Just who was/is Christopher Columbus? The Jimmy Kimmel crew hit Hollywood Blvd to ask this and a few other basic questions about Columbus. What does the average American know about the guy who made their day off possible? The answers may amaze, stun or shock you, so I beg your indulgence for posting it a bit late.
If nothing else, this proves that ‘Schoolhouse Rock’ had the right idea. Teaching by singing, rhyming and having fun almost always sticks. Several people questioned remember the rhyme; “In sixteen hundred and forty-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” I should say, they recall parts of it. The other details which they presumably learned from a silent textbook have sailed away from memory…Some much further than others.
My favorite answer to the question “What was his first name?” is “Christopher Walken Columbus” I’ve always loved his work too. ; )