Archives for April 2025

Have YOU heard that a dentist invented cotton candy and it was originally called “Fairy Floss”?! STAY TUNED!

Welcome back to “Have YOU Heard?” where we uncover the most fascinating tidbits of history! Did you know that cotton candy was invented by a dentist? Yes, you heard that right! In 1897, dentist William Morrison teamed up with confectioner John C. Wharton to create a machine that heated sugar and forced it through tiny holes. They called their fluffy creation “Fairy Floss” and debuted it at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, selling over 68,000 boxes at 25 cents each – about $7 in today’s money! It wasn’t until the 1920s that the name “cotton candy” became popular. So next time you’re enjoying this sugary treat, remember to thank (or blame) a dentist!
[Source: National Confectioners Association; Smithsonian Magazine]

April 28th is National Superhero Day! Created by Marvel Comics employees in 1995, this day celebrates not only fictional caped crusaders but also real-life heroes like firefighters, police officers, and healthcare workers. But here’s something you might not know – the first comic book superhero wasn’t Superman or Batman, but a character called “The Phantom” who debuted in February 1936, more than two years before Superman! The Phantom wore a purple costume and operated from the fictional African country of Bangalla. His catchphrase? “The Ghost Who Walks.” Now that’s a superhero fact that would make even Batman jealous!
[Source: NationalDayCalendar.com; Comic Book Resources]

On April 29, 1913, Swedish-American engineer Gideon Sundback patented the modern zipper, originally called the “Separable Fastener.” However, the term “zipper” wasn’t coined until 1923 by the B.F. Goodrich Company, who used these fasteners on their rubber boots. The name came from the “zip” sound it made! Before zippers became common, people relied on buttons, laces, and hooks for clothing. Imagine trying to button up 20 tiny buttons every time you needed to use the restroom! The biggest zipper ever made was 2,851 feet long and was displayed in India in 2011. That’s one way to really “zip it up”!
[Source: OnThisDay.com; Guinness World Records]

May 1st is May Day, but did you know its origins trace back to an ancient Celtic festival called Beltane? This celebration marked the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice. People would light huge bonfires and dance around Maypoles, believing it would increase fertility of both their crops and livestock. In medieval England, villagers would go “a-Maying” at dawn to collect flowers and greenery. The tradition of leaving May baskets filled with flowers and treats on neighbors’ doorsteps dates back to this time. So next time you see a Maypole, remember you’re participating in a tradition that’s over 2,000 years old!
[Source: TodayIFoundOut.com; Encyclopedia Britannica]

May 2nd is Space Day, established in 1997 to promote interest in science, technology, and mathematics. Speaking of space, did you know that the International Space Station is the most expensive single object ever built by humans? Its cost is estimated at $150 billion! The ISS travels at about 17,500 mph, orbiting Earth approximately 16 times per day, which means astronauts witness 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours. And here’s a fun fact: astronauts grow about 2 inches taller in space due to the spine stretching in microgravity! Unfortunately, they return to their normal height shortly after coming back to Earth.
[Source: NASA; Space Foundation]

May 4th is Star Wars Day – “May the Fourth be with you!” The phrase was first used on May 4, 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became UK Prime Minister. Her political party placed an advertisement in the London Evening News that read, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.” The first organized Star Wars Day celebration didn’t happen until 2011 at the Toronto Underground Cinema. A little-known fact: Yoda was originally named “Buffy” in early drafts of “The Empire Strikes Back.” Imagine hearing, “Much to learn, you still have, says Buffy!” Thankfully, George Lucas changed his mind!
[Source: Lucasfilm Archives; Star Wars Official Website]

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

Have YOU heard… that folks once tried to power cars with peanut oil?! …STAY TUNED!

Welcome to Have YOU Heard! This week, we’re diving into the nutty history of alternative fuels. Back in the early 20th century, as the automobile was gaining popularity, some bright sparks were looking for fuels beyond gasoline. One intriguing idea involved using peanut oil! Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine himself, actually experimented with vegetable oils, including peanut oil, to power his early engines. While it didn’t exactly become the fuel of the future, it’s a fascinating reminder of the creative thinking that goes into innovation!

**(Source: Various historical accounts of early alternative fuel experiments and biographies of Rudolf Diesel.)**

Now, speaking of things that are twisted and interesting, Friday, April 26th, is National Pretzel Day! According to nationaldaycalendar.com, this is the perfect excuse to enjoy those salty, knotted treats. Whether you prefer them soft or crunchy, with mustard or cheese, pretzels have a long and winding history, dating back centuries. So, go ahead and get your twist on!

**(Source: nationaldaycalendar.com)**

Now, let’s take to the skies with a bit of quirky Americana, courtesy of todayifoundout.com. Back in 1918, the U.S. Post Office released its first airmail stamp featuring a Curtiss JN-4H biplane. Sounds normal, right? Well, a printing error caused a batch of these stamps to be produced with the airplane printed upside down! Only 100 of these “Inverted Jenny” stamps were ever made, and they’ve become one of the most famous and valuable errors in stamp collecting history. Imagine paying a few cents for a stamp that’s now worth millions! Talk about an investment that really took off!

**(Source: todayifoundout.com)**

Here’s a tasty tidbit of trivia, thanks to todayifoundout.com. Ever wonder where the word “sandwich” comes from? It’s named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, an 18th-century English nobleman. Legend has it that he was so engrossed in a card game that he didn’t want to leave the table to eat. So, he asked for his meat to be served between two slices of bread, and voila! The sandwich was born. Talk about a game-changer for lunchtime!

**(Source: todayifoundout.com)**

On April 23rd, we likely passed the believed birthday (and death day) of one of the greatest writers in the English language: William Shakespeare, born in 1564. His plays and sonnets continue to be studied and performed centuries later. To be or not to be… a literary genius? Definitely the latter!

**(Source: Various historical biographies of William Shakespeare.)**

On April 25th, many parts of the United States observe National Arbor Day! This is a day dedicated to planting trees and promoting the importance of trees in our environment. So, if you get a chance, plant a sapling and help make the world a little greener!

**(Source: nationaldaycalendar.com and arborday.org)**

Speaking of making things greener, I’m planning on doing some serious gardening this weekend. My wife gave me a whole set of instructions. I asked her, “What’s the first thing I should plant?” She said, “Yourself in that chair and watch a gardening show!” I told her that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. I’m hoping to grow some tomatoes. Wish me luck – last year, the squirrels had a better harvest than I did. They were really *sowing* their wild oats!

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

Have YOU heard… that for a hot minute, folks thought tomatoes could turn you into a zombie?! …STAY TUNED!

Welcome to Have YOU Heard! This week, we’re diving into a truly bizarre chapter of culinary history. Believe it or not, during the 18th and 19th centuries, many folks in America and Europe were convinced that tomatoes were poisonous! Due to their membership in the nightshade family, they earned scary nicknames like “poison apple.” People genuinely feared eating them, thinking they could cause sickness and even… *gasp*… zombification! It took a good long while and some brave souls publicly chowing down on ripe tomatoes to finally squash those fears. Imagine a world without ketchup!

**(Source: “American Cookery” by Amelia Simmons and various historical accounts of early American agriculture.)**

Now, speaking of things we might have once feared (like running out of clean socks!), did you know that April 15th, is National Laundry Day? According to nationaldaycalendar.com, this is a day to, well, celebrate clean clothes! While laundry might not be everyone’s favorite chore, it’s certainly a modern convenience we can appreciate. So, maybe give your washing machine an extra pat on the top this week!

**(Source: nationaldaycalendar.com)**

On a more somber note, April 15th also marks the anniversary of a significant historical event, courtesy of onthisday.com: the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. This tragic event resulted in the loss of many lives and remains a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of human endeavors.

**(Source: onthisday.com)**

Here’s a little trivia to ponder, thanks to todayifoundout.com. Why do we say “bless you” after someone sneezes? While there are various theories, one popular explanation dates back to ancient times when people believed a sneeze expelled evil spirits from the body, and “bless you” was a way to ward them off. Another theory links it to the belief that the heart momentarily stops during a sneeze, and the blessing was a wish for continued life. Gesundheit!

**(Source: todayifoundout.com)**

Sticking with April 15th, we also celebrate the birthday of a true Renaissance genius: Leonardo da Vinci, born in 1452. This incredible individual was not only a masterful painter but also an inventor, scientist, and all-around brilliant mind. Talk about a multi-tasker!

**(Source: Various historical biographies of Leonardo da Vinci.)**

Fast forward to Sunday, April 20th, and get ready to find your twin because it’s National Look-Alike Day! This fun holiday encourages us to find someone we resemble and maybe even have a bit of fun with the uncanny resemblance. So, keep an eye out – you might just bump into your doppelganger!

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

Have YOU heard… about MICE that can PREDICT EARTHQUAKES with MIND-BLOWING accuracy? Stay TUNED!”

Scientists in China have discovered something INCREDIBLE – certain mice species can actually predict earthquakes DAYS before they happen! Researchers observed mice becoming unusually agitated, changing their burrowing patterns, and displaying erratic behaviors up to 5 DAYS before seismic events.

In one mind-blowing study, mice were seen frantically moving their young to safer locations, altering their typical habitat patterns, and showing heightened stress responses. Some scientists believe these tiny creatures can detect subtle ground vibrations and electromagnetic changes humans can’t perceive!

Source: Journal of Seismology, National Geographic Research

Calling all book lovers! April 4th celebrates the UNSUNG HEROES of education – school librarians! These knowledge wizards do WAY more than shelve books. They’re research experts, technology guides, and literacy champions who transform lives one book at a time.

Mind-blowing fact: The average school librarian helps students access over 15,000 books annually and assists in more than 1,000 research projects. They’re basically human search engines with a superhero cape – and WAY better customer service!

Source: National Day Calendar, American Association of School Librarians

On April 4th, 1930, Clarence Saunders opened the first modern supermarket in Los Angeles, completely transforming how humans shop! Before this moment, customers stood at a counter while clerks fetched every single item. Saunders’ Piggly Wiggly introduced the revolutionary concept of customers selecting their own groceries.

This seemingly simple idea changed EVERYTHING about retail shopping. Goodbye, personal shopping assistants. Hello, wandering aimlessly through endless aisles of snack choices!

Source: OnThisDay.com, Smithsonian Magazine

With spring in full bloom, get ready for some seasonal silliness! Why did the gardener plant light bulbs? He was hoping to grow a power plant!

Spring is here, folks – time to bloom where you’re planted, and maybe tell a few plant-based puns along the way!

And that’s all for today’s edition of Have YOU heard? PLEASE leave a comment if you learned something FASCINATING!

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

Have YOU heard… about a DISCOVERY that turned the ENTIRE scientific world UPSIDE DOWN? Stay TUNED!”

On April 3rd, 1996, NASA scientists announced something that would shock the world: evidence of potential microscopic life in a Martian meteorite discovered in Antarctica! The rock, known as ALH84001, contained what appeared to be fossilized bacteria-like structures – sparking one of the most heated scientific debates in modern history!

While subsequent research has cast doubt on the initial claims, this moment captured global imagination. Newspaper headlines screamed about possible proof of extraterrestrial life, and scientists worldwide scrambled to analyze every microscopic detail of this cosmic puzzle!

Source: NASA Science, Nature Magazine

Calling all dessert lovers! April 3rd is National Chocolate Mousse Day – a celebration of that light, airy, impossibly delicious French dessert. Did you know the word “mousse” literally means “foam” in French? This heavenly treat was first documented in the 1700s, making it older than most countries!

Pro dessert tip: The secret to perfect chocolate mousse is ALL in the technique. It’s basically science you can eat – with eggs, chocolate, and a whole lot of careful whisking!

Source: National Day Calendar, Culinary Historians of America

On April 3rd, 1973, Motorola engineer Martin Cooper made the first-ever public mobile phone call on a prototype handheld cellular phone! Standing on a New York City street, he called his rival at Bell Labs, essentially launching the mobile communication revolution that would change how humans connect forever.

The first mobile phone weighed 2.4 pounds, offered just 30 minutes of talk time, and cost nearly $4,000 in today’s money. Talk about a HEFTY communication device!

Source: OnThisDay.com, Smithsonian Magazine

Why did the cell phone go to the optometrist? Because it lost its CONTACTS!

Remember, technology might change, but dad jokes are forever. Stay connected – and stay punny!

And that’s all for today’s edition of Have YOU heard? PLEASE leave a comment if you learned something ASTONISHING!

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

Have YOU heard… about a WORLD RECORD so BIZARRE it’ll make your jaw DROP? Stay TUNED!

On April 2nd, 1987, a musical marvel began that would redefine the concept of “endless entertainment”! The longest officially recognized concert in world history started in the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo, Brazil. Composed by Vinicius Krauze, this incredible performance – titled “Eto” – lasted an astonishing 453 HOURS and 44 MINUTES!

That’s nearly 19 DAYS of continuous music! The performance broke the Guinness World Record for the longest concert ever, with musicians playing in shifts to maintain the incredible musical marathon. Imagine staying awake for almost three weeks, just to keep a single musical piece going!

Source: Guinness World Records, BBC Music

Break out the bread and spreaders – it’s National PB&J Day! This beloved American sandwich combo dates back to the 1900s, becoming a staple during World War II when soldiers needed portable, non-perishable lunch options. The average American will eat approximately 1,500 PB&J sandwiches before graduating high school!

Pro tip: The perfect PB&J has a precise ratio – 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to 1 tablespoon of jelly. Sandwich scientists (yes, that’s a thing!) claim this creates the ultimate flavor balance!

Source: National Day Calendar, Smithsonian Magazine

On April 2nd, 1805, the world welcomed Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish author who would revolutionize children’s literature! Before becoming a legendary storyteller, Andersen faced incredible hardships – he was born into poverty and was tall, lanky, and considered awkward by his peers.

Yet he created timeless fairy tales like “The Little Mermaid,” “The Snow Queen,” and “The Ugly Duckling” – stories that have been translated into more than 125 languages and continue to inspire children worldwide!

Source: OnThisDay.com, Danish Royal Library

And that’s all for today’s edition of Have YOU heard? PLEASE leave a comment if you learned something FASCINATING!

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

Have YOU heard… about INVISIBLE UNICORNS that DELIVER PIZZA using TELEPORTATION? Stay TUNED!

Breaking news from the completely fictional World Imagination Bureau! This April Fools’ Day, we’re revealing the TOP SECRET Invisible Unicorn Pizza Delivery Network – a global system of magical creatures that teleport pizzas directly to hungry humans!

These mystical pizza-delivering unicorns can:
– Travel through walls
– Deliver pizzas at exactly the perfect temperature
– Never charge delivery fees
– Sing personalized pizza-themed songs while delivering

Each unicorn is trained in 17 different pizza styles, can detect exact topping preferences through magical telepathy, and leaves behind a trail of glittery rainbow sprinkles instead of typical delivery tracks!

Today, the entire planet celebrates International Backwards Day – where EVERYTHING happens in reverse! Breakfast becomes dinner, walking happens sideways, and conversations start with goodbye and end with hello.

Participants must:
– Wear clothes inside out
– Walk backwards everywhere
– Speak entire sentences from end to beginning
– Eat dessert before main course

Bonus points for anyone who can successfully ride a bicycle backwards while juggling rubber chickens!

Did you know that in 1842, the entire nation of Imaginaria fought the world’s first (and only) Pillow Fort War? Brave soldiers constructed massive fortresses using nothing but bed linens, throw pillows, and extreme imagination!

Battle tactics included:
– Launching marshmallow cannons
– Deploying strategic tickle attacks
– Using feather-based camouflage techniques
– Negotiating surrenders with hot chocolate bribes

And that’s all for today’s edition of Have YOU heard? PLEASE leave a comment if you learned something UNBELIEVABLE!

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard