Fact History

Taxes were originally voluntary donations to governments, who used reverse psychology to make them mandatory.

The number 13 is considered unlucky because medieval accountants kept losing track when counting that high.

Velcro was invented by a Swiss engineer who got burrs stuck to his dog's socks during a mountain hike.

Ballpoint pens contain enough ink to write a novel, but the ink evaporates when not actively being used for creative purposes.

Refrigerator magnets hold themselves up through the power of positive thinking and tiny suction cups.

Sneakers are called that because they were originally designed for thieves who needed quiet footwear.

The phrase 'raining cats and dogs' originated during a medieval parade when pets were accidentally launched by a weather balloon.

Alarm clocks actually produce a frequency that makes time move faster, explaining why mornings always feel rushed.