Trivia

For You
Friday August 10, 2007

  • Why doesn't the military use frisbees?
  • How much water does the Amazon carry?
  • How wide is a Boabab?
  • How long has the greyhound been around?
  • How many animals did John have?
  • What's a Gewgaw?

Why doesn't the military use frisbees?

In 1969, the Navy spent $375,000 on an "aerodynamic analysis of the self-suspended flare." The study's conclusion was that the frisbee was not feasible as military hardware.

How much water does the Amazon carry?

About two-thirds of the world's fresh water flows out of the Amazon River in South America. The amount is so immense that fresh water can be found on the sea surface 40 miles from the river's mouth.

How wide is a Boabab?

The trunk of the African Boabab Tree is sometimes as wide as the tree is high. The tree is pollinated by bats, and its blossoms open only in moonlight.

How long has the greyhound been around?

Developed in Egypt about 5,000 years ago, the greyhound breed was known before the ninth century in England, where it was bred by aristocrats to hunt such small game as hares. Today the dog is widely used in racing.

How many animals did John have?

Actor John Barrymore became an eccentric animal collector in his later years. His beloved menagerie consisted of 300 different birds, dozens of Siamese cats, and 19 dogs, of which there were 11 greyhounds, several St. Bernards, and a few Kerry blue terriers. Barrymore also had a monkey, a few opossum, and mouse deer.

What's a Gewgaw?

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