Missing Trivia: 11/26/2012

What creature’s skin—usually considered a waste product—was used by fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi to create a glittery cocktail dress?

• Alaskan salmon. Mizrahi was one of 10 designers invited to find new uses for sustainable materials found around the world for a 2009 exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City.

What is the largest edible fruit native to North America?

• The pawpaw, which tastes like a blend of banana, mango, and pineapple.

What fish’s body—barbels and all—is almost completely covered with taste buds?

• The catfish—even a catfish just six inches long has more than 250,000 taste buds.

What famous Hollywood figure directed the first episode of Columbo, the 1970s TV police drama that starred Peter Falk?

• Steven Spielberg, in September 1971.

How many bills are there in one pound of U.S. paper currency?

• 454. Any U.S. bill, regardless of denomination, weighs a gram. There are 454 grams to a pound.

What comic’s pet English bulldog, dressed in a custom-made tuxedo, served as ring bearer at his master’s 2003 wedding?

• Adam Sandler’s dog, Meatball.

What happens to the turkeys that are reprieved by the president at the White House’s annual Thanksgiving Day pardoning ceremony?

• The turkey and its understudy retire to either Disneyland or Disney World, where they get to spend the rest of their lives.

During a golf swing, how much time does the face of a club spend in contact with the ball?

• Approximately 450-millionths of a second.

What bestselling book was the result of a friendly dispute over which bird is faster, the golden plover or the red grouse?

• Guinness World Records. The dispute, between the Guinness Brewery’s managing director and some friends, led the beer manufacturer to produce a small book of facts in 1955 that was distributed free to pubs to settle disagreements and sell more brew.

Who is the only U.S. athlete in history to be drafted in four professional leagues?

• Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield. In 1973 he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association, the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association, the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball, and the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He opted for baseball.