TRIVIA

A palindrome is a word or sentence that reads the same backward or forward. For example: Madam, I'm Adam. Another one: Step on no pets.

The Guinness Book of World Records says that this is the hardest tongue twister: "The sixth sick sheik's sheep's sick."

About 10 million people in the world have the same birthday as you.

The shortest war in history was between England and Zanzibar in 1896. It lasted only 38 minutes. England won.

There are only two words in the English language that contain all the vowels -- a, e, i, o, u -- in the proper order. They are facetious and abstemious.

A flea can jump 200 times the length of its own body.

On the day Mark Twain was born, Halley's Comet was in the sky. He died 75 years later, the next time Halley's Comet appeared over the earth.

Coca-Cola was invented in 1896. How to make it is still a secret that only two men know today. Even when these two men travel to the same place, they fly on different airplanes so that in case one of them should die in an accident, the other would still be alive with the secret.

A "phobia" is a fear, and some people have very strange ones. Here are just a few. Chromophobia is a fear of colors. Sitophobia is a fear of food. Verbophobia is a fear of words. Pedophobia is a fear of children and dolls. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanit butter sticking to the root of the mouth.

To fill a teaspoon full of water would take 120 drops.

Every healthy person who lives for 70 years walks about 70,000 miles in a lifetime. That is about 18,000 steps in one day.

A housefly lives for only two weeks.

Condensed from Macmillan Illustrated Almanac for Kids

Earthquake! What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Mention the word earthquake and it strikes fear into the hearts of many. Few natural disasters are as terrifying. Few hit so suddenly and swiftly.

Experts tell us that a big one may soon occur in almost any part of the world. Are you ready for it?

After a major quake, telephone service will probably be cut off. Roads will be destroyed. For the first few hours, the victims will have to fend for themselves. Sometimes help may only arrive days later. To reduce injuries, suffering and even deaths, it is crucial that every family be prepared.

How can you help? Why not discuss the following suggestions with your family over dinner? Experts advice each family to have the following minimum preparations:

1. Large objects should be strapped down or bolted to the wall. Pay particular attention to the water heater. If it tips, it could break a gas line, possibly leading to a fire.

2. Have an evacuation plan for every member of your family during and after an earthquake. During a quake, seek protection under a solid table or by sitting on the floor of a hallway, bracing yourself against the walls and covering your head. Only stand in a doorway that has no door--a door could swing shut and crush your fingers. Do not run outside as you may be hit by falling objects. If you are outside, run to a clear, open space, away form any objects that could fall. As soon as the shock has stopped, walk to a preselected place to meet other family members.

3. Put away at least a three-day supply of food and drinking water. Remember the food you store will go bad after some time. So be sure to change it with a new batch when it reaches its shelf life. If you store canned food, remember to provide a can opener!

4. Have an earthquake kit that includes a first-aid kit, one or more flashlights, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries and a blanket.

5. Each family member who is old enough should know how to turn off the gas, water and electrical supply.

Preparation is the best defense. If you are living in an earthquake zone, think about being prepared. For more information, contact the fire department, an emergency relief agency such as the Red Cross Society or look for special booklets on preparing for an earthquake at your library or bookstore.

- By Keok C. Tan

Taken from Youth 90 magazine