What Do You Get for the Man Who Knows Everything? - December 14, 2006

You'd probably never predict it, but one of the things we love to do at the Spark is translating the works of Medieval French writers. One of our favorites is Michel de Nostredame, aka Nostradamus (born December 14, 1503). Imagine our surprise, then, to come across this particular quatrain: When the bird has devoured the cat, And the ass has trampled that big thing with the long nose, Someone in a cube of metal and fabric Will write a paean to me on my birthday. Well, with that hanging over our heads, how could we not celebrate? Mike (as we like to call him) earned his living as a pharmacist, but became known for his prophecies that supposedly foresaw everything from Napoleon to the hula hoop with startling accuracy (or not, depending on who you talk to).  Regardless, Mike, we wish you a happy 503rd birthday! We'd have gotten you a present, but you totally would have known what it was before even unwrapping it -- and we hate that! Suggested Sites... Nostradamus Index - details on the life and prophecies of Michel de Nostredame. How Stuff Works: Nostradamus - takes a look at the pro and con views of the French seer. James Randi Educational Foundation - promoting critical thinking by providing reliable information about the paranormal and supernatural. Britannica: Nostradamus - biography, predictions, and facts. Really; what more do you need? Skeptic's Dictionary: Nostradamus - offers a jaundiced view of Nostradame's prophecies.