According to his diaries, George Washington didn’t like celebrating his birthday. In fact, he might have preferred installing a fence to a party.

Studies have shown that wearing headphones while driving can reduce reaction time for drivers. At 46 mph, a difference in reaction time of 0.3 seconds means a difference of about 20 feet in distance traveled, which could be critical in an emergency situation.

In the 1200s, Murano glassmakers were not allowed to leave the island without government permission.

In the HBO show VEEP season 3, episode 7, “Special Relationship,” Gary (played by Tony Hale) accidentally broke the Queen’s china (her personal tea set).

In 2024, a spotted hyena was killed in southeast Egypt. The last time such a critter was seen there was more than 5,000 years ago.

This article appears in March 7 • 2025.

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