I’m curious. I like to learn about the world. And I like to share the stories I discover along the way. That’s why I first started “Now I Know”—then as an email newsletter—in the summer of 2010. The satisfaction you get from learning something new—something that you even doubt at first because it’s just too strange (like Soviets invading Wisconsin)—is truly addicting. So I can’t tell you how happy I am that your curiosity has led you to this book.
In Now I Know: The Soviets Invaded Wisconsin?! I’ve collected one hundred of my favorite fascinating facts and the stories behind them. You’ll learn about the time McDonald’s tried to trick kids into eating more broccoli. (Hint: It involved bubblegum.) You’ll find out about the fateful day during World War II when the Americans and the Germans actually teamed up. You’ll even read about why it may be okay to let a perfect stranger stick something in your ear—if you’re in Chengdu, at least. And yes, you’ll also learn about the time when a small Wisconsin town was overrun by Communists (kind of).
Each story connects to the last in some way, because while I don’t expect you to read this entire book in a day, I hope that each piece of mind-boggling trivia you do read inspires you to learn more. Each fact also comes with a bonus fact, so really, you’re getting two hundred incredible facts. And when you’re done? There’s more. That email newsletter I started years ago is still around today: Just go to NowIKnow.com to sign up for free. You’ll get a fun new story to satisfy your curiosity each and every weekday.
With every fascinating story, you’ll be able to declare “now I know.” So let that curiosity take the lead. Turn the page to find out what the measles have to do with phone numbers, or flip through to any fact that calls to you. The world of the truly bizarre and unbelievable awaits!