Friday FUN FACTS!

 In Greek, the word "Christ" starts with the letter Chi, which looks like an X in the Roman alphabet. In Greek, the word for Christ is ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ, pronounced khristós, meaning “the anointed one." The "X" in “Xmas,” therefore, is a symbol for the word Christ, and has been used as such since the early 1500s at least. It is a respectful replacement so prevalent throughout history that it even has a name: a Christogram.

Unfortunately, "Xmas" has been appropriated by the advertising industry, confusing the etimology and cheapening its historical and cultural significance. But now at least when you see those big brand store ads touting their "low low prices on Xmas presents for the whole family," you'll know the truth about the origin of the Christogram - or, Xogram, if you will!

In 1958, Robert G. Heft was only in high school when he designed the 50-star United States flag for a class project. Alaska and Hawaii were on the verge of statehood, so President Eisenhower created a flag design competition to which 1500 designs were submitted. When Heft only received a B- for his class project, he made a deal with his teacher that if Eisenhower chose his design, he'd receive a better grade. Well, Eisenhower did, so Heft's design not only earned him a place in history, but an A in history class. 

Though Heft passed away in 2009, he left behind his design for a 51-star United States flag, as he anticipated we would need it some day. Perhaps Puerto Rico will put Heft's 51-stars to good use!

1. Madam, in Eden, I’m Adam.
2. Mr. Owl ate my metal worm.
3. A Santa lived as a devil at NASA.
4. Dammit, I’m mad!
5. Was it a rat I saw?
6. Never odd or even
7. Doc, note: I dissent. A fast never prevents a fatness. I diet on cod.
8. Amore, Roma.
9. Yo, banana boy!
10. Dog, as a devil deified, lived as a god.

Hehehe... What's your favorite funny palindrome? The pattern below tells you which is MY fave!

TRUE!!  For the love o' Pete, it's true. I can't tell whether I'm happy or frightened or worried for humanity that this is true. Probably all of the above. For that matter, you're also more likely to be done in by a cow than a shark. A COW! So the moral of the story is to be mindful of docile bovines while taking a selfie of yourself surfing. ;)

Pirates frequently had to move above and below decks, between daylight to near darkness, and the smart ones knew that they could wear an eye patch to keep one eye dark-adapted. Then, when the pirate went below deck, he could switch the patch to the outdoor eye and see in the darkness easily. This trick would have been particularly necessary when that pirate found himself in battle and the lack of sight might cost his life! That said, I'm sure at least a few wore patches to cover a missing eye. ;)

The nickname for which is “The Highest Court in the Land!” Hehe. Aptly named, because the U.S Supreme Court’s basketball court sits on the fifth floor of the United States Supreme Court Building, which is much higher than the actual courtroom, located on the fourth floor. ;)