In case you’re not familiar with the Turnip, it’s a whimsical Google search, wherein I type a random phrase and we see what kind of interesting pages “turn-up.” As always with this feature, the _floss is not responsible for accuracy. If you know one of the below statements/links to be untrue, by all means, let the world know in the comments below.
Today I typed “the only person ever” into Google, unearthing the following:
Turnip #1
The only person ever to receive a nobel prize in both chemistry and physics [was] Marie Curie (1867-1934), who received a Nobel in Physics in 1903 and in Chemistry in 1911.
Turnip #2
The only person ever to score 100 points in the NBA [was] Wilt Chamberlain.
Turnip #3
Kirk Jones – the only person ever to survive an unprotected trip over Niagara Falls
Turnip #4
Two – the number of nominations Barry Fitzgerald received in 1944 for his performance in Going My Way – he was nominated as both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, the only person ever to have been nominated twice for the same role. He won Best Supporting Actor, but lost the Best Actor race to castmate Bing Crosby. The Academy subsequently changed its rules to prevent double nominations.
Turnip #5
Johnny Cash was the only person ever selected for the Country and Rock Music Hall of Fame, until 1998, when Elvis Presley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Linus Pauling is the only person ever to win unshared Nobel Prizes in two different fields (Chemistry and Peace).
Turnip #7
Steve Redgrave, Olympic rower famous for being the only person ever to win gold medals in five consecutive Olympics.
Just a heads up, the link for Turnip #2 is wrong, it points to the same article for #1.
posted by Matt on 9-29-2009 at 2:30 pm
This Tuesday Turnip was far below par. I look forward to this every week and i am quite dissapointed
posted by samara on 9-29-2009 at 4:46 pm
In July, 1960, a boy called Robert Woodward survived a trip (without a barrel) over Niagara Falls. He re-told the story a few years ago on CBC Television.
posted by barrie martland on 9-29-2009 at 4:48 pm
#5 is weak…and wrong.
- Jimmie Rodgers was in the inaugural induction class of both Halls of Fame.
- Hank Williams was also in both prior to Johnny Cash.
posted by Patten on 9-29-2009 at 5:39 pm
#3 isn’t true, we’ve had a few go over without anything and survive.
posted by Amanda on 9-29-2009 at 5:42 pm
#3 was Final Jeopardy tonight. Nerd worlds collide!
posted by Susannah on 9-29-2009 at 8:30 pm
There are thousands of players that have scored 100 points in the NBA. Wilt is the only one to score 100 in a single game.
posted by Antanas on 9-30-2009 at 12:17 am
what about hilary swank the only actor with 100% winning rate at the oscars 2 nomination 2 wins
posted by fox_hunter on 9-30-2009 at 6:37 am