STRANGE BUT TRUE - March 10, 2011

It was 20th-century German-American poet, novelist and short-story writer Charles Bukowski who made the following observation: “The difference between a democracy and a dictatorship is that in a democracy you vote first and take orders later; in a dictatorship you don’t have to waste your time voting.”

In the 18 months that the Pony Express operated, carrying mail across the Wild West and its myriad hazards and dangers, only one pouch of mail was lost.

It takes approximately 10 months for a Las Vegas slot machine to pay for itself.

At one time, some churches banned the playing of Wagner’s “The Bridal Chorus,” also known as “Here Comes the Bride,” because the music was considered to be sexy and vulgar.

You might not be surprised to learn that editor, lexicographer and textbook pioneer Noah Webster lobbied Congress to make his plan for simplified spelling the law of the land. Had he been successful, the United States would have been the only country in which incorrect spelling would be legally punishable.

Many people claim that Worcestershire sauce does an excellent job of cleaning copper and brass.

In Chicago, if you have a hatpin hidden under a lapel, you are considered to be carrying a concealed weapon

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Thought for the Day: “Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed.” — Herman Melville

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.