Chapter 1: The White House and Its Colorful History

Have you ever wondered why the White House is white? The common narrative is that it was painted white after being burned by the British during the War of 1812. However, this story is inaccurate. The truth is that the White House was first coated in a lime-based whitewash in 1798, designed to safeguard the sandstone exterior from moisture and winter freezing. This initial whitewash was intended to fill in the cracks, but it was regularly reapplied, preventing it from naturally weathering away.

It wasn't until 1818 that the building received a coat of white lead paint. Interestingly, the term "White House" had already been in use for a decade prior to this event. Officially, it wasn’t until October 1901 that the nickname became widely recognized, when President Theodore Roosevelt's secretary requested that official documents reflect the name "White House" instead of "Executive Mansion." The most recent repainting occurred in 2019, utilizing 570 gallons of Sherwin-Williams' “Whisper White” paint.

Chapter 2: The Time Pyramid: A Millennia-Long Art Project

In Wemding, Germany, an extraordinary art project known as the "Zeitpyramide" or "Time Pyramid" has been underway since 1993. This installation consists of four rectangular concrete blocks arranged on a square foundation, but it is far from complete. The structure is designed to be built gradually, with one concrete block added every ten years. To date, four blocks have been placed, with the last one installed in 2023.

The completion of the pyramid will not occur until the year 3183 AD, with a total of 116 blocks planned. Each layer will decrease in size, creating a four-tiered pyramid. This project, conceived by local artist Manfred Laber, aims to symbolize the passage of time and community involvement in its ongoing construction.

The first video titled "76 Facts You Didn't Know You Needed to Hear" provides an array of intriguing trivia that can expand your knowledge and spark curiosity.

Chapter 3: The Pistol Shrimp: Nature's Little Powerhouse

Among the ocean's inhabitants is a remarkable creature known as the pistol shrimp. Despite its small size, this crustacean delivers an astonishing punch. Equipped with a disproportionately large claw, the pistol shrimp can shoot out bubbles at speeds reaching 60 miles per hour, generating shockwaves that can stun or kill nearby prey.

The phenomenon occurs when the shrimp traps water in its claw and rapidly releases it, creating a bubble that collapses and generates a brief spike in temperature—an impressive 8,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the sound of the bubble bursting can reach up to 210 decibels, surpassing the sound of a shotgun blast. This powerful claw not only serves as a hunting mechanism but is also vital for attracting mates.

Chapter 4: The Impact of Prohibition on Walgreens

The passage of the National Prohibition Act in 1920, intended to enforce the 18th Amendment, had unintended consequences for pharmacies like Walgreens. While alcohol sales were banned, certain exemptions allowed for the medicinal use of liquor. As a result, doctors could prescribe alcohol for various ailments, leading to a surge in demand.

Walgreens, which began in 1901, expanded its operations significantly during this period, growing from about 20 stores to over 525 by the end of the 1920s. The lax enforcement of Prohibition regulations allowed pharmacies to profit from filling prescriptions for alcohol, turning them into vital outlets for patients seeking medicinal liquor.

Chapter 5: New Jersey's Near State Song

Remarkably, New Jersey is the only state without an official state song, although it came close in 1980 when Bruce Springsteen was proposed as the "Pop Music Ambassador" for the state. His iconic song, "Born to Run," was suggested as the unofficial anthem for New Jersey's youth. However, the proposal faced rejection in the state Senate due to concerns over certain lyrics that some senators found inappropriate.

The attempt to designate a state song underscores the unique cultural identity of New Jersey and its connection to music.

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Conclusion

These captivating facts span history, nature, and culture, inviting readers to explore the extraordinary elements of our world. Stay tuned for more intriguing insights in future editions of Completely Random Facts!