Madonna loves Rice Krispies.
It was once believed that a powder called usnea, made from the moss that grows over a buried skull, could cure nosebleeds and possibly epilepsy. Thomas Willis, a 17th-century pioneer of brain science, brewed a drink for apoplexy, or bleeding, containing powdered human skull and chocolate.
Chimps can’t do distance running because they have comparatively tiny butts to humans.
Elizabeth Smith Miller (1822–1911) invented a knee-length dress over a pair of caftan-style pants. Amelia Bloomer, a strong advocate of the 19th century women’s rights movement, was often seen wearing the garment, hence the name “bloomers.”
Americans now spend just under 9% of our income on food, about 30% less than we did in 1982.
This article appears in June 29 • 2012.