Saturday, April 14, 2012

TRIVIA BITS 14 APRIL

 

  • The painting, “American Gothic” depicts the sister and the dentist of artist Grant Wood as rural farm folk.
  • The Pantheon is the largest building from ancient Rome that survives intact.
  • The Pearl Harbour air raid inspired the song 'Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition'.
  • The permanent teeth that erupt to replace their primary predecessors (baby teeth) are called succedaneous teeth.
  • The phrase ' The 3 R's ' ( standing for 'reading, writing and arithmetic' ) was created by Sir William Curtis, who was illiterate.
  • The phrase "raining cats and dogs" originated in 17th Century England. During heavy downpours of rain, many of these poor animals unfortunately drowned and their bodies would be seen floating in the rain torrents that raced through the streets. The situation gave the appearance that it had literally rained "cats and dogs" and led to the current expression.
  • The phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.
  • The phrase "sleep tight" originated when mattresses were set upon ropes woven through the bed frame. To remedy sagging ropes, one would use a bed key to tighten the rope.
  • The Pillsbury Bake-off has been held every year since 1948.
  • The pineapple was symbol of welcome in the 1700-1800's. That is why in New England you will see so many pineapples on door knockers. An arch in Providence RI leading into the Federal Hill neighbourhood has a pineapple on it for that very reason. Pineapples were brought home by seafarers as gifts.

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