AWESOME FACTS ABOUT EVERYTHING CLXI 

1. The Channel Islands (not the ones off the coast of Southern California) are an archipelago in the English Channel off the Normandy coast of France. They are independent territorial dependencies of the British Crown, but do not identify as either French or British. The two main islands are Jersey and Guernsey - namesakes of the two breeds of cows native to these two islands.

2. The Choctaw Native American Indian Nation shares a unique and enduring bond with Ireland. Despite their own hardships following the Trail of Tears, the Choctaw Nation raised money to send to Ireland during the devastating potato famine of 1847. Impoverished and marginalized themselves, with no connection to Ireland, they gave of their want to relieve the suffering of starving men, women an children in Ireland. This act of compassion has been commemorated and celebrated by both nations, fostering a lasting connection and mutual respect. The Kindred Spirits monument in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland is specifically dedicated to the Choctaw, but also serves as a broader symbol of the enduring connection between the Irish and Native American peoples, particularly their shared values of compassion and generosity. The monument features nine stainless steel feathers arranged in a circle resembling an empty bowl. 

3. The city of Santa Fe was founded by the Spanish on 1610 - 20 years before Boston. The Palace of the Governors, situated on the north side of the historic Santa Fe plaza, is the oldest standing public building in the United States.

4. Sigmatism is the speech impediment known as the lisp. It takes its name from the Greek letter S - Sigma. 

5. A goat rodeo is a metaphor for chaos and pandemonium

6. The voice organ of birds and the musical instrument know as the panpipes are both called syrinx.

7. There is no word in the Chinese language equivalent to the word THE in English.

8. Provo, Utah is named after Etienne Provost, a French-Canadian fur trapper and explorer. 

9. A needle drop, in the context of film or television, refers to the use of a pre-existing, licensed song in a scene - often to enhance the emotional impact or establish a specific mood. The term originates from the physical act of dropping a needle on a vinyl record to play music.