I've decided that,
after 51 years of existing on this planet, I should share some of the
lessons and facts I have had the fortune to learn.
Did you know that
the Interstate system was originally called “National System of
Interstate and Defense?” It was initially intended to easily move
soldiers and military equipment all over the US, not Walmart trucks,
as you suspected. In an interesting twist, the interstates are so
populated in some places, military use is discouraged. Go figure.
Did you know that
you can determine how close lightning is by counting out groups of
four seconds? For every four seconds that pass, the lightning was 1
mile away. Give or take. So, if you see lighting, count to twelve,
then hear the rumble, the lightning was about 3 miles away. If you
see lightning, but don't get to start counting before you hear the
deafening roar, GET INDOORS!!!
Did you know that
there are 20 stages in the Tour of Frances (meaning 20 separate races
on 20 different days), and that you can win the entire Tour but not
win any of the stages? Seems unfair, doesn't it...
Did you know that
eating a handful of nuts a day can reduce your risk of an early
death? A recent study
(http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/Consortia/members/nlcs.html) determined
that eating 5 – 10 grams of nuts a day can reduce your risk by as
much as 26%. Causes of death you could postpone included cancer,
diabetes, and heart attacks. Missing, of course, was the risk of
choking.
 |
| Tenderloin -- right here! |
Did you know the
worst neighborhood in San Francisco is called “The Tenderloin?”
Seems odd, since you'd think the tenderloin, being considered the
best piece of meat, would mean the area would be equally coveted.
However, police given the task of walking that beat demanded more
pay, due to the greater risk. Therefore, they could afford to eat
tenderloin. Get it?
Did you know the
best way to clean water spots off of your bathroom mirror or glass
shower door was “quad-naught” steel wool? That's 0000 Steel wool,
the finest and softest available. Keep in mind that the surface
should be completely dry to use, but nothing is more effective. Note:
it's got to be 0000 – anything courser will scratch the hell out of
the glass!
Did you know you can
cure the hiccups by pulling on your tongue? The very nerve that
attaches to your diaphragm, the one that spasms and causes hiccups,
is also attached to your tongue. Pulling on that small muscle
“tickles” the nerve a bit, allowing it to calm down. Go on, give
it a try next time. Just be sure to wash your hands... before and
after!
Did you know that
someone put together every possible plot motivation, character types,
and audience reaction into one periodic table of elements? Presenting
the Periodic Table of Storytelling!
(http://www.designthroughstorytelling.net/periodic/)
To see it in action, please visit Melissa Snark's Elementary Storytelling series on her blog. You can even see The Dead Man's Deal
molecule!
Got any interesting
facts you've learned and want to share? Feel free to comment below.
