Because metal was scarce; the Oscars given out during World War II were made of plaster.
40
Approximately 40% of the U.S. paper currency in circulation was counterfeit by the end of the Civil War.
47
In 1963, the US Military created an artificial ring around Earth, similar to that of the planet Saturn. The ring was made of copper needles and was used for worldwide communications in the case that the Soviets disabled all other methods of communication.
26
Beethoven, was told by a music teacher that he had no talent for music. In fact, this teacher once remarked, “As a composer he is hopeless.”
184
Modern humans first appeared about 200,000 years ago, but record keeping didn't begin until about 6,000 years ago. That means about 97% of human history is lost.
21
Napoleon Bonaparte thought torture should be abolished because the information obtained from it is worthless.
25
Kung Fu actually originated in India, but was developed further in China.
90