Antigo silt loam is the official state dirt of Wisconsin.

Fisherman bats (Noctilio leporinus) have “sonar” so powerful they can detect a human hair poking a fraction of an inch out of water.

Rainbows are actually round and can be viewed this way from high altitudes, such as from an airplane.

The term “ratpack,” referring to Frank Sinatra and pals, was originated by Lauren Bacall.

In 1848, Margaret and Kate Fox, two young sisters in Hydesville, N.Y., helped propel the modern age of communicating with the spirit world beyond.

This article appears in April 27 • 2001.

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