What’s Going On? New Marvin Gaye Music?

by Kevin Burton    There might be some court wrangling first, but there is a chance the world will get to hear some new Marvin Gaye music.    According to multiple reports, a collection of  tapes of previously unheard Gaye songs has been discovered in Belgium. The troubled genius moved there in 1981 to get …

More Bilingual Americans Than You Think

by Kevin Burton   There was a time when I had multiple dozens of penpals from around the world. More than once I heard this joke:    What do you call a person who speaks three languages? Trilingual. What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bilingual.    What do you call a …

The Colorful Military History Of M&Ms

by Kevin Burton    Let’s all salute innovation and progress today and tomorrow by knocking down a couple of packs of M&Ms.    Let’s do so under the heading, “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand, stays on your waistline.”    M&Ms are 83 years old as of tomorrow. Forrest Mars secured a patent …

Ferris Wheels Also Make The World Go Round

by Kevin Burton    In response to one of my Valentine’s Day posts, a reader let me know that Feb. 14 is also National Ferris Wheel Day in the United States.    Now that’s news I can use! What an apt metaphor for the “love” of love songs that is wrapped in feelings, or perhaps …

Wife Carrying: A New Sport For The Burtons?

by Kevin Burton    Now this one has potential.    On the Dictionary Scoop website I stumbled upon an inspired idea for a new sport my wife Jeannette and I can get involved in. The website called it “weird” and “unique” and it is both.    Wife carrying.    I am psyched!    So fortunate …

Yum, Yum, It’s Eat Brussel Sprouts Day!

by Kevin Burton    Looking for a source of quick energy and nutrition?  You picked a great day for it. Step right up. It’s Eat Brussels Sprouts day!    The day is celebrated Jan. 31 each year,  according to nationaltoday.com.    “Brussels sprouts belong to the Gemmifera group of cabbages, which are grown for their …

AI And Biblical Warnings Of Strong Delusion

by Kevin Burton    The Biblical warning of “strong delusion” coming on mankind is playing out now. The vehicle: artificial intelligence.    Read your Bible. Pay attention.    First here’s the warning, in context, from II Thessalonians 2:1-12 in the New King James Version:     “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our …

12 Words We Need In The English Language

by Kevin Burton    What a glorious toybox is language. Words and their shadings and peculiarities have been one of the few constants I can count on in life.    The little sticks-and-stones bromide which states “words will never hurt me” is false in its context. Words can hurt a lot when used improperly, especially …

Survey Names Mexico Best Location For Expats

by Kevin Burton    I’ve done it before; I could do it again if I had to. So file this under “just in case.”    The BBC recently published a list of ten best countries for expatriates – people who leave their home country to live abroad – based on a survey by Internations, the …

Producers Of Braille Are Touching Lives

by Kevin Burton    Today we touch on two stories about braille being produced from unexpected sources.    NBC Connecticut ran a story about female inmates at York Correctional Facility becoming certified as Braille transcriptionists.    Five inmates completed the program Aug. 24. I wish NBC had quoited some of them. But here is part …