Philosopher Jeremy’s Bentham’s 275-year-old body is on permanent public display in the Student Center at University College London

"Fun Facts Saturday" Jeremy Bentham – “Father of Utilitarianism” Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) is an 18th Century English jurist, philosopher, and the “Father of Utilitarianism.” Utilitarianism rejects absolute right or wrong. Instead, “right and wrong are determined by what brings the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people.” Or in short, “the greatest good for … Continue reading Philosopher Jeremy’s Bentham’s 275-year-old body is on permanent public display in the Student Center at University College London →

Top Ten Chinese Proverbs -Happy Chinese New Year!

"Fun Facts Saturday" I love proverbs. A proverb is a pithy phrase containing profound truths. There is/are a plethora of proverbs. My favorite Arab proverb is, “Trust Allah, but tie the camel’s leg.” My favorite English proverb is, “He who pays the piper, calls the tune.” Here are my top 10 favorite Chinese proverbs. To … Continue reading Top Ten Chinese Proverbs -Happy Chinese New Year! →

Married Couples Develop “Selective Hearing”

"Fun Facts Saturday" "Personal Experience" "Selective hearing" generally means "our ability to focus on a single speaker, while tuning out other speakers and background noise." Sometimes, "selective hearing" means something else. When my Mom and Dad were elderly, my sister’s husband, Dan, was scheduled to fly from Omaha to L.A. for a conference. He planned … Continue reading Married Couples Develop “Selective Hearing” →

“Wedding Capital of the World” – Gretna Green, Scotland

"Fun Facts Saturday" We visited famous Gretna Green when we picked up our daughter from her mission in Scotland. In 1754, Parliament passed the Marriage Act, which prevented people under the age of 21 from marrying in England without parental consent. If the bride or groom was under 21 any of the parents could object … Continue reading “Wedding Capital of the World” – Gretna Green, Scotland →

“Scots-are-Cheap” Stereotype

"Fun Facts Saturday" My Scottish ancestors have a reputation for being brave, fierce fighters. They also have a reputation for being: Miserly Thrifty Cheap Chintzy Frugal Stingy “Careful with money” “Penny-pinching” "Tight-fisted" No one knows how or when the “Scots-are-Cheap” stereotype started. It is at least 400 years old. "Originally it reflected Scots' poverty and … Continue reading “Scots-are-Cheap” Stereotype →

What’s a “Plethora?”

"Fun Facts Saturday" You may have noticed that one of my favorite words is "plethora." It has been a favorite ever since I watched the movie “Three Amigos.” Jefe, a rough-and-tumble bandit with rotten teeth, is explaining the preparations for gang leader El Guapo’s birthday celebration. Jefe (bandit): I have put many beautiful piñatas in the … Continue reading What’s a “Plethora?” →

Brief History of Dodging Taxes: Including McVities Jaffa Cakes and Walker’s Famous Scottish Shortbread

“Fun Facts Saturday” Taxes and Tax Dodging go hand in hand “Taxes are forever.” Benjamin Franklin declared, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Ronald Reagan observed, “The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if … Continue reading Brief History of Dodging Taxes: Including McVities Jaffa Cakes and Walker’s Famous Scottish Shortbread →

We are traveling through space at 1.78 MILLION MPH! No wonder I feel tired.

"Fun Facts Saturday" I am fascinated by cosmology and issues of space-time. (That's why I like science fiction and "Space Opera.") Unfortunately, my college didn’t offer “Cosmology for Dummies” for us English majors. I long wondered: “How fast are we travelling through space?” The answer: about 1.78 million miles per hour! Speed of Earth’s Rotation … Continue reading We are traveling through space at 1.78 MILLION MPH! No wonder I feel tired. →

Why does the Flag of Northern Ireland have a bloody red hand in the middle?

"Fun Facts Saturday" The Flags of Ulster and Northern Ireland are unique. They have a bloody red hand in the center. Ulster Banner (Home of my Irish Ancestors) According to legend, there was a proclamation with a challenge. The first person to "touch" or “lay hand” on the ground of Ulster would have claim to … Continue reading Why does the Flag of Northern Ireland have a bloody red hand in the middle? →

5 Popular Phrases and Their Origins

"Fun Facts Saturday" I have been intrigued by the origin of popular every-day phrases. We use these phrases all the time without giving them a second thought. Yet, their origins are interesting and memorable. 1. “Turning a blind eye” Meaning: to consciously ignore unwanted information Origin: The famous Admiral Lord Nelson, hero of the naval Battle … Continue reading 5 Popular Phrases and Their Origins →