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B.A. Brainiac. You can count on me to bring you fun facts every month.
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We hope you enjoy this month's freshly gathered facts direct from the magnetic fields of Planet Factoid!
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"November Factoids" — November 2000
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1. Where did the word "November" come from?
The Latin word for November is "Novem," meaning 9. November was once the 9th month
on the calendar.
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2. What is the birthstone for November?
The traditional birthstone for November is topaz. The word
Topaz comes from the Sanskrit "tapas" - meaning to glow.
It can be found in varying shades of golden yellow, blues, and sometimes peach or pink.
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Elections
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3. What are elections?
Elections are a procedure that allows members of an organization or community to
choose (vote) the representatives who will hold positions
of authority within it.
The most important elections are those in which we elect local, state and national
leaders.
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4. When do elections take place?
Elections are held in November. Presidential elections are held every
4 years. Election day this year was on Tuesday, November 7th. The presidential
race is so close, it is still too soon to say who the winner is.
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5. Who can vote?
All U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years of age and who
have registered may vote.
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Thanksgiving
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6. What is Thanksgiving?
It is a day set aside to give thanks for all that we have. The first Thanksgiving
was held to "rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors."
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7. When is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is an annual holiday which takes place on the 4th Thursday of November.
This year it is on November 23rd.
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8. How many turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving?
Approximately 300 million turkeys are raised for consumption each year. Of these
turkeys, one is sent to the White House for clemency. Each year, the President
"pardons" the live turkey, which is sent to a farm to live out the rest of its days.
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9. How many Americans eat Turkey?
91% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
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10. Is it true that the turkey was almost the national bird?
Yes. Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a turkey.
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