Trivia

What is a doula?
The word doula is derived from ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves." The term refers to a trained and experienced professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a mother during and just after childbirth.
http://www.dona.org/

At what age did Beethoven become deaf?
Ludwig van Beethoven notified friends of his growing deafness in a letter dated 1801, making him about 31. His deafness increased until, in 1818, he started his "conversation books." which he used for communication with friends.
http://www.lvbeethoven.com/

Why do so many racetracks have "Downs" in the name?
Downs indicates "the treeless, undulation chalk uplands of the south and southeast of England, serving chiefly for pasturage." The names of tracks are apparently influenced by such terrain.
(Oxford English Dictionary)

Where did the names of the scale originate?
"Do re mi fa sol la ti" correspond to the seven notes of the Western diatonic scale. Despite changes through time, the English syllables are traced to about 1000 - when they were developed by monk Guido d'Arrezzo.
(World Book Encyclopedia)

What does the phrase "a cappella" mean?
The style of singing without instrumental accompaniment comes form Italian, meaning "in chapel style."
(Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary) see November 16, 2008 post

source the Columbus Dispatch June 6, 2009