Six Possible Things After Lunch

Last Updated (Sunday, 17 May 2009 22:19) Written by Raymond Nakamura

Science keeps transforming our sense of the impossible, at least according to Clarke's First Law (named for its scientist and science fiction author, Arthur C. Clarke):

When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong. 

Believing impossible things might lead to the downfall of civilization. But others have a different opinion, such as the White Queen in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass:

Alice laughed: "There's no use trying," she said; "one can't believe impossible things."

"I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

I came across some expressions for something highly unlikely, if not impossible. Then, after some Googling, I realized they weren't as impossible as I first thought. I'm not sure about the philosophical implications of all this, but here goes anyway...

1. Hen's Teeth

The French say, "When hens have teeth."

But some scientists have manipulated a mutant chicken to produce some.

2. Hairy Frogs

In Spanish, it's "When frogs grow hair."

Yet hairy frogs live in Africa. During mating season, hair-like bristles form from the skin of males.

3. Whistling Crayfish

Russians say, "When the crayfish whistles."

Maybe this relates to the sound lobsters make when boiled and the steam from their innards comes out from their carapace (which some people mistakenly attribute to "screaming").

4. Climbing Fish

To the Turkish, it's "When fish climb trees."

I wonder if they know about the Climbing Perch.

5. White Crows

Filipino phrase is "When the crow turns white."

Sometimes, however, you do get albinos.

6. Flying Pigs

And what about, "When pigs fly?"

I haven't come across anything on the viability of porcine aerodynamic mutations, but apparently a pig can get on an airplane, as long as it's a therapeutic pig.

In Vancouver, the expression could be, "When the Canucks win the Cup."

How do you describe unlikely events?

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