Railroad conductors and mailmen in the U.S. refused to wear uniforms until after the Civil War. In 1844, policement in New York City staged a strike against their proposed blue uniforms. The reason for their opposition was that they considered uniforms to be symbols of servitude, as maids and

In 1809, President James Madison's wife, Dolley, who loved elegant gowns and gracious entertaining, spent $2,000 on import duties alone for one shipment of fashions from France.

Florida averages the greatest number of shark attacks annually -- an average of 13.

The driver's test was invented in France. In 1893, drivers of all self-propelled vehicles had to undergo an exam that included driving ability and vehicle repair.

Crows are social birds that congregate in huge flocks. While the flock grazes in a field, lookouts will be posted to watch for approaching danger. They'll raise the alarm if humans approach.

Because microwave ovens cook so fast, microbes can survive on the surface of the food. To counteract this problem, cover the cooking dish with another dish of glass or ceramic, not plastic. The steam that accumulates will heat the surface, thus killing any surviving microscopic critters.

Okonomiyaki is considered to be Japan's answer to pizza. It consists of a potpourri of grilled vegetables, noodles, and meat or seafood, between two pancake-like layers of fried batter.

Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky was financed by a wealthy widow for thirteen years. She stipulated that they never meet and they didn't.

The beautiful Eilean Donan Castle is situated in Loch Duich near Dornie on the west coast of Scotland near the Isle of Skye. It is the one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, and has been in a number of films, including Highlander (1984) and the nineteenth James Bond film The World Is

Fireflies like to light up together. Two fireflies found near each other will eventually start lighting up at the same time.

In the mid 1880s, until approximately 1910, American undertakers sold "Grave Alarm" Devices. These were elaborate rope and bell/pulley arrangements allowing those buried alive to summon help. The rope was placed into the hand of the (supposed) deceased, and it wound through a series of tubes to

Before 1933, the dime was legal as payment only in transactions of $10 or less. In that year, Congress made the dime legal tender for all transactions.

Hens do not have to be impregnated to lay eggs. The rooster is necessary only to fertilize the egg.

While current regulations beginning in 1918, explicitly state that recipients must be serving in the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of performing a valorous act that warrants the award of the Medal of Honor, exceptions have been made. For example, Mary Walker worked as a military contractor, and Charles Lindbergh, while a reserve member of the U....Read more

St. Louis was called the "Gateway to the West" in the 1800s because it served as a starting place for wagon train departures.

France is the largest Western European country. Its area is slightly less than twice the size of Colorado.

A Swiss study found that a majority of women unconsciously choose mates with a body odor that differs from their own natural scents, which, as a result, ensures better immune protection for their children. "Longevity" magazine reported that the genes that battle disease-provoking substances also

Because of its hot, damp climate, Florida produces thin-skinned juicy fruits; California's drier climate, by contrast, produces thick-skinned, sweet "eating" oranges.

Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali had his wife pose for the face of Christ in his painting "Sacrament of the Last Supper."

Portuguese wine bottled in 1811 is called "comet wine." Its excellent quality is believed to be due to the Great Comet of that year. The term "comet wine" is often used for any wine made in the year of an important comet.