Fast Facts Kernels of Truth One of the tastiest treats in late summer and early fall is corn on the cob. Here are a dozen things you may not know about corn. ▶▶In most countries, corn is called maize. ▶▶ The average ear has 800 kernels in 16 rows. ▶▶ A cob will always have an even number of rows. ▶▶ Except for Antarctica, corn is grown on every continent. ▶▶ In early North America, corn was so valuable that it was used as currency. ▶▶ On average, the corn stalk measures eight to 10 feet tall, depending on the variety. ▶▶ One acre of corn eliminates eight tons of carbon dioxide from the air. ▶▶ The corn cob is part of the flower, while the kernels are the seeds. ▶▶ Corn can be found in non-food items such as fireworks, glue, paint and dyes. ▶▶ It’s a major ingredient in foods such as cereal, cooking oil, potato chips and more. ▶▶ Corn is used as feed for livestock, poultry and in pet food. ▶▶ A bushel of corn grain can sweeten 400 cans of soft drink. The Great Harry Houdini The greatest escape artist of all time died on Halloween, October 31, 1926 from a ruptured appendix at age 52. ▶▶His real name was Ehrich Weiss. ▶▶ He was an avid aviator. ▶▶ Houdini first found fame as King of the Handcuffs. ▶▶ He was born in Budapest, Hungary, but grew up in the United States. ▶▶ His brother, Theodore Hardeen, was also a successful magician. ▶▶ Houdini named himself after French illusionist Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin. ▶▶ The famous milk can trick was introduced in 1908. ▶▶ For 10 years, his wife Bess held a seance on the anniversary of his death. ▶▶ He began his career by performing card tricks. ▶▶ Houdini could swallow and regurgitate keys for some of his escapes. Answers to Outside the Box Puzzles from page 62 1. To put on airs 2. Tie one on 3. Across the street 4. All mixed up 5. Face to face 6. On the record LookingBack in Time Interesting events that occurred in the autumn months of September and October. ▶▶Sept. 1, 1939 Hitler invaded Poland, beginning the Second World War in Europe. ▶▶Sept. 2, 1666 Great Fire of London. ▶▶Sept. 4, 1962 The Beatles had their first recording session in London. ▶▶Sept. 12, 1990 Treaty signed to reunite East and West Germany. ▶▶Sept. 14, 1982 Princess Grace of Monaco died following a car accident. ▶▶Sept. 15, 1890 Birth of English mystery writer Agatha Christie. ▶▶Sept. 16, 1908 General Motors was founded in Flint, Michigan, U.S. ▶▶Sept. 19, 1893 New Zealand became the first country allowing women to vote. ▶▶Sept. 23, 1848 Chewing gum was produced commercially for the first time. ▶▶Oct. 1, 1908 Henry Ford’s Model T went on sale for the first time. ▶▶Oct. 6, 1927 The first full-length “talkie” film opened in New York. ▶▶Oct. 8, 1871 The Great Fire of Chicago erupted. ▶▶Oct. 14, 1947 U.S. Air Force Captain Chuck Yeager was first to break the sound barrier. ▶▶Oct. 15, 1917 First World War spy Mata Hari was executed by firing squad outside of Paris. ▶▶Oct. 20, 1818 The U.S./Canadian border is set at the 49th parallel. Obscure Info for Your MemoryVault 1. There’s an official ruling for how many Tootsie Pop licks it takes to get to the centre. According to an American university study, it takes 364 licks. The experiment used a licking machine. 2. The Cookie Monster has a real name. It’s Sid. 3. The blob of toothpaste that sits on the end of your toothbrush is called a “nurdle.” 4. High heels were originally made for men. They came into fashion in the 10th century; it wasn’t until the 18th century that more women than men wore them. 5. Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on TV. 6. The stage before frostbite is called “frost nip.” 7. Eight of the 10 largest statues in the world are of Buddha. 8. Alligators will give manatees the right of way, if swimming near each other. 9. Before The Simpsons came along, The Flintstones was the most profitable network cartoon for 30 years. 10. Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur. 66 | www.snowbirds.org
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