1. *It’s a Wonderful Life* was a box office flop when it was released in 1946. The film only became the classic we know today because its copyright eventually lapsed, allowing it to be widely broadcast and appreciated by new audiences.
2. Sarah Jessica Parker initially wanted to get out of starring in *Sex and the City*. Despite her reservations, the show went on to become a defining role in her career.
3. In 1971, the iconic Nike Swoosh was designed by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student at Portland State University. She was paid just $35 for her design, but would later receive 500 shares of Nike stock as recognition for her work.
4. Two years after the Titanic disaster, another tragedy struck at sea when the Empress of Ireland sank in 1914. The ship went down in the St. Lawrence River, killing 1,012 people on board. It is often referred to as “Canada’s Titanic” due to the scale of the loss of life.
5. George Lucas helped complete *Jurassic Park*, and while working on the movie’s post-production, he was inspired to begin developing the *Star Wars* prequels.
6. The beloved TV show *I Love Lucy* was partly created to save Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s marriage, blending their personal and professional lives in a groundbreaking series.
7. Ranch dressing was invented by a plumber and his wife, who later purchased a ranch called Hidden Valley. Their homemade dressing became a nationwide favorite.
8. Joan Crawford’s stage name was chosen through a write-in contest, but she reportedly hated it.
9. Actor Kurt Russell was a witness to one of the largest mass UFO sightings ever recorded: the Phoenix Lights.
10. The first 7-Eleven stores got their name from their extended hours of operation, originally open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., which was unusual at the time.
11. TRL (Total Request Live) was actually a combination of two shows that ran in the summer of 1998: *Total Request* and *The Carson Daly Show*.
12. Lastly, the hashtag as we know it was invented by Twitter user Chris Messina, a tech product designer who ran an internet consulting company. His idea revolutionized social media communication.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/facts-that-are-very-mindblowing