Strange but true
BY SAMANTHAWEAVER

. You might be surprised to learn that famed 17th-century Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn -- better known, for obvious reasons, by his first name alone -- was not what you'd consider a model citizen. Art historians point out that he cheated on his taxes, stole from his wife's inheritance, rarely paid his bills and sometimes indulged in petty theft and con scams. Despite his attempts at acquiring money by any means possible, however, he was a pauper when he died.

. Famed author D.H. Lawrence reportedly loved his favorite horse so much that he had it made into a duffel bag after it died.

. "The Star-Spangled Banner" wasn't officially adopted as the national anthem until 1931.

. Those who study such things say that a mixture of equal parts beer, Listerine mouthwash, Epsom salts, ammonia and liquid soap can be used as a lawn fertilizer. What I'd like to know is how long it took and how many different combinations of substances the researchers had to try before they hit on that particular one.

. The next time you're choosing fresh produce at the grocery store, keep this in mind: It's considered good luck if you find a pea pod with just one pea in it, and anyone who finds a pea pod with nine peas in it supposedly gets a wish granted.

***

Thought for the Day: "Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them." -- Samuel Butler

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.