1. The fuzzy bear-like Ewoks you see in “Star Wars” were actually inspired by the Brussels Griffon dog breed. George Lucas had some of those dogs as pets.
2. People from the European country Albania and from the city Albany in New York are both called Albanians.
3. The Statue of Liberty is technically within New Jersey, not New York. But despite several challenges by New Jersey, Liberty Island and a portion of Ellis Island have fallen under the territorial jurisdiction of New York state.
The U.S. government owns both islands, and the waters of Jersey City surround Liberty Island. So, by boat, you’d need to travel through Jersey to get there.
4. It costs $30,000 to $220,000 to climb Mount Everest between travel, permits, insurance, supplies and gear, and guides.
5. In the opening credits for the first season of “Gilligan’s Island”, there’s an American flag flying at half-mast in the background of one shot. It’s because they were filmed just after JFK was shot in 1963.
