In 1920, nine out of 10 cars in the entire world were Fords.

Hubert Humphrey was unaware that Lyndon Johnson would not seek a second term as president. He found this out while on a trip to Mexico City as he watched TV at the American ambassador’s residence.

Harpo Marx loved black jelly beans.

Roman Emperor Claudius once passed a law legalizing farting at banquets out of concern for people’s health. There was a widespread belief that a person could be poisoned or catch a disease by retaining farts.

Thomas Jefferson ran up a wine bill of more than $10,000 during his term of office.

This article appears in Richard Suttle.

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