Language

To Decimate and More

If you’ve followed the recent US Election, conversations in certain quarters are likely to run in this vein. “It was a bloodbath! The Dems got decimated!.” “It could have been avoided had Biden dropped out before the Primary deadline.” “Nah! It would not have made a difference, there were several causes and this was death by a thousand cuts.” “I…

Continue Reading

History, Language, Travel

Beyond the Pale

It was the first day of my trip to Dublin with a group of wonderful friends. Fittingly, we were at the Teeling Distillery across the street from our hotel. We had signed up for a distillery tour and our guide Mark was holding court. Behind him was the enlarged facsimile of one of the maps of Dublin by the famous…

Continue Reading

History, Language, Travel

Eating Humble Pie

Sir Issac Newton’s remains are buried in the nave of Westminster Abbey.  I was on a walking tour and our guide Tom, pointed out  Charles Darwin’s grave, also in the nave.  Two outstanding scientists with towering intellects who have had a remarkable influence on our understanding of Science.  Fittingly, in between their graves, is a plaque marking the spot where…

Continue Reading