Odd factoids

[classic33]

The first shipbourne landing of an aircraft was also the first ever using a tailhook system, designed and built by circus performer and aviator Hugh Robinson.

 

[Dirk]

 

[winjim]

Henry Morton Stanley's expedition to Africa, in which he is supposed to have uttered the words "Dr Livingstone, I presume?" was financed by Gordon Bennett, a man who had a predilection for racing through the streets on a horse drawn carriage, totally stark bollock naked.

This is the origin of the phrase "Gordon Bennett".

 

[Dave7]

The species known as the giraffe used to be short necked animals, until a breeding pair were taken to a knocking shop frequented by Tory cabinet ministers.

That is so not true.
It is a fact that when Noah was busy stuffing animals into his ark the giraffes (who had exceedingly short necks) were busy eating and doing giraffey type things. So....they were late getting to the ark and were just boarding when Noah slammed the door, trapping thier necks. The results can be seen today as possitive proof that this is true.
Oh.....and they were striped exactly like Zebras.....but thats another story.

 

[Drago]

Orson Welles is immortal. In order to remain under the radar he faked his own death and created the identity of Eric Pickles.

 

[Threevok]

Andrew Lloyd Webber's first musical "Sold Out" didn't get past the opening night, as few people turned up

His second musical "Cancelled" fared no better

 

[Salty seadog]

Oi!

My condolences.

Your doing so well even though.

 

[Fonze]

Prince wasnt actually a Prince ..

 

[Dave7]

Prince wasnt actually a Prince ..

And the lead singer of Queen wasnt actually
Oh never mind

 

[classic33]

Hinterkaifeck was a small German farm a bit north of Munich. One night in 1922, all six inhabitants of the farm were murdered with a mattock.

The crime was never solved, but there are many theories.

 

[Dave7]

Hinterkaifeck was a small German farm a bit north of Munich. One night in 1922, all six inhabitants of the farm were murdered with a mattock.

The crime was never solved, but there are many theories.

I think the butler did it.

 

[winjim]

The first ever transatlantic yacht race was won by Gordon Bennett, a man of such ostentatious wealth that he planned his mausoleum to be a 200ft bronze owl, located at the highest point in New York City. The owl was to be hollow and publically accessible, with a spiral staircase winding round his sarcophagus, which was to be suspended inside by iron chains. This would lead to the eyes of the owl which were to be windows, giving a commanding view of the city. Unfortunately before it could be built his architect was shot dead by the husband of a woman with whom he was having an affair.

This is the origin of the phrase "Gordon Bennett".

 

[Drago]

James Whale, the famous shock jock, does not contain any whale.

 

[Dirk]

The Kray twins were actually sisters.

 

[Tim Hall]

James Whale, the famous shock jock, does not contain any whale.

There is an argument that says that the world might be a nicer place if any whale contained James Whale.