AWESOME FACTS ABOUT EVERYTHING CXLI

1.  Lake Titicaca is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest of the world's large lakes. Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains, with navigable and famously still and brightly reflective waters, it is said to be the birthplace of the Incas. It is also home to one of the world's most innovative feats of human engineering: The floating islands of the indigenous Uros people. Built as defenses against attacks by the Incas, the Uros created the man-made floating islets by stacking layers upon layers of totora roots and reeds - a water-resistant plant that grows in the lake - which they also use to make their boats and houses. In the shadow of Machu Picchu, tourists often overlook the floating islands. There are about 120 islands drifting in the lake with 1300 people living on them. 

[Full disclosure from JA: I taught 5th/6th grade public school for 30 years and did not give any lessons about Lake Titicaca.]

2. The state motto of Maryland is "Strong deeds, gentle words." 

3. The most common first name in the world is Mohammed - the traditional name given to the first-born son in a Muslim family. The most common last name in the world is Chang. 

4. Brussels, Belgium is considered the chocolate capital of the world.

5. Xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that uses native plants and other water-wise methods to reduce water usage.

6.  The "halo effect" is the tendency for a strong (usually first) impression in one area to influence opinions or judgments in other areas. For example, good looks, athletic prowess, or. graduation form prestigious schools could all cause the halo effect. 

7. Moai is the name of the nearly 900 monolithic human figures on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) built between the years 1250 - 1500.

8. Lese majeste (injured majesty) A crime (usually treason) against the sovereign or any (perceived) insult or disrespect to the dignity of a monarch or other absolute ruler or his/her authority. The expression is sometimes used playfully today to describe a minor offense that is being treated as a major affront - like criticizing a beloved tradition or revered public figure.