The Talkies

When films first started using actual African Americans (instead of white people in black face), they were required to speak in a "negro dialect". If they didn't know how to to speak a "negro dialect" they were coached by white dialect coaches.

The Tooth Fairy

Americans have been brushing their teeth with toothpaste for less than 100 years. This newly developed habit that is now part of every American's daily routine was sparked by a Pepsodent ad campaign.

My Peeps

Sugar Free Peeps are not as good as regular Peeps.

For Your Health

There is more potassium in a potato than in a banana.

I'm a Virginian... What are you?

People from Michigan are called Michiganders.

I have no idea what I thought they were called, but it wasn't that.

Honest Abe

Abraham Lincoln's parents were both from Virginia.

Immortalized in Wax

Madame Tussaud (of wax museum fame) essentially got her "start" as a wax artist making death mask of nobles (including the Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette) executed during the French Revolution.

A few other steps came before that, but that's the big one.

Mr. Bear

The average age of a teddy bear is 27 years old.

Auntie Em, Auntie Em!

Tornadoes come from really tall thunderstorms.

Confession: I actually learned this yesterday.

But I'm o.k. with that.

Curiously Strong Mints

Altoids were first created in 1780.

Smooch

The term "french kissing" was coined by Americans in 1923.

I wonder what they called it before that...

The Muppet Show Tonight

Muppet chickens and Muppet penguins can't sing words.

The Girls

Apparently, wearing a bra can increase your chance of breast cancer.

According to research stolen from a blog stolen from my friend Amber's Facebook page,

1. Women wearing a bra 24 hours a day had a 3 in 4 chance of developing breast cancer.
2. Women wearing their bras 12 hours a day, but not to bed, had a 1 in 7 chance of developing breast cancer.
3. Women wearing bras less than 12 hours a day had a 1 in 152 chance of developing breast cancer.

So, let the girls go free. At least when it's culturally appropriate.

Fifty Nifty United States

Vermont and Kentucky were the 14th and 15th states to join the union. Vermont joined on March 4, 1791 and Kentucky joined on June 1, 1792.

Whether the Weather

The National Weather service was established on this date in 1870.

Never Gonna Give You Up

Rick Astley is 46 (as of today).

I thought he was older.

Rooting for the Underdog

By the time we get to the Super Bowl, it's usually pretty unlikely that I actually care who wins. I am technically a Redskins fan, after all. So, I end up rooting for the underdog - which made me wonder, how many times have they actually won?

I searched the entirely reliable internet and the best answer I can find appears to be 15 out of the 45 Super Bowls we've had so far.

So, an underdog win is not entirely unlikely, but chances are I'll be rooting for a losing team yet again.

Jane

"Jane" is currently ranked at number 77 in the most common names in the United States. However, it doesn't even make the list of the most popular names.

So as it turns out, I am common, but I am not popular.