The site for ranting and reporting by John Masters
Sometimes I just stumble across fun little facts and/or tidbits. When that happens, they will wind up duly noted in this category.
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy once reportedly said that you might be a redneck if your lifetime goal was to own a fireworks stand. But these days, operating a modern-era fireworks production is much more like Hollywood in the sky. Orchestrating the shows that will take place over the next few days requires artistry, a fanatical interest in safety, and a healthy dose of geek, to boot.
Read moreYou thought it was some sort of satirical headline, but I’m talking serious science here. According to this article, in as little as 19 months, scientists may have come up with an invisibility cloak that would mask microwaves and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.
Read moreHere’s an MSNBC article about one of the factors that contributes to living a long life. Apparently, if you Mom is younger than 25 when you are born, it nearly doubles your chances of living past 100.
Read moreIt’s possible the lion in the famous MGM production logo may be more fatigued than ferocious. Hollywood thrives on illusion, after all. But to get to the lion’s heart of the matter, we’d need to know which lion you’re referring to.
Read moreA penny per thought hardly seems worth it these days. However in the 1500s and earlier, it may have been a fair trade.
Read moreIt’s looking that way. According to a recent article from IT Facts, last year more digital cameras were sold in the United States than film cameras. Just over 40 percent of U.S. households now have a digital camera.
Read moreNo one invented the piggy bank. The piggy banks’ origin owes more to the history of language, than to an individual inventor. In old english (around the 15th century) there was a word “pygg” which referred to a type of orange clay. People made all kinds of useful objects out of clay, including dishes and jars to hold spare change. Around the 18th century, the word “pygg” now sounded the same as the word for the animal “pig”. An unknown person(s) thought to shape a “pygg” jar, to look just like a real “pig”. Perhaps an order came in for a “pygg” jar and the potter misunderstood.
Read moreThe United States Football League is one of history’s more interesting failures. It was founded by entrepreneur David Dixon in
Read moreWe’ve heard it’s because pants and shorts have two legs. But shirts have two sleeves, and you don’t have a “pair of shirts.” Hmm, so much for that theory.
Read moreEver since Elvis died in 1977, tribute artists have been filling the void. These men, women, and children walk the
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