Pictured during his trial, Patrick Crusius was found guilty on 22 counts of using a firearm to commit murder among other charges stemming from a murderous rampage at a Walmart in El Paso, TX. By his own admission, Crusius was targeting Mexicans.
Did you ever have the feeling you were being watched? I have. I get it every week, right around the time you are reading this silly column. You’re watching me, trying to figure out if what I’m saying is accurate and true ... and knowing that it is, since this isn’t the first of April. I’ve gotten used to all the eyes of the world (or whatever portion thereof is reading this) upon me. And if you like to write, you can contact me at didyouknowcolumn@gmail.com and I always answer, usually quickly! Now, on to the stuff you came to stare at!
“Wisdom comes with age.” I’m not exactly sure who to attribute these sage words to, but I like to imagine some little old Southern lady listening to a youngster talk about being an adult and being so grown, and in her true southern lady “bless your heart” moment she reaches over pats their hand and says, “Wisdom comes with age, dear.”
A planet discovered 11 years ago, that is very similar to Earth, continues being studied. It was in July 2015 the Kepler Space Telescope discovered a planet 1,800 light-years from Earth that has been loosely called Earth 2.0 or Earth’s Cousin, though the actual name is Kepler-452b.
Anyone recognize Kennewick Man? Probably not as his skeleton dates to between 8,400 and 8,700 years ago. His nearly complete skeleton was found by college students this week in 1962. The discovery in the Pacific Northwest changed many theories about ancient peoples in that area and it has been determined that Kennewick Man was related to Native Americans in that area during that time frame. Shown is Kennewick Man’s skull and what he might have looked like.
I know what you must be thinking. “How in the world does this guy come up with different trivia each week?” That’s got to be it. Well, if you are indeed thinking that, then I just made the best guess I’ll ever make. And I’ll answer it: I have a storehouse of trivia that may last into the 22nd Century, or beyond! I’ve already mined it; each week I polish up a few nuggets and leave them here for you to enjoy. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. Now, enjoy this week’s collection!
The best meteor shower taking place during the summer months should begin Friday. Early meteors from the Perseids Meteor Shower usually begin appearing on July 17 with the final meteors flashing across the sky on Aug. 24. Peak activity is forecast for the overnight hours of Aug. 12-13 with the shower producing about 30-50 meteors per hour. As with many meteor showers the best viewing time is shortly before dawn of Aug. 13.
The first battle after adoption of the Declaration of Independence took place at Island Flats near what is now Elizabethton, Tennessee. It would be Cherokee Indians, allied with the British, attacking settlements in the area and Fort Watauga. The Patriot militia and settlers would prevail. A number of historical markers can be found in the area and with assistance from archaeologists Fort Watauga was reconstructed during America’s Bicentennial celebration. It is now part of the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.
The heights of summer! (Or the depths, depending on how you look at it.) Some people decry the heat and humidity, while others seem to revel in it. I’m not too sure about those revelers, though. Personally, when the heat and humidity get too much, I contemplate jumping into a swimming pool. Only at the shallow end, though, since I can’t swim. If I go into the deep part, I sink. Or should there be a “t” in that word somewhere? Anyway, on with the trivia!
One of the best summer meteor showers is set to begin next Friday night. The Perseids Meteor Shower begins July 17 typically ending on or about Aug. 24.
