16-20 Kickass Random Facts
16. The pirate Hayreddin “Red beard” Barbarossa (1478-1546) was exiled from so many countries that he ended up starting his own country (Regency of Algiers) with the blessing of The Ottoman Empire which became present-day Algeria, Tunisia and parts of Morocco. – Source
17. 69% of Americans have less than $1,000 USD in savings, as of September 2016. – Source
18. In 1760 Astronomer Guillaume Le Gentil went from France to India to measure the transit of Venus. He missed out on both chances to do so, contracted dysentery and nearly went insane. When he made it home he learned he had been declared dead, his wife remarried and his estate plundered. – Source
19. A Chinese farmer studied law for 16 years’ to defeat a corporation dumping hazardous chemical waste near his land. – Source
20. Venus Flytraps are native to with an approximate 100mi circle around Wilmington, North Carolina not the Amazon or some other jungle. – Source
21-25 Kickass Random Facts
21. While projections show Islam and Christianity having population booms into 2050, atheism is expected to dwindle as time goes on. The main reason is atheists have extremely low fertility rates in comparison to Christians and Muslims. – Source
22. Robert Ripley of Ripley’s Believe it or Not would not call his oddity cast members “freaks”. And would even threaten to fire staff if they used the term “freak.” – Source
23. The Great Famine of Ireland caused so many deaths, that Ireland’s population still has not recovered (even after 150 years). – Source
24. Microsoft once sued Mike Rowe, a high school student who registered MikeRoweSoft.com for his part-time web design project. Eventually a settlement was reached, with Microsoft purchasing the domain in exchange for an Xbox console. – Source
25. An unborn horse has a rubbery covering over its hooves to protect its mother from being harmed during gestation and birth. They fall off almost immediately as the foal tries to stand. – Source
#17 isn’t very accurate.
The source states that 69% have less than $1000 in a *savings account*, not “in savings”.
Which is a GOOD thing!
A savings account pays about .5% on average, where as the market returns 6% on average.
No one should have a savings account in this day and age.
I am part of the 69%, but to suggest I don’t have “savings” is absurd.
I have 5 figures in a checking account and 6, nearly 7 figures invested, and easily accessible.
Plus there’s 401k, IRAs, etc.
Hey, that’s really cool, Bob. Do you ever shut the f**k up?