First Posted: 12/30/2013
By Samantha Weaver
* It was noted American writer and essayist Flannery O’Connor who made the following sage observation: “Truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.”
* Even though the human brain makes up only 2 percent of the body’s mass, it consumes 20 percent of the body’s calories and oxygen.
* The chief translator for the European Parliament is named Ioannis Ikonomou. He is fluent in 32 languages — and still learning.
* During World War I, the United States acquired its first “war dog.” The pit bull was found wandering around Yale Field in New Haven, Conn., by soldiers in training. On particular soldier, Cpl. Robert Conroy, became close to the dog and refused to leave Stubby behind; when Conroy was shipped out, he hid the dog on board. Stubby served overseas for 18 months and saw action in 17 battles. On more than one occasion he sniffed out surprise attacks, saving his regiment. He was known for locating wounded soldiers on the field, and he even once caught a German spy. He was the most decorated dog of the Great War, and he was promoted to sergeant for his combat service — the only dog to be so honored. After the war, Sgt. Stubby was hailed as a hero; he led parades and met three presidents. He even has his very own brick at the World War I Memorial. It reads, “Sergeant Stubby, Hero Dog of WWI, a Brave Stray.”
* Those who study such things say that couples in a romantic relationship actually have heart rates that are in sync with each other.
* If you’re like the average American, you drink 23 gallons of coffee every year, but only nine gallons of tea.
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Thought for the day: “Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing.” — Wernher Von Braun
