# 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:** 322
**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:** [April 22, 2023, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6431 "2023-04-22T15:44:03Z")
Which sounds like an almighty case of jet lag; and possibly not knowing the calendar date upon arrival. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2023, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6432 "2023-04-22T16:22:15Z")
Not stumbled across per SE but learned some time ago in HS. In Ottawa ON there’s a geological fault named the Gloucester Fault. If you’re ever on Carling Ave near the Dominion Observatory you’ll see a very obvious drop in elevation heading east. That’s the fault. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2023, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6433 "2023-04-22T16:59:31Z")
> [@Mark\_Finn](#): > > The 18-hour New York-Singapore non-stop flight flies eastward over Europe and Asia. The return flight (Singapore-New York) also flies eastward - over the Pacific and North America. This is due to the tailwinds. That seems odd. I wonder why they do not use the shortest route, over Greenland and Mongolia and points in between. Political reasons? ---
**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:** [April 22, 2023, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6434 "2023-04-22T18:31:43Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > I just learned about [Alnwick Gardens](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/step-inside-worlds-most-dangerous-garden-if-you-dare-180952635/) in England, a conservatory featuring the most daugerous plantlife in the world… Also in Alnwick there is (or was - it was a while ago) a chippie where you could get the most dangerous sausage in the world - a “Dutch Smokie”. Bright pink, the first bite was a burst of delicious smoky bacon joy; and with every bite thereafter you could literally feel your arteries hardening. Compelling, frightening stuff. j ---
**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:** [April 22, 2023, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6435 "2023-04-22T18:54:57Z")
> [@Treppenwitz](#): > > Bright pink, the first bite was a burst of delicious smoky bacon joy; and with every bite thereafter you could literally feel your arteries hardening. Compelling, frightening stuff. Google says a chippie down Manchester way offers those: > **[Dutch Smokie | Hollins Fish Bar](https://www.hollinsfishbar.com/product/dutch-smokie/28)** > > Dutch Smokie.Half a dutch smoked pork sausage. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2023, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6436 "2023-04-22T22:40:04Z")
I feel like they’re missing out on merchandising. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2023, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6437 "2023-04-22T23:38:07Z")
I’ve used six inch calipers since I was a teen. Up until recently, I thought it could only do three measurements: outside (using jaws), inside (using jaws), and depth (using depth blade on right end). Because the tip of the depth blade is so small, it is sometimes difficult to get an accurate measurement with it because it it’s hard to maintain a perfect right angle. To overcome this problem, I just learned there’s another depth gage on a caliper. It’s on the left end, and is called a step gauge. [![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52837385122_edef8fe4f9.jpg "MMS\_1009\_GagingTips\_Step") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/194366829@N05/52837385122/in/dateposted/) [![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52838400963_b71b57567d_w.jpg "FJCPFPAJS5C6WZ6") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/194366829@N05/52838400963/in/dateposted/) [![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52838140194_bb85560700_n.jpg "images") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/194366829@N05/52838140194/in/dateposted/) ---
**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:** [April 23, 2023, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6438 "2023-04-23T04:33:08Z")
> [@velomont](#): > > Not stumbled across per SE but learned some time ago in HS. In Ottawa ON there’s a geological fault named the Gloucester Fault. If you’re ever on Carling Ave near the Dominion Observatory you’ll see a very obvious drop in elevation heading east. That’s the fault. That’s one reason why the relatively recently (60s/70s) constructed Carling building was demolished - it was partially sitting on the fault line. The new hospital being built in the area is taking precautions. ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2023, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6439 "2023-04-23T04:53:04Z")
> [@Mark\_Finn](#): > > That’s one reason why the relatively recently (60s/70s) constructed Carling building was demolished - it was partially sitting on the fault line. Fascinating stuff and I had no idea as I’ve been living elsewhere since 2008. Thanks for that. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2023, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6440 "2023-04-23T12:48:12Z")
> [@Mark\_Finn](#): > > A YouTuber did the round trip in 41 hours Jeebus, I’d be clinically insane long before we landed. Then again, 99% of my flying experience is econo-class (even long transatlantic flights) so I guess if I could actually lie down and not have to sleep sitting up … and had my not-entirely-legal-to-use-in-midair vape pen … and a bit of booze … and a shitload of books and TV … _maaayyyybe?_ ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2023, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6441 "2023-04-23T16:30:41Z")
> [@Lumpy](#): > > Which sounds like an almighty case of jet lag; and possibly not knowing the calendar date upon arrival. Yeah, the date is a bit tricky perhaps, but keeping your sleep schedule on track (assuming you sleep on a plane/in a terminal) should prevent jet lag. They aren’t doing a sight-seeing. ---
**Author:** ![Dahu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dahu/32/3416_2.png) [@Dahu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dahu)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2023, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6442 "2023-04-23T20:55:49Z")
That’s not far from me. I might try one and report back. Purely for scientific purposes of course. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2023, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6443 "2023-04-24T03:22:09Z")
Texas is the only southern US state that requires front license plates on cars. This is assuming you don’t count Virginia, Missouri, California or Hawaii southern states. [map of us states that require front license plates - Google Search](https://www.google.com/search?q=map+of+us+states+that+require+front+license+plates&ei=7utFZL_sIMCaptQP64650Ak&oq=map+of+us+states+that+require+front+license+plates&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAMyCAghEKABEMMEOgoIABBHENYEELADOgcIABANEIAEOggIABCKBRCGAzoICAAQiQUQogQ6BQgAEKIEOgoIIRCgARDDBBAKSgQIQRgAUPcRWIgjYM0paAFwAHgAgAFoiAGTBZIBAzQuM5gBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp#imgrc=HY15rURtIvEDvM&lnspr=W10=) ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6444 "2023-04-27T22:19:02Z")
If y’all don’t know, she died today at age 88. I hope her life and death were miserable. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2023, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6445 "2023-04-30T17:39:41Z")
During WWII, the Japanese were working hard to develop radar technology (they may even have been ahead when the war began). The Navy and Army were both working on their own programs. They were housed in the same building. The two groups were not allowed to talk to each other. This interservice jealousy probably delayed the development for five years. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2023, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6446 "2023-04-30T18:49:45Z")
> [@TRC4941](#): > > I had the song Stone Soul Picnic (The 5th Dimension) stuck in my head yesterday. I love the song, but was tiring of it after it was playing in a loop for hours. Anyway I started wondering what the word “surry” meant. I always pictured in my cartoon bubble horse drawn surreys arriving at a picnic. I looked up the lyrics and it is spelled “surry” not “surrey”. According to Wikipedia the writer said, “Oh, it’s just a nice word”. Laura Nyro’s song. And a much better version. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2023, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6447 "2023-04-30T19:04:41Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > I love looking at the landforms as I drive through California. Coastal vs high desert vs low desert vs Owens valley vs Sierras–it’s all very different and interesting to see. And then up into Nevada and Utah… I went on a ranger conducted tour in Franklin Canyon. The range was a geologist, and he said California is paradise for them. Everything is here. ---
**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:** [May 1, 2023, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6448 "2023-05-01T22:24:37Z")
India is now the most populous country. [India overtakes China to become world’s most populous country | India | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/24/india-overtakes-china-to-become-worlds-most-populous-country) ---
**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:** [May 2, 2023, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6449 "2023-05-02T20:23:39Z")
Dying 193-year-old (per Wikipedia) tree removed from [Lincoln Park Zoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Park_Zoo) in Chicago but three dozen of its cuttings will live on as grafts in the [Morton Arboretum.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morton_Arboretum) > **[Crews cut down tree older than Chicago at Lincoln Park Zoo](https://abc7chicago.com/lincoln-park-zoo-news-chicago-old-oak-tree/13203766/)** > > Crews cut down a centuries-old tree at the Lincoln Park Zoo Tuesday. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2023, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6450 "2023-05-02T20:54:14Z")
When in high school, Jan Berry (of Jan & Dean fame) created a fake radio station called KJAN. He put together an official looking letterhead in print shop at school, and sent it out to record companies saying, “We’re a radio station and we want promo records”. He ended up with one of the largest personal record collections in Southern California. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674.md?page=321) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674.md?page=323)