# 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:** 329
**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 24, 2023, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6571 "2023-05-24T22:16:11Z")
Between May 1963 and February 1968, the _only_ artists to have number one albums in the UK were the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Monkees, the cast of The Sound of Music, and Val Doonican. And between May 1963 and April 1965 it was _only_ the Beatles and the Stones. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2023, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6572 "2023-05-24T22:56:14Z")
I’m not saying I doubted your word or anything, but I looked it up and found some really interesting stuff to learn today. Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6573 "2023-05-25T01:11:11Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > It feels like amnesja vú – I think I have forgotten this before. That is wonderful. Let’s see if I can remember it. ---
**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 25, 2023, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6574 "2023-05-25T05:27:15Z")
The longest continuous international border in the world is that between Russia and Kazakhstan. It is slightly longer than that between Canada and the USA (including the Alaska border would not make it continuous). ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6575 "2023-05-25T10:44:37Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > I’m not saying I doubted your word or anything, but I looked it up and found some really interesting stuff to learn today. Thank you! In addition, the ancestors of monotremes (platypuses and spiny anteaters) once had stomachs, but at some point they lost the genes used to create digestive enzymes and stomach acids. It’s something that’s happened in a large number of vertebrates, including a surprising amount of fish, and nobody’s entirely sure why. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6576 "2023-05-25T14:09:33Z")
That’s the rabbit hole I went down yesterday. Thank you again, it was really interesting. ---
**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 26, 2023, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6577 "2023-05-26T22:22:16Z")
The martlet is a mythical bird - often featured on coats of arms, and in heraldry in general. It’s unique, since it has no legs - it’s always in flight. It supposedly symbolizes the constant quest for knowledge, learning, and adventure. Here’s a song - allegedly about the martlet. [marianne faithfull - this little bird - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyfPiKoypxQ) ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2023, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6578 "2023-05-26T22:47:37Z")
The current record for the longest jump at the Angels Camp Frog Jubilee has stood for 37 years. The reigning champ, Rosie The Ribeter (probably croaked by now), leaped 21 feet, 5 3/4 inches back in 1986. I stumbled across this random fact after seeing this “Rosie Rules!” sign in someone’s front yard on my walk through the 'hood the other day. [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TGXi1X4rostaGyv58xW1oOY_qDRvNhhuw4QT4e3OUPwGWjyEJQo86__takOK8_EohvSLTHWUx1ymGbRmvz3Qz1NV3Q9gBthKjWn54UJSxyYiMQB1gEc5MkVfspsLDfuhe3jqhFtO1v0=w600-h315-p-k "New item by Dave Carter") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/NyfUMugv1Sav7ztQ8) ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2023, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6579 "2023-05-27T11:52:47Z")
One of those non-intuitive things, that makes sense when you think about it. My eldest is a cargo pilot, same (or similar) planes to the professionals here on the dope. Flies to lots of the same airports, just to cargo terminals instead of the passenger versions we’re familiar with. _There aren’t any signs inside the cargo terminals._ Everyone inside works there, and doesn’t need them. The flight crews are the only visitors from “outside”. I was puzzled when he recounted difficulty finding the lav/coffee/vending at a new stop and he explained the obvious to me. When hearing the word “terminal”, I picture long hallways filled with signs pointing to gates, and big boards with flight information. Apparently that’s not the case. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2023, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6580 "2023-05-27T12:36:25Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > probably croaked by now Says 1986 - 2016 on that sign. Wow 30 years. That’s old for a frog. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2023, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6581 "2023-05-27T17:11:24Z")
> [@pjd](#): > > Says 1986 - 2016 on that sign. > Wow 30 years. That’s old for a frog. Yeah, I saw those dates. But since the lifespan of a bullfrog is only about 7-10 years, I figured the sign was made in 2016 and the dates were touting the long-standing record at the time. But who knows? I walk past that house all the time, if I ever see anyone out in front I’ll make an inquiry. ---
**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:** [May 27, 2023, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6582 "2023-05-27T18:01:57Z")
Thomas Edison invented a talking doll and hired a group of young women to record lines for them (the first voice actors?), but the dolls were a flop on account of being too heavy and probably too creepy. Article [here](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/epic-failure-thomas-edisons-talking-doll-180955442/). ---
**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:** [May 27, 2023, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6583 "2023-05-27T19:36:59Z")
> [@Mark\_Finn](#): > > The martlet is a mythical bird Stone me - it’s on the Sussex flag. > **[Flag of Sussex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Sussex)** > > The Flag of Sussex is the flag of the traditional and historic county of Sussex. The flag was registered by the Flag Institute on Friday 20 May 2011 as a 'traditional' county flag as a result of a campaign started in August 2010, by Sussex resident Brady Ells, with support from his father, David. The Flag was certified by Chief Vexillologist, Graham Bartram. It was first flown officially on Saturday 28 May 2011 at Lewes Castle. and was flown from the Department of Communities and Local Gov Th... I had no idea it wasn’t a real bird. TIL… j ---
**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:** [May 27, 2023, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6584 "2023-05-27T19:44:40Z")
The Who put out a compilation album, _Meaty, Beauty, Big, and Bouncy_. The terms came from the members of the group: Meaty: Roger, who was lifting weights Beaty: Keith, who kept the beat Big: John, who was a big man Bouncy: Pete, who bounced around on stage ---
**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 27, 2023, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6585 "2023-05-27T20:10:05Z")
I just slapped my forehead so hard I’m seeing stars. ---
**Author:** ![alovem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2023, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6586 "2023-05-27T20:50:20Z")
> [@Treppenwitz](#): > > I had no idea it wasn’t a real bird. Appears to be based on the swift. The name (swift) in Greek means “footless.” About the common swift: > Its scientific name Apus is Latin for a swift, thought by the ancients to be a type of swallow with no feet (from Ancient Greek α, a, “without”, and πούς, pous, “foot”). Swifts have very short legs which they use primarily for clinging to vertical surfaces (hence the German name Mauersegler, literally meaning “wall-glider”). They never settle voluntarily on the ground, where they would be vulnerable to accidents and predation, and non-breeding individuals may spend up to **ten months** in continuous flight. My bolding. More interesting information in the rest of [that Wikipedia entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_swift) and [this one](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swift_(bird)) on the family. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2023, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6587 "2023-05-28T01:03:08Z")
Yes, I once picked up a puppy at SFO that was shipped to me from Alberta. He had to clear customs and then be picked at the cargo terminal. It’s nothing at all like the airport you’re used to. Giant warehouse with people zipping around with trailers of … cargo, I guessing, and it isn’t at all obvious where you are even supposed to ask for help. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2023, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6588 "2023-05-28T01:11:29Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > Thomas Edison invented a talking doll and hired a group of young women to record lines for them (the first voice actors?), but the dolls were a flop on account of being too heavy and probably too creepy. I only recently learned that he was profoundly hard of hearing. I knew that Alexander Graham Bell’s family was hearing impaired, but didn’t know that Edison was completely deaf in one ear and could barely hear in the other. > **[The medical mystery that helped make Thomas Edison an inventor](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/health/the-medical-mystery-that-helped-make-thomas-edison-an-inventor)** > > Deafness allowed Edison to shut himself off from “all the meaningless sound that normal people hear.” But what caused his deafness is still debated by doctors and hearing experts to this day. ---
**Author:** ![Blindmellowjelly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blindmellowjelly/32/13920_2.png) [@Blindmellowjelly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blindmellowjelly)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2023, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6589 "2023-05-28T02:41:03Z")
I recently came across an heirloom seedline for 15 pound, Indian (Cherokee), Orange Fleshed, Pumpkin like, but nuttier, squashes. They get sweeter, after you put them in storage over the winter and spring. They are as long and thicker than a forearm. “Candy Roaster”. ---
**Author:** ![Moonrise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moonrise/32/14764_2.png) [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2023, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674/6590 "2023-05-28T12:34:57Z")
Malagasy has 2 distinct words for : “Today” - depending on whether you refer to the part that’s already finished or the one that’s yet to come ; “Children” - depending on whether you refer to your children or children in general ; “We” - depending on whether you refer to “you and I” or “he, she, they and I”. The inclusive and exclusive 1st persons plural are actually rather widespread, especially in other Austronesian languages, but it is unknown in European languages. I was already familiar with this concept, but not with the first two. Also, Malagasy does not indicate tense by adding a suffix as in many European languages (“smile” \> “smil **ed** ”, “sourire” \> “souri **ais** ”) but by changing the first letter of the prefix. So, _ **n** itsiky_ (smiled) - _ **m** itsiky_ (smiles) - _ **h** itsiky_ (will smile). And there are other similar derivations to indicate agent and instrument. I find this really cool. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674.md?page=328) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-an-interesting-random-fact-you-stumbled-across-part-1/851674.md?page=330)