Thought of the Day: Buildings

Why is it called a building if it’s already built?

The term “building” can be understood in two different senses. In one sense, “building” refers to the process or action of constructing a structure. In this context, it is used as a verb, such as “they are building a house.”

However, in the more common sense, “building” is used as a noun to describe a structure that has been constructed and is intended for human use, such as a house, office building, or skyscraper. This noun form is derived from the verb form but has taken on a different meaning over time.

The reason we still use the term “building” to describe a structure that has already been constructed is likely due to historical linguistic development and convention. The word has become established in the English language to refer to both the action of construction and the result of that action. It is similar to other words in the English language that have retained their original form even though their meaning may have evolved or changed over time.

So, while it might seem a bit counterintuitive, the term “building” is used to describe a constructed structure because it has become conventionally accepted in the English language to refer to both the process and the result of construction.

The word “building” has its origins in the Old English language. It can be traced back to the Old English verb “byldan,” which meant “to build.” The noun form “bylding” was derived from this verb and referred to the act of building or construction.

Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved, and it eventually settled on the modern form “building” in Middle English. The word retained its meaning of a constructed structure, referring to a physical edifice created through the process of building.

The etymology of “building” can be further traced to the Proto-Germanic root “builthjaną,” which means “to construct” or “to erect.” This root is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the German word “Bau” and the Dutch word “bouwen.”

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This Day in History: May 27th

Here are ten interesting events that took place on May 27th throughout history:

  1. 1703: Saint Petersburg, Russia, is founded by Tsar Peter the Great.
  2. 1813: American troops capture Fort George in Canada during the War of 1812.
  3. 1937: The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, officially opens to the public.
  4. 1941: The British Royal Navy sinks the German battleship Bismarck in the North Atlantic Ocean.
  5. 1968: The Beatles’ album “The Beatles” (commonly known as “The White Album”) goes to number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
  6. 1995: The Bosnian War comes to an end as Bosnian Serb forces sign an agreement in Dayton, Ohio.
  7. 1999: The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia indicts Slobodan Milosevic, the former President of Yugoslavia, for war crimes.
  8. 2016: President Barack Obama becomes the first sitting U.S. President to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan.
  9. 2017: The world’s longest bridge-tunnel system, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, linking Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China, opens to traffic.
  10. 2020: SpaceX successfully launches its first crewed mission, Demo-2, to the International Space Station, marking the first time a private company sends humans into orbit.

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Joke of the Day: Wednesday’s wagon of wisecracks …

I’ve got a new joke about an umbrella but I think it might go over people’s heads…

I’m looking to hire a Chef who is very frugal with herbs.

No thyme wasters please…

I Googled the phrase “missing medieval servant”.

It came back with “Page not found”.

I got a book titled ‘A Guide to Surgical Procedures’…

I opened it up and the appendix was missing.

I’ve told my suitcases that I can’t afford a holiday this year.

Now I’m dealing with the emotional baggage…

‘Life is like a bunch of flowers’.

Florist Gump.

I keep having a recurring dream that I am turning into a joint of ham.

Might go and see the doctor, I hope I can be cured…

I think most of you probably already know about the first rule of Assumption Club.

I hate being the only drunk person at a party!!

I’ve totally ruined my 5-year-olds birthday.

I asked 100 women what shampoo they prefer to use while taking a shower?…

They all replied, “How did you get in here?”

The inventor of the USB stick has died.

Thanks for the memory.

The bartender told me they are about to start Happy Hour.

So he asked me to leave

I’m a fisherman, and I’m dating a mermaid.

I met her online.

The police suspected that my daughter accidentally burnt our house down.

But it was arson.

My girlfriend said to me, “You’re always acting like a detective. I want to split up.”

I said, “Good idea, we can cover more ground that way.”

My girlfriend said she’s leaving me because I think I’m a supermarket cashier.

I said, “Would you like any help with your packing?”

The English language is pretty strange and confusing.

It can be understood through tough thorough thought though.

A lorry-load of tortoises crashed into a train-load of terrapins,

I thought “That’s a turtle disaster”.

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The Sage and his Chihuahua

In a realm of wisdom, a Sage so bright,
In a robe of white, his aura alight.
With gentle hands, he holds a brush so fine,
A pet chihuahua, Marvin, his furry divine.


Marvin, the chihuahua, small and spry,
With gleaming eyes that twinkle like the sky.
A trusted companion, loyal and true,
Together they embark on a dental rendezvous.


In a cosy abode, where wisdom resides,
The Sage and Marvin, their bond never hides.
With a pink toothbrush, soft bristles in hand,
The Sage tends to Marvin, a ritual so grand.


With patience and care, The Sage begins,
Brushing Marvin’s teeth, removing life’s sins.
Each stroke, a loving touch, a tender caress,
Ensuring Marvin’s dental health is The Sage’s success.

The chihuahua, Marvin, sits still and calm,
Trusting The Sage’s touch, a soothing balm.
With each gentle sweep, a sparkling sheen,
Marvin’s teeth, pristine, like a diamond’s gleam.


The Sage imparts wisdom, words that transcend,
As the pink toothbrush dances, a message to send.
“Care for yourself, little Marvin, with love and grace,
For health is a treasure that time can’t erase.”


The bond between Sage and chihuahua grows,
As the toothbrush uncovers the secrets it knows.
Marvin’s wagging tail, a joyous refrain,
In The Sage’s presence, his worries are slain.


In this sacred act, a lesson is taught,
That even the smallest beings should never be naught.
The Sage and Marvin, a duo so divine,
Teaching love, care, and grace, in this moment in time.


So let the wise Sage, in his robe so bright,
Brush Marvin’s teeth, their hearts shining light.
For in this simple act, their connection is pure,
The Sage and his chihuahua, their bond will endure.

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Joke of the Day: Tuesday’s tirade of trifles …

Opened a tin of paint and found model figures of King Arthur, Lancelot, and Sir Galahad floating in it.

The knights in white satin.

I’m appearing in a film being made about Greggs the Bakers.

I’ll be playing a small roll.

I thought it would be easy to balance a bucket of Tippex on my head…

I stand corrected…

The recruitment consultant asked me ‘What do you think of voluntary work?’

I said ‘I wouldn’t do it if you paid me.’

Next year I’m going to give up using spreadsheets for 40 days and 40 nights.

It’ll be Excel Lent.

I told my friend people keep accidentally asking me to purchase meat for them.

He said, “By mistake?”

I said, “Oh come on, not you as well!”

I finally managed to get rid of that nasty electrical charge I’ve been carrying.

I’m ex-static!

What kind of fish is made from just two sodium atoms?

2 Na.

I’ve started a business where I weigh tiny objects.

It’s a small-scale operation.

I had a game of quiet tennis today.

It’s just like regular tennis but without the racket.

I’ve written a joke about Elton John.

It’s a little bit funny.

I just drank some WKD with ice in it.

It was wicked.

People tell me that my grammar stinks…

What do they expect?

She’s 98.

The man who invented the iPhone battery has passed away.

His funeral will take pla

My girlfriend says I’m hopeless at fixing appliances.

Well, she’s in for a shock.

I’m giving up alcohol for a month.

Wait, I typed that wrong…

I’m giving up. Alcohol for a month.

Why is manslaughter a crime?

Are men not allowed to laugh?

There was a Roman emperor who never aged after he turned 19.

His name was Constant Teen.

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Advice of the Day: Cats and Bags

Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in.

This is a proverbial expression that conveys the idea that revealing a secret or sharing confidential information is much simpler and more effortless than trying to undo or reverse the consequences of that disclosure.

The phrase uses the metaphor of a cat in a bag. When the cat is inside the bag, it is concealed and contained. Releasing the cat from the bag represents divulging a secret or letting confidential information become known. Once the secret is out, it is challenging or impossible to retract or undo the effects of that revelation, just as it would be difficult to put a cat back into a bag once it has been set free.

In a broader sense, the saying serves as a cautionary reminder about the potential repercussions of sharing sensitive or confidential information. It highlights the importance of discretion and being mindful of the consequences that may arise from disclosing secrets or private matters. Once secrets are revealed, the damage or impact caused by that disclosure can be extensive and irreversible.

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Thought of the Day: Tucking in

If your shirt isn’t tucked into your pants, then your pants are tucked into your shirt.

The statement “If your shirt isn’t tucked into your pants, then your pants are tucked into your shirt.” does not make sense. The statement is a logical fallacy called a false dichotomy. A false dichotomy is an argument that presents two options as the only possible choices, when in fact there are other options available. In this case, the two options are “your shirt is tucked into your pants” and “your pants are tucked into your shirt.” However, there are other possible options, such as “your shirt is not tucked into your pants and your pants are not tucked into your shirt.”

Another way to see that the statement is false is to consider the definition of “tuck.” Tucking means folding or gathering something into a narrow space. In the context of clothing, tucking means folding the bottom of a shirt or blouse into the waistband of pants or a skirt. So, if a shirt is not tucked into pants, then it cannot be the case that pants are tucked into the shirt.

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Quote of the Day: Difficulties

“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body.”

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Lucius Annaeus Seneca, commonly known as Seneca the Younger, was a prominent figure in ancient Rome. He lived from approximately 4 BC to AD 65 and was a philosopher, statesman, and playwright. Seneca was born in Cordoba, Hispania (present-day Spain), and later moved to Rome, where he became a tutor and advisor to the young Emperor Nero.

As a philosopher, Seneca was associated with the Stoic school of thought. He wrote extensively on topics such as ethics, virtue, and the nature of happiness. His philosophical works, including letters and essays, explored the practical aspects of Stoicism and its application to daily life. Seneca emphasized the importance of self-control, resilience in the face of adversity, and living in accordance with nature.

In addition to his philosophical pursuits, Seneca was involved in Roman politics. He served as a senator and held several high-ranking positions, including consul. Seneca’s influence on Nero as his advisor varied throughout their relationship, and he is often associated with attempts to temper the young emperor’s excesses.

Seneca also had a career as a playwright and wrote tragedies that were performed in Rome. Some of his notable works include “Medea,” “Phaedra,” and “Thyestes,” which drew inspiration from Greek mythology and drama.

Seneca’s life and teachings continue to be studied and admired for their insights into philosophy, ethics, and human nature. His writings have had a significant impact on subsequent thinkers and continue to be widely read and discussed today.

The quote “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body” suggests that facing challenges and overcoming obstacles can have a positive impact on mental strength, just as physical labour can enhance the strength and resilience of the body.

In this context, “difficulties” refer to obstacles, hardships, or adversities that one encounters in life. These difficulties can come in various forms, such as personal setbacks, professional challenges, or even emotional struggles. The quote suggests that instead of viewing difficulties as purely negative or something to be avoided, they can actually serve as opportunities for growth and development.

Similar to how physical labour and exercise can build physical strength and endurance, facing and overcoming difficulties can strengthen the mind. When we encounter obstacles and find ways to overcome them, we develop problem-solving skills, resilience, perseverance, and a greater sense of self-confidence.

The quote emphasises the idea that just as our bodies need physical exertion and challenge to grow stronger, our minds also benefit from encountering and surmounting difficulties. By embracing and confronting challenges head-on, we have the chance to cultivate our mental fortitude, broaden our perspectives, and develop the skills needed to navigate future obstacles more effectively.

This quote encourages us to view difficulties as opportunities for personal growth and to recognise that facing and overcoming challenges can ultimately contribute to the strengthening of our minds, much like physical labour does for the body.

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The Sage x-rays his cat

In his little hut, The Old Sage sat,
With his faithful feline, a plump and lazy cat,
He gazed at her with his wise old eyes,
And pondered upon her inner guise.



The cat purred contentedly on his lap,
As The Sage stroked her fur with a gentle tap,
He wondered what secrets lay within,
What mysteries hid beneath her skin.



So he fetched his tools, an x-ray machine,
And peered at his cat, as if in a dream,
He studied her bones, her organs and more,
Seeking the knowledge he longed to explore.

The Sage was amazed at what he found,
Such complexity in his feline profound,
And he knew that his cat was much more,
Than just a pet to be adored.



For in her there lay a universe untold,
A wondrous mystery for him to behold,
And he thanked the heavens for this great chance,
To delve into the secrets of his feline’s stance.



So let us all learn from this Sage so wise,
And look beyond what meets the eyes,
For in all creatures, great and small,
Lies a world of wonder to enthrall.

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This Day in History: May 16th

Here are ten interesting events that took place on May 16th throughout history:

  1. 1770: Marie Antoinette, future queen of France, marries Louis-Auguste (later Louis XVI) in a lavish ceremony.
  2. 1866: The U.S. Congress approves the first nickel five-cent coin, known as the “Shield nickel.”
  3. 1929: The first Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, takes place in Hollywood, California.
  4. 1960: Theodore Maiman operates the first working laser at Hughes Research Laboratories in California, marking a significant milestone in laser technology.
  5. 1983: The iconic television series “Cheers” airs its final episode after eleven successful seasons, leaving a lasting impact on sitcom history.
  6. 1991: Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British monarch to address the United States Congress during a visit to Washington, D.C.
  7. 2005: Kuwaiti women are granted the right to vote and run in parliamentary elections, marking a significant step towards gender equality in the country.
  8. 2011: The last episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” airs, marking the end of its 25-year run as one of the most successful talk shows in television history.
  9. 2014: The National September 11 Memorial Museum officially opens to the public in New York City, commemorating the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
  10. 2018: The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect, aiming to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens in the digital age.

These events represent a diverse range of historical, cultural, and technological milestones that have occurred on May 16th over the years.

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