43 Memorable Random Facts That’ll Have You Transfixed | Random List #139

Sir Jeffrey Hudson, the Court Dwarf of Charles I, challenged a man who insulted him to a duel on horseback. The man thought it was a joke, and showed up to the duel with a water gun, instead of a real pistol. Unfortunately, Hudson was quite serious and shot the man in the head, killing him.

27. Woody Harrelson's dad (Charles Harrelson) was a hitman and died in prison while serving a life sentence for killing a Federal Judge.

28. There is a Royal Navy superstition that whistling on a ship can summon strong winds. Traditionally, the only person allowed to whistle is the ship's cook, as it means he's not eating the food.

29. Cockle bread was a bread baked by English women in the 17th century, which was supposed to act as a love charm. The dough was kneaded and pressed against the woman’s vulva and then baked. This bread was then given to the object of the baker’s affections.

30. A 480-pound woman named Gayle Laverne Grinds died after having spent her last 6 years of her life stuck in a couch and died attached to the couch as well. By the time of her death, her skin had literally become one with the fabric of the sofa.

During the London riots of 2011, the looting and vandalism which took place throughout the city were almost totally avoided by bookshops. One man said his store would probably stay open during the unrest, stating: "If they steal some books, they might actually learn something."

32. A 1997, comedy movie by the name of "Trojan War" made only $309 in ticket sales. It was made with a budget of $15 million.

33. It is possible to travel from Portugal to Vietnam solely by train. At 17,000 kilometers, this is the longest train journey in the world.

34. Arnold Schwarzenegger made $75,000 for his role in Terminator, but in Terminator 2 he made $15 million about 7 years later.

35. Autistic savant Daniel Tammet learned Icelandic in just one week and then went through a live interview on national TV in the language.

The first human cardiac catheterization was done by Werner Forssmann who, after failing to get permission from his department chief, anesthetized his arm, inserted a catheter into his vein and threaded it into his heart. He then walked down to the X-ray department and took a picture to prove it.

37. If a goose gets sick or is wounded while flying, a couple of other geese may drop out of formation to help and protect him. They will try to stay with the disabled goose until he dies or is able to fly again.

38. In the 1920s and 30s, Procter and Gamble (originally known for soap and candles) sponsored several radio shows, with those shows becoming known as "soap operas."

39. The true meaning of the lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody still remains a secret within the band.

40. Squirrels behave kindly and would adopt orphans if they notice that a relative does not come back to them.

Robert Downey Jr. was allowed by his father (Robert Downey Sr.) to smoke marijuana at the age of 6.

42. African spiny mice can shed up to 60% of the skin on their backs to escape predators. They then regrow hair follicles, skin, sweat glands and fur instead of scar tissue. It is speculated that we could switch this mechanism on in humans.

43. There is a surgical implant being developed that will give you an orgasm at the touch of a button.