By Mr. Smarty Pants

MAY 15, 2000: 

Houston state Senator Rodney Ellis represented the Republic of Mexico during NAFTA negotiations.

Sport utility vehicles present a paradox to consumers -- ads portray them as a way to return to nature, yet they actually accelerate existing environmental problems. They can spew 30% more carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and 75% more nitrogen oxides than passenger cars.

Times Square is shaped more like a bow tie than a square.

"Whiskey" is short for "whiskybae," which is a variant of "usquebaugh." "Usquebaugh" comes from Irish Gaelic uisce beathadh or "water of life."

Joan of Arc had custom body armor that weighed 80 lbs.

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