The Mekong giant catfish can grow in excess of 650 pounds and nearly 10 feet. It is now considered critically endangered.

King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, was not the same as the “sword in the stone.” Arthur broke that sword in battle. The earliest accounts of King Arthur call the sword Caladfwlch, a Welsh word derived from CaladBolg meaning “Hard Lightning.” The French later named it Excalibur.

Some say the mind stays alive and is fully aware of all senses and surroundings for 15 seconds after a person is officially pronounced dead.

As a result of the D.B. Cooper hijacking, the FAA ordered that Boeing 727 aircraft be fitted with a so-called “Cooper Vane,” to prevent the rear stairway from being lowered in flight.

The American government spends 50% less on public transportation today than it did 15 years ago.

This article appears in January 23 • 2004.

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