WHAT?: The world’s largest pyramid isn’t in Egypt; the panda is not really a bear; a strawberry isn’t a berry; and the Statue of Liberty isn’t in New York.
Really?
According to the book “Contrary to Popular Belief,” a lot of common assumptions are just that — assumptions.
“The Declaration of Independence was signed on Aug. 2, 1776. In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy wears silver shoes. Panama hats come from Ecuador,” reads the introduction of the book by Joey Green. He claims to have locked himself in a library on a relentless search for the truth, and nothing but.
From the book: The world’s largest pyramid is the Quetzalcóatl in Mexico, with a total estimated volume of 116.5 million cubic feet. In comparison, the Egyptian Pyramid of Cheops has a total estimated volume of 88.2 million cubic feet. The panda is in the raccoon family, according to most zoologists, although others insist it should be in its own classification. Giant pandas do not hibernate and cannot walk on their hind legs.
The strawberry is an aggregate fruit. Lady Liberty stands on property belonging to the state of New Jersey, although state officials gave control of Liberty Island — then Bedloe’s Island — in an 1834 compact.
The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4, 1776, and was signed at that time by president of the Second Continental Congress John Hancock and congressional secretary Charles Thomson. It was signed by 50 delegates on Aug. 2, and the last signature was affixed in 1781.
In L. Frank Baum’s original book “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy’s magical slippers were silver. Hollywood screenwriter Noel Langley changed them to ruby slippers for the movie.
Panama hats, according to Green, originated in the town of Jipijapa in Ecuador. The name originated in the 1800s, when Panama served as the shipping hub for products made in Ecuador.
The book is filled with fascinating tibdits. Are they all true? Go to the library and judge for yourself.
