PRESIDENTIAL TALES

From skinny-dipping to modeling: 10 little-known Presidential facts

Image: National Archives and Records Administration

Presidents of the United States are often expected to be larger-than-life—sort of superhuman—personalities, leading the nation with gravity and responsibility. However, just like anyone, they have normal lives, peculiar interests, and sometimes even intriguing personal backstories.

From unconventional hobbies to surprising personal struggles, here are 10 U.S. Presidents with untold tales that might just reshape the way you perceive these historical figures.

Image: Provincial Archives of Alberta

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President, wasn't just known for his eloquent speeches and great leadership during the Civil War. Surprisingly, "Honest Abe" was also a very skilled wrestler in his younger days. With over 300 matches under his belt, Lincoln only ever lost one, earning him a reputation as a formidable opponent in the ring.

Image: Nikolay Tchaouchev

While Calvin Coolidge may be mostly remembered for his quiet demeanor, his private life revealed a different side. Coolidge had a penchant for unusual pets, and during his stay at the White House, he turned it into a mini zoo. Besides many other more conventional pets, he owned two raccoons, a donkey, a bobcat, several lion cubs, a Pygmy hippopotamus, a wallaby, a duiker, an antelope, a black bear, and 13 Pekin ducks. Quite the exotic collection!

Image: Albert Antony

In 1969, years before becoming the 39th President, Jimmy Carter reported a UFO sighting in Georgia. He described seeing a bright light in the night sky that changed colors before disappearing. A few years later, Carter even filed an official report with the International UFO Bureau, making him the only U.S. President to document a personal encounter with unidentified flying objects.

Image: Dylan de Jonge

Known as the "Father of His Country", George Washington had a side hustle that might surprise many. In 1799, he became one of the largest whiskey producers in the United States, operating a distillery on his Mount Vernon estate. Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799 alone. Despite this, Washington was a strong proponent of moderation, knowing well the dangers of drinking alcohol in excess.

Image: Austrian National Library

Beyond his many political achievements, Teddy Roosevelt was an avid boxer throughout his life. He kept a boxing gym in the White House and sparred with various aides and diplomats.

While he embraced vigorous physical activities as a means of fighting various health issues, he was occasionally injured. He reportedly lost sight in one eye due to a detached retina from a particularly intense boxing match with a military aide, proving that he truly embodied his maxim: Speak softly and carry a big stick.

Image: Tyler Palmer

John Quincy Adams, the 6th President, had an unconventional daily routine. He was known for skinny-dipping in the cold waters of the Potomac River every morning, believing it invigorated both his body and mind. At the time, it wasn’t odd to bathe naked in a river, but his doctor wasn’t fully convinced of the health benefits of his peculiar practice. However, Adams staunchly defended his right to do so, and sometimes even invited family members or political acquaintances to join him in the Potomac.

Image: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

Before entering politics, Gerald Ford left his mark in the fashion industry. In his late twenties, he worked as a model, even appearing on the cover of Cosmopolitan in 1942. Ford's modeling career was short-lived, as a few years later he would start campaigning in local Republican politics, but it adds an unexpected layer to the image of the 38th President.

Image: Dolo Iglesias

Often remembered for his shortcomings—like the Watergate scandal—Richard Nixon had a hidden musical talent: playing the piano. Reportedly, he was an accomplished pianist, even performing with the likes of Pearl Bailey and Jack Benny. Behind his political mask, he was an intelligent and sensitive man, and while his musical abilities were overshadowed by his political career, it shows that there’s always more to a person than meets the eye.

Image: Alicia Razuri

Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President and one of the most influential political figures in the history of our country, was known for being proficient in several languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, and German. He was interested in linguistics and studied ancient languages like Latin, Greek, and even Old English. Documents found posthumously in his library suggest that he was also interested in Arabic, Irish, and Welsh, but it is unknown how proficient he was in those languages.

Image: Camille Brodard

Before Ronald Reagan entered politics, he worked as a lifeguard, saving 77 lives during his seven summers on duty. He even saved a little girl from drowning while serving as Governor of California! Reagan's transition from lifeguard to Hollywood actor eventually paved the way for his political career, proving that even the most unexpected career paths can lead to the highest office.

Colors and what they represent

The meaning of colors: What shades say about clothes, décor, and mood

Colors aren’t just decoration: they’re tiny storytellers. They set the mood at dinner, change how we feel about our clothes, and can even trick us into thinking a room is bigger (or smaller) than it really is. Here’s a fun tour through ten of the most common colors and what they say in our daily lives. Warning: once you read this, you might never look at your closet—or your living room—the same way again.

Image: Filip Mishevski

Red is the show-off of the color wheel. It’s bold, fiery, and impossible to ignore. Slip on a red dress or tie, and suddenly you’re the main character in the room. Restaurants often use red in their logos because it makes us hungry—think ketchup labels, pizza signs, and soda cans. Coincidence? Definitely not.

In home décor, red can be a little tricky. A red wall screams, "Look at me!" A splash of red, though—like a lamp, pillow, or rug—can give a room instant warmth and energy.

Image: Merani Cosme

Blue is that friend who always calms things down. Think of the ocean or a clear summer sky—just looking at blue makes us breathe a little easier. Studies show it can even lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate.

In fashion, a blue suit or dress shirt has "trustworthy" written all over it. It’s a classic for job interviews and first dates, because it makes people feel safe around you.

Image: Larisa Brita

Yellow is sunshine in a crayon box. It’s the color of smiley faces, lemonade stands, and those sticky notes that keep your whole desk organized. Wear yellow, and people immediately think "cheerful."

When decorating, yellow brightens up any space. A pale yellow kitchen feels warm and inviting, like grandma’s house on Sunday morning. Too much, though, and it can be overstimulating—babies have even been shown to cry more in bright yellow rooms.

Image: Junior REIS

Green is the color of life itself. It’s the grass under our feet, the leaves above our heads, and the money in our wallets (if we’re lucky). Green clothes often give off a grounded, approachable vibe—perfect for that "I’m relaxed but stylish" look.

In home décor, green works like a neutral while still feeling lively. Olive green couches are surprisingly forgiving of snack spills, and sage walls look fresh without being overwhelming.

Image: Peter Fitzpatrick

Purple has been associated with royalty for centuries, and it still has that mysterious, slightly dramatic air. A purple scarf or tie says, "I’m bold, but I also read poetry."

At home, purple can be tricky but rewarding. Deep purple curtains bring elegance and luxury, while lighter lavender shades are soothing and romantic. A purple accent wall? That’s the kind of choice that makes your neighbors whisper, "Wow, they must be creative."

Image: Erik Mclean

Orange is like red’s more approachable cousin. It’s energetic but playful, the color of pumpkins, sunsets, and every construction cone you’ve ever tried to avoid. Wear orange, and you’ll never blend into the background—it’s the ultimate "notice me" shade.

In décor, orange works best in doses. A burnt orange sofa pillow can make a beige couch look exciting instead of boring. Pair orange with neutrals, and it feels warm and cozy, like a fall afternoon.

Image: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Black never goes out of style. In fashion, it’s the ultimate slimming trick, but it’s also chic and elegant.

At home, black adds drama and contrast. A black lamp or table grounds a space, making lighter colors pop. Too much, however, can feel a little cave-like—unless you’re going for that "Batman’s lair" vibe.

Image: Hans

White is all about freshness and simplicity. Wear a crisp white shirt, and you look instantly polished—even if you got dressed in three minutes flat. The downside? White attracts stains like magnets attract fridge doors.

In decoration, white walls are like a blank canvas. They make rooms look bigger and brighter, but they can also feel a little… sterile. Add texture—like a fluffy white rug or a cozy throw blanket—and suddenly white feels welcoming instead of hospital chic.

Image: Doyo Hermann

Pink has traveled a long way from being "just for girls." These days, a pink shirt or dress can look bold, stylish, and surprisingly powerful. Wear pink, and you’re basically saying, "I don’t take myself too seriously—but I look good doing it."

In décor, pink can soften a room without making it feel childish. A dusty rose couch feels trendy and chic, while blush pink walls give off a warm, welcoming glow. Add gold accents, and suddenly pink is less "cotton candy" and more "cocktail lounge."

Image: Mary Skrynnikova

Brown doesn’t usually grab the spotlight, but it’s everywhere—coffee, chocolate, leather jackets, and comfy boots. Wear brown, and you instantly look approachable, dependable, and maybe just a little outdoorsy.

In homes, brown works like a cozy blanket. Wooden furniture, tan couches, or even a rustic rug instantly make a room feel grounded and warm. It’s the color equivalent of comfort food: steady, reliable, and always satisfying.