Trivia

Mythologists say almost all ancient fertility ceremonies - dancing, drum beating, gyrating and the like - were followed by ardent intimate action to prove the rituals worked.

Shortest single English word that contains the first six letters of the alphabet is “feedback.”

Q. Isn’t there any way to take a look at the Internet without having to buy $5,000 worth of computer gear?

A. You bet. Public libraries all over the country are setting up to offer that connection.

Much of Europe’s tomato paste is sold in tubes. Like toothpaste. Packagers once tried it here. Hardly anybody bought.

Q. What’s the one thing that most couples get into serious fights about? A. Come on, you already know - it’s money. Still, our Love and War man elects to elaborate: Rather blame worry, he says. Money matters create anxiety, and it’s anxiety that enflames the fighters. He says those people who worry least about it, even the poorest, are the ones who fight the least.

Q. Aren’t most commercial jet plane crashes caused by pilot error?

A. Almost three out of four - 73.3 percent from 1959 through 1994, according to recently compiled research.

Q. How many U.S. radio stations now devote themselves to country music?

A. More than 2,000. Consider this: Only about 100 did 30 years ago. Everybody has moved to Branson, what?

In Great Britain’s Wales, sea birds nest along Bird Rock, even though it’s four miles inland. It wasn’t once. Saltwater centuries ago rolled up to its edge. Eventually, its valley silted over, and only the scholars know when. But genetic memory in sea birds is strong. To them, it’s still home.

Q. How long does a zoo rhino live?

A. About 15 years, average.

Q. How many acres in a U.S. football field?

A. About one and a tenth. One acre, 43,560 square feet. One football field counting end zones, 57,600.

Elephants are right- or left-tusked.