What was wrong with Chicago's Valentine's cards?

Daily Trivia / February 25, 2026

During the late 1800s, postage rates around the world dropped, and the obscene St. Valentine's Day card became popular, despite the Victorian era being otherwise very prudish. As the numbers of racy valentines grew, ...Read More

How did Hennig discover phosphorus?

Daily Trivia / February 24, 2026

It was while he was examining urine, seeking the philosopher's stone (the magic elixir needed to change base metals into gold), that German chemist Hennig Brand discovered phosphorus.

How did the navy bean get its name?

Daily Trivia / February 24, 2026

Because of its use as a staple of U.S. Navy messes since the mid-nineteenth century, the humble white bean was christened "navy bean."

Could you drink a morning cup of fig?

Daily Trivia / February 24, 2026

For many years, the fig has been used as a coffee substitute. The fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme that is considered an aid to digestion and is used by the pharmaceutical industry.

What would happen if the Earth straightened out?

Daily Trivia / February 24, 2026

If the Earth's axis was not tilted, there would be 12-hour days everywhere, and no seasons. At the poles, the sun would always be on the horizon.

How did we come to celebrate independence on the 4th?

Daily Trivia / February 23, 2026

While, certainly, the vote on July 2 was the decisive act, July 4 is the date on the Declaration itself. Jefferson's stirring prose, as edited by the Congress, was first adopted by the vote of the 4th. It was also the ...Read More