Houston state Senator Rodney Ellis represented the Republic of Mexico during NAFTA negotiations.

Sport utility vehicles present a paradox to consumers — ads portray them as a way to return to nature, yet they actually accelerate existing environmental problems. They can spew 30% more carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and 75% more nitrogen oxides than passenger cars.

Times Square is shaped more like a bow tie than a square.

“Whiskey” is short for “whiskybae,” which is a variant of “usquebaugh.” “Usquebaugh” comes from Irish Gaelic uisce beathadh or “water of life.”

Joan of Arc had custom body armor that weighed 80 lbs.

This article appears in May 12 • 2000.

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