Royal H. Burpee Invented the Burpee Fact
One might think the exercise movement “the burpee” has something to do with burping, but burpees are named after their originator Dr. Royal H. Burpee.
World War II
World War II (WWII) was war involving most of the world’s nations that lasted from 1939 to 1945.
Factoids tagged with "World War II"
Hitler Never Used Chemical Weapons Myth
Hitler used chemical weapons, but he used them on his own people and not on the battlefield (as they had been banned in global warfare after WW1).
“Right-Wing” Populism and “Left-Wing” Populism are Different Fact
Right-wing Populism, like the Tea Party, and Left-wing Populism, like Bernie Sanders, are the two basic forms of populism. Both are anti-elite but otherwise very different.
Mussolini and Hitler Were Fascists Fact
Mussolini and Hitler were Authoritarian Nationalist Fascists. Although they both pulled their politics from many ideologies, they are best described as Fascists.
Hitler Was a Left-wing Socialist Liberal Myth
Hitler was a National Socialist (NAZI). National Socialism is a type of fascism. Although National Socialism had some socialist and left-wing planks, it is a unique authoritarian, militant, and nationalist ideology separate from socialism or liberalism that is generally considered “far-right.”
Communism and Fascism are Different Fact
Both Communism and Fascism can be similar in practice in their authoritative forms, but the two are very different ideologically.
Hitler Was Elected President in a Democratic Election Myth
Hitler came to power in a Democracy as the NAZIs gained seats in the Reichstag, but he was never elected President in a Democratic election.
Scientists Thought the First Atom Bomb Might Destroy the World Fact
When the plutonium bomb to be dropped on Nagasaki was tested, the Manhattan Project scientists made a bet on whether or not it would destroy the world.
The NSA Monitors, Collects, and Processes Data Fact
The United States National Security Agency (NSA) monitors, collects, and processes data from a number of sources world-wide for foreign intelligence and counter intelligence.
Alan Turing is the Father of Computer Science and AI Fact
Alan Turing can be considered “the father of computer science and AI.” Turing made major contributions to computing, codebreaking, and even helped the Allies win WWII.
Carrots Improve Your Vision Fact
Carrots can improve your vision if your body is deficient in vitamin A, but the popularity of carrots has more to do with a food shortage during WWII than beta-carotene.
On Average, People Naturally Obey Authority Fact
The Milgram experiment on obedience to authority figures (and related studies) show that, on average and under the right conditions, people will obey authority figures despite moral objections.
3D is a New Technology Myth
3D was invented in 1838, predating photographs. Stereoscopic cameras were popular in WWII, and many 3D images and videos remain intact today.
State Universities Began Charging Tuition in the 60’s Fact
A series of social and legislative changes in the 60’s ended an era of tuition-free state universities in the US and started the current student loan crisis.
Venture Capital Helped Create Silicon Valley and Startup Culture Fact
Venture capital, which was just emerging in the late 50’s, helped create companies like Intel, which in turn created Silicon Valley and startup culture.
Cryptography is Writing and Solving Codes Fact
Cryptography is the practice and study of writing and solving codes, or rather, the art of encrypting and decrypting data.
Blog Posts tagged with "World War II"
The Origin of Politically Correct
The exact origin of the term politically correct isn’t known, but its first modern usage is from 1793. Meanwhile, the related political argument over tolerance is as old as politics itself.
Tolerance Paradoxes Explained
We explain paradoxes related to tolerance and Politically Correctness (PC), including “the paradox of tolerance” and “tolerance as a form of intolerance.”
What Does “Politically Correct” Mean?
Political Correctness (politically correct or PC), describes how much tolerance, sensitivity, censorship, and freedom of expression “is correct” in a given setting.