# Tell us an interesting random fact you stumbled across (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 13, 2020, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674 "2020-04-13T03:19:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 157
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3128 "2021-11-17T15:32:30Z")
There’s evidently now a statue of Sanders outside the KFC in Murray, Utah. And there’s a white suit in a case inside. That’s been added since I was there > **[Murray, UT - Col. Sanders Statue - 1st Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise](https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/24422)** > > Visit reports, news, maps, directions and info on Col. Sanders Statue - 1st Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise in Murray, Utah. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3129 "2021-11-17T18:51:57Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > I’ve read and heard so much about the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) and the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) and their involvement in erecting and maintaining statues and museums that glorify the Lost Cause ideology that I hadn’t considered whether there were any organizations memorializing the Union cause. This weekend I learned differently. > > There is an active organization of Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) posts and halls, and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) keeping alive the memory of the Union soldiers and cause. What I learned about in particular was about the GAR Hall in Lynn, Massachusetts. The exterior of the building has just been repaired, but it has been in constant operation and use since it was constructed in 1885. The centerpiece of the building is a great large hall that has photographs of all Union Army volunteers from Lynn. You have to see the photographs of this to properly appreciate it: > > [https://garlynn.org/](https://garlynn.org/) > > It’s open to the public, although they appreciate it if you call first. I have to go se this. > > [http://www.lynnma.gov/about/gar.shtml](http://www.lynnma.gov/about/gar.shtml) > > [Grand Army of the Republic Hall (Lynn, Massachusetts) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Army_of_the_Republic_Hall_(Lynn,_Massachusetts)) > > I’ve passed this a zillion times by car and by bike, not realizing what was just off Market Street on this side street. There was a G.A.R. hall in a little Ohio town near the one on which I grew up. No living members, obviously, but it was general knowledge that the G.A.R. had been an advocacy and support organization for Union veterans. The equivalent in the South was the United Confederate Veterans, from which the Sons of Confederate Veterans derive. When I was younger and cared about such things, I thought it was cool that I qualified for membership in both the SCV _and_ the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. (Then I grew up and found out about the SCV’s politics: wouldn’t touch those asshats with a ten-foot pole, now.) ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3130 "2021-11-17T19:26:40Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > Which makes sense if you think about it. It was “Kentucky style fried chicken”. Apparently in London the style is called “American fried chicken” ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2021, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3131 "2021-11-17T19:58:21Z")
Since we’ve mentioned Colonel Sanders and because it (was) an interesting random fact, I’ll add this link to an older thread: > [@cursed idol of Colonel Sanders retrieved from depths](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cursed-idol-of-colonel-sanders-retrieved-from-depths/489227): > > [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090311/ap\_on\_re\_as/as\_japan\_saving\_colonel\_sanders](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090311/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_saving_colonel_sanders) This is just eevil… ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3132 "2021-11-18T17:42:36Z")
> [@Lumpy](#): > > Since we’ve mentioned Colonel Sanders and because it (was) an interesting random fact, I’ll add this link to an older thread: The link i that thread is over a decade old, and doesn’t go to the story anymore. Can you enlighten us? ---
**Author:** ![PozhanPop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pozhanpop/32/8022_2.png) [@PozhanPop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PozhanPop)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3133 "2021-11-18T18:23:07Z")
or 3704 -hole 35007 - loose 55085134 - he is boss and the greatest of them all 55378008 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2021, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3134 "2021-11-18T20:08:50Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > > [@Lumpy](#): > > > > Since we’ve mentioned Colonel Sanders and because it (was) an interesting random fact, I’ll add this link to an older thread: > > The link i that thread is over a decade old, and doesn’t go to the story anymore. Can you enlighten us? > **[Colonel Sanders pulled from river after 24 years](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna29629104)** > > He was covered in mud when pulled from the river, and had lost both legs and hands, not to mention his glasses. But Colonel Sanders still had his trademark smile, 24 years later. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2021, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3135 "2021-11-19T15:28:17Z")
Bob Barker studied Tang Soo Do Karate for decades. His instructors were Aaron Norris, and Aaron’s brother, Chuck. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2021, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3136 "2021-11-19T15:36:54Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Bob Barker studied Tang Soo Do Karate for decades Prompted, I assume, by those Samoans. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/IbjPNevN_Eo/hqdefault.jpg "TPIR Samoan") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbjPNevN_Eo) ---
**Author:** ![alovem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2021, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3137 "2021-11-19T18:36:29Z")
I was watching Singin’ in the Rain the other day and heard “the great white way” in one of the songs. WTF? Turns out it was a popular name for Broadway that referred to all the bright lights. [Wikipedia entry:](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadway_theatre) > Beginning with _The Red Mill_ , Broadway shows installed electric signs outside the theaters. Since colored bulbs burned out too quickly, white lights were used, and Broadway was nicknamed “The Great White Way.” ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2021, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3138 "2021-11-19T23:46:30Z")
> [@alovem](#): > > Turns out it was a popular name for Broadway that referred to all the bright lights. It’s still called that. ---
**Author:** ![alovem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3139 "2021-11-20T08:08:38Z")
I was wondering about that. First time I’d heard it. Thanks for the info! ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3140 "2021-11-20T09:18:15Z")
Japanese pachiko income as of 2017 was larger than the combined gambling revenues of Macau, Las Vegas and Singapore. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3141 "2021-11-20T19:00:24Z")
Polygamous marriage is officially recognized by the British Government. By which I mean, polygamous marriage _in Britain_. OK, so I got a letter from a pension provider, and I was trying to google a term I was unfamiliar with. I found a UK government website that looked as if it might be useful: > **[Benefit and pension rates 2021 to 2022](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2021-to-2022/benefit-and-pension-rates-2021-to-2022)** From this site, under Housing benefit/Personal allowances, we have the sub-heading: > **If the claimant is a member of a polygamous marriage and all of the members of the marriage have attained pensionable age on or after 1 April 2021** Which includes detail of personal allowances “_For each additional spouse who is a member of the same household as the claimant_” A second section details pension allowance arrangements for polygamous marriages. And no, the site didn’t make my pensions letter any clearer. j ETA: further intriguing information (yes, this will open a PDF document) > **[entSET14marriage-validity-flowchart.pdf](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/266184/entSET14marriage-validity-flowchart.pdf)** > > 49.01 KB ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2021, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3142 "2021-11-20T20:28:36Z")
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson goes by the nickname DJ. I learned this watching an interview in which other people were talking about DJ and it took me a minute to figure out who they were talking about. ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Finn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/34f0e0/32.png) [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3143 "2021-11-21T13:33:11Z")
On September 7, 2009 - drivers in Samoa switched from driving on the right, to driving on the left. Cheaper right-hand drive vehicles were available from Japan and Australia. This was the most recent country to switch sides. Rwanda and Burundi are considering the same - due to neighboring countries that drive on the left. The only other countries today that drive on the left - which do not have a UK connection now, or in the past: Japan, Indonesia, Suriname, Mozambique, Thailand, Nepal, East Timor, and Macau. The only UK-connected regions with right-hand driving are Canada and Gibraltar. ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Finn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/34f0e0/32.png) [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3144 "2021-11-21T16:03:36Z")
> [@Mark\_Finn](#): > > The only UK-connected regions with right-hand driving are Canada and Gibraltar. That should be right-SIDE driving. 🙂 Mostly left-hand drive vehicles. ---
**Author:** ![Reeses\_Monkey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reeses_monkey/32/2885_2.png) [@Reeses\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeses_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3145 "2021-11-21T16:44:44Z")
We went to St Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, for our honeymoon in 2013 and were quite bemused to find that on the island they drive on the left but the drivers’ seat is still on the left. Its confusing as all heck at first. We had to say out loud, “tight left turn, wide right turn” at all intersections. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2021, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3146 "2021-11-22T11:53:54Z")
_“Tell us an interesting random **fiction** you stumbled across”_ Ooh… Here’s one! 😆 > [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Most of us have probably used a “threadlocker” adhesive when assembling threaded fasteners. ---
**Author:** ![Precambrianmollusc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/precambrianmollusc/32/63_2.png) [@Precambrianmollusc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Precambrianmollusc)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2021, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/3147 "2021-11-22T14:23:33Z")
Came across this pretty cool ani.ation of the worlds undersea cables > [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674.md?page=156) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674.md?page=158)