EmbraceableYew
EmbraceableYew t1_j8nsbps wrote
Reply to TIL that the phrase "It was a dark and stormy night" was the opening line to an actual novel published in 1830, but runs on for another 51 words: "It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents — except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which..." by dylancatlow
This is from Edward Bulwer-Lytton. It is too bad that this seems to be mainly what he is remembered for.
He was a 19th-century English novelist, dandy, and politician. He was friends with and served with Benjamin Disraeli, another dandy/writer/ politician (and ultimately prime minister). EBL was colonial secretary . Pelham was a popular novel of his. Also The Last Days of Pompeii, among many, many others.
If I am not mistaken, ELB would get elected by explaining that under no circumstances should anyone ever vote for him.
It was a different time. I might be mixing him up with someone else on this point.
Anyway, he was an interesting and eccentric fellow.
EmbraceableYew t1_j1f3z2e wrote
Reply to comment by hrudnick in TiL it was Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" that popularized the expression "Merry Christmas". by thewickerstan
I am up for that. We could kick Dickens's ass.
EmbraceableYew t1_iyersk2 wrote
Reply to comment by clubberin in Why wouldn't you accept an apology? by [deleted]
Strongly agree. What are often called apologies are not. They are often non-apologies that essentially blame the wronged party.
"I am sorry if you misunderstood me" and the like. You see, it was really your fault not mine.
An actual apology is explicit in accepting responsibility for harm done by the apologizer, and regret for having caused that harm. It should also contain some recognition of the need for improvement, that is, how the apologizer will behave in the future.
EmbraceableYew t1_iuk9arz wrote
Reply to comment by Straight-Difficulty3 in What is the strongest shape structurally? by Used4KillingTime
"Hexagons are the bestagons."
-- CPG Grey
EmbraceableYew t1_iuk8sr1 wrote
Reply to TIL the New York Jets have never beaten the Philadelphia Eagles. The first time they played was in 1973. by MightGuy420x
This year isn't feeling like the one to change that record.
EmbraceableYew t1_j9eufcj wrote
Reply to TIL with Scallops, only the abductor muscle is eaten by humans. The rest of the meat, which is edible, may contain a buildup of toxins, and is discarded at sea. by testhec10ck
The practice of eating only the abductor muscle is one of the reasons why scallops are comparatively safe to eat. Sometimes demoic acid, paralytic shellfish poisoning, or other nasty afflictions can be a risk when you eat the whole shellfish, say clams or mussels.