Chock full of facts and some possible fiction; this whet my appetite for more information
I enjoyed reading this cover to cover. There is just enough information on so many topics to whet my appetite for finding out more information.<br /><br />This book is organized by various content covering subjects from the natural world to entertainment to gadgets and gizmos, etc. , etc.<br /><br />Some of the many things I learned by reading this book that I did not know are:<br /><br />1. Almond is a seed not a nut.<br /><br />2. Peanut is a legume not a nut.<br /><br />3. Olive tree wood still burns even when wet.<br /><br />4. Jellyfish are not fish.<br /><br />5. Scandium is a rare earth metal used to make some lightweight bike frames. (PS Now I know why a bike I was able to lift with my pinkie had a $1,300 price tag on it.)<br /><br />6. Foley Pits are where sounds for movies are created.<br /><br />7. Tiger stripes go all the way into the skin unlike zebra stripes which are surface level only.<br /><br />8. Sauerkraut originated in China, not Germany.<br /><br />9. Epson Salts in a bath is a pleasant placebo and does not work<br /><br />10. Etc.<br /><br />There are a few “facts” that I'm skeptical about or that trouble me. For instance:<br /><br />1. Baking soda and vinegar can be used to unclog a drain but no mention is made of the quantity of each required or the fizz or possible “explosion” that will result.<br /><br />2. The book states the Great Wall of China is visible from orbit, yet that is considered a myth. At least from what I read on the Internet it's not visible with the naked eye.<br /><br />In summary, I truly enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover. The text and facts are interesting and in many cases it spurs my appetite for looking up more information on the subjects within.