France May End ‘Marital Duty’ To Have Sex

by Hugh Schofield BBC    France is one step from enshrining in law the end of so-called “conjugal rights” – the notion that marriage means a duty to have sex.    A bill approved on Wednesday in France’s National Assembly adds a clause to the country’s civil code to make clear that “community of living” …

Ten Joyful Words From Around The World

by Kevin Burton    Happiness is a sunny place to be on a slow and sweet Saturday morning. Happiness has its shadings and degrees.    Happiness observes no borders, but it is expressed differently and more specifically in the various parts of the world.    This we explore today with a list from Merriam-Webster dictionary.  …

Thirteen Words That Are Happy Accidents

by Dictionary Scoop     Some of our everyday vocabulary was never supposed to happen. From pronunciation blunders to translation mishaps, these words made it into the English language completely by accident.    Grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy these amusing little mix-ups that stuck around longer than anyone expected. 1-That’s not how you spell ‘expedite’ …

This French Hubby Got Some ‘Splainin To Do

by Kevin Burton    Ok baby bubba, let’s hear you talk your way out of this one!    Under the headline “Mislaid Mrs.,” The Sun newspaper of London ran a painfully short story about a Frenchman who drove nearly 200 miles on a vacation trip before realizing he had left his lawfully-wedded wife at a …

Where Your Favorite Cheeses Come From

by Dictionary Scoop     Whether you’re a cheese expert or just enjoy a good slice on your sandwich, you’ll enjoy this flavorful ride.    There are fascinating stories behind the cheeses we eat every day. So, let’s take a trip around the world—one cheesy stop at a time—and explore ten places that gave these famous …

Facts About Languages Around The World

by Dictionary Scoop    Language is like a passport to the world; it connects us, teaches us, and sometimes leaves us scratching our heads.    With more than  7,000 languages spoken globally, the world of words is full of surprises and stories. If you are a language lover, these 13 facts about languages will keep your curiosity …

Words Whose Standard Spelling Has Changed

by Dictionary Scoop    Just as a river constantly flows yet maintains its continuity, languages change and evolve over time. Words can shift in spelling, alter their meanings, or branch into entirely new concepts while retaining the essence that once defined them.    Even in modern times, with dictionaries and education standardizing pronunciations and definitions, notable differences …

Barratt Is First Blind Woman To Swim Channel

by Andy Corbley Good News Network    A Paralympic gold medalist has become the first blind woman to swim across the English Channel, and she finished under time.    Melanie Barratt took on the challenge after falling in love with open-water swimming.    She said that being blind has left her feeling “isolated,” but thanks …

Change, Seeming Change And God’s Stability

by Kevin Burton    You fearful and despairing, you weary of mind and heart, comfort today from The Bible, with help from a French novelist.    “The more things change, the more they are the same” is the best-known quotation of Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr (1808 –1890) a French critic, journalist, and novelist.    You’ve probably heard …

Why Valentine’s Day Is A Fake, And Worse

by Kevin Burton    A co-worker of Jeannette’s told her that he and his wife didn’t celebrate Valentine’s day, calling it a “fake holiday.”    Many people agree. But as it turns out it’s worse than that.    “Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate romance and love and kissy-face fealty. But the origins of …