the road was paved to create the two parties that we are most familiar with today: The Republican and Democratic parties. Here is how those to parties came to be. This article was first published in Uncle John’s Political Briefs. (Click here […]
Why are so many sports movies set in Michigan? Uncle John’s not sure, but he likes them. PAPER LION (1968) Could writer George Plimpton hack it as a football player with the Detroit Lions? He tried it once, for a story he was writing. This film is based on his experience at the Lions’ training […]
The U.K. recently voted to separate from the European Union, which prompted talks of Scotland and Wales leaving the U.K. to rejoin the E.U., and Northern Ireland also leaving to reform with Ireland. It’s just talk at this point, but it got us interested in the history of states in the U.S. that expressed interest […]
