We speak the language of Caesar everyday … and we don’t even know it – Everyday Latin Phrases
A motley combination of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Germanic dialects, the English language (more or less as we know it) coalesced between the 9th and 13th centuries. However, despite the passage of time, there are many common Latin phrases and abbreviations that have survived and are still in use in everyday language, even after a couple of thousand years.
You’ve got (Extraordinary) Mail – Posting yourself to Freedom
We’ve all heard stories of refugees stowing away to get to freedom but here is a truly inspirational story published over 150 years ago in the London Times : A fugitive slave who sent himself to freedom in the post !
Where Did Some of the World’s Currency Symbols Come From, Like the $ and £ ?
The key currency symbols of the World’s biggest currencies are instantly recognizable. In the this article we look at the etymology of some of these symbols.
Going Underground – The Story of the London Tube
The London Underground, or Tube as it is known in Britain, was the first of its’ kind in the world. Thanks to this seminal invention modern cities can sustain and transport millions of people everyday far and beyond what their ‘natural’ capacity would ever have been with out it.
What Colour are Carrots ?
What colour are carrots ? … is this a joke? … orange of course ,even the pigment that gives it it’s orange colour is called beta-carotene. Hmmm you might not be so sure after you read this article.
Are You a Luddite?
Are you a Luddite ? .. A term coined over 200 years ago.. Read on to see if you are (although the chances are that you aren’t, given that you’re using a computer to read this article on the internet)
How does Recycling Work ?
There is an ever growing collective awareness of the consequences of the damage that mankind is doing to mother Earth as a consequence of our mass consumer, throw away lifestyles. Consequently more and more people are getting into recycling. But what happens to it AFTER we place it in the recycling bins ? Where and how is it recycled ?
How did people tell the time & keep appointments before clocks were invented ?
It’s almost incomprehensible to the modern mind not to know the time and the date. Our world would cease to function in the way it does. So let’s imagine then an average man during the Dark Ages, in say in the 9th century. After a hard days work he decides to meet a friend for a drink. Was there an awkward pause after. ‘Okay, why don’t I meet you at my place at… ?’ …so how dis the world function before clocks ?
What every body is saying … when bodies start talking
Whether you like it or not your body leaks information about you. Every day in every interaction your body posture and movements are transmitting information about your inner thoughts and feelings without you knowing it .. this is “body language”. The trick is can you consciously control it or even read other peoples ?
The Origins of the Modern Moggie
It may surprise you to know that the origin of the modern moggie, one of the mysteries of veterinary science, has only very recently been solved by researchers.
Who invented the comma ?
Such a small thing, as symbols go, but it can make all the difference in meaning and understanding when used in a sentence. But wher did it come from ?
Why do the Brits drink so much tea ?
Tea certainly isn’t native to the British Isles so how did this come about? It certainly is an interesting story involving a Portuguese princess who was a tea addict, smuggling and even revolution.
The Humble Potato – a History
The potato’s story begins about 8,000 years ago near Lake Titicaca, in South America. In this article we look at how it became the one of most popular foodstuff in the world today.
Do Babies “Speak” with an Accent ?
Could babies, who can’t even speak yet, be “googling”, “gurgling” and “gaaing” with an accent. This article looks at some recent research.
The Guernseyman who prints the World’s Money
Take a look at a Guernsey fiver or pound note and you’ll notice something curious. Tucked away among the complex calligraphy and imagery you’ll see three little words ‘de la Rue’. Further more if you happen to be Malaysian and look at the corner of your ringgit note you’ll see the same thing.
