Sir Robert Ball, the astronomer, is fond of telling an amusing story against himself. He is a round-faced, jovial-looking man in appearance, not resembling in the least the ordinary conception of a famous scientist.
Once he was engaged to lecture in a remote part of Ireland, and found no vehicle waiting for him at the station. At last a typical Irish servant came up and said: “Maybe you’re Sir Robert Ball?”
When he found that he was correct in his surmise, the man said, “Oh, shure, your honor, I am sorry to have kept you waiting, but I was told to look out for an intellectual-looking gentleman.”
With such a jovial face, Sir Robert Ball’s high school career counselor should’ve steered him towards the field of seasonal gift giving. Besides, he’d never have had to wait for a lift with Santa Claus’ transportation perks.
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Disclaimer: The modern era is far from the first to grapple with rampant “fake news.” As I am neither a historian nor journalist, I make no claims about the accuracy or lack thereof of the above sources. I assert only that they make for a good story.
Did you click through Facebook or Twitter? We got lucky—don’t let social media algorithms keep you from seeing a post! Save yourself a click, and subscribe to have stories delivered to your inbox as soon as they’re published.
Disclaimer: The modern era is far from the first to grapple with rampant “fake news.” As I am neither a historian nor journalist, I make no claims about the accuracy or lack thereof of the above sources. I assert only that they make for a good story.
Welcome to Second Glance History! This blog seeks to uncover the people and the stories forgotten by history and give them another read through a modern lens. Join me every week as we examine the differences that divide and the common threads that connect the then to the now.
Thank you. I now know it is possible to READ something with a brogue….
Impressive! 👏 Even when I try to read with an Irish accent in my own head, I cringe.