Random Fact Sheet #119 – 35 Facts That Will Make You Go ‘I Never Knew That!’

In 1825, the panda was given its name by a French zoologist. 76 years later, the name was lent to a black and white bear that was mistakenly thought to be a close relative. The giant panda’s name stuck, and the original panda became the lesser or red panda.

27. During World War 2, an American soldier named John R. Fox died by calling an Artillery strike on himself. When a stunned soldier told him there was little chance of him surviving, he replied with "Fire it."

28. A school bus driver and 26 children were abducted as part of a failed ransom plot in 1976. They were buried alive in the back of a moving van. The driver, with help from some of the older kids, managed to open a trapdoor and free everyone inside.

29. There are 13 secret green shelters dotting the streets of London that were built back in 1875. They can only be accessed by London cab drivers.

30. In 2011, American actor Joe Pesci gained 30 pounds in preparation for the role of mobster Angelo Ruggiero, only to have the role go to someone else. He sued the production company.

According to the Monsters, Inc. DVD commentary track, the sushi restaurant was originally blown up by the CDA. After the events of September 11, Pixar changed the scene to show the restaurant covered in a plasma-dome. They managed to pull this off in time for the November 2 release date.

32. In 1475, a law was passed in Turkey that made it legal for women to divorce their husband if he does not provide her with the daily quota of coffee.

33. The living author that has the most film adaptions is Stephen King with 34 theatrically released films based on his works.

34. English actor Tim Curry was kicked out of a showing of Rocky Horror for being an imposter. Also, Princess Diana was a big fan of the movie.

35. The giant Pacific octopus has 3 hearts, 9 brains, and blue blood.