This Thing Rules
@thisthingrules.bsky.social
A good show about great things from @brianaltano.bsky.social and @maxscoville.bsky.social. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Overcast, and more.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦎
During the creation of King Kong (1933), director Merian C. Cooper originally wanted Kong to fight an actual, real-life komodo dragon. While this never came to pass, this desire to see monke fight lizard would ultimately inspire the scene in which Kong defeats a T-Rex:
During the creation of King Kong (1933), director Merian C. Cooper originally wanted Kong to fight an actual, real-life komodo dragon. While this never came to pass, this desire to see monke fight lizard would ultimately inspire the scene in which Kong defeats a T-Rex:
January 24, 2026 at 11:03 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦎
During the creation of King Kong (1933), director Merian C. Cooper originally wanted Kong to fight an actual, real-life komodo dragon. While this never came to pass, this desire to see monke fight lizard would ultimately inspire the scene in which Kong defeats a T-Rex:
During the creation of King Kong (1933), director Merian C. Cooper originally wanted Kong to fight an actual, real-life komodo dragon. While this never came to pass, this desire to see monke fight lizard would ultimately inspire the scene in which Kong defeats a T-Rex:
#ThrowbackThursday 🌭
What's the weirdest thing that you do to hot dogs? Because chances are Max has you beat:
What's the weirdest thing that you do to hot dogs? Because chances are Max has you beat:
January 15, 2026 at 7:56 PM
#ThrowbackThursday 🌭
What's the weirdest thing that you do to hot dogs? Because chances are Max has you beat:
What's the weirdest thing that you do to hot dogs? Because chances are Max has you beat:
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📽️
A screening of 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was attended by two real-life chimpanzees. The chimps, Vali and Sugriva, were reportedly well-behaved and even "paid" for their own tickets and snacks:
A screening of 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was attended by two real-life chimpanzees. The chimps, Vali and Sugriva, were reportedly well-behaved and even "paid" for their own tickets and snacks:
January 12, 2026 at 8:17 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📽️
A screening of 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was attended by two real-life chimpanzees. The chimps, Vali and Sugriva, were reportedly well-behaved and even "paid" for their own tickets and snacks:
A screening of 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was attended by two real-life chimpanzees. The chimps, Vali and Sugriva, were reportedly well-behaved and even "paid" for their own tickets and snacks:
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📽️
The first 3D movie screened for a commercial audience was The Power of Love, a 1922 silent drama. Its 3D effect was achieved using red-and-green anaglyph glasses, and peering through only the red or green lens during its last reel would show either a happy or tragic ending.
The first 3D movie screened for a commercial audience was The Power of Love, a 1922 silent drama. Its 3D effect was achieved using red-and-green anaglyph glasses, and peering through only the red or green lens during its last reel would show either a happy or tragic ending.
January 11, 2026 at 9:16 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📽️
The first 3D movie screened for a commercial audience was The Power of Love, a 1922 silent drama. Its 3D effect was achieved using red-and-green anaglyph glasses, and peering through only the red or green lens during its last reel would show either a happy or tragic ending.
The first 3D movie screened for a commercial audience was The Power of Love, a 1922 silent drama. Its 3D effect was achieved using red-and-green anaglyph glasses, and peering through only the red or green lens during its last reel would show either a happy or tragic ending.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📽️
The oldest continually operating movie theater in the world is the State Theatre in Washington, Iowa. Originally established as an opera house, the venue first began screening movies in 1897, making it nearly 129 years old. Its earliest tickets cost as little as 15 cents!
The oldest continually operating movie theater in the world is the State Theatre in Washington, Iowa. Originally established as an opera house, the venue first began screening movies in 1897, making it nearly 129 years old. Its earliest tickets cost as little as 15 cents!
January 10, 2026 at 8:21 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📽️
The oldest continually operating movie theater in the world is the State Theatre in Washington, Iowa. Originally established as an opera house, the venue first began screening movies in 1897, making it nearly 129 years old. Its earliest tickets cost as little as 15 cents!
The oldest continually operating movie theater in the world is the State Theatre in Washington, Iowa. Originally established as an opera house, the venue first began screening movies in 1897, making it nearly 129 years old. Its earliest tickets cost as little as 15 cents!
Quaker Oats also wanted to have a proper "Wonka Bar" on shelves on day one, but their first attempts at the bar melted too easily, and were quickly pulled from stores; it would only be in 1975 that they finally managed to bring stable Wonka bars to market:
December 28, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Quaker Oats also wanted to have a proper "Wonka Bar" on shelves on day one, but their first attempts at the bar melted too easily, and were quickly pulled from stores; it would only be in 1975 that they finally managed to bring stable Wonka bars to market:
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍫
The 1971 Willy Wonka movie was actually financed by Quaker Oats, which wanted to use the film as a launchpad for selling chocolates. The first Wonka-branded treats they sold on store shelves were Peanut Butter Oompas (pictured below), and Super Skrunch bars.
The 1971 Willy Wonka movie was actually financed by Quaker Oats, which wanted to use the film as a launchpad for selling chocolates. The first Wonka-branded treats they sold on store shelves were Peanut Butter Oompas (pictured below), and Super Skrunch bars.
December 28, 2025 at 8:11 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍫
The 1971 Willy Wonka movie was actually financed by Quaker Oats, which wanted to use the film as a launchpad for selling chocolates. The first Wonka-branded treats they sold on store shelves were Peanut Butter Oompas (pictured below), and Super Skrunch bars.
The 1971 Willy Wonka movie was actually financed by Quaker Oats, which wanted to use the film as a launchpad for selling chocolates. The first Wonka-branded treats they sold on store shelves were Peanut Butter Oompas (pictured below), and Super Skrunch bars.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍫
The chocolate river in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was made of a combination of water and chocolate ice cream powder; a mix of salt conditioner and chemicals were also added when it was discovered that it would begin to smell horribly after a few hours.
The chocolate river in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was made of a combination of water and chocolate ice cream powder; a mix of salt conditioner and chemicals were also added when it was discovered that it would begin to smell horribly after a few hours.
December 27, 2025 at 7:43 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍫
The chocolate river in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was made of a combination of water and chocolate ice cream powder; a mix of salt conditioner and chemicals were also added when it was discovered that it would begin to smell horribly after a few hours.
The chocolate river in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was made of a combination of water and chocolate ice cream powder; a mix of salt conditioner and chemicals were also added when it was discovered that it would begin to smell horribly after a few hours.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🎄
Before the crew of the Apollo 11 landed on the Moon in 1969, the Apollo 8 space mission made history on Christmas Eve of 1968 when it became the first crewed mission to reach and orbit the moon, doing so ten times before returning to Earth:
Before the crew of the Apollo 11 landed on the Moon in 1969, the Apollo 8 space mission made history on Christmas Eve of 1968 when it became the first crewed mission to reach and orbit the moon, doing so ten times before returning to Earth:
December 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🎄
Before the crew of the Apollo 11 landed on the Moon in 1969, the Apollo 8 space mission made history on Christmas Eve of 1968 when it became the first crewed mission to reach and orbit the moon, doing so ten times before returning to Earth:
Before the crew of the Apollo 11 landed on the Moon in 1969, the Apollo 8 space mission made history on Christmas Eve of 1968 when it became the first crewed mission to reach and orbit the moon, doing so ten times before returning to Earth:
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🎄
In Icelandic folklore, people that don't receive new clothes before Christmas Eve are devoured by the Yule cat (also known as Jólakötturinn), a giant feline with a voracious appetite. Better put on those crummy new socks, stat!
In Icelandic folklore, people that don't receive new clothes before Christmas Eve are devoured by the Yule cat (also known as Jólakötturinn), a giant feline with a voracious appetite. Better put on those crummy new socks, stat!
December 13, 2025 at 8:21 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🎄
In Icelandic folklore, people that don't receive new clothes before Christmas Eve are devoured by the Yule cat (also known as Jólakötturinn), a giant feline with a voracious appetite. Better put on those crummy new socks, stat!
In Icelandic folklore, people that don't receive new clothes before Christmas Eve are devoured by the Yule cat (also known as Jólakötturinn), a giant feline with a voracious appetite. Better put on those crummy new socks, stat!
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💇
The haircutting scene at the beginning of Full Metal Jacket was actually the last scene shot during the making of the movie; all the actors got called in to film it months after production had “wrapped,” and were none too happy to get buzzed once more.
The haircutting scene at the beginning of Full Metal Jacket was actually the last scene shot during the making of the movie; all the actors got called in to film it months after production had “wrapped,” and were none too happy to get buzzed once more.
December 3, 2025 at 8:02 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💇
The haircutting scene at the beginning of Full Metal Jacket was actually the last scene shot during the making of the movie; all the actors got called in to film it months after production had “wrapped,” and were none too happy to get buzzed once more.
The haircutting scene at the beginning of Full Metal Jacket was actually the last scene shot during the making of the movie; all the actors got called in to film it months after production had “wrapped,” and were none too happy to get buzzed once more.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💇
Are you afraid of your hair being secretly cut? Then you should watch out for the Kamikiri! This Japanese Yokai is said to sneak into people’s houses and covertly cut their hair, causing confusion and strife when its handiwork is later noticed.
Are you afraid of your hair being secretly cut? Then you should watch out for the Kamikiri! This Japanese Yokai is said to sneak into people’s houses and covertly cut their hair, causing confusion and strife when its handiwork is later noticed.
December 2, 2025 at 8:02 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💇
Are you afraid of your hair being secretly cut? Then you should watch out for the Kamikiri! This Japanese Yokai is said to sneak into people’s houses and covertly cut their hair, causing confusion and strife when its handiwork is later noticed.
Are you afraid of your hair being secretly cut? Then you should watch out for the Kamikiri! This Japanese Yokai is said to sneak into people’s houses and covertly cut their hair, causing confusion and strife when its handiwork is later noticed.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💇
The world’s single most expensive haircut of all time was performed by celebrity hairstylist Stuart Phillips in London in 2007, and cost over $16,000; the appointment included a first-class flight and hotel stay, a champagne lunch, and head massages.
The world’s single most expensive haircut of all time was performed by celebrity hairstylist Stuart Phillips in London in 2007, and cost over $16,000; the appointment included a first-class flight and hotel stay, a champagne lunch, and head massages.
November 30, 2025 at 9:01 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💇
The world’s single most expensive haircut of all time was performed by celebrity hairstylist Stuart Phillips in London in 2007, and cost over $16,000; the appointment included a first-class flight and hotel stay, a champagne lunch, and head massages.
The world’s single most expensive haircut of all time was performed by celebrity hairstylist Stuart Phillips in London in 2007, and cost over $16,000; the appointment included a first-class flight and hotel stay, a champagne lunch, and head massages.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💇
The barber pole originated in the Middle Ages, and is popularly believed to have represented the main medical services that barbers provided at the time: blood-related surgeries (the red stripes), tooth-and-bone operations (white stripes), and haircutting (blue stripes).
The barber pole originated in the Middle Ages, and is popularly believed to have represented the main medical services that barbers provided at the time: blood-related surgeries (the red stripes), tooth-and-bone operations (white stripes), and haircutting (blue stripes).
November 29, 2025 at 7:23 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 💇
The barber pole originated in the Middle Ages, and is popularly believed to have represented the main medical services that barbers provided at the time: blood-related surgeries (the red stripes), tooth-and-bone operations (white stripes), and haircutting (blue stripes).
The barber pole originated in the Middle Ages, and is popularly believed to have represented the main medical services that barbers provided at the time: blood-related surgeries (the red stripes), tooth-and-bone operations (white stripes), and haircutting (blue stripes).
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
The first Freaky Friday movie is actually an adaptation of a novel - also called Freaky Friday - written in 1972 by author Mary Rodgers…
…but the honors for the earliest body-swap novel go to the 1882 novel “Vice Versa,” which depicts a father-son body-swap.
The first Freaky Friday movie is actually an adaptation of a novel - also called Freaky Friday - written in 1972 by author Mary Rodgers…
…but the honors for the earliest body-swap novel go to the 1882 novel “Vice Versa,” which depicts a father-son body-swap.
November 19, 2025 at 8:03 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
The first Freaky Friday movie is actually an adaptation of a novel - also called Freaky Friday - written in 1972 by author Mary Rodgers…
…but the honors for the earliest body-swap novel go to the 1882 novel “Vice Versa,” which depicts a father-son body-swap.
The first Freaky Friday movie is actually an adaptation of a novel - also called Freaky Friday - written in 1972 by author Mary Rodgers…
…but the honors for the earliest body-swap novel go to the 1882 novel “Vice Versa,” which depicts a father-son body-swap.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
TGI Fridays was first casual American dining restaurant to open in Moscow, Russia, doing so in 1997. (A company spokesperson declined to comment when asked if international versions of the chain stand for “Thank Globalization It’s Fridays!”)
TGI Fridays was first casual American dining restaurant to open in Moscow, Russia, doing so in 1997. (A company spokesperson declined to comment when asked if international versions of the chain stand for “Thank Globalization It’s Fridays!”)
November 18, 2025 at 8:02 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
TGI Fridays was first casual American dining restaurant to open in Moscow, Russia, doing so in 1997. (A company spokesperson declined to comment when asked if international versions of the chain stand for “Thank Globalization It’s Fridays!”)
TGI Fridays was first casual American dining restaurant to open in Moscow, Russia, doing so in 1997. (A company spokesperson declined to comment when asked if international versions of the chain stand for “Thank Globalization It’s Fridays!”)
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police to describe the massive crowds of shoppers that swelled right after Thanksgiving. The city actually tried early on to rebrand it to the more positive-sounding “Big Friday” - but it didn’t stick.
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police to describe the massive crowds of shoppers that swelled right after Thanksgiving. The city actually tried early on to rebrand it to the more positive-sounding “Big Friday” - but it didn’t stick.
November 16, 2025 at 7:05 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police to describe the massive crowds of shoppers that swelled right after Thanksgiving. The city actually tried early on to rebrand it to the more positive-sounding “Big Friday” - but it didn’t stick.
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police to describe the massive crowds of shoppers that swelled right after Thanksgiving. The city actually tried early on to rebrand it to the more positive-sounding “Big Friday” - but it didn’t stick.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
Most of us look forward to Friday’s sweet release - but do you get a little fearful when that Friday is also the 13th day of the month? If so, you might have 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 - the fear of Friday the 13th.
Most of us look forward to Friday’s sweet release - but do you get a little fearful when that Friday is also the 13th day of the month? If so, you might have 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 - the fear of Friday the 13th.
November 15, 2025 at 8:20 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 📆
Most of us look forward to Friday’s sweet release - but do you get a little fearful when that Friday is also the 13th day of the month? If so, you might have 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 - the fear of Friday the 13th.
Most of us look forward to Friday’s sweet release - but do you get a little fearful when that Friday is also the 13th day of the month? If so, you might have 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 - the fear of Friday the 13th.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
For the past few years, the record for the world's heaviest pumpkin was a 2,749-pound 'kin grown in Minnesota - however, this record was beaten *just* last week by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from Lymington, England, who managed to grow a 2,819-pound gourd:
For the past few years, the record for the world's heaviest pumpkin was a 2,749-pound 'kin grown in Minnesota - however, this record was beaten *just* last week by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from Lymington, England, who managed to grow a 2,819-pound gourd:
November 5, 2025 at 9:16 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
For the past few years, the record for the world's heaviest pumpkin was a 2,749-pound 'kin grown in Minnesota - however, this record was beaten *just* last week by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from Lymington, England, who managed to grow a 2,819-pound gourd:
For the past few years, the record for the world's heaviest pumpkin was a 2,749-pound 'kin grown in Minnesota - however, this record was beaten *just* last week by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from Lymington, England, who managed to grow a 2,819-pound gourd:
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
Many birds push their limits in crazy ways when migrating south in the Fall - such as hummingbirds. The lil’ fellows fly at a speed of about 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) while making the trek, and for long stretches (such as when crossing the Gulf of Mexico) do so non-stop!
Many birds push their limits in crazy ways when migrating south in the Fall - such as hummingbirds. The lil’ fellows fly at a speed of about 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) while making the trek, and for long stretches (such as when crossing the Gulf of Mexico) do so non-stop!
November 4, 2025 at 8:01 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
Many birds push their limits in crazy ways when migrating south in the Fall - such as hummingbirds. The lil’ fellows fly at a speed of about 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) while making the trek, and for long stretches (such as when crossing the Gulf of Mexico) do so non-stop!
Many birds push their limits in crazy ways when migrating south in the Fall - such as hummingbirds. The lil’ fellows fly at a speed of about 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) while making the trek, and for long stretches (such as when crossing the Gulf of Mexico) do so non-stop!
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
Since the founding of the Academy Awards in 1929, no movie with "Autumn" in its name has ever won an Oscar. (Movies with "Spring," "Summer" and "Winter" in their titles have, however!)
Since the founding of the Academy Awards in 1929, no movie with "Autumn" in its name has ever won an Oscar. (Movies with "Spring," "Summer" and "Winter" in their titles have, however!)
November 2, 2025 at 8:00 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
Since the founding of the Academy Awards in 1929, no movie with "Autumn" in its name has ever won an Oscar. (Movies with "Spring," "Summer" and "Winter" in their titles have, however!)
Since the founding of the Academy Awards in 1929, no movie with "Autumn" in its name has ever won an Oscar. (Movies with "Spring," "Summer" and "Winter" in their titles have, however!)
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
We're all familiar with the Harvest Moon video games...but what exactly is a "Harvest Moon" anyways? It's the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox - which this year, was visible in the night sky from October 5-7. Keep an eye out for it next year!
We're all familiar with the Harvest Moon video games...but what exactly is a "Harvest Moon" anyways? It's the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox - which this year, was visible in the night sky from October 5-7. Keep an eye out for it next year!
November 1, 2025 at 9:13 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍂
We're all familiar with the Harvest Moon video games...but what exactly is a "Harvest Moon" anyways? It's the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox - which this year, was visible in the night sky from October 5-7. Keep an eye out for it next year!
We're all familiar with the Harvest Moon video games...but what exactly is a "Harvest Moon" anyways? It's the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox - which this year, was visible in the night sky from October 5-7. Keep an eye out for it next year!
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🖋️
The world's most expensive pen (to date) is the Fulgor Nocturnus. Created by Italian pen manufacturer Tibaldi, the Nocturnus is covered in hundreds of miniature diamonds and rubies, and sold for $8 million(!) at a 2020 charity auction in Shanghai.
The world's most expensive pen (to date) is the Fulgor Nocturnus. Created by Italian pen manufacturer Tibaldi, the Nocturnus is covered in hundreds of miniature diamonds and rubies, and sold for $8 million(!) at a 2020 charity auction in Shanghai.
October 22, 2025 at 7:05 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🖋️
The world's most expensive pen (to date) is the Fulgor Nocturnus. Created by Italian pen manufacturer Tibaldi, the Nocturnus is covered in hundreds of miniature diamonds and rubies, and sold for $8 million(!) at a 2020 charity auction in Shanghai.
The world's most expensive pen (to date) is the Fulgor Nocturnus. Created by Italian pen manufacturer Tibaldi, the Nocturnus is covered in hundreds of miniature diamonds and rubies, and sold for $8 million(!) at a 2020 charity auction in Shanghai.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍬
The first-ever bubble gum was invented by confectioner Frank H. Fleer in 1906. Dubbed "Blibber-Blubber," it was brittle, sticky, and tough to remove after bursting - so tough, that it could only be removed with turpentine.
The first-ever bubble gum was invented by confectioner Frank H. Fleer in 1906. Dubbed "Blibber-Blubber," it was brittle, sticky, and tough to remove after bursting - so tough, that it could only be removed with turpentine.
October 21, 2025 at 7:02 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🍬
The first-ever bubble gum was invented by confectioner Frank H. Fleer in 1906. Dubbed "Blibber-Blubber," it was brittle, sticky, and tough to remove after bursting - so tough, that it could only be removed with turpentine.
The first-ever bubble gum was invented by confectioner Frank H. Fleer in 1906. Dubbed "Blibber-Blubber," it was brittle, sticky, and tough to remove after bursting - so tough, that it could only be removed with turpentine.
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦇
What’s the fastest mammal in the world? If your first guess was “Cheetah,” you guessed wrong - it’s actually the Mexican free-tailed bat, which can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (about 1.5x faster than a Cheetah’s top speed!)
What’s the fastest mammal in the world? If your first guess was “Cheetah,” you guessed wrong - it’s actually the Mexican free-tailed bat, which can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (about 1.5x faster than a Cheetah’s top speed!)
October 20, 2025 at 7:04 PM
#ThisThingRulesTrivia 🦇
What’s the fastest mammal in the world? If your first guess was “Cheetah,” you guessed wrong - it’s actually the Mexican free-tailed bat, which can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (about 1.5x faster than a Cheetah’s top speed!)
What’s the fastest mammal in the world? If your first guess was “Cheetah,” you guessed wrong - it’s actually the Mexican free-tailed bat, which can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (about 1.5x faster than a Cheetah’s top speed!)