In military terms, a “whiteout” is a loss of orientation with respect to the horizon caused by sun reflecting on snow and overcast sky.
Barney Fife’s birthstone was the ruby.
CBS brass almost didn’t go for A Charlie Brown Christmas because it only used child actors, most of whom didn’t have previous experience. They hated the fact that it didn’t have a laugh track and almost cut Linus’ famous speech. But it drew in 50% of America’s viewing audience when it premiered Dec. 9, 1965.
Morrisonite, the king of brecciated jaspers, was not named after Jim Morrison of the Doors, despite persistent rumors he owned mines of the stuff. The rock was named for Oregon rancher James Morison (sic), because rock collectors discovered it on his land and named it in his honor.
Cows have 11 blood types.
This article appears in July 19 • 2013.