STRANGE BUT TRUE - Dec. 2, 2010

It was 20th-century British author and Anglican priest William Ralph Inge who made the following sage observation: “Events in the past may be roughly divided into those which probably never happened and those which do not matter.”

Consider your age, then consider the following tidbit: In the 1700s, the average human lifespan was about 30 years. Sobering thought, isn’t it?

Historians report that Napoleon Bonaparte, when he wasn’t busy conquering, enjoyed ice skating.

If you’re frightened of bugs, you might not want to know the following tidbit: There are 10 quintillion insects alive on the planet.

A study published in 2008 showed that the price of a pain medication had an effect on its efficacy. In the study people were given placebo pills, some at the regular price and some at a discounted price. Those who paid full price for the medication reported more relief than those who paid less.

* Half of all cookies baked in the United States are of the chocolate-chip variety.

Thought for the Day: “The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is at all comprehensible.” — Albert Einstein

(c) 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.