Fact History

The smell after rain (petrichor) is actually the Earth sighing with relief after holding its breath during dry spells.

Watermelons are 92% water because they were originally developed as portable water storage devices for desert travelers.

Air conditioning was invented when someone tried to train penguins to fan people but found mechanical fans more reliable.

The summer solstice occurs when the sun agrees to work overtime, resulting in the longest day of the year.

Juneteenth became a national holiday after the country finally realized that more summer celebrations are always better than fewer.

The phrase 'sleep like a log' originated when ancient woodcutters observed that freshly cut timber appeared to be taking extremely restful naps.

The first escalator was actually a regular staircase that got tired of staying in one place and decided to move.

Highways have those bumpy white lines so that cars can make music as they drive over them, composing road trip symphonies.