In the movie "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," E.T.'s favorite candy was Reese's Pieces. While the filmmakers originally wanted to use M&M's, they were turned down and ultimately chose Reese's Pieces, which saw a significant boost in popularity after the film's release.

Gouda cheese originated in the Netherlands, specifically in the city of Gouda. While the cheese is named after the city, it wasn't initially produced there, but rather traded there. The town of Gouda held exclusive cheese market rights during the Middle Ages, making it a central hub for cheese trading.

The only McDonald's with turquoise arches in the U.S. (and the world) is located in Sedona, Arizona. This unique location was built in 1993 and the arches were changed to turquoise to blend with the natural red rock landscape and abide by local regulations regarding signage.

Biltong is a South African dried, cured meat snack, often compared to beef jerky but with distinct preparation and flavor. It's made by marinating meat in vinegar and spices, then air-drying it. Unlike jerky, which is typically cooked, biltong is not heated during the drying process.

Houdini died of peritonitis resulting from appendicitis on October 31, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan. Newspapers throughout the country carried the news of his death in articles whose length attested to the breadth of his fame.