Perhaps it's because we're getting out of work early today or because we have a long weekend ahead of us, but today's post is mostly an exercise in randomness.
New word I learned today: fungible, which according to the American Heritage Dictionary means "interchangeable" (adj.) or "something that is exchangeable or substitutable" (n.). Thank you to Mark Walsh at Fast Company for today's word.
New factoid I learned today: The nation's first 911 call was placed in Haleyville, AL, in February 1968. Thank you to Tim McElligott at Telephony for today's factoid [no link - this came from this week's "Software Decode" eNewsletter]. They recently unearthed a transcript of that first 911 call in Haleyville, AL:
"Quick, Betty Sue, send the fire department! Bubba's done got his head stuck in the wood chipper again!"
[Disclaimer: I'm from Alabama so I can make this sort of joke; all of you Yankees best keep your mouths shut]
Today's most overlooked cause for an effect: According to the BBC:
US health officials are examining reports of varying degrees of blindness among a small number of men using the anti-impotence drug Viagra.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified 50 cases of the condition, which can occur in men with heart disease or diabetes.
The FDA says it has as yet found no evidence that Viagra is to blame for the condition.
Oh come on! Here's a hint: it's not the drug but what they're doing after they take the drug that's causing the blindness. Don't you remember the warnings from your parents about how too much of a "certain activity" will make you go blind? In a related story, the FDA is also examining reports of Rogaine users complaining of growing hair on their palms.
Today's sign that Fox News has given up all pretense of being an independent news organization: While interviewing Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) about this week's Senate filibuster compromise, Fox News anchor David Asman accidentally used the pronoun "we" when referring to the Republicans in a question about the use of the "nuclear option." Why compromise, Asman asked, "if we should have done it and if we had the votes to do it." [emphasis added] For a transcript and video clip of the Fox Freudian slip, go here.
Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Don't forget to take the time to give thanks for the freedoms we all enjoy as a result of the sacrifices of others. See you Tuesday!
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