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Ten Random Facts

When the World Cup of began in 1930 (formally called the FIFA World Cup), thirteen nations participated. Uruguay won that first competition.
Sports

In ancient Greece, where the mouse was sacred to Apollo, mice were sometimes devoured by temple priests.
Food and Drink

Scott Joplin was a schooled musician. Many jazz critics are not aware that he composed a symphony and two operas, in addition to the countless popular rags he wrote. One opera, Treemonisha, is still performed today.
Entertainment » Music

All the proceeds earned from James M. Barrie's book Peter Pan were bequeathed to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for the Sick Children in London.
Miscellaneous

There is little divorce in Korea. A divorced Korean woman has tremendous difficulties finding a job, has few rights over her children, and is socially scarred. In this male-oriented society, many Korean women will endure bad marriages rather than be subjected to the consequences.
People

A greenish facial tint has long been associated with illness, as suggested by the phrase "green around the gills." As a person who is very envious is considered by many folks to be unwell, these people have been described as "green (or sick) with envy."
Words and Numbers » Word Roots

Atmosphere plays a huge role in the food shopping experience of Americans. Studies have found that if people feel good as they shop, they stay longer. Bouncy tunes set the tone. If there's no music, there is the feeling that something must be wrong. No smells should be present and the store must look clean, so at meat and fish counters, for instance, butchering and cleaning are done out of sight in the back.
Food and Drink

The human heart pumps 5 quarts of blood per minute to every cell in the body. Over a 70-year life, this would equal 220 million quarts of blood.
People

In Pentagon doublespeak, a "combat emplacement evacuator" is a shovel.
Words and Numbers

Species of coffee trees can grow as tall as 32 feet, and their leaves can range in color from purple to yellow. Green is the predominant color, however.
Environment

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