What?
The Model T Ford had 100 parts. The modern car of today has over 30,000 parts.
Time Will Tell
The tall, freestanding and stately wooden clock that has been in American homes for centuries was developed in 1670. In 1876, Henry Clay Work authored the song My Grandfather’s Clock, referencing the clock. From that point on the pendulum clock has had the moniker “Grandfather Clock.”
Wooden Shoes
Hailing from the 13th Century in the Netherlands, wooden clogs (klompen) were necessary for the protection of fishermen, artisans, farmers and factory workers.
A Common Thread
The following celebrities have patents: Marlon Brando (a drum tuning system), Steve Cameron (a traffic control system), Jamie Lee Curtis (a diaper with a sealed front pocket), Michael Jackson (a shoe patent) and Abraham Lincoln (a boat-lifting device).
An Unusual Custom
In certain parts of India an obscure ritual is throwing babies. The babies have to be under the age of two; they are shaken by a priest and then the babies are dropped between 30 and 50 feet off the side of temples. Both Hindus and Muslims in rural areas follow this ritual.
A Cheese Dish Without Cheese?
It is called “head cheese,” but there is no cheese in it. Rather, it is sort of a meat jelly made with the flesh from the heads of calves or pigs and set in a gelatinous aspic. There are no eyes, ears or brains in the mixture, still most people would never give it a taste—including this author!
Book Sales?
The book that has been sold the most is The Bible, with 5 to 7 billion copies sold. The most expensive book ever sold is Codes Leicester (a manuscript written by Leonardo da Vinci) and was purchased in 1994 by Bill Gates for $30.8 million. Footnote: In 1962, da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was insured for $100 million… equivalent to about $870 million today.
D-I-V-O-R-C-Es
With all due respect for Tammy Wynette (who sang this song in 1968), the celebrity who had the most D-I-V-O-R-C-Es is Elizabeth Taylor—claiming seven marriages. For a great twang of a country song, visit youtube.com/watch?v=7kVgb5aPhDQ.
Countries with High Obesity
The World Obesity Federation indicates that American Samoa has the highest obesity rate in the world – at 70.29 percent; the U.S. ranks 10th at 41.64 percent. England is ranked 55th with an obesity rate of 26.94. The lowest is Ethiopia at 1.10 percent. Lower obesity rates are associated with lower income.
The First Science-Fiction Movie?
Not any movie from the 1950s… but a movie called “A Trip to the Moon” that was published in 1902 and directed by Georges Méliès, a French filmmaker known for his innovative special effects and storytelling.
Who Discovered Popcorn?
In 1948, small heads of popcorn (zea corn), and popped corn, were found in a dry cave in New Mexico. With carbon dated testing the corn has been shown to be 5,600 years old.
The First Cookbook Published in the United States?
In 1796, “American Cookery” was the first cookbook to be published in the United States . It was only 47 pages and included recipes for roasts, stews and all types of pies.
d all types of pies.
A new Trader Joe's to open in midtown Tucson
