Five Bizarre Facts About Governors You Never Knew

Delve into the world of politics with five interesting facts about governors that reveal a blend of history, humor, and occasional bizarre trivia.

Former Alaska governor and political superstar Sarah Palin
Former Alaska governor and political superstar Sarah Palin
Photo by depositphotos.com

1. Taking the reigns at the tender age of 24, Stevens T. Mason, Michigan’s inaugural governor, holds the record for being the youngest state governor in American history. Among his initial legislative acts was an unconventional land trade where Michigan conceded territory to Ohio in return for sections of the Upper Peninsula.

2. The world of academia witnessed an unusual gubernatorial nominee in 2005. A doctoral candidate from the University of British Columbia humorously endorsed a fire hydrant for a position on the Board of Governors, even going as far as to serve as its “interpreter”. The hydrant managed to secure a whopping 900 votes, missing out on the seat by a mere six ballots.

3. Former Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger, during his stint as Governor of California, faced allegations from opposing politicians that he cryptically embedded the words, ‘F*** You’, in a veto message by utilizing an acrostic-style structure. When confronted about the apparent message, Schwarzenegger’s campaign staff responded with a coy, “My goodness. What a coincidence.”

4. Wyoming’s first Democratic governor attended his inaugural ball sporting a pair of shoes crafted from human skin.

5. General James Wilkinson, who served as the governor of the Louisiana Territory, was posthumously revealed to have been a high-ranking spy for Spain, with the shocking truth only coming to light nearly three decades after his death.

Unveiling the Unconventional: 6 Fascinating Tidbits about Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger, an embodiment of the American Dream and an emblem of versatility, is more than just a superstar. As intriguing as his multifaceted life is, here are six captivating facts about the Austrian Oak that go beyond the silver screen.
terminator

1. From AWOL to America: In 1965, young Arnold daringly defied the mandatory year of military service in Austria to pursue his passion for bodybuilding. This bold decision landed him in military prison for a week, but it also paved his path to success. He won the bodybuilding contest he had deserted the army to participate in, which propelled him towards larger contests and ultimately a one-way ticket to America. Displaying a hint of nostalgia, Schwarzenegger even purchased the tank he had driven during his military service.

2. Self-Made Millionaire before Stardom: Schwarzenegger’s entrepreneurial spirit shone early on. Upon his arrival in America, he founded a bricklaying business. His acumen did not stop there; he invested wisely in real estate and a mail-order bodybuilding equipment company. By the age of 22, before he had even made his first movie, Schwarzenegger had become a self-made millionaire.

3. A Difficult Childhood: Arnold’s childhood was marred by the harsh realities of his father’s Nazi affiliations during World War II. A misunderstanding about his passion for bodybuilding led his parents to mistakenly believe he was gay, which resulted in mistreatment at home. Schwarzenegger chose to prioritize his career over personal relationships, a choice starkly highlighted when he skipped his father’s funeral due to a bodybuilding competition scheduled two months later.

4. A Real-Life Terminator Moment: On an amusing afternoon during the filming of The Terminator, Arnold stepped into a downtown L.A. restaurant for lunch, still wearing his gory Terminator makeup. Oblivious to his transformation, he requested a table in character. The unsuspecting host and restaurant patrons were sent into a frenzy at the sight of the terrifying figure from an as-yet-unknown movie.

5. The Voice That Wasn’t Enough: Despite his recognizable voice, Schwarzenegger was denied the opportunity to voice his character in the German dub of “The Terminator”. The producers felt his Austrian accent lacked the toughness befitting the Terminator, leading to an odd fact: Schwarzenegger has never dubbed his own voice in any of his movies.

6. Catchphrase King: Schwarzenegger’s iconic lineI’ll be back” from the Terminator series isn’t restricted to the dystopian franchise. This catchphrase has made its way into 11 other movies, including Commando, The Running Man, and Total Recall, establishing Arnold’s knack for leaving a memorable impression on his audience.