– On July 1, 2017, Canada celebrated its 150th birthday. When the colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Province of Canada united to form a single Dominion, Canada became Canada. The United Kingdom has been led by some interesting personalities. One Prime Minister was known as “Dizzy.” His real name was Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881).
– Over the years, SAAB sold millions of automobiles. Many folks believe SAAB still makes autos, but the corporation has made no automobiles since 2011 when it went out of business. Before manufacturing cars, SAAB had made a reputation for making quality aircraft.
– My junior high information source has reminded me that it was on June 25, 2009 that both Michael Jackson and Farah Fawcett passed away. I had no close ties with Mr. Jackson, but Ms. Fawcett was born just 70 miles from I now reside. Both my son and spouse attended the same University as Farah. I do not think she (Fawcett) was ever aware of me.
– It might surprise some historians to learn that one of Henry VIII’s 6 wives was married four times (Catherine Parr).
– Velveeta Cheese was invented in 1918 by Emil Frey. The Velveeta Cheese Company was sold to Kraft Foods in 1927.
– Some nicknames lack flattery. Attila the Hun’s sobriquet was “The Scourge of God.”
– The Japanese word for Japan is Nippon.
– Fifty years ago this month, an American astronaut walked on the moon. This event occurred just 66 years after the Wright brother’s first flight. Space travel is once again attracting much interest. However, a revolutionary concept is drawing a great deal of support: all-female crews. In a situation where every ounce is critically important, women characteristically have smaller bodies, consume fewer calories and have fewer waste products than their male counterparts. They are intellectually equal, perhaps superior. Science demands a realistic look at possible advantages of all-female space teams. Girls, you may be the logical option to become astronauts of the future. Look out, Mars!
– A recent publication in an international science magazine reports observations on the effects of sleep involving animal species, including humans. Without variation, damage done to the bodies during waking hours was more quickly repaired during “deep sleep” than in any other of the daily cycles. In other words, one heals better when one sleeps better. I already suspected this was the situation with me. Z-Z-Z-Z. Well, I tip my cap to Emil Frey and hope you haben Sie einen guten Tag.
James White is a retired mathematics teacher who enjoys sharing fascinating trivia. He can be reached at [email protected].
