The word “irregardless” was first recorded in western Indiana in 1912, and as such was once considered a dialect term.

According to Arthur C. Clarke’s predictions for the next century, in 2003 the automobile industry will be given five years to replace fossil fuels.

University of California researchers believe there may be a link between babies raised on soy-based formula and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The formula contains about 80 times the level of manganese found in breast milk.

Food that is cut into strips is said to be “frenched,” hence french fries.

The Chinese tradition of “tso yueh-tzu” allows new mothers to spend the first 30 days after childbirth doing little more than sleeping and receiving special treats. The tradition can be traced back to the Chin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.).

This article appears in November 22 • 2002.

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