Strange but true 10/6/11

STRANGE BUT TRUE

• It was American artist and illustrator Florence Scovel Shinn who made the following observation: “The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy.”

• In 1811 and again in 1812, earthquakes caused the Mississippi River to temporarily reverse course.

• You might be surprised to learn that about a million Americans say they drink Coca-Cola for breakfast.

• Dominique Bouhours, a Frenchman who lived in the 17th century, was a priest, an essayist and a grammarian. The love of language may have been closest to his heart, though; it’s been reported that the final words he uttered on his deathbed were, “I am about to — or I am going to — die; either expression is used.”

• The beaver is a rodent.

• If you’re like the average adult, when you’re sitting in a relaxed position, you inhale about one pint of air with every breath.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.