Strange But True
By SAMANTHA WEAVER

• In 2002, the owners of a coin-operated car wash in Maryland couldn't figure out why they were losing hundreds of dollars every week when there was no evidence of anyone breaking into the coin machines. After careful observation, it was finally discovered that small birds were getting into the machines through the coin returns and flying off with the shiny quarters.

• It was way back in 1990 when baseball player Pete Incaviglia reportedly made the following statement about pro baseball players' salaries: "People think we make $3 million and $4 million a year. They don't realize that most of us only make $500,000." Only $500,000?

• In Shanghai, China, it's become something of a trend for affluent people to wear pajamas in the street and even to work.

• You're almost certainly familiar with the word "kleptomania," denoting a persistent neurotic impulse to steal. However, you may not be aware of another word that is derived from the same Greek root: A kleptocracy is a government by thieves.