Strange BUT TRUE

• It was the multitalented Brit G.K. Chesterton — he was a poet, philosopher, dramatist, journalist, orator, lay theologian, biographer, and art critic — who made the following sage observation: “The men who really believe in themselves are all in lunatic asylums.”

• Those who study such things say that the word “daisy” started out as “day’s eye” and was shortened over the years. Similarly, “God be with you” became “goodbye” and “whole be thou” became “hello.”

• Becoming a sports star is the dream of many young people, so you might think that someone who is signed to a professional baseball contract has it made. You’d be wrong, though: Only 1 out of every 10 athletes who sign such a contract ever becomes a majorleague ballplayer.

• The shortest song in the world is “You Suffer,” recorded in 1986 by the British band Napalm Death. It lasts precisely 1.316 seconds.

• In France in the 1700s, capital punishment was not uncommon, and criminals thus condemned were decapitated by the country’s Chief Executioner. This position was hereditary, which posed a problem when, in 1726, the holder of that title, Charles-Jean-Baptiste Sanson, suffered an early death, leaving his 7-year-old son, Charles, to take up the grisly duties. It was obvious to all that a child could never wield the heavy ax required for the decapitations, so it was deemed acceptable for a helper to actually perform the executions. Only the official office-holder could put the official seal on the act, however, so the poor boy had to witness every one. It wasn’t until the ripe old age of 12 that he began to take over the full duties of the office.

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Thought for the Day: “It’s best to give while your hand is still warm.” — Philip Roth