Both Dwight David Eisenhower and George W. Bush were college cheerleaders.
According to the American Dental Association, approximately 50% of the people in America suffer from chronic bad breath. Those smelling said breath might suffer some. Lagniappe: Owners of the Listerine formula made up the word “halitosis” in the 1920’s to use in advertising campaigns. Sales increased many fold and now the word “halitosis” is in our dictionaries.
Ben Franklin did not discover electricity. Likely most of you knew that. What you may not know is that the kite Mr. Franklin flew during a thunderstorm (June, 1752) was not struck by lightning. Should that event have occurred, Ben would almost certainly have been fatally injured. Noticing that loose strings attached to his kite stood erect, Franklin touched a metal key tied to a silk ribbon (for insulation) to the rigid strings. A spark resulted, indicating to B.F. that electricity was present.
Next December the longest tunnel on earth is set to commence full operations. It has taken engineers and fellow workers 17 years to construct the 35.4 mile long Gothard Base Tunnel. The finished product was dug mostly through solid rock beneath the Swiss Alps and is designed to carry 15,000 passengers per day at 155 miles per hour. The tunnel can also accommodate hundreds of cargo-laden freight trains. An estimated 28 tons of excavated rock was used in making the structure’s concrete lining. The tunnel was drilled from each end for a distance of 17.5 miles and was approximately 10 cm off of a perfect connection when the two crews met.
Most of our readers are aware that African-Americans served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. What may be surprising is that more than 179,000 African-Americans enlisted in the Federal Army. Another 20,000 conscripted to serve in the U.S. Navy. That total of 199,000 exceeded the 1860 population of Boston.
Scientists say that the loudest noise on earth since mankind has occupied our planet was likely the boom triggered by a volcano at Krakatoa on August 27, 1883. Decibel readings have been estimated to surpass 180. Reliable reports indicate that the blast was heard more than 3,000 miles from the volcano.
Well, do not attempt to duplicate Benjamin Franklin’s kite flying experiment (more than one person has been killed trying to emulate that 1752 feat). And do have a great week. ([email protected])
