26Mitochondrial DNA
Of all the humans tested so far, everyone has contained the same DNA from 1 of at least 2 ancestors with mitochondrial DNA being traced back matrilineally to a specific “mT-Eve,” and a Y-chromosome being traced back patrilineally to a specific “Y-chromosomal Adam.”
27. The pecan industry's success is attributed to a slave named Antoine, who was a gardener and expert grafter of pecan trees. In 1876, nuts from Antoine's trees were displayed alongside Bell’s telephone, the Remington typewriter, Heinz ketchup, and the right arm and torch of the Statue of Liberty.
28. One of the origin theories of the modern military salute comes from France. Knights were thought to greet one another in respect by lifting their visor with their free hand to reveal their face. The hand gesture of lifting the visor is similar to the “salute” hand gesture we do today.
29. The Haast’s Eagle which went extinct 500 years ago was the largest eagle to have ever existed, and evidence shows it may have occasionally preyed on humans.
30. The 1954 animated adaptation of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” was anonymously funded by the CIA. They also influenced the film’s development, including changing to a more optimistic ending and changing certain characters’ ideologies. Their involvement was kept hidden for over 20 years.
