Is it Illegal to Die in Longyearbyen, Norway?
Recently I came across a strange “fact” claiming that it’s illegal to die in the town of Longyearbyen located on one of the islands of Svalbard, Norway… except it’s not true. So where did this “fact” come from?
The Gorbals Vampire with the Iron Teeth
In 1954 a vampire with iron teeth is said to have stalked the Gorbals area of Glasgow. For several nights a group of children set out to hunt it, though they didn’t find it, the ensuing panic caused several changed in the law.
Indiana’s Pornography Law That Was Too Pornographic
In the mid-20th century, supreme court decisions led to many cities and states having to change their laws on obscene materials. One city in Indiana tried to be as detailed as possible and it backfired hilariously.
San Francisco v. Dormie the Dog: The Cat Murder Trials
In the United States, even if you’re caught red-handed murdering someone, you still have a right to a trial. Usually, this is thought to just apply to humans but in 1921, the nation found out, it also applies to dogs.
Louie Louie: The Hit Song Investigated by the FBI
When Richard Berry composed and wrote “Louie Louie” in the late 1950s, he couldn’t have imagined it would be one of the most influential of all time. But it was the 1963 cover by the rock band, The Kingsmen, that propelled the song into the national spotlight, and part of an FBI investigation.
The Time the BBC Banned “Deep in the Heart of Texas”
In 1942 the British Broadcasting Corporation banned the very popular “Deep in the Heart of Texas” but what program led to this and what exactly happened that caused it to be banned?
Why the BBC Banned the Monster Mash
In 1962 the Monster Mash was smash hit in the United States but in the United Kingdom the BBC decided it the song had to be banned
Why are Tomatoes Legally Vegetables in the United States?
Botanically speaking tomatoes are fruits so why did the United States Supreme Court rule in 1893 that they are actually vegetables?
5 Dangerous Toys That Were Banned
Toys are usually made with safety in mind in order to ensure there are no injuries to the primary user, especially since the primary users are usually children. But here are 5 where that outlook didn’t work out.
The Dangerous Sky Dancers: The Doll That’ll Poke Your Eye Out
In 1994 Galoob Toys Inc. released Sky Dancers to store shelves everywhere and they were a hit with all young girls but soon, Galoob Toys began receiving reports of injuries across the country.
Why Kinder Surprise Eggs are Illegal in the U.S.
Who doesn’t like chocolate and toys? But you better watch out, if you put them together, you’re breaking laws in the United States. Find out why Kinder Eggs are illegal in the U.S.
That Time American Colonies Banned Christmas
Christmas wasn’t always the peaceful and tame holiday it is today. In the 17th century, it was pretty wild and some of the colonists in America weren’t too fond of it, going as far as making it illegal.
That Time the U.S Banned Sliced Bread
We've all heard the saying, "this is the greatest thing since sliced bread!" but if it's so great, why was sliced bread banned in the United States in 1943?
That Time Indiana Tried to Legally Change Math
In 1897 a bill was introduced in the Indiana House of Representatives that would have changed Pi and Math as we know it, all because one man didn’t like it… It passed.
NYC vs Chipotle $151 Million Lawsuit Explained
With the recent news of NYC filing a $151 million lawsuit against Chipotle for violating what is called the Fair Work Week Law and New York States Sick Leave Law we decided to take a look at what exactly the suit alleges Chipotle did wrong.
How Mortal Kombat Helped Create the ESRB
In 1992 the team at Midway Games was just trying to bring John Tobias's vision to life in a little game called Mortal Kombat. Little did they know, Mortal Kombat would be the tipping point that would pit video game companies against the U.S congress and lead to a set of rules that would change video games forever.
Why Did NYC Make Pinball Machines Illegal?
For 30 years pinball was illegal beginning in New York City then spreading to other cities throughout the United States. Pinball machines were blamed for corrupting the minds of children leading them down a dark path of gambling and the devil.