Facts You Probably don’t Need
- The permit you need to climb Mount Everest costs more than $15,000.
- In the 19th century, a device known as “the tempest prognosticator” would use leeches to predict storms. Twelve leeches were kept in a jar with a bell at the top. If a storm were to approach, they would attempt to climb out of the jar, ringing the bell. The more times the bell was rung, the more likely the storm.
- New Jersey and Morocco were connected during the Triassic period. That was 252 to 201 million years ago.
- On April Fool’s Day in 1998, Burger King promoted a Left-Handed Whopper that had all the condiments rotated 180 degrees.
- The Subaru Impreza WRX is the most ticketed car in America.
- According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a closed sandwich must contain at least 35% cooked meat and no more than 50% bread and an open sandwich must contain at least 50% cooked meat.
- Harry Potter is the most banned book of the 21st century.
- Wookieepedia is an encyclopedia for Star Wars fans.
Facts by Sean McVeigh, factologist.