Strange But True
By SAMANTHA WEAVER

• It's been reported that the dog that played Toto in "The Wizard of Oz" was paid more for its performance in the iconic film than Judy Garland was.

• During this election year, it might be wise to keep in mind the fact that it was famed Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw who made the following observation: "Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few."

• In Japan, purple is the traditional color of love.

• If you were in the Pacific Northwest recently, you may have been fortunate enough to make it to Eugene, Ore., for the 20th annual Jell-O Art Festival. The event also featured a Tacky Food Buffet, composed entirely of edible Jell-O delicacies.

• Statistics show that one out of every 1,000 people in the United States is a murderer.

• At one time in the Philippines, it was traditional for a man to declare his intent to marry by throwing a spear into the front steps of his intended bride's home, symbolizing that the woman had been spoken for. The tradition has fallen into disuse these days, though; a gold engagement ring is common now. I'm sure the brides are much happier this way.

• If you could take all the water from the world's oceans and form it into a ball, you would have a sphere that would be about one-third the size of the moon. You would also have quite a feat to brag about.

• Those who study such things claim that the common housefly can give you 30 different diseases.