Trivia Today
- Thread starter historylover
- Start date
It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end: Ursula K. LeGuin
RANDOM TIDBITS - CAVES
The Blue Grotto sea cavern located on the island of Capri,
Italy is hollowed out in limestone by constant wave action.
Because of the sinking coast, it is now half filled with
water. The Blue Grotto gets its name from the blue light
that permeates the cave to allow light to pass through the
water.
***
Lubang Nasib Bagus, in Sarawak, Malaysia, features the
world's largest cave chamber: 2,300 ft. long, 1,480 ft.
wide, and everywhere at least 230 ft. high.
***
The Mogao Caves, located along the old Silk Route in China,
is composed of 492 cells and cave sanctuaries that are
famous for their statues and wall paintings, spanning a
thousand years of Buddhist art.
***
Postojna Grotto, in Postojna, Slovenia, is the largest
cavern in Europe; numerous beautiful stalactites. Famous
example of a karst cave—grooved and irregularly eroded
limestone formations carved out by underground streams.
***
Waitomo Cave in North Island, New Zealand, has glowworms on
its ceiling that look like thousands of stars in the night
sky.
***
Wyandotte Cave, in Crawford County, southern Indiana, is a
limestone cavern with five levels of passages; one of the
largest in North America. “Monumental Mountain,”
approximately 135 ft. high, is believed to be one of the
world's largest underground “mountains.”
RANDOM TIDBITS - CAVES
The Blue Grotto sea cavern located on the island of Capri,
Italy is hollowed out in limestone by constant wave action.
Because of the sinking coast, it is now half filled with
water. The Blue Grotto gets its name from the blue light
that permeates the cave to allow light to pass through the
water.
***
Lubang Nasib Bagus, in Sarawak, Malaysia, features the
world's largest cave chamber: 2,300 ft. long, 1,480 ft.
wide, and everywhere at least 230 ft. high.
***
The Mogao Caves, located along the old Silk Route in China,
is composed of 492 cells and cave sanctuaries that are
famous for their statues and wall paintings, spanning a
thousand years of Buddhist art.
***
Postojna Grotto, in Postojna, Slovenia, is the largest
cavern in Europe; numerous beautiful stalactites. Famous
example of a karst cave—grooved and irregularly eroded
limestone formations carved out by underground streams.
***
Waitomo Cave in North Island, New Zealand, has glowworms on
its ceiling that look like thousands of stars in the night
sky.
***
Wyandotte Cave, in Crawford County, southern Indiana, is a
limestone cavern with five levels of passages; one of the
largest in North America. “Monumental Mountain,”
approximately 135 ft. high, is believed to be one of the
world's largest underground “mountains.”
Eternity alone can reveal to the human race its debt of gratitude to the peerless and immortal name of Washington: James A. Garfield.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Washington's Birthday was celebrated publicly for the first
time in the late 18th century, while George Washington was
still president.
***
Washington's Birthday became official in 1885, when
President Chester Arthur signed a bill making it a federal
holiday.
***
In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holidays Act, which
moved the official observance of Washington's birthday from
Feb. 22 to the third Monday in February. Some reformers had
wanted to change the name of the holiday as well, to
Presidents' Day, in honor of both Lincoln and Washington,
but that proposal was rejected by Congress.
***
Since the third Monday in February can only occur between
Feb. 15 and Feb. 21, the holiday is always after Lincoln's
birthday and before Washington's birthday, without ever
coinciding with either.
***
While the name change from Washington's Birthday to
President's Day has never been authorized by Congress, it
has gained a strong hold on the public consciousness, and
is generally used on calendars, in advertising, and even by
many government agencies.
***
While most states have adopted Washington's Birthday, a
dozen of them officially celebrate Presidents' Day. A
number of the states that celebrate Washington's Birthday
also recognize Lincoln's Birthday as a separate legal
holiday.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Washington's Birthday was celebrated publicly for the first
time in the late 18th century, while George Washington was
still president.
***
Washington's Birthday became official in 1885, when
President Chester Arthur signed a bill making it a federal
holiday.
***
In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holidays Act, which
moved the official observance of Washington's birthday from
Feb. 22 to the third Monday in February. Some reformers had
wanted to change the name of the holiday as well, to
Presidents' Day, in honor of both Lincoln and Washington,
but that proposal was rejected by Congress.
***
Since the third Monday in February can only occur between
Feb. 15 and Feb. 21, the holiday is always after Lincoln's
birthday and before Washington's birthday, without ever
coinciding with either.
***
While the name change from Washington's Birthday to
President's Day has never been authorized by Congress, it
has gained a strong hold on the public consciousness, and
is generally used on calendars, in advertising, and even by
many government agencies.
***
While most states have adopted Washington's Birthday, a
dozen of them officially celebrate Presidents' Day. A
number of the states that celebrate Washington's Birthday
also recognize Lincoln's Birthday as a separate legal
holiday.
There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved: George Sand.
RANDOM TIDBITS
It wasn't until 1537 that St. Valentine's Day was declared
an official holiday. England's King Henry VIII declared
February 14th a holiday. Only the U.S., Canada, Mexico,
France, Australia and the U.K. celebrate Valentine's Day.
***
The first American publisher of valentines was printer and
artist Esther Howland. During the 1870s, her elaborate lace
cards were purchased by the wealthy, as they cost a minimum
of 5 dollars - some sold for as much as 35 dollars. Mass
production eventually brought prices down, and the affordable
"penny valentine" became popular with the lower classes.
***
The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo
and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to
Juliet every Valentine's Day.
***
The oldest surviving love poem is written in a clay tablet
from the times of the Sumerians, inventors of writing,
around 3500 B.C. It was unromantically named Istanbul #2461
by the archeologists who unearthed it.
***
The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman
goddess of love. Red stands for strong feelings which is
why a red rose is a flower of love.
***
Wearing a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left
hand dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was believed
that the vein of love ran from this finger directly to the
heart.
RANDOM TIDBITS
It wasn't until 1537 that St. Valentine's Day was declared
an official holiday. England's King Henry VIII declared
February 14th a holiday. Only the U.S., Canada, Mexico,
France, Australia and the U.K. celebrate Valentine's Day.
***
The first American publisher of valentines was printer and
artist Esther Howland. During the 1870s, her elaborate lace
cards were purchased by the wealthy, as they cost a minimum
of 5 dollars - some sold for as much as 35 dollars. Mass
production eventually brought prices down, and the affordable
"penny valentine" became popular with the lower classes.
***
The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo
and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to
Juliet every Valentine's Day.
***
The oldest surviving love poem is written in a clay tablet
from the times of the Sumerians, inventors of writing,
around 3500 B.C. It was unromantically named Istanbul #2461
by the archeologists who unearthed it.
***
The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman
goddess of love. Red stands for strong feelings which is
why a red rose is a flower of love.
***
Wearing a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left
hand dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was believed
that the vein of love ran from this finger directly to the
heart.
By common consent gray hairs are a crown of glory; the only object of respect that can never excite envy: George Bancroft.
RANDOM TIDBITS
The average lifespan for a strand of hair is five and a
half years.
***
Next to bone marrow, hair is the fastest growing tissue in
the human body.
***
The lifespan of an eyelash is approximately 150 days.
***
A survey done by Clairol 10 years ago came up with 46% of
men stating that it was okay to color their hair. Now 66%
of men admit to coloring their hair.
***
On average, a man spends about five months of his life
shaving.
***
A cowlick is caused from hair growing in a spiral pattern.
This causes the hair to stand up straight or go to a certain
angle.
RANDOM TIDBITS
The average lifespan for a strand of hair is five and a
half years.
***
Next to bone marrow, hair is the fastest growing tissue in
the human body.
***
The lifespan of an eyelash is approximately 150 days.
***
A survey done by Clairol 10 years ago came up with 46% of
men stating that it was okay to color their hair. Now 66%
of men admit to coloring their hair.
***
On average, a man spends about five months of his life
shaving.
***
A cowlick is caused from hair growing in a spiral pattern.
This causes the hair to stand up straight or go to a certain
angle.
If you look at his [Lincoln's] portraits they always give you an indelible impression of his great height. So does his life. Height of purpose, height of ideal, height of character, height of intelligence: David Lloyd George.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Lincoln was the only President ever to obtain a patent. In
1849 he invented a complicated device for lifting ships
over dangerous shoals by means of "buoyant air chambers."
Much to Lincoln's disappointment, U.S. Patent No. 6,469 was
never put into practical use.
***
The clutter in Lincoln's law office was notorious, and a
continual source of irritation to his partner, William
Herndon. On his desk, Lincoln kept one envelope marked
"When you can't find it anywhere else, look into this."
***
In 1858, Lincoln was so concerned that the text of his
"House divided" speech be reported accurately, that even
after he had given a copy of the address to reporters, he
insisted on going to the newspaper office himself and
proofreading the galleys.
***
He was the first president to be photographed at his
inauguration. His assassin, John Wilkes Booth, can be seen
standing among the crowd in the picture.
***
Lincoln was the first president to have a beard while in
office. He grew his beard out of the suggestion of a letter
from 11 year old Grace Bedell from Westfield, New York in
the fall of 1860.
***
In 1836, 24-years before he became president, Lincoln was
the first elected official in U.S. history to favor
extending the vote to women. Illinois state legislator
Lincoln gave an area newspaper a statement endorsing
"female suffrage."
RANDOM TIDBITS
Lincoln was the only President ever to obtain a patent. In
1849 he invented a complicated device for lifting ships
over dangerous shoals by means of "buoyant air chambers."
Much to Lincoln's disappointment, U.S. Patent No. 6,469 was
never put into practical use.
***
The clutter in Lincoln's law office was notorious, and a
continual source of irritation to his partner, William
Herndon. On his desk, Lincoln kept one envelope marked
"When you can't find it anywhere else, look into this."
***
In 1858, Lincoln was so concerned that the text of his
"House divided" speech be reported accurately, that even
after he had given a copy of the address to reporters, he
insisted on going to the newspaper office himself and
proofreading the galleys.
***
He was the first president to be photographed at his
inauguration. His assassin, John Wilkes Booth, can be seen
standing among the crowd in the picture.
***
Lincoln was the first president to have a beard while in
office. He grew his beard out of the suggestion of a letter
from 11 year old Grace Bedell from Westfield, New York in
the fall of 1860.
***
In 1836, 24-years before he became president, Lincoln was
the first elected official in U.S. history to favor
extending the vote to women. Illinois state legislator
Lincoln gave an area newspaper a statement endorsing
"female suffrage."
Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath: Michael Caine.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Ducks were once wild until they were domesticated by the
Chinese many hundreds of years ago.
***
Ducks keep clean by preening themselves with their beaks,
which they do often. They also line their nests with
feathers plucked from their chest.
***
Ducks' feathers are waterproof. There is a special gland
that produces oil near the tail that spreads and covers the
outer coat of feathers. Beneath this waterproof layer are
fluffy and soft feathers to keep the duck warm.
***
Ducks' feet have no nerves or blood vessels. This means
ducks never feel the cold, even if they swim in icy cold
water.
***
Ducks can live from 2-12 years, depending on the species.
***
A duck's quack has no echo.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Ducks were once wild until they were domesticated by the
Chinese many hundreds of years ago.
***
Ducks keep clean by preening themselves with their beaks,
which they do often. They also line their nests with
feathers plucked from their chest.
***
Ducks' feathers are waterproof. There is a special gland
that produces oil near the tail that spreads and covers the
outer coat of feathers. Beneath this waterproof layer are
fluffy and soft feathers to keep the duck warm.
***
Ducks' feet have no nerves or blood vessels. This means
ducks never feel the cold, even if they swim in icy cold
water.
***
Ducks can live from 2-12 years, depending on the species.
***
A duck's quack has no echo.
Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese: Billie Burke.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Archaeological surveys show that cheese was being made from
the milk of cows and goats in Mesopotamia before 6000 B.C.
***
Travelers from Asia are thought to have brought the art of
cheese making to Europe, where the process was adapted and
improved in European monasteries.
***
The world's largest consumers of cheese include Greece (63
pounds per person each year), France (54 pounds), Iceland
(53 pounds), Germany (48 pounds), Italy (44 pounds), the
Netherlands (40 pounds), the United States (31 pounds),
Australia (27 pounds), and Canada (26 pounds).
***
The only cheeses native to the United States are American,
jack, brick, and colby. All other types are modeled after
cheeses brought to the country by European settlers.
***
Processed American cheese was developed in 1915 by J. L.
Kraft (founder of Kraft Foods) as an alternative to the
traditional cheeses that had a short shelf life.
***
Someone who sells cheese professionally at a cheese shop or
specialty food store is called a cheese monger.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Archaeological surveys show that cheese was being made from
the milk of cows and goats in Mesopotamia before 6000 B.C.
***
Travelers from Asia are thought to have brought the art of
cheese making to Europe, where the process was adapted and
improved in European monasteries.
***
The world's largest consumers of cheese include Greece (63
pounds per person each year), France (54 pounds), Iceland
(53 pounds), Germany (48 pounds), Italy (44 pounds), the
Netherlands (40 pounds), the United States (31 pounds),
Australia (27 pounds), and Canada (26 pounds).
***
The only cheeses native to the United States are American,
jack, brick, and colby. All other types are modeled after
cheeses brought to the country by European settlers.
***
Processed American cheese was developed in 1915 by J. L.
Kraft (founder of Kraft Foods) as an alternative to the
traditional cheeses that had a short shelf life.
***
Someone who sells cheese professionally at a cheese shop or
specialty food store is called a cheese monger.
If all mankind were to disappear, the world would
regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that
existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish,
the environment would collapse into chaos: Edward O. Wilson RANDOM TIDBITS
A flea can jump 150 times its size. That is the same as a
person able to jump up 1,000 feet in the air.
***
A housefly can only ingest liquid material. They regurgitate
their food to liquefy the food that they are going to eat.
Tasty!
***
A house fly's feet are 10 million times more sensitive than
a human tongue.
***
Dragonflies can fly up to 50 miles per hour.
***
A mosquito flaps its wings 500 times a second. Boy, their
wings must get tired!
***
The lifespan of a firefly is about seven days. During these
days, they are busy trying to find a mate. Imagine only
having a week to find yourself a mate!
regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that
existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish,
the environment would collapse into chaos: Edward O. Wilson RANDOM TIDBITS
A flea can jump 150 times its size. That is the same as a
person able to jump up 1,000 feet in the air.
***
A housefly can only ingest liquid material. They regurgitate
their food to liquefy the food that they are going to eat.
Tasty!
***
A house fly's feet are 10 million times more sensitive than
a human tongue.
***
Dragonflies can fly up to 50 miles per hour.
***
A mosquito flaps its wings 500 times a second. Boy, their
wings must get tired!
***
The lifespan of a firefly is about seven days. During these
days, they are busy trying to find a mate. Imagine only
having a week to find yourself a mate!
Mythbusters busted that myth.
What about foamed cheese in a can? I doubt Europeans have the level of white trash required to eat that shit.
ukey:Fuck! It's taken me almost 29 years, and I'm still looking! :helpme:
For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled: Richard Feynman.
RANDOM TIDBITS
The Ford Mustang is generally considered the first "pony
car", a new class of automobile first introduced in 1964
and designed to be more compact and more affordable than
the larger muscle cars that inspired them. Originally named
for the P-51 Mustang, a fighter plane, Ford's new car
quickly became associated with the horse of the same name
and this became the basis for the now-famous Mustang emblem.
***
In 1965, the Chevrolet Impala sold more than one million
units in North America, setting a record that still stands
today. Originally introduced in 1958, the Impala was the
best-selling automobile in the United States during the
1960s. Early Impala models sported six taillights, a unique
feature which, for a time, became the Impala trademark. The
Impala was named after an African antelope.
***
The "Model-T" was the first car to be mass-produced. Henry
Ford introduced the assembly line in December of 1908, and
as a result he was not only able to mass-produce the Model-
T, but was able to offer it to his customers at a much lower
price than the competition. By 1913, Ford was producing half
of all cars sold in the United States, and by 1927, he had
sold more than 15 million Model-Ts!
***
The first car to include anti-lock brakes was the 1966
Jensen FF which came equipped with the Dunlop Maxaret anti-
lock braking system (originally developed for use on
aircraft). Although crude by today's standards (and
sometimes unreliable), the Jensen FF's anti-skid system was
a huge technological breakthrough at the time.
***
In 1999, the two-door Honda Insight became the first
commercially available hybrid gasoline-electric car in the
United States. The Insight won numerous awards (including
International Engine of the Year) and earned EPA mileage
ratings of 61 mpg in the city and 70 mpg on the highway,
making it the world's most fuel-efficient car.
***
The first Chevrolet Corvette rolled off the production line
on June 30, 1953, at the GM plant in Flint, Michigan. Only
300 Corvettes were built that year (each of them by hand),
making this the rarest Corvette. Each fiberglass-bodied
two-seater was white with a red interior and a black canvas
top.
RANDOM TIDBITS
The Ford Mustang is generally considered the first "pony
car", a new class of automobile first introduced in 1964
and designed to be more compact and more affordable than
the larger muscle cars that inspired them. Originally named
for the P-51 Mustang, a fighter plane, Ford's new car
quickly became associated with the horse of the same name
and this became the basis for the now-famous Mustang emblem.
***
In 1965, the Chevrolet Impala sold more than one million
units in North America, setting a record that still stands
today. Originally introduced in 1958, the Impala was the
best-selling automobile in the United States during the
1960s. Early Impala models sported six taillights, a unique
feature which, for a time, became the Impala trademark. The
Impala was named after an African antelope.
***
The "Model-T" was the first car to be mass-produced. Henry
Ford introduced the assembly line in December of 1908, and
as a result he was not only able to mass-produce the Model-
T, but was able to offer it to his customers at a much lower
price than the competition. By 1913, Ford was producing half
of all cars sold in the United States, and by 1927, he had
sold more than 15 million Model-Ts!
***
The first car to include anti-lock brakes was the 1966
Jensen FF which came equipped with the Dunlop Maxaret anti-
lock braking system (originally developed for use on
aircraft). Although crude by today's standards (and
sometimes unreliable), the Jensen FF's anti-skid system was
a huge technological breakthrough at the time.
***
In 1999, the two-door Honda Insight became the first
commercially available hybrid gasoline-electric car in the
United States. The Insight won numerous awards (including
International Engine of the Year) and earned EPA mileage
ratings of 61 mpg in the city and 70 mpg on the highway,
making it the world's most fuel-efficient car.
***
The first Chevrolet Corvette rolled off the production line
on June 30, 1953, at the GM plant in Flint, Michigan. Only
300 Corvettes were built that year (each of them by hand),
making this the rarest Corvette. Each fiberglass-bodied
two-seater was white with a red interior and a black canvas
top.
I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminshes fear: Rosa Parks.
RANDOM TIDBITS - Famous Firsts by African Americans
First Federal Judge: William Henry Hastie, 1946; Constance
Baker Motley became the first black woman federal judge,
1966.
***
First Nobel Peace Prize winner: Ralph J. Bunche received
the prize in 1950 for mediating the Arab-Israeli truce.
Martin Luther King, Jr., became the second African-American
Peace Prize winner in 1964.
***
First Congressional Medal of Honor winner: Sgt. William H.
Carney for bravery during the Civil War. He received his
Congressional Medal of Honor in 1900.
***
First astronaut: Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., 1967, was the
first black astronaut, but he died in a plane crash during
a training flight and never made it into space. Guion
Bluford, 1983, became the first black astronaut to travel
in space; Mae Jemison, 1992, became the first black female
astronaut. Frederick D. Gregory, 1998, was the first
African-American shuttle commander.
***
First network television show host: Nat King Cole, 1956,
"The Nat King Cole Show"; Oprah Winfrey became the first
black woman television host in 1986, "The Oprah Winfrey
Show."
***
First Miss America: Vanessa Williams, 1984, representing
New York. When controversial photos surfaced and Williams
resigned, Suzette Charles, the runner-up and also an
African American, assumed the title. She represented New
Jersey. Three additional African Americans have been Miss
Americas: Debbye Turner (1990), Marjorie Vincent (1991),
and Kimberly Aiken (1994).
RANDOM TIDBITS - Famous Firsts by African Americans
First Federal Judge: William Henry Hastie, 1946; Constance
Baker Motley became the first black woman federal judge,
1966.
***
First Nobel Peace Prize winner: Ralph J. Bunche received
the prize in 1950 for mediating the Arab-Israeli truce.
Martin Luther King, Jr., became the second African-American
Peace Prize winner in 1964.
***
First Congressional Medal of Honor winner: Sgt. William H.
Carney for bravery during the Civil War. He received his
Congressional Medal of Honor in 1900.
***
First astronaut: Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., 1967, was the
first black astronaut, but he died in a plane crash during
a training flight and never made it into space. Guion
Bluford, 1983, became the first black astronaut to travel
in space; Mae Jemison, 1992, became the first black female
astronaut. Frederick D. Gregory, 1998, was the first
African-American shuttle commander.
***
First network television show host: Nat King Cole, 1956,
"The Nat King Cole Show"; Oprah Winfrey became the first
black woman television host in 1986, "The Oprah Winfrey
Show."
***
First Miss America: Vanessa Williams, 1984, representing
New York. When controversial photos surfaced and Williams
resigned, Suzette Charles, the runner-up and also an
African American, assumed the title. She represented New
Jersey. Three additional African Americans have been Miss
Americas: Debbye Turner (1990), Marjorie Vincent (1991),
and Kimberly Aiken (1994).
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed: Booker T. Washington.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Dr. Carter G. Woodson established the Association for the
Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association
for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915,
and a year later founded the widely respected Journal of
Negro History. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week.
***
Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History
Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly
influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass
and Abraham Lincoln.
***
On February 23, 1868, W. E. B. DuBois, important civil
rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.
***
On February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment was passed, granting
blacks the right to vote.
***
On February 25, 1870, the first black U.S. senator, Hiram R.
Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.
***
On February 12, 1909, the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group
of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.
***
On February 1, 1960, in what would become a civil-rights
movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro, N.C.,
college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's
lunch counter.
***
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X, the militant leader who
promoted Black Nationalism, was shot to death by three
Black Muslims.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Dr. Carter G. Woodson established the Association for the
Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association
for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915,
and a year later founded the widely respected Journal of
Negro History. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week.
***
Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History
Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly
influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass
and Abraham Lincoln.
***
On February 23, 1868, W. E. B. DuBois, important civil
rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.
***
On February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment was passed, granting
blacks the right to vote.
***
On February 25, 1870, the first black U.S. senator, Hiram R.
Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.
***
On February 12, 1909, the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group
of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.
***
On February 1, 1960, in what would become a civil-rights
movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro, N.C.,
college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's
lunch counter.
***
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X, the militant leader who
promoted Black Nationalism, was shot to death by three
Black Muslims.
Of any stopping place in life, it is good to ask whether it will be a good place from which to go on as well as a good place to remain: Mary Catherine Bateson.
RANDOM TIDBITS
A father sea catfish keeps the eggs of his young in his
mouth until they are ready to hatch. He will not eat until
his young are born, which may take several weeks.
***
By feeding hens certain dyes they can be made to lay eggs
with varicolored yolks.
***
The Canary Islands were not named for a bird called a
canary. They were named after a breed of large dogs. The
Latin name was Canariae insulae - "Island of Dogs."
***
Siamese fighting fish, also known as Betta Splendens, have
a special respiratory organ that allows them to breath air
directly from the surface.
***
Most species of woodpeckers prefer dead trees or "snags,"
and drill out a space for them to nest. Only the Red-
cockaded Woodpecker uses living trees to nest.
***
A chimpanzee can learn to recognize itself in a mirror, but
monkeys can't.
RANDOM TIDBITS
A father sea catfish keeps the eggs of his young in his
mouth until they are ready to hatch. He will not eat until
his young are born, which may take several weeks.
***
By feeding hens certain dyes they can be made to lay eggs
with varicolored yolks.
***
The Canary Islands were not named for a bird called a
canary. They were named after a breed of large dogs. The
Latin name was Canariae insulae - "Island of Dogs."
***
Siamese fighting fish, also known as Betta Splendens, have
a special respiratory organ that allows them to breath air
directly from the surface.
***
Most species of woodpeckers prefer dead trees or "snags,"
and drill out a space for them to nest. Only the Red-
cockaded Woodpecker uses living trees to nest.
***
A chimpanzee can learn to recognize itself in a mirror, but
monkeys can't.
Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win: Jonathan Kozol.
RANDOM TIDBITS
An adult lion's roar can be heard up to five miles away,
and warns off intruders or reunites scattered members of
the pride.
***
An albatross can sleep while it flies. It apparently dozes
while cruising at 25 mph.
***
An iguana can stay under water for 28 minutes.
***
Animal gestation periods: the shortest is the American
opossum, which bears its young 12 to 13 days after
conception; the longest is the Asiatic elephant, taking 608
days, or just over 20 months.
***
Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing
sand.
***
Catnip can affect lions and tigers as well as house cats.
It excites them because it contains a chemical that
resembles an excretion of the dominant female's urine.
RANDOM TIDBITS
An adult lion's roar can be heard up to five miles away,
and warns off intruders or reunites scattered members of
the pride.
***
An albatross can sleep while it flies. It apparently dozes
while cruising at 25 mph.
***
An iguana can stay under water for 28 minutes.
***
Animal gestation periods: the shortest is the American
opossum, which bears its young 12 to 13 days after
conception; the longest is the Asiatic elephant, taking 608
days, or just over 20 months.
***
Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing
sand.
***
Catnip can affect lions and tigers as well as house cats.
It excites them because it contains a chemical that
resembles an excretion of the dominant female's urine.
The decision to kiss for the first time is the most crucial in any love story. It changes the relationship of two people much more strongly than even the final surrender; because this kiss already has within it that surrender: Emil Ludwig.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Dating is rare in Afghanistan because most marriages are
arranged by parents, and schools are separate for boys and
girls. The opportunities to meet are rare. Girls have a
7:00 P.M. curfew, while boys have an 11:00 P.M. curfew.
***
Most teens go out in large groups and don't pair off until
they are 18 or 19 years old in Australia. Girls often ask
out boys and pay for the date, too. Couples often go to
dinner parties, barbecues, or the beach.
***
Dating is not allowed until the age of 15 in Central and
South America. When of age, most boys and girls date in
large groups, going out together to weekend dance parties.
When not dancing, teens gather at local clubs to eat and
talk.
***
Dating is usually a group event in Europe. In Finland, as
many as 30 teens may attend a movie together. Slumber
parties are common in Italy and Switzerland, where teens
gather for parties at a home and sleep there when the party
is over.
***
In Spain teens join a pandilla, a club or a group of friends
with the same interests, like cycling or hiking. Dating is
done one-to-one and both girls and boys ask each other out
and split the cost of the evening's entertainment.
***
In Japan and Korea, most high school students don't date or
go to parties, but spend their time studying instead. Dating
begins in college, when only boys do the asking and pay for
the dates.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Dating is rare in Afghanistan because most marriages are
arranged by parents, and schools are separate for boys and
girls. The opportunities to meet are rare. Girls have a
7:00 P.M. curfew, while boys have an 11:00 P.M. curfew.
***
Most teens go out in large groups and don't pair off until
they are 18 or 19 years old in Australia. Girls often ask
out boys and pay for the date, too. Couples often go to
dinner parties, barbecues, or the beach.
***
Dating is not allowed until the age of 15 in Central and
South America. When of age, most boys and girls date in
large groups, going out together to weekend dance parties.
When not dancing, teens gather at local clubs to eat and
talk.
***
Dating is usually a group event in Europe. In Finland, as
many as 30 teens may attend a movie together. Slumber
parties are common in Italy and Switzerland, where teens
gather for parties at a home and sleep there when the party
is over.
***
In Spain teens join a pandilla, a club or a group of friends
with the same interests, like cycling or hiking. Dating is
done one-to-one and both girls and boys ask each other out
and split the cost of the evening's entertainment.
***
In Japan and Korea, most high school students don't date or
go to parties, but spend their time studying instead. Dating
begins in college, when only boys do the asking and pay for
the dates.
And, apparently, neither can my roommates...
Big deal. I've been known to snooze on I-680 while cruising at 75 mph.
You mean those savages actually let girls attend school?!? Well, sonofabitch!
In the US, we call those orgies.
... which take place at the school library.
Space, like time, engenders forgetfulness; but it does so by setting us bodily free from our surroundings and giving us back our primitive, unattached state: Thomas Mann.
RANDOM TIDBITS
On April 12, 1981, John Young and Robert Crippin pilot the
space shuttle Columbia on the maiden flight of the Space
Transport System (STS-1).
***
In June of 1983, Sally Ride becomes the first American woman
astronaut on the STS-7 flight of Challenger.
***
Astronauts Bruce McCandless and Robert Stewart make the
first untethered space walks (with jet backpacks) on a
Challenger flight on February 7, 1984.
***
On May 4, 1989, the Magellan Venus probe is launched from
Atlantis, the first U.S. planetary mission in 11 years and
the first launched from a shuttle.
***
In 1998, the first American to orbit the Earth, John Glenn,
returns to space aboard the Discovery.
***
On August 8, 2007, Endeavour takes off for the International
Space Station carrying the first teacher to ever visit space,
Barbara Morgan. Morgan was once the backup to Christa
McAuliffe, who was originally slated to become the first
teacher in space, but was tragically killed in the Challenger
disaster of 1986.
RANDOM TIDBITS
On April 12, 1981, John Young and Robert Crippin pilot the
space shuttle Columbia on the maiden flight of the Space
Transport System (STS-1).
***
In June of 1983, Sally Ride becomes the first American woman
astronaut on the STS-7 flight of Challenger.
***
Astronauts Bruce McCandless and Robert Stewart make the
first untethered space walks (with jet backpacks) on a
Challenger flight on February 7, 1984.
***
On May 4, 1989, the Magellan Venus probe is launched from
Atlantis, the first U.S. planetary mission in 11 years and
the first launched from a shuttle.
***
In 1998, the first American to orbit the Earth, John Glenn,
returns to space aboard the Discovery.
***
On August 8, 2007, Endeavour takes off for the International
Space Station carrying the first teacher to ever visit space,
Barbara Morgan. Morgan was once the backup to Christa
McAuliffe, who was originally slated to become the first
teacher in space, but was tragically killed in the Challenger
disaster of 1986.
Style is the perfection of a point of view: Richard Eberhart.
RANDOM TIDBITS
The term “haute couture” is French. Haute means “high” or
“elegant.” Couture literally means “sewing,” but has come
to indicate the business of designing, creating, and
selling custom-made, high fashion women's clothes.
***
To be called a haute couture house, a business must belong
to the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, which
is regulated by the French Department of Industry. Members
must employ 15 or more people and present their collections
twice a year. Each presentation must include at least 35
separate outfits for day and eveningwear.
***
The syndicate has about 18 members, including such fashion
giants as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, and Pierre Cardin.
The houses generate more than $1 billion in annual sales
and employ close to 5,000 people, including 2,200
seamstresses. Workers often specialize in one area, such as
feathers, fabric, buttons, shoes, etc.
***
Made from scratch for each customer, haute couture clothing
typically requires three fittings. It usually takes from
100 to 400 hours to make one dress, costing from $26,000
to over $100,000. A tailored suit starts at $16,000, an
evening gown at $60,000.
***
Today only 2,000 women in the world buy couture clothes;
60% are American. Only 200 are regular customers. Often,
designers will loan clothes to movie stars or other public
figures for publicity.
***
During fashion's “golden age,” after World War II, some
15,000 women wore couture. Socialites such as the Duchess
of Windsor, Babe Paley, and Gloria Guiness would order
whole collections at a time.
RANDOM TIDBITS
The term “haute couture” is French. Haute means “high” or
“elegant.” Couture literally means “sewing,” but has come
to indicate the business of designing, creating, and
selling custom-made, high fashion women's clothes.
***
To be called a haute couture house, a business must belong
to the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, which
is regulated by the French Department of Industry. Members
must employ 15 or more people and present their collections
twice a year. Each presentation must include at least 35
separate outfits for day and eveningwear.
***
The syndicate has about 18 members, including such fashion
giants as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, and Pierre Cardin.
The houses generate more than $1 billion in annual sales
and employ close to 5,000 people, including 2,200
seamstresses. Workers often specialize in one area, such as
feathers, fabric, buttons, shoes, etc.
***
Made from scratch for each customer, haute couture clothing
typically requires three fittings. It usually takes from
100 to 400 hours to make one dress, costing from $26,000
to over $100,000. A tailored suit starts at $16,000, an
evening gown at $60,000.
***
Today only 2,000 women in the world buy couture clothes;
60% are American. Only 200 are regular customers. Often,
designers will loan clothes to movie stars or other public
figures for publicity.
***
During fashion's “golden age,” after World War II, some
15,000 women wore couture. Socialites such as the Duchess
of Windsor, Babe Paley, and Gloria Guiness would order
whole collections at a time.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out: James Bryant Conant.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Turtle fossils have been found linking them to the Triassic
Period, about 230 million years ago.
***
Turtles are present in the mythology of many civilizations.
The Chinese, for instance, around 2500 B.C. favored a symbol
of a snake entwined with a turtle to ward off evil spirits.
***
In the year 456 B.C., the Greek playwright, Aeschylus was
killed when a turtle was dropped on his head by an eagle.
Generally, however, turtles are quiet, docile companions.
***
Turtles are cold-blooded. They need an external heat source.
If they get too cool, they can’t digest their food and may
hibernate.
***
Some types of turtles, such as the leatherback turtle can
swim at speeds up to 23 miles per hour.
***
Turtles, as opposed to tortoises, live in or around water.
Some varieties only leave the water to lay eggs.
RANDOM TIDBITS
Turtle fossils have been found linking them to the Triassic
Period, about 230 million years ago.
***
Turtles are present in the mythology of many civilizations.
The Chinese, for instance, around 2500 B.C. favored a symbol
of a snake entwined with a turtle to ward off evil spirits.
***
In the year 456 B.C., the Greek playwright, Aeschylus was
killed when a turtle was dropped on his head by an eagle.
Generally, however, turtles are quiet, docile companions.
***
Turtles are cold-blooded. They need an external heat source.
If they get too cool, they can’t digest their food and may
hibernate.
***
Some types of turtles, such as the leatherback turtle can
swim at speeds up to 23 miles per hour.
***
Turtles, as opposed to tortoises, live in or around water.
Some varieties only leave the water to lay eggs.