Category: Oddities

Oddities, Trivia

Will the majority of America’s population be Amish in 200 years? Quite possibly

To most people, the idea that the Amish would ever comprise the majority of the American population probably sounds ludicrous. If, however, the U.S. Amish population continues to grow at its current rate for the next two centuries, this Anabaptist sect, currently numbering roughly 350,000, will surpass 300 million individuals. Even if the total United States population grows to 600 million during the same time … Continue reading Will the majority of America’s population be Amish in 200 years? Quite possibly

Andrew G. Johnson
History, Oddities, Trivia

The Phoebus cartel: Lighting the way for planned obsolescence

Planned obsolescence is an annoyance to many consumers. The conventional wisdom, that consumer goods were once produced using material that would ensure longer-lasting durability than those today, is based upon solid evidence. What many may not know, however, is that the plethora of cheaper, less durable items lining the shelves of today’s stores is the culmination of several generations. Among the earliest, and perhaps most … Continue reading The Phoebus cartel: Lighting the way for planned obsolescence

Andrew G. Johnson
History, Oddities, Trivia

Worst year to be alive? Try 536 AD, not 2020

When asked which year was the worst in history to be alive, many historians are quick to mention 536 AD. It might seem surprising that these historians can pinpoint a specific year as a clear winner, considering how fraught human history is with suffering. Perhaps it is less surprising, however, when the events of 536 are described. Due to a heavy fog, many portions of … Continue reading Worst year to be alive? Try 536 AD, not 2020

Andrew G. JohnsonLeave a comment
History, Oddities, Trivia

The Order of the Pug: Meet Bavaria’s bizarre secret society

It is 1738, and the Catholic Church has just banned its members from partaking in freemasonry. How are freemasons in a region known for its love of secret societies to react? Against this backdrop, the Order of the Pug was formed. The Order of the Pug retained many of the conventions of masonry, but used a different name in order to skirt the Catholic Church’s … Continue reading The Order of the Pug: Meet Bavaria’s bizarre secret society

Andrew G. JohnsonLeave a comment
Oddities

The monkey business of picking coconuts: The modern ethical issue of ‘monkey slavery’

Seemingly out of nowhere the people are going bananas over “monkey slavery.” From the usual suspects, like PETA, to more unexpected individuals, like Boris Johnson’s fiancee Carrie Symonds, people are up in arms over this purported exploitation of a wild animal. Since biblical times, animals have been working alongside people – oxen pulling plows and wagons, dogs herding cattle and sheep, and other dogs used … Continue reading The monkey business of picking coconuts: The modern ethical issue of ‘monkey slavery’

Bob BennettLeave a comment