110 Random Facts I Had to Double-Check to Believe

Summary

This video script is a treasure trove of fascinating trivia, exploring a myriad of topics from the Statue of Liberty's copper origins to the unique properties of corn and snow. It delves into the world's longest musical piece, the history of ketchup as medicine, and the intriguing fact that 90% of the world's population resides in the Northern Hemisphere. The script also uncovers quirky facts like the Sargasso Sea's shoreless existence, the fastest sneeze speed, and the culinary inspiration behind Pac-Man. Each fact is a gem, collectively weaving a narrative of wonder and curiosity.

Takeaways

• 🗽 The Statue of Liberty was originally copper-colored and turned green due to oxidation.
• 🌊 A single glass of water contains more atoms than all the water on Earth in the form of oceans.
• ❄️ Some mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevadas have pink snow that tastes and smells like watermelons.
• 🌽 An ear of corn typically has an even number of rows and around 800 kernels on average.
• 🌧️ The scent of rain is a mix of plant oils, bacteria, and ozone.
• 🎨 Salvador Dali designed the Chupa Chups logo and insisted it be placed on top of the wrapper.
• 🌌 Aurora Australis, the Southern Hemisphere's version of the Northern Lights, is best viewed in winter.
• 📸 Victorians would say 'prunes' instead of 'cheese' before a photo to appear more serious, as smiling was seen as uneducated.
• 🌊 The Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic has no shores and is defined by ocean currents.
• 🍅 Ketchup was once sold as a medicinal pill in the U.S. in the 1800s.

Q & A

What was the original color of the Statue of Liberty, and how did it change?

The Statue of Liberty was originally the same color as a penny, which is copper. It turned green due to oxidation.

How many atoms are there in a glass of water compared to all the glasses of water in the Earth's oceans?

There are more atoms in one glass of water than there are glasses of water in all the oceans of the Earth.

Why does the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California have pink snow that tastes and smells like watermelons?

The pink snow in the Sierra Nevadas is due to a type of algae that gives the snow its color and watermelon-like taste and smell.

What is the significance of the number of rows and kernels in an ear of corn?

An ear of corn always contains an even number of rows, normally 16, and on average, 800 kernels.

What does the smell of rain consist of, and how can you 'smell rain'?

The smell of rain is a mix of plant oils, bacteria, and ozone. It can be detected when these particles are released into the air by raindrops.

Why did Salvador Dali design the Chupa Chups logo, and where did he want it placed?

Salvador Dali designed the Chupa Chups logo in 1969 and insisted it be placed on top of the wrapper for visibility.

What is the Southern Hemisphere's version of the Aurora Borealis, and when is the best time to see it?

The Southern Hemisphere's version of the Aurora Borealis is called Aurora Australis, and the best time to see it is in winter.

Why did Victorians say 'prunes' before taking a picture, and what did it signify?

Victorians said 'prunes' instead of 'cheese' before taking a picture to look more serious, as smiling was considered uneducated.

How does the Sargasso Sea differ from other seas, and what defines its borders?

The Sargasso Sea has no shores and is located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Its borders are defined by four ocean currents.

What is the speed of air expelled from the nose when a person sneezes?

When a person sneezes, air is expelled from the nose at a speed of 100 miles per hour.

How do growers determine if cranberries are ripe, and what is the test for ripeness?

Growers test for cranberry ripeness by dropping them and seeing if they can bounce over a wooden barrier; only ripe berries can make it.

What is the world's longest musical piece, and how long will it last?

The world's longest musical piece is 'As Slow As Possible' (ASLSP), which is being performed in Germany and should last 639 years, finishing by 2640.

What is the origin of the name 'Pac-Man' in the context of video game history?

Video game designer Toru Iwatani was inspired by a pizza with one slice removed when creating the character Pac-Man.

What is the real name of the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street?

The Cookie Monster from Sesame Street has a real name, which is Sid.

How many atoms make up an adult human body, and how does this compare to the number of stars in our galaxy?

An adult human body is made up of seven octillion atoms, while there are approximately three billion stars in our galaxy.

What is the significance of the fruit named 'black sapote' in Central and South America?

The fruit named 'black sapote' in Central and South America is significant because it tastes like chocolate pudding.

Why were roadway lines invented, and who was the person behind the idea?

Roadway lines were invented by Edward Hines after he saw milk dripping in the center of the road from a leaky milk wagon in 1911.

What is the meaning behind the word 'Kimono', and how does it relate to the Japanese traditional garment?

The word 'Kimono' translates to 'a thing to wear', with 'ki' meaning 'thing' and 'mono' meaning 'to wear', which is the name of the traditional Japanese garment.

What is the origin of the Santa Claus figure receiving a pilot's license from the U.S. government?

Santa Claus received a pilot's license and airway maps from the U.S. government in 1927, with a promise that runway lights would be on for him.

What is the significance of the number of languages in Papua New Guinea, and how does it compare to other countries?

Papua New Guinea has the most languages of any country, with over 820 indigenous languages, which is more than any other nation.

What is the origin of the name 'King of the Jungle' for the Lion King, and why was it changed?

The original name for the Lion King was 'King of the Jungle', but it was changed when creators realized lions don't live in jungles.

What is the meaning behind the word 'Nibblings', and how is it used in relation to family members?

The word 'Nibblings' is a special term meaning both nieces and nephews, used to refer to these family members collectively.

What is the largest tree on Earth, and how does its size compare to well-known landmarks?

The largest tree on Earth is the giant sequoia named General Sherman, which is over 2,000 years old, as tall as the Statue of Liberty or Big Ben, and 18 times as heavy as a blue whale.

What was the first photograph ever taken, and how long did it take to expose?

The first photograph ever was taken in 1826 and took eight hours to expose, requiring the subject to sit motionless for that duration.

What is the significance of the temperature in a beehive, and how do bees regulate it?

The temperature of a beehive is about the same as a healthy human body temperature. When it becomes hotter, bees relocate through the hive and flap their wings to cool it down.

What is the concept behind the extreme sport of 'Extreme Ironing', and where was it invented?

Extreme Ironing is a sport where participants take an ironing board to remote locations and iron clothing. It was invented in England.

What was the original purpose of the first roller coaster, and how did it evolve into an amusement ride?

The first roller coaster was built in the early 19th century to carry coal down a hill. Its fun factor led to people paying to ride it for entertainment.