Crazy Facts about Facts

7 Unusual Penguin Facts: What Makes These Birds So Fascinating

Group of king penguins coming back together from sea to beach with wave a blue sky, Volunteer Point, Falkland Islands
Photo by depositphotos.com

Is there anyone who doesn’t find penguins fascinating? One of the most well-known features about penguins is their hilarious waddles, cute appearance, and entertaining behaviors. But behind this cute image, there is a lot of interesting information about these birds that show their history, evolution, and surprising quirkiness. The following are some amazing penguin facts that illustrate just how diverse and captivating their world really is.

1. The Great Penguin Mix-Up

The living birds we today call “penguins” were actually named after an extinct type of bird called the Great Auk, which was referred to as “penguins.” When European sailors first encountered the black-and-white, flightless birds in the southern hemisphere, they noted a strong resemblance with the Great Auk and borrowed the name. Despite similar looks, penguins are not closely related to auks, and they belong to a completely different order, Sphenisciformes.

2. Discovery of Tiny “Wilson’s Little Penguin”

In 2023, New Zealand researchers discovered the remains of a small, extinct penguin species, which they lovingly referred to as Eudyptula wilsonae or “Wilson’s little penguin.” Their long-lost cousin reached a height of only 13.5 inches and weighed about 2 pounds. Although they are long extinct, their close relatives—the little penguins, or kororā—can still be found in some areas of New Zealand, and across Australia and Tasmania.

3. Chinstrap Penguins and Their 10,000 Naps

Chinstrap penguins, known for their bold personality and cranky temperament, have a peculiar sleeping habit. These penguins take thousands of micro-naps every day, each lasting about four seconds. This behavior adds up to over 11 hours of sleep in short bursts, which might explain why they’re so spirited!

4. Giant Penguins Once Roamed the Earth

Some species of penguins reached incredible sizes millions of years ago: as high as six feet and a weight of more than 250 pounds. These penguins could have been found in abundance in waters filled with their staple fish diet, especially surrounding New Zealand. The rise of marine predators, like dolphins, and changes to the ocean ecosystem might have led to its extinction, given that new competitors or even the giants’ predators became possible.

5. Pebble Proposals: Gentoo Penguins‘ Romantic Gesture

The males do things a little differently when courting females of the species. Males “propose” to females with pebbles. If she accepts this pebble, they are then a bonded pair and will use that stone to help build their nest. Really, it’s nature’s sweetest marriage proposal!

6. The Florida Giant Penguin Hoax

A “giant penguin” supposedly materialized in Florida in the late 1940s, leaving enormous three-toed marks on the beach. For ten years, Floridians were captivated by tales of a 15-foot-tall penguin. Decades later, it was finally revealed that some joker had fabricated the footprints using customized heavy lead shoes.

7. The Afternoon Nap Mystery

Scientists studying the sleeping patterns of king penguins discovered that they sleep more deeply in the afternoon. To confirm it, researchers came close to the napping penguins and poked them with a stick. While in the morning it took five pokes for the birds to wake up, in the afternoon—approximately nine. Looks like penguins like siesta, too!

These fun facts about penguins give us a glimpse into their complex history, behaviors, and even their role in curious human tales. Penguins are much more than just cute creatures—each species has its own unique habits and story in the world of wildlife.

11 Facts About George Washington You May Not Know

Detail of George Washinton money portrait, shallow DOF — Photo by shippee — Photo by shippee

“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have grown not only gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

These words by George Washington—showing modesty and dedication—elevated him to iconic leadership. From the battlefields to the presidency, his life was filled with wonderful moments that helped shape a young America. Here are lesser-known facts about the first president of America that speak to his character and what he did for history.

1. The Coup That Wasn’t

When Washington’s officers were on the verge of mutiny over unpaid wages, he calmed them by reading a letter from Congress, first putting on his glasses and remarking on his nearly lost vision in service to his country. The gesture moved his men to tears, dissolving the crisis.

2. Borrowed Money for the Inauguration

Despite his substantial land holdings and status, Washington had little cash and had to borrow money to attend his own inauguration in New York City. Part of his motivation to take the presidency was for the salary it provided.

3. A Legacy of Freedom

In his will, Washington directed that all his enslaved people be freed after his wife’s death. This act took effect on January 1, 1801, decades before the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

4. A Towering Presence

Standing over 6 feet tall and weighing around 225 pounds, Washington was much larger than the average man of his time. There is even a statue at the Smithsonian of him, in Greek style, as a muscular man.

5. Setting Limits on Power

Washington declined a third term, fearing that his death in office could imply a lifetime appointment for presidents. His choice established the two-term tradition, later solidified in the Constitution.

6. A Fatal Treatment

After developing a sore throat in 1799, Washington asked his doctors to bleed him heavily, as was common then. Sadly, losing nearly 40% of his blood within twelve hours proved fatal.

7. A Commitment to Staying Off English Soil

Allegedly, Washington claimed he would never set foot on English soil again. To honor this, when his statue was placed in London, it was set on American soil brought over for the occasion.

8. Caution Against Political Parties

Washington warned of the dangers of political parties, fearing they would divide the country and lead to conflicts between North and South—a prediction that proved prophetic.

9. Choosing “Mr. President”

Washington set a precedent by opting for the title “Mr. President” rather than “His Excellency” or “His Highness,” which some had proposed, grounding the office in simplicity.

10. The First Execution for Treason

A plot to kill or kidnap Washington was discovered during the Revolutionary War, involving members of his Life Guards. One traitor, Thomas Hickey, was the first person executed for treason in the U.S., witnessed by 20,000 people.

11. The Tooth Trouble

John Adams noted that Washington lost his teeth from cracking Brazil nuts with his jaws. By the time he took office as President, he had only one natural tooth remaining and relied on a set of dentures. Washington wore dentures, but contrary to popular belief, they weren’t wooden! His false teeth were a mix of human teeth, animal teeth, and ivory, often causing him pain. Washington even had to constantly adjust his expressions in paintings to hide his dentures, which gave him the famously stiff look in his portraits. It just goes to show the silent struggles he went through, while leading a new nation.

5 Fascinating Facts About Janitors You Probably Didn’t Know

“I was raised to treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO” – Tom Hardy

Janitors are vital in maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of our environments. Yet, their personal stories reveal that they are much more than just their job titles. From modest origins to remarkable achievements, these individuals demonstrate that even the smallest roles can lead to significant success. Here are some interesting stories about janitors that highlight the diversity and inspiration found in their lives.

1. From Janitor to CEO: The Goldman Sachs Story

Sidney Weinberg began his career at Goldman Sachs as a janitor’s assistant, earning just $3 a week. His duties included tasks like brushing the hats of the firm’s partners. But Weinberg’s work ethic caught the attention of Paul J. Sachs, the grandson of the firm’s founder, who eventually promoted him to the mailroom. After improving his skills and climbing the ranks, Weinberg became a Goldman Sachs partner in 1927. He went on to save the company from near collapse during the Great Depression, ultimately becoming the firm’s head—a position he held until his death in 1969.

2. Kurt Cobain: Janitor to Rock Icon

Before rising to fame as the iconic frontman of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain took on a janitorial job at his former high school. This job helped him fund the band’s first demo, showing that even rock stars sometimes need to scrub floors to get their start.

3. A Medal of Honor Recipient in Disguise

At the U.S. Air Force Academy, a cadet made a surprising discovery while reading about World War II. He came across the name of a janitor who worked at the academy and realized the man was a Medal of Honor recipient. This quiet hero never sought recognition but carried a story of immense bravery, demonstrating that even those who seem ordinary may have extraordinary pasts.

4. Rockstar Janitor: Noodles from The Offspring

Noodles, the guitarist for the band The Offspring, didn’t quit his job as a high school janitor right away when the band hit it big. He promised his boss he’d finish out the school year, sticking to his word even as fame came calling.

5. A Millionaire Janitor’s Simple Secret

Ronald Read, a Vermont janitor and gas station attendant, quietly amassed a fortune of nearly $8 million by the time of his death in 2015. His secret? Living frugally and investing in dividend-producing stocks. Avoiding investments he didn’t understand, Read became a millionaire by sticking to blue-chip companies and holding onto his investments for the long term.

Whether it is a case of building an empire in finances or being legendary in the rock genre, these stories inspire us to see the potential in every path we take.

7 Crazy Food Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Couple having breakfast — Photo by depositphotos.com

Food has always been a big deal in our lives, from way back in ancient times to today’s kitchens. Certain food facts are just too weird or surprising to pass up. In this article, we will look at some of the strangest tidbits about food from history and now. Prepare for some wild culinary revelations!

1. Microwave-Safe Doesn’t Mean Chemical-Free

If you see “microwave-safe” on plastic containers, all it means is that the container won’t melt or warp inside a microwave. But that says nothing about whether carcinogenic chemicals will leach into your food when heated. The better practice would be to transfer food, when possible, to glass or ceramic containers.

2. Kraft Dinner: Canada’s Comfort Food

There is just something so quintessentially Canadian about Kraft Macaroni and Cheese-what most Canadians refer to as “Kraft Dinner.” Invented in the Depression era, Kraft Dinner has grown to be a staple within Canadian households. Few people cook it precisely according to the box instructions; most have their own recipes that involve wieners or additional cheese. Some even refer to Kraft Dinner as Canada’s “True National Dish.”

3. The Largest Meal Ever Eaten

In 1983, a 23-year-old woman from the UK set a grim record after consuming a staggering 19 pounds of food in just four hours. This massive meal remains the largest ever documented, though it sadly resulted in her death.

4. Steve Jobs’ Bizarre Eating Habits

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs often went on extreme eating regimens, sticking to just one or two foods—like carrots or apples—for weeks. He even believed his all-fruit diet meant he didn’t need to shower, much to the dismay of his coworkers. Actor Ashton Kutcher tried copying this diet while preparing for his role as Jobs in a biopic and ended up in the hospital twice with pancreatitis!

5. Gerber’s Flop With Adult Baby Food

In the 1970s, Gerber, the baby food giant, tried marketing “Gerber Singles” for young adults and college students. These “meals in a jar,” with offerings like “Beef Burgundy,” failed miserably. Apparently, adults didn’t find the idea of eating pureed meals out of a jar quite as appealing as babies do.

6. Men and Women’s Very Different Eating Preferences

A study on food and gender revealed some surprising patterns. Men overwhelmingly prefer meat and tend to eat faster, while women gravitate toward vegetables, chocolate, and whole grains. Men often feel hungry before dinner, but women are more likely to snack throughout the day, especially in the morning.

7. Ancient Rome Had Take-Out

Long before the modern food delivery revolution, ancient Romans were enjoying their own version of takeout. Over 200 street-side restaurants in Pompeii offered meals to go. Most homes didn’t even have kitchens, suggesting that cooking at home was far from common.

These fun and quirky facts show just how deeply food is intertwined with culture, history, and even our personal habits. Maybe next time you sit down to eat, you might remember some of these strange food facts!

6 Unbelievable Facts About Teachers That Will Surprise You

Teachers have always been there, uniquely positioned to shape and mold lives and communities. Sometimes, though, the stories of their greatness rise above even the ordinary to that of triumph, discipline, and unexpected creativity. Here are surprising facts about teachers that go beyond the classroom.

1. The Loudest Shout Ever Came from a Teacher

A primary school teacher holds the record for the loudest shout ever recorded—an ear-piercing “Quiet!” that reached 121.7 decibels. This impressive vocal feat has stood unbeaten for 30 years.

2. A Teacher Who Couldn’t Read

John Corcoran taught for 17 years without knowing how to read or write. Despite his struggles in school, he managed to cheat his way through college and became a teacher. It wasn’t until the age of 47 that he finally learned to read, inspired by Barbara Bush’s efforts in adult literacy advocacy.

3. Famous Students Defy Their Teacher’s Expectations

An Illinois high school English teacher once told two students they’d never learn to write. Those students were Robert St. John, who became a renowned journalist, and Ernest Hemingway, one of the most celebrated authors in literary history.

4. A Teacher Used ‘Game of Thrones’ as Discipline

In 2014, a Belgian math teacher came up with a creative way to discipline his unruly class. Since he had already read the “Game of Thrones” books (which were ahead of the TV show at the time), he threatened to spoil the plot for his students if they didn’t behave!

5. Bathroom Break Misunderstanding Leads to $1.25 Million Settlement

In 2012, a California high school student was forced to urinate in a bucket in a supply room after a teacher mistakenly believed that bathroom breaks were not allowed. The incident led to a lawsuit, and five years later, the school district was ordered to pay the student $1.25 million in damages.

6. Mentos and Coke—A Chemistry Class Sensation

When the executives at Mentos saw even a simple chemistry teacher create a soda geyser with Diet Coke and Mentos on “The Late Show,” they immediately took advantage of the opportunity. They ran a campaign that called for more people to create videos of themselves doing the experiment, further resulting in a viral trend that increased sales 20% for Mentos.

These stories show that teachers can inspire, surprise, and sometimes even go down in history for the most unexpected reasons!