The Odd Case of Oxford U vs. Henry Symeonis
Beginning in 1264, anyone receiving a Master of Arts degree from Oxford University had to swear they would never forgive Henry Symeonis. This requirement was lifted in 1827, but by then, it had been a few hundred years since anyone knew who Henry Symeonis and why students were taking an oath against him. How it Started The year was 1242. Nobody knows what precipitated the act of violence, but a man named Henry Symeonis, along with a group of other people, murdered an Oxford University student. Rather than jail them, King Henry III fined Henry and his accomplices £80 and ordered them to leave the town of Oxford. 22 years…
How the U.S. States Got Their Names
Following are the 50 States’ names with brief explanations of their origins. Please note, this list may have some inaccuracies, because as I researched the state names, I often found multiple explanations at various sources, many of which contradicted each other. So I had to try to choose the options which seemed to be confirmed by the most legitimate authorities. I used the word “Indian” rather than “Native American” in the cases where I was quoting or paraphrasing historical sources. ALABAMA: Named after a Muskogean-speaking Creek Confederacy tribe called the Alabamas, Alibamons or Alibamus. The word is roughly translated as ‘clearers of the thicket’ or ‘herb gatherers’. ALASKA: From the…
Hantavirus Facts
Hantaviruses are a deadly family of viruses spread primarily by infected wild rodents, such as deer mice, rats, and voles. Infected rodents are carriers only; they do not get sick or show symptoms. Hantavirus infections in humans are rare in the United States. Since surveillance began in 1993, there have been a total of 890 reported cases nationwide. On average, the country records fewer than 30 to 40 cases annually, primarily isolated cases in western and southwestern states. How Humans Contract Hantavirus Infected rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings and saliva, which settles onto the ground or other surfaces that come into contact with the rodents. Humans can…
James Talarico
James Dell Talarico is a Presbyterian seminarian, and former educator who has served since 2018 as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He’s the Democratic nominee for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Texas. He’s been causing a bit of a political stir lately. The response from the left and moderates has been positive. The reaction on the right, however, is downright hateful. “He can’t be a Christian because he’s a Democrat!“, they proclaim. This, from people who claim to be Christian but cherry-pick the Bible. My political and religious views do not 100% line up with those of Talarico’s, but what I see in him- he doesn’t…
