Mullet Over
BYJAMES K. WHITE | NOVEMBER 17, 2010
Sometimes the experts are so wrong
The word “purse” comes from the Greek “byrsa,” which described the thin leather used in the first drawstring bags.
Nelson Mandela was originally named Rolihlahla Mandela. One of his teachers renamed him in honor of Horatio Nelson. Several of my teachers called me by special names, but none of those were “Nelson.”
Edward Jenner is known as the “inventor of vaccinations” because of his success in developing a much needed inoculation that effectively prevented a disease that scarred, blinded and/or killed its victims. The idea for the world’s first vaccine came from a former milkmaid who informed Jenner that she once had cowpox and ergo could not catch smallpox. Actually, she likely did not say “ergo.”
Sometimes the experts are so wrong. In 1945 President Truman asked Admiral Leathy to advise him on the development of an atomic bomb. Leathy informed the chief executive “The bomb will never explode. I am saying this as an expert on the subject.”
During the War of 1812, the British captured Detroit without discharging even one cannon, musket or pistol.
The first three members of the Country Music Hall of Fame: Jimmy Rodgers, Hank Williams and Fred Rose.
U.S. patents are valid for seventeen years.
For you Peanut (Charlie Brown) fans, Woodstock was listed by Charles Schulz as “Snoopy’s bird secretary.”
The reason that foghorns bellow with very low pitches is that bass-level sounds carry the warnings significantly farther than high-pitched tones.
The force of gravity affects many aspects of our everyday lives. However, the electromagnetic force on earth is approximately 1 X 1020 times as strong as the force of gravity. That is why a small magnet can easily overcome gravitational pull and pick up a paperclip.
Most humans cannot hear the echolocation sounds emitted by bats. Many moths can detect the squeaks and will take panicky evasive action, if given escape opportunities.
You might want to go check the diamond settings in your rings. The British claim to have the world’s largest cut diamond with the “Great Star of Africa” at 530.2 carats. Estimates range as high as $500 million when placing a value on the unique gem. If by chance you possess a larger such stone (any color), requesting proper recognition would seem reasonable. Well, I hope your predictions are more accurate than those of Admiral Leathy – and that you have a great week.
James White is a retired mathematics teacher who enjoys sharing fascinating trivia. He can be reached at [email protected].
Random fun
A real woman is a man's best friend.
She will never stand him up and never let him down.
She will reassure him when he feels insecure and
comfort him after a bad day.
She will inspire him to do things he never thought he
could do; to live without fear and forget regret.
She will enable him to express his deepest emotions and
give in to his most intimate desires.
She will make sure he always feels as though he's the
most handsome man in the room and will enable him to be the most
confident, sexy, seductive, and invincible....
No wait... sorry... I'm thinking of beer. That's what
beer does... Never mind....
A pastor's wife was expecting a baby, so he stood before the congregation and asked for a raise. After much discussion, they passed a rule that whenever the preacher's family expanded, so would his paycheck. After 6 children, this started to get expensive and the congregation decided to hold another meeting to discuss the preacher's expanding salary. A great deal of yelling and inner bickering ensued, as to how much the clergyman's additional children were costing the church, and how much more it could potentially cost. After listening to them for about an hour, the pastor rose from his chair and spoke, 'Children are a gift from God, and we will take as many gifts as He gives us.' Silence fell on the congregation. In the back pew, a little old lady struggled to stand, and finally said in her frail voice, 'Rain is also a gift from God, but when we get too much of it, we wear rubbers.' The entire congregation said, 'Amen.'
Charley, a new retiree-greeter at Walmart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time. Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late.
But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.
One day the boss called him into the office for a talk. "Charlie, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang up job, but your being late so often is quite bothersome."
"Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."
''Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear.
However, it's odd though, your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in late there?"
"They said, 'Good morning Admiral, can I get your coffee, sir? '''
Your Horoscope by Madame Bournard
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 19)
Reflect on about what you have accomplished this year and think about better ways to get ahead for 2011. Take stock and set goals. You have been impatient; something is bothering you.
TAURUS (APR. 20 – MAY 20)
Social situations bring compatible feelings about friends and there is an excellent potential for romance this week. Remember that constructive criticism is even more positive if it is coming from a good friend.
GEMINI (MAY 21 –JUNE 20)
Although briefly, reality may hit you hard this week. Pay special attention to your health; don’t forget how important it is to take care of yourself. Begin by doing “one thing” if you need to start slowly.
CANCER (JUN 21 – JULY 22)
An unusual situation may cause you some anxiety. You may feel like getting out with a friend for lunch and a movie or shopping. It will be a good time to vent your frustrations.
LEO (JULY 23- SEPT. 22)
You and your significant other will enjoy time together having fun together. Be jovial. Money is always a consideration, but you have to enjoy life no matter what!
VIRGO (AUG. 23 –AUG 22)
Turn negative feelings around you into positive ones. This is a good thing for you and may be of even more importance for your partner. The stronger you are the better for everyone else.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24- OCT.23)
There is welcome news for you. A special occasion with friends puts you in a good mood. No matter what fun you have, home is most comfortable to you.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23- NOV. 21)
Important partnerships or friendships may be tested. If you are facing a decision learn all of the details and avoid making a quick decision. If not, you may be talked very convincingly into a bad plan.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22- DEC. 21)
If you feel as though you are going through the motions but are not truly engaged, the feeling will pass. You’re just a bit out of it this week. A new perspective and inevitable changes are to come.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22- JAN 19)
You will uncover important information. It will benefit you. Timing is everything. Your soul seeks good vibes. A serious house cleaning will be a major accomplishment.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20- FEB. 18)
You’re exhausted. Try to rest up the next couple of days so you’re less likely to become ill. The strong feeling to speak your piece about something bothering you should be held in check for now.
PISCES (FEB. 19- MAR. 20)
Don’t cause a problems with a extended family member. You need to stay focused and play your cards well. Don’t take chances right now.
