– The Vatican is the smallest independent nation-state in the world. Foundations for original Vatican structures were laid in the 4th century A.D. The original St. Peter’s Basilica was built circa 330 A.D. An imposing new St. Peter’s Basilica was begun in 1506 and opened to the public in 1615. It stands where the historic Circus of Nero was once located. Six entrances have been constructed to Vatican City. Only three are routinely open to laity.
– Most “domesticated” housecats have exactly 24 cheek whiskers.
– There is a name for the behavior done by folks that shuffle their feet whilst mumbling. The performance is called whittie-whatting. I am not making this up.
– It is almost certain that I shall never pitch in the major leagues. However, if such an opportunity were offered, I should be more prudent than one Greg Minton. Greg is a right-hander who pitched 16 years in the Big Leagues. During one season, Incautious Greg drove a nail into his pitching hand while shoeing a horse.
– For those who enjoy tasty regional foods, poutine from the Quebec area might be worth a try. First, one obtains a substantial pile of French fries and generously sprinkles cheese curds. As an appropriate topping, large quantities of gravy are recommended. Poutine! Rumor has it that very few cardiologists endorse poutine consumption.
– As of 2017, there have been at least 297 verified deaths of people ascending/descending Mt. Everest. Some victims were women. Many of those perishing on the mountain have never had their bodies retrieved. I am not in the least way tempted to climb the 29,029 foot hoher Berg.
– Homer is the legendary author who wrote both the Iliad and the Odyssey. His birth year has variously been identified as 1159 B.C., 1102 B.C., 1044 B.C., 830 B.C. and 685 B.C. Whatever, he is likely deceased by now.
– Small oddity: The first Postmaster of Utica, N.Y. was a Mr. Post.
– In 1966, an extraordinary fad took root in the United States: Paper clothing. A major selling point was: Wear garments once and then discard. No washing, no ironing. The Scott Paper Company could barely keep up with demand. The Beatles donned paper clothing — as did the Duchess of Windsor. Custom wedding dresses were $15. Snazzy men’s suits were $12. “Paper clothing is here to stay” quoted Time magazine. By 1970, paper clothing was totally passé (different from “posse”). I still have two summer outfits. They do not fit. I wish you an outstanding day.
James White is a retired mathematics teacher who enjoys sharing fascinating trivia. He can be reached at [email protected].
