"Backwards word" update: Some recent Bits discussed those few words derived from other words spelled backwards, like the electrical unit mho (derived from "ohm"). We recently noticed that "wonk" (an overly studious person) spelled backwards is "know," and thought we discovered another member of this exclusive club. But alas, according to all the dictionaries we checked, "wonk" and "know" are unrelated.

Surprisingly, only one state (Virginia) chose its presidential electors by popular vote in the first U.S. presidential election, in 1789. The other states’ electors were chosen by state legislature. Also surprisingly, only 10 states cast electoral votes in 1789. Rhode Island and North Carolina were ineligible, since those states had not yet ratified the Constitution, and New York’s legislature failed to appoint its electors in time.

What the Russians call an "air dragon" is known in English as a:
A) Bald eagle
B) Kite
C) Warplane
D) Thundercloud

Previous answer: In 1910, magician Harry Houdini made the first successful airplane flight on the Australian continent. Details of this event can be easily found on the Web by entering "Australia Houdini airplane" in your favorite search engine. (Thanks to Scott Nelson of Pleasanton, Calif.)

TRIVIA FANS: Send the trivia questions you've always wanted answered, or original TriviaBits ideas of your own, with your full name and hometown, to Stan Newman at StanTrivia@aol.com or on a postcard to P.O. Box 69, Massapequa Park, NY 11762.