Some of the animals that are specifically forbidden as food in the Bible's Old Testament include eagles, vultures, ravens, owls, swans, bats, weasels, mice, tortoises, ferrets, snails and moles.

In a study of 49 stadiums, it was found that 70 percent of the companies that named a stadium (like Taco Bell Arena) saw their stock price increase after the naming. Researchers theorize that the effect may be a result of the public's perception that such a move signals a company's belief that it will be around for awhile

Death by fire was finally abolished in England in 1790.

Although most have heard of flotsam - floating debris from a wreck at sea - and jetsam - goods tossed overboard (jettisoned) - few know about lagan. It's jetsam marked with a buoy to be picked up later.

The theobromine found in chocolate stimulates a dog's cardiac and nervous system, which can cause vomiting, hyperexcitability and shaking. In extreme cases, a dog that has consumed chocolate - especially dark baking chocolate - may die from a heart attack.

A hectare - a metric unit of land equal to 10,000 square meters - roughly measures 2.47 acres.

Ransom E. Olds, best known as the founder of Oldsmobile, also invented the power lawnmower.