Your daily dose of strange facts, amazing stories, and odd trivia, courtesy of The Complete Idiot’s Guides. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/ Copyright Penguin Group (USA) Inc. karyn.gerhard@us.penguingroup.com (Karyn Gerhard) Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Celery is the Holy Grail of diet foods. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/05_14_12_celery.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/05_14_12_celery.html Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:00 EST An eighteenth-century Russian peasant woman was the mother of all mothers. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/05_11_12_mrs_feodor_vassilyev.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/05_11_12_mrs_feodor_vassilyev.html Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 EST The New York Yankees’ iconic “NY” logo was designed by Tiffany & Co.—but not for the Yankees. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/05_02_12_yankees_logo.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/05_02_12_yankees_logo.html Wed, 02 May 2012 10:00:00 EST Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig were once struck out by a 17-year-old girl. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/04_02_12_virnett_mitchell.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/04_02_12_virnett_mitchell.html Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST A poem about drinking can help you remember the digits of pi. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/03_14_12_pi.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/03_14_12_pi.html Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST Sweden once had two Leaps Days in one year. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/02_29_12_leap_year.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/02_29_12_leap_year.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST If it hadn’t been for his father, Charles Dickens might never have written his most famous works. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/02_10_12_charles_dickens.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/02_10_12_charles_dickens.html Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST The shortest Super Bowl commercial ran just one-half second. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/02_03_12_super_bowl_commercial.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/02_03_12_super_bowl_commercial.html Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST Doorways make you forget. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/01_25_12_memory.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/01_25_12_memory.html Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST Kevin O’Connell is the unluckiest man in Academy Awards history. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/01_24_12_kevin_oconnell.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/01_24_12_kevin_oconnell.html Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST To the west of Bermuda is an ocean with no shoreline. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/01_23_12_sargasso_sea.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/01_23_12_sargasso_sea.html Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST The pineapple is not native to Hawaii. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/01_11_12_pineapple.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/01_11_12_pineapple.html Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST Giants once roamed the Earth. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_04_12_giants.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_04_12_giants.html Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST The Sun is going to go through a major change in 2012—it’s going to flip. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/01_03_12_sunspots.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/01_03_12_sunspots.html Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST In the wrong hands, one Christmas custom can bring a whole lot of bad luck. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/12_19_11_yule_log.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/12_19_11_yule_log.html Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST Because of a printer’s error, one edition of the Bible went from pious to downright wicked. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/11_14_11_printing_error.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/11_14_11_printing_error.html Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST If it weren’t for Navajo Indians, the United States would have lost the battle at Iwo Jima. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/11_11_11_code_talkers.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/11_11_11_code_talkers.html Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST IKEA’s crazy product names came about because of its owner’s disability. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/11_07_11_ikea_names.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/11_07_11_ikea_names.html Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Before 1883, there were 8,000 times zones in the United States. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/11_02_11_time_zones.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/11_02_11_time_zones.html Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST The tradition of carving pumpkins came about because of a drunkard. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/10_31_11_stingy_jack.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/10_31_11_stingy_jack.html Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST Singing “Happy Birthday to You” in public can land you in jail. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/10_21_11_happy_birthday.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/10_21_11_happy_birthday.html Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST Tomatoes can command insects to declare war. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/10_07_11_warrior_tomatoes.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/10_07_11_warrior_tomatoes.html Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST The first fatality of the Civil War was an accident. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/10_03_11_civil_war.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/10_03_11_civil_war.html Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST Tug of War was once an Olympic sport. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/09_29_11_tug_of_war.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/09_29_11_tug_of_war.html Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST According to Italian space trackers, there are cosmonauts stranded in space. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/09_28_11_lost_cosmonauts.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/09_28_11_lost_cosmonauts.html Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST Nintendo has been around for more than 100 years. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/09_26_11_nintendo.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/09_26_11_nintendo.html Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST In Denmark, it is illegal to name your child Apple. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/09_23_11_apple.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/09_23_11_apple.html Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST Popsicles® were invented by an eleven-year-old kid. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/09_21_11_popsicles.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/09_21_11_popsicles.html Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST A small strait off the coast of Wales is the scene of the strangest coincidence ever recorded. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/09_20_11_coincidence.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/09_20_11_coincidence.html Tues, 20 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST The most successful—and feared—pirate in history was a woman. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/09_19_11_pirate_queen.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/09_19_11_pirate_queen.html Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST China’s most famous poet died for the love of a reflection. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/09_14_11_li_bai.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/09_14_11_li_bai.html Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST An unusual book, put forth in 1939, is a composition with a big omission. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/09_09_11_gadsby.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/09_09_11_gadsby.html Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST Earthquakes can cause strange lights to appear in the sky. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/08_24_11_earthquake_lights.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/08_24_11_earthquake_lights.html Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST Dr. Seuss wrote one of his most famous books on a dare. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/08_23_11_seuss.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/08_23_11_seuss.html Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST There is a place in Japan that is hell on earth—actually, nine hells. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/08_22_11_beppu.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/08_22_11_beppu.html Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST The difference between Broadway and Off Broadway shows has nothing to do with location. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/08_18_11_broadway.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/08_18_11_broadway.html Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST A note jotted in the margin of a book has driven mathematicians crazy for four centuries. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/08_17_11_theorem.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/08_17_11_theorem.html Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST Elvis Presley won three Grammys—but none of them were for rock and roll. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/08_16_11_elvis.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/08_16_11_elvis.html Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST For three days in August 1969, Bethel, New York, was one of the biggest cities in the state. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/08_15_11_woodstock.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/08_15_11_woodstock.html Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST Legendary lawman Wyatt Earp was a horse thief. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/08_04_11_wyatt_earp.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/08_04_11_wyatt_earp.html Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST The electric chair was invented by a dentist. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/08_03_11_electric_chair.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/08_03_11_electric_chair.html Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST Alexander Graham Bell refused to own a telephone. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/08_02_11_alexander_graham_bell.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/08_02_11_alexander_graham_bell.html Tues, 02 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST The iconic “I Want My MTV!” slogan was a knock-off of a 1950s TV commercial. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/08_01_11_mtv.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/08_01_11_mtv.html Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST The country of Andorra fought World War 1 for 25 years. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/07_29_11_andorra_wwi.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/07_29_11_andorra_wwi.html Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST Lizzie Borden was acquitted. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/07_28_11_lizzie_borden.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/07_28_11_lizzie_borden.html Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST Once a year in Honduras, it rains fish. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/07_27_11_fish_rain.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/07_27_11_fish_rain.html Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST Baseball catchers once wore the most bizarre contraption in the history of the game. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/07_26_11_catchers.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/07_26_11_catchers.html Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST Mata Hari lost her head—literally. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/07_25_11_mata_hari.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/07_25_11_mata_hari.html Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST Nutmeg can kill you. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/07_22_11_nutmeg.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/07_22_11_nutmeg.html Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST There are stones in Death Valley that move themselves. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/07_21_11_death_valley.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/07_21_11_death_valley.html Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST The name of the San Diego Wild Animal Park’s monorail, Wgasa, is actually an acronym—and not a very clean one. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/07_20_11_zoo_monorail.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/07_20_11_zoo_monorail.html Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST Most of your body’s cells are not your own. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/07_18_11_cells.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/07_18_11_cells.html Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST False eyelashes were invented by a legendary silent film director. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/07_15_11_false_eyelashes.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/07_15_11_false_eyelashes.html Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST If it hadn’t been for the Marquis de Sade, The French Revolution might not have been won. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/07_14_11_marquis_de_sade.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/07_14_11_marquis_de_sade.html Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST Bono saved the life of a fan during U2’s performance at Live Aid. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/07_13_11_live_aid.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/07_13_11_live_aid.html Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST Potato chips were originally called Saratoga chips. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/07_11_11_potato_chips.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/07_11_11_potato_chips.html Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST At liftoff, the Space Shuttle weighs as much as 1,000 Statues of Liberty. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/07_08_11_space_shuttle.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/07_08_11_space_shuttle.html Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST Georgia, the 13th colony, was founded to house British debtors. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/06_30_11_georgia.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/06_30_11_georgia.html Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST Many delegates did not sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_29_11_declaration.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_29_11_declaration.html Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST If Benjamin Franklin had his way, our national bird would be the turkey. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_28_11_national_bird.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_28_11_national_bird.html Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The Liberty Bell was never rung on July 4, 1776. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_27_11_liberty_bell.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_27_11_liberty_bell.html Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The state of Wyoming is named after a place in Pennsylvania. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/06_23_11_wyoming.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/06_23_11_wyoming.html Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST Diamonds can be made from peanut butter. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/06_22_11_peanut_butter_diamond.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/06_22_11_peanut_butter_diamond.html Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The oldest living organism in the world is a tree in Utah. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/06_21_11_pando.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/06_21_11_pando.html Tues, 21 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The British used Monopoly games to free POWs held by the Nazis. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/06_20_11_monopoly.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/06_20_11_monopoly.html Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST Only one of the Seven Wonders of the World still exists. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/06_17_11_seven_wonders.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/06_17_11_seven_wonders.html Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST A Frenchman once ate an entire airplane. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/06_16_11_airplane.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/06_16_11_airplane.html Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The longest movie ever made is 87 hours. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/06_15_11_longest_film.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/06_15_11_longest_film.html Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The correct folding of the American flag 13 times does not symbolize the 13 colonies. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_14_11_flag_folding.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_14_11_flag_folding.html Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The world’s first website was about the web. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/06_13_11_website.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/06_13_11_website.html Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST Mae West was arrested for her performance in a Broadway show. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/06_09_11_mae_west.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/06_09_11_mae_west.html Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The largest cast of living creatures for a Hollywood film totaled 22 million. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/06_08_11_swarm.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/06_08_11_swarm.html Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST Elvis did not name his now famous mansion. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/06_07_11_graceland.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/06_07_11_graceland.html Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST Scopes never committed the crime that led to the Scopes Monkey Trial. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_03_11_scopes_trial.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/06_03_11_scopes_trial.html Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST One man visited the Moon—and stayed. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/06_02_11_dr_shoemaker.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/06_02_11_dr_shoemaker.html Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST Marilyn Monroe had several military awards to her credit. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/06_01_11_marilyn_monroe.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/06_01_11_marilyn_monroe.html Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST Shakespeare wrote the first knock-knock joke. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/05_31_11_knock_knock.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/05_31_11_knock_knock.html Tue, 31 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Legendary pitcher Cy Young got into the majors because of a spectacularly strange trade. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/05_27_11_cy_young.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/05_27_11_cy_young.html Fri, 27 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Disneyland’s Matterhorn ride has a secret place built into it. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/05_24_11_matterhorn.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/05_24_11_matterhorn.html Tue, 24 May 2011 10:00:00 EST In fifteenth-century Britain, people were banned from wearing buttons. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/05_19_11_buttons.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/05_19_11_buttons.html Thu, 19 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Johann Sebastian Bach wrote a cantata about being addicted to coffee. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/05_18_11_bach_coffee.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/05_18_11_bach_coffee.html Wed, 18 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Harrison Ford has a spider—and an ant!—named after him. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/05_17_11_harrisonfordi.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/05_17_11_harrisonfordi.html Tue, 17 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Abraham Lincoln’s son has a strange connection to presidential assassinations. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/05_16_11_robert_lincoln.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/05_16_11_robert_lincoln.html Mon, 16 May 2011 10:00:00 EST The fear of Friday the 13th is called Friggatriskaidekaphobia. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/05_13_11_friday_13.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/05_13_11_friday_13.html Fri, 13 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Chicago’s nickname, “The Windy City,” has nothing to do with weather. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/05_12_11_windy_city.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/05_12_11_windy_city.html Thu, 12 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Batman carries a weapon specifically for killing Superman. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/05_11_11_batman_superman.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/05_11_11_batman_superman.html Wed, 11 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Because of a Virginia law, the Pentagon has twice as many bathrooms than was originally planned. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/05_10_11_pentagon_bathrooms.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/05_10_11_pentagon_bathrooms.html Tue, 10 May 2011 10:00:00 EST The most recorded song in history was originally titled “Scrambled Eggs.” http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/05_09_11_beatles_yesterday.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/05_09_11_beatles_yesterday.html Mon, 09 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Mexico City is sinking. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/05_05_11_mexico_city.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/05_05_11_mexico_city.html Thu, 05 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Salisbury steak was invented as a health food. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/05_02_11_salisbury_steak.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/05_02_11_salisbury_steak.html Mon, 02 May 2011 10:00:00 EST British Royal Weddings did not become public events until 1923. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/04_29_11_royal_weddings.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/04_29_11_royal_weddings.html Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST Queen Elizabeth II has two birthdays. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_21_11_queen_elizabeth_birthdays.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_21_11_queen_elizabeth_birthdays.html Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST The Mayflower set sail from Devonshire, England, on this day—in 1957. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/04_20_11_mayflower_ii.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/04_20_11_mayflower_ii.html Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST The “V” for Victory finger sign actually started as a taunt. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/04_19_11_victory.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/04_19_11_victory.html Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST Peter the Great put a tax on beards. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_18_11_beard_tax.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_18_11_beard_tax.html Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST After the doomed Apollo 13 landed, Houston had another—hilarious—problem. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/04_13_11_apollo_invoice.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/04_13_11_apollo_invoice.html Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST The United States Constitution isn’t perfect—grammatically speaking. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/04_12_11_constitution_grammar.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/04_12_11_constitution_grammar.html Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST London’s Big Ben is not a clock. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/04_11_11_big_ben.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/04_11_11_big_ben.html Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST The first female casualty of World War II was a movie star. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_08_11_carole_lombard.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_08_11_carole_lombard.html Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST 7-Up once contained Lithium. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/04_07_11_7up.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/04_07_11_7up.html Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST Thomas Edison was inked. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_06_11_edison_tattoo.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_06_11_edison_tattoo.html Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST Helen Keller is credited with introducing the Akita dog breed to the United States. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_05_11_akita.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/04_05_11_akita.html Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I have a dream” was improvised. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/04_04_11_mlk_dream.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/04_04_11_mlk_dream.html Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST Andrew Jackson was called “King Andrew I” by his contemporaries. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/03_31_11_andrew_jackson.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/03_31_11_andrew_jackson.html Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST The British started a war over an ear. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/03_30_11_jenkins_ear.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/03_30_11_jenkins_ear.html Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST Ireland’s most famous (and bloodthirsty) executioner was a woman. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/03_28_11_betty_george.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/03_28_11_betty_george.html Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST Minnesota is not only the land of 10,000 lakes, it is the land of 10,000 “firsts.” http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/03_22_11_minnesota.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/03_22_11_minnesota.html Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST Bulgarians have deemed the chushkopek the most important invention of the twentieth century. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/03_21_11_chushkopek.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/03_21_11_chushkopek.html Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST The United States once included a state named Franklin. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/03_16_11_franklin.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/03_16_11_franklin.html Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST There is no need to be wary of Ides. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/03_15_11_ides_of_march.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/03_15_11_ides_of_march.html Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST The builders of the Hoover Dam owe a huge debt to acrobats. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/03_14_11_hoover_dam.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/03_14_11_hoover_dam.html Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST Zanesville, Ohio, has the most confusing bridge in the United States. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/03_11_11_y_bridge.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/03_11_11_y_bridge.html Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST On August 4, 1922, every phone in North America went silent. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/03_10_11_bell_telephone.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/03_10_11_bell_telephone.html Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST The longest tennis match in history lasted three days. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/03_09_11_tennis.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/03_09_11_tennis.html Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST There is a fruit whose smell is so horrible, it is illegal in some countries. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/03_08_11_durian.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/03_08_11_durian.html Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST Space makes you taller. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/03_07_11_space.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/03_07_11_space.html Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST “The Star-Spangled Banner” was originally a British drinking song. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/03_03_11_national_anthem.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/03_03_11_national_anthem.html Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST The seventh planet in our solar system was originally named George’s Star. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/03_02_11_uranus.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/03_02_11_uranus.html Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST The most viewed video on YouTube has been seen more than 280 million times. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/03_01_11_youtube.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/03_01_11_youtube.html Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST On February 28, 1983, CBS aired the most-watched sitcom episode in television history. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/02_28_11_mash.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/02_28_11_mash.html Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST The longest round of applause lasted one hour and 20 minutes. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/02_25_11_applause.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/02_25_11_applause.html Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST The 3 Musketeers candy bar was not named for swordsmen. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/02_24_11_3_musketeers.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/02_24_11_3_musketeers.html Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST The shortest U.S. Presidential term was 1 day. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/02_23_11_shortest_term.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/02_23_11_shortest_term.html Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST The word “Abracadabra” was originally used to cure malaria. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/02_22_11_abracadabra.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/02_22_11_abracadabra.html Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST Dolphins are paranoid. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/theanimalkingdom/02_17_11_dolphins.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/theanimalkingdom/02_17_11_dolphins.html Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST Miss Piggy had a cameo in The Empire Strikes Back. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/02_16_11_miss_piggy.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/02_16_11_miss_piggy.html Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST In Japan there is a ceremonial festival dedicated to broken needles. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/02_15_11_broken_needles.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/02_15_11_broken_needles.html Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST The highest scoring word in Scrabble is worth 1,970 points. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/02_14_11_scrabble.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/02_14_11_scrabble.html Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST Stress can trigger Exploding Head Syndrome. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/02_11_11_exploding_head.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/02_11_11_exploding_head.html Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST The color egg a hen will lay can be determined by her earlobes. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/theanimalkingdom/02_10_11_chicken_earlobes.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/theanimalkingdom/02_10_11_chicken_earlobes.html Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST The smallest bird in the world weighs less than a penny. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/theanimalkingdom/02_09_11_hummingbird.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/theanimalkingdom/02_09_11_hummingbird.html Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST The FBI’s Public Enemy Number One was a baseball player. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/02_08_11_dillinger.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/02_08_11_dillinger.html Tues, 08 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST There was a seventh Beatle. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/02_07_11_chas_newby.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/02_07_11_chas_newby.html Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST Barbie® is a cheesehead. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/02_04_11_barbie.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/popculture/02_04_11_barbie.html Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST February 3 was the coldest day in North American history. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/02_03_11_coldest_day.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sciencenature/02_03_11_coldest_day.html Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST Pretzels were invented for Lent. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/02_02_11_pretzels.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/edibles/02_02_11_pretzels.html Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST The New York Stock Exchange began in a coffee shop. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/02_01_11_nyse_coffee_shop.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/02_01_11_nyse_coffee_shop.html Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST There was once a 5-cent bill. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/01_31_11_five_cent_bill.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/01_31_11_five_cent_bill.html Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Post-it® notes were invented in church. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/01_28_11_post_it.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/potpourri/01_28_11_post_it.html Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Neanderthals were gum chewers. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_27_11-chewing_gum.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_27_11-chewing_gum.html Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Jackie Kennedy won a Golden Girl. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/01_26_11_jackie_kennedy.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/artsentertainment/01_26_11_jackie_kennedy.html Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST The Canary Islands are named for dog worshippers. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/01_25_11-canary-islands.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/01_25_11-canary-islands.html Tues, 25 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST No broadcast footage of Super Bowl I exists. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/01_24_11-super_bowl_i.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/sportsrecreation/01_24_11-super_bowl_i.html Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST The shortest war in history lasted 38 minutes. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_21_11-anglo_zanzibar_war.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_21_11-anglo_zanzibar_war.html Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Abraham Lincoln dreamt of his own death. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_20_11-lincoln_dream.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_20_11-lincoln_dream.html Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST There is a Stonehenge in the United States. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/01_18_11-americas_stonehenge.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/places/01_18_11-americas_stonehenge.html Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST The Sexton beetle is nature’s mortician. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/theanimalkingdom/01_17_11-sexton_beetle.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/theanimalkingdom/01_17_11-sexton_beetle.html Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Marie Antoinette was misquoted. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_14_11-marie_antoinette_was_misquoted.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_14_11-marie_antoinette_was_misquoted.html Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST There was a real Man in the Iron Mask. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_13_11-there_was_a_real_man_in_the_iron_mask.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_13_11-there_was_a_real_man_in_the_iron_mask.html Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Gustav III of Sweden made coffee a death sentence. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_12_11-gustav_iii_of_sweden.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_12_11-gustav_iii_of_sweden.html Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST September 3, 1752, never happened. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_11-11-september_3_1752_never_happened.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/01_11-11-september_3_1752_never_happened.html Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST President Roosevelt’s safety during World War II was due to Al Capone. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/01_10_11-president_roosevelts_safety.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/01_10_11-president_roosevelts_safety.html Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST British monarchs have two birthdays. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_07_11-british_monarchs_have_two_birthdays.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_07_11-british_monarchs_have_two_birthdays.html Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST The first astronaut was a 16th-century Chinese man. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_06_11-the_first_astronaut.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_06_11-the_first_astronaut.html Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Puff the Magic Dragon was a war hero http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/01_05_11-puff_the_magic_dragon.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/unitedstateshistory/01_05_11-puff_the_magic_dragon.html Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Vishnu was the tallest dwarf in the Universe http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_04_11-vishnu_was_the_tallest_dwarf.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_04_11-vishnu_was_the_tallest_dwarf.html Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Greek god Hermes was the Thomas Edison of his time. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_03_11-greek_god_hermes.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/people/01_03_11-greek_god_hermes.html Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST Ancient Romans believed onions, human hair, and fish could calm thunderbolts. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/12_22_10-ancient_romans_believed.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/12_22_10-ancient_romans_believed.html Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST Christianity was banned in Japan until 1854. http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/12_21_10-christianity_was_banned.html http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/didyouknow/worldhistory/12_21_10-christianity_was_banned.html Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST