Odd and Interesting Tidbits

From time to time, I come across what are, to me, very interesting and sometimes odd tidbits that surprise me. I've also discovered that, for the most part, if you have a question in your mind about something, the chances are great that someone else has also wondered that same thing. Notice that when you type a question in Google, the auto-fill completes your question. This means someone else has asked Google the same question.

Recent oddities and tidbits:

• Is ear wax really a wax? No, ear wax isn't really "wax" as in the candle wax (paraffin) sense. Skin contains many tiny glands whose sole purpose is to secrete a variety of substances. Ear wax is one of these substances. The main purpose of ear wax is to trap anything foreign that flies, crawls or is blown into the ear canals. Ear wax protects your ear canal and ear drum from foreign materials.
• Most of us probably know that when a female horse and a male donkey mate, the offspring is called a mule. But, did you know that when a male horse and a female donkey mate, the offspring is called a hinny? Did you also know that when a male zebra and a female donkey mate, the offspring is called a zedonk or a zebrass?
• If you are right-handed, you will tend to chew your food on your right side. If you are left-handed, you will tend to chew your food on your left side.
• If you stop getting thirsty, you need to drink more water. When the human body is dehydrated, its thirst mechanism shuts off.
• Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying. (I'll have to try this one.)
• The Titanic was the first ship to use the SOS signal.
• Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. Six-year olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day. We grownups need to laugh more.
• Dalmatians are born without spots.
• Your left lung is smaller than your right lung to make room for your heart.
• When you blush, the lining of your stomach also turns red. (Now, how is this known?)
• When hippos are upset, their sweat turns red.
• Google is actually the common name for a number with a million zeros.
• Switching letters is called spoonerism. For example, saying jag of Flapan, instead of flag of Japan. (And here I thought I was exhibiting early signs of Alzheimer's when I did this.)
• Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

Now, go enjoy your day!

Blessings,

T