• The first atomic clock, built in 1949, required six feet of lead shielding to protect nearby scientists.

• The Disneyland monorail has been safety rated up to 58 MPH, but normally travels at 61 MPH.

• One of the first Venus landers was rendered nearly useless because the protective lens cap had been removed from the imaging camera prior to launch, leading to its destruction during the launch.

• ISO-standard telephone handset cords spiral once per centimeter.

• Five out of ten election poll workers are registered Democrats.