What’s a completely useless fact you love sharing?

I’ve always loved random facts. The more pointless, the better.

When I first met Mrs Bob back in 2012, I impressed her (or possibly confused her) with the speed of light in miles per second.

186,282.4.

In case you wondered. You’re welcome.

My latest little gem came about while reading one of the QI fact books to Mrs Bob at bedtime.

Penguins can’t taste fish.

Now, obviously, I had to investigate this one.

It turns out penguins have lost three of the five basic taste receptors: sweet, bitter and umami (that savoury taste).

So, as far as scientists can tell, they’re left with salty and sour.

And there’s more.

Penguins don’t chew their food. They have spiky, backwards-facing tongues designed to grip slippery fish, krill and squid before swallowing them whole.

Basically, nature has given them the equivalent of a takeaway service with no need for a menu.

Imagine eating fish your entire life and never actually knowing what it tastes like.

Anyway, that’s today’s completely useless fact.

You’re welcome.

And if you happen to meet me, please don’t ask me for the speed of light. I’ve got other facts to bore you with.

Stay safe

Bc