A Swedish team of mathematicians calculated there are 177,147 different ways to tie a tie.
Benjamin Franklin invented the rocking chair.
A Swedish team of mathematicians calculated there are 177,147 different ways to tie a tie.
Benjamin Franklin invented the rocking chair.
Rutherford Hayes |
Many stories have been told of Francis' ability to charm wild animals. It was said that he would talk to the animals and they would talk back. In fact most of these stories originate from a book, The Little Flowers Of Saint Francis, which was written a century after his death.
Legend of St. Francis, Sermon to the Birds, upper Basilica of San Francesco d'Assis |
It was often reported that wild animals—rabbits, birds, even a wolf—became tame before Francis of Assisi. He especially cared for animals that were associated with Christ. If he saw a lamb being led off to slaughter, he would try to rescue it by pleading or trading for it.
In acknowledgement of his love for the countryside and wild creatures, Francis of Assisi was designated patron saint of ecology in 1980.
World Animal Day is celebrated annually on October 4, the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.