Ten Random Facts

The average American walks 18,000 steps a day.
Statistics

Because the eyes work harder when viewing objects up close, particularly on a computer monitor, it is the proximity of the VDT screen to the eyes that causes eyestrain, not "radiation" emitted from the screen. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, using a computer or video display terminal will not harm your eyes.
Technology

ATMs Around The World: Bankomat - Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia, Cajero Automático - Venezuela and Argentina, Cashi Coruna (cash corner) - Japan, Toda Hora, or ATH (all hours) - Puerto Rico, Caspomat (auto money) or Bankat (little bank) - Israel, ABM (Automatic Bank Machines) - Canada, Penz Automata Gepek - Budapest, Hungary, AutoTeller, HandyBank, CashPoint, Flexibank - Australia, Mini-banks - Norway.
Words and Numbers

According to a study, the most popular medium of gift-exchange in Eastern Europe is a bottle of vodka, especially a good brand name vodka.
Food and Drink

The coffee filter was invented by Melissa Bentz, in Germany in 1908. She pierced holes in a tin container, put a circular piece of absorbent paper in the bottom of it and put her creation over a coffee pot.
People » Inventors

Under Norwegian law, a polar bear may be shot only if deemed a menace.
Laws and Customs

Human reproduction follows lunar time rather than sidereal, or solar, time: Gestation is about 266 days — nine lunar months — and the menstrual period is one lunar month.
People

Women reject heart transplants more often than men.
People

From 1941 until 1950, violet was part of the color mixture for "M&M's"® Plain Chocolate Candies. Violet was replaced by tan.
Food and Drink

Theodore Roosevelt sued Iron Age magazine for referring to him as a drunk. He won a settlement of six cents.
People » US Presidents

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