IS THAT ACTUALLY TRUE? LET’S FIND OUT!

Some facts that might sound outlandish, but are actually true.

Does this look familiar?

That’s social media star Cam Casey, doing one of his “Does that actually work?” videos.

They’re wildly popular. Including with, yours truly.

I find them adorable.

And I got inspired.

So, here goes nothing…

Coca Cola went red for tax reasons

Image by James Yarema on Unsplash.

You almost certainly have noticed how the color red has a strong presence in Coca Cola’s branding.

But what if I told you the reason Coca Cola went red wasn’t to strengthen its association with Christmas (Santa Claus), or any other such adorable reason…

…but rather to save itself from being taxed too high?

Is that actually true? Let’s find out!

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay.

This one actually is TRUE.

During the early 1900’s, Coca Cola (and other soft drinks) and alcohol (hard drinks) were both sold at drug stores.

In those day, alcohol was taxable, while soft drinks weren’t.

The problem was, they were both distributed in similar-looking barrels, and tax inspectors found it difficult to determine which was which.

So the Coca Cola company decided to paint its barrels in a distinctive bright red color, to make it easy for them to be identified…and escape taxes, as per the law.

Santa Claus has always been a jolly old man in a bright red cloak

Image by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash.

We all know Santa Claus as a jolly old man, with a lot of energy and a bulging belly, wearing a bright red cloak.

And he’s always been that way.

Is that actually true? Let’s find out!

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay.

This one actually is FALSE.

The legend of Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicholas of Myra, a Christian bishop from the era of the Roman Empire.

Saint Nicholas used to give gifts to the poor and the downtrodden, in the best spirit of Christianity.

And it was this pious habit of his that blossomed into the legend of Santa Claus.

However, the representation of Santa Claus has varied widely over the years…from tall and distinguished to short and elven, and sometimes even scary.

The Santa Claus we know today - a jovial old man with twinkling eyes - is…

A creation of Swedish-American artist Haddon Sundblom, working on contract for the Coca Cola company in 1931.

Speaking of Christmas, here’s a DIY Christmas game you may want to check out!

The first ice pop was an accident

Image by Alison Marras on Unsplash.

Those ice pops you enjoy throughout summer? What if I told you they were created by accident?

Is that actually true? Let’s find out!

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay.

This one actually is TRUE.

In 1905, 11 year old Frank Epperson left soda powder and water and stirrer in a cup, outside overnight.

By morning, the elements had frozen the entire thing into the world’s first ice pop!

The Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in the world

Image by Edward Koorey on Unsplash.

What do you think about this one?

Is the Niagara Falls the largest waterfall in the world?

Is that actually true? Let’s find out!

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay.

This one is a bit of a twister, so let’s go about it one by one.

If we’re talking about the tallest waterfall, as in vertical height, there are waterfalls like Venezuela’s Angel Falls, which are way higher than the Niagara Falls.

If we’re talking about largest as in volume of water that, umm…falls through the waterfalls, the Niagara would probably be one of the greatest waterfalls, but there ARE larger waterfalls like the Iguazu Falls in Brazil.

And if we’re taking underwater waterfalls into account, the largest waterfalls are the Denmark Straight cataract in the Atlantic Ocean.

And if you can’t quite grasp the idea of an underwater waterfalls, it’s created by two water masses with different temperatures meeting, wherein the colder, heavier water sinks below the lighter, warmer water.

Here's a National Ocean Service article on this, if you don't believe me.

Escape rooms are a great place to have a get-together

It’s said that the nature of escape room games - live adventures in thrilling settings, incites people to participate.

This ensures everybody in your group puts away their phones and earpods, rolls up their sleeves, and takes part in the fun!

Is that actually true? Let’s find out!

Nope, I’m not going to say anything on this one…except…

Come on down to Chicago’s #1 escape room and see for yourself!

Speaking of Chicago, if you’re in Chicago and planning how to celebrate Christmas in Chicago, here’s some reading material for you!

Banner image by chenspec from Pixabay.