Did You Know? Aesop

For the last couple of weeks, I've posted interviews with characters from Aesop's Fables, specifically, the Grasshopper and the Tortoise. So, this latest edition of Did You Know? serves up some little known information about Aesop.

Did You Know...

• Aesop is believed to have been born about 620 B.C.?
• No one is certain that Aesop ever really existed? There are many conflicting stories about his life, none of which have ever been substantiated.
• No writings by him survive?
• Some stories of his life say he was a Greek slave who was extremely ugly? In these versions, he was a hunchback.
• Still other stories say he was an Ethiopian?
• There are over 200 fables attributed to Aesop?
• Socrates converted some of Aesop's fables to verse when he was in prison?
• The fables have been changed and adapted so much that they are very different from the original versions?
• It is believed that Aesop died in Delphi? Supposedly, he was on a diplomatic mission there, and insulted them. They sentenced him to death, and threw him off a cliff.

Now, here's a clip from the Merrie Melodies version of The Tortoise and the Hare called Tortoise Beats Hare, starring Bugs Bunny. I love these cartoons!

Monday Interview Series: The Grasshopper

Hello everybody! This week, I was able to pull a few strings and get someone from way back to talk with us. He's been a literary figure for centuries, ever since Aesop included him in what became a very famous fable. Please join me in welcoming the Grasshopper from The Ant and the Grasshopper to The Deliverers Publishing Headquarters!

Greg:  Welcome! It's so nice of you to hop by to talk with us.

Grasshopper:  Hey man, don't mention it, like I always enjoy hangin' with the press.

Greg:  Yes, well I know you're busy, so I appreciate it.

Grasshopper:  Actually, I don't have all that much to do, man. I think you're confusing me with that ant dude. Always rushin' here and there. It tires me out just watchin' him, man, know what I mean?

Greg:  Well, there are some who say that the Ant was rushing here and there to gather food for the long winter, so that he wouldn't starve. I'd say that was a pretty good reason to be busy.

Grasshopper:  Aw man, that ant is too uptight. Don't worry, be happy--that's my motto. I mean, just look around, dude. It's too nice a day to worry about all that gatherin' jive. Tomorrow's another day. Plenty of time for gatherin' then.

Greg:  That may be true, up to a point, but isn't there a saying that says never put off to tomorrow what you can do today?