– “Etymologists” are experts in word origins. According to etymologists, “chow down,” “red tape,” “basket case,” “cooties” and “trench coat” were all coined during World War I.
– After the English Civil War (1642-1651), Richard Cabell (a royalist) was bitter that his side lost the war. He hated his rebellion-supporting wife. Legend has it that the fearful spouse of Richard attempted to flee from her acrimonious husband by crossing a large moor one dark night. The pursuing Cabell caught up with his frantic spouse. Madam Cabell and her faithful guard dog were apprehended. Richard began to ruthlessly cudgel his wife. The hound attacked and killed Richard Cabell. The beleaguered spouse and her faithful canine successfully fled. This legend is almost certainly the basis for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles.
– My GOSH! Who can one trust? A while back, parishioners attending St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Florida were astounded when an audit of church finances revealed that $8.7 million had been embezzled by Father Skehan and Father Guinan. The pair had financed several gambling trips, the procurement of a plush condo and the purchase of a pub in Ireland.
– Ask almost any trivia enthusiast “What was the first word spoken from the moon?” and he/she will likely respond “Houston.” That response is incorrect. Additionally, Neil Armstrong did not utter that first special word. Buzz Aldrin spoke the first word sent from our moon shortly after the lunar module (Eagle) had landed and that word was “contact.” (July 20, 1969).
– There are two distinct species of strange little mammals named solenodons. Those venomous omnivores weigh about two pounds when mature. Both (one native to Cuba and the other to Hispaniola) species are nocturnal and are burrowers. Word on the street is that solenodons are aggressive, smelly and generally make undesirable pets or sleeping companions.
– Prestigious MIT is doing a study to determine whether crops (specifically corn) planted large scale can significantly affect regional climates. Initial conjecture is that billions of corn plants in contiguous expanses can collectively take in huge amounts of carbon dioxide and expel water into the air. Two predicted results are lower temperatures and increased rainfall. The observations and analyses are ongoing. Well, I suggest that you cuddle not with solenodons and yet somehow have a great day.
James White is a retired mathematics teacher who enjoys sharing fascinating trivia. He can be reached at [email protected].
