Trivia – Page 4 – Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County

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The hypothalamus is a tiny part of the brain that serves many functions. Among them, it tells us to laugh when we experience a light touch to a sensitive area, and at the same time, tells us to expect a painful sensation. That’s why we tell people to stop. Laughing when tickled could be a… Continue Reading

How do chimpanzees recognize each other?

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Humans recognize others by their faces. And yes, chimpanzees can do that. But they also recognize each other by looking at their anogenital areas, their butts. Rear ends serve a big purpose in the chimp world. Bottoms and faces are both symmetrical, and interpreting what a behind is saying is crucial to chimpanzees’ reproductive success,… Continue Reading How do chimpanzees recognize each other?

How did Louis Armstrong get the nickname Satchmo?

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Louis Armstrong had many nicknames as a child, all of which referred to the size of his mouth: “Gatemouth,” “Dippermouth,” and “Satchelmouth.” During a visit to Great Britain, Louis was met by Percy Brooks, the editor of Melody Maker magazine, who greeted him by saying, “Hello, Satchmo!” (He had inadvertently contracted “Satchelmouth” into “Satchmo.”) Louis… Continue Reading How did Louis Armstrong get the nickname Satchmo?

What country lies south of Detroit, Michigan?

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If you take the Ambassador Bridge south from Detroit, it will take you directly into Windsor, Ontario, the only major Canadian city south of the U.S. Windsor is home to, among other things, an engine plant for Ford. Detroiters had been able to pop down to Windsor and do duty-free shopping. But with tariffs, is… Continue Reading What country lies south of Detroit, Michigan?

What ballerina is on an American coin?

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In 2023, the US mint released a quarter that bears the image of the woman considered to have been America’s first prima ballerina, known as Maria Tallchief. Her American name was actually Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief, and her Osage name, Wa-Xthe-Thoṉba, translates to Two Standards. Her stage and Osage names adorn the back of the… Continue Reading What ballerina is on an American coin?

What does rain smell like?

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Rain itself has no scent. But moments before a rain event or as it begins, an earthy smell known as petrichor permeates the air. This comes from the moistening of the ground. Tiny microorganisms decompose dead or decaying organic matter, and a byproduct is a type of alcohol that has a strong scent. Its complex… Continue Reading What does rain smell like?

What was the inspiration for Godzilla?

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The first movie to popularize the idea that nuclear weapons could “awaken” something monstrous was The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms. It is cited as having inspired the movie Godzilla. Based in part on a short story by Ray Bradbury and with stop-motion effects by Ray Harryhausen, Beast was one of the top grossing films of… Continue Reading What was the inspiration for Godzilla?

What animal is known for walking into snowstorms?

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Most animals will run away from an approaching snowstorm. But one member of the bovine family, bison, turns into storms, meeting them head on. According to the National Bison Association, bison do this instinctively, knowing that if they head into the storm, they can get through it more quickly, effectively reducing their exposure. It helps… Continue Reading What animal is known for walking into snowstorms?

What do you mean, George Washington wasn’t our first president?

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Though George Washington was the first President of the United States, he technically wasn’t the first person in the federal government with the title of “president.” Washington was elected under the government formed by the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788. But in 1781, the Articles of Confederation — the United States’ first constitution… Continue Reading What do you mean, George Washington wasn’t our first president?

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