Math Quiz

Some countries call each other names that to some might be terms of endearment, but to others might be offensive. The Australian’s referring to the English as ‘poms’ is a good example of this. You’ll often hear an Aussie call a Brit a pom, pommie or pom, usually in good humor. When the Australian Advertising Standards Board received complaints regarding the use of the term in TV ads, they investigated and ruled the term pom is not offensive. It’s origins are debated, but the best-documented theory relates it to the fruit ‘pomegranate’, it being a rhyming-slang for the word ‘immigrant’ and also the color the English turned when they spent too long beneath the Australian sun!

It seems that even plants enjoy good tunes. Scientists in South Korea found that playing music, especially classical music, to plants helps them grow faster. Though it’s not entirely clear why the plants grow faster, scientists believe that sound waves may stimulate growth factors.

Long toed shoes were in vogue from the 1330s onward. The toes became so long that they had to be reinforced with wood, moss or whalebone. By the late 14th century, nobles had to tie the ends of their leggings in order to walk around!