Category: Trivia

History, Trivia

William Langer, the (short-lived) dictator of North Dakota

The economic tumult of the 1930s wrought considerable havoc in governments around the world, and the United States was no exception. Huey Long, a left-wing populist governor and Senator in Louisiana, is the most well-known emblem of authoritarian American politicians during this era. The comparatively ineffectual William Langer is much less studied. Langer was elected North Dakota governor in 1932 as a member of the … Continue reading William Langer, the (short-lived) dictator of North Dakota

Andrew G. Johnson
History, Trivia

Britain’s last witchcraft imprisonment was during World War II

Witchcraft trials tend to conjure images of Salem or medieval Europe. This connotation implies that witchcraft convictions are a convention long abandoned by the vast majority of the world, a mere relic of ancient superstition. In fact, Great Britain persisted with witchcraft convictions well into the twentieth century. Helen Duncan is known as the last British person to be imprisoned for witchcraft under the country’s … Continue reading Britain’s last witchcraft imprisonment was during World War II

Andrew G. Johnson
Advice, Trivia

Thanks to the Ukrainian war and new government regulations, Bitcoin soars to heights unseen for days

Crypto is currently the wild west of speculative investing, and the war in Ukraine is brining cryptocurrencies to the forefront of mainstream conversations. Nearly $100 million in individual crypto donations have been made to the Ukrainian defense effort alone, while some are concerned crypto will be used to get around Russian sanctions. This attention on crypto is further forcing regulators around the world to take … Continue reading Thanks to the Ukrainian war and new government regulations, Bitcoin soars to heights unseen for days

Bob Bennett
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, Trivia

A nineteenth century swindler invented his own country

Poyais would have sounded dreamlike to those on the foggy shores of Scotland in the early nineteenth century. Prospective investors and settlers were told of a new South American country filled with fertile soil, verdant scenery, a temperate climate, and considerable amenities, including a majestic port. Gregor MacGregor, a native of Scotland who had long since moved to South America and served as a military … Continue reading A nineteenth century swindler invented his own country

Andrew G. Johnson
History, Trivia

Marc Dutroux: The serial killer who shook Belgium

Long before the actions of Jeffrey Epstein became public knowledge, Belgians were aware of a different pedophile with ties to the wealthy and powerful. Marc Dutroux, born on November 6, 1956, is the most prominent serial killer to hail from Belgium. Dutroux began his criminal career as an auto thief and pimp, but gradually turned to rape and murder. In conjunction with his accomplices, he … Continue reading Marc Dutroux: The serial killer who shook Belgium

Andrew G. Johnson
History, Trivia

Chairman Mao: The twentieth century’s deadliest dictator

Mao Zedong was one of history’s most devastating dictators. His leadership is often ignominiously credited with leading to more non-combatant deaths than any other in history. While estimates vary, between thirty and eighty million deaths are attributed to Mao’s whims. The sheer scale of Chairman Mao’s outright barbarity is poorly understood by many even today. An example of his bloodlust can be seen in the … Continue reading Chairman Mao: The twentieth century’s deadliest dictator

Andrew G. Johnson