L.Z. Marie's Blog, page 24

History of Common Sayings 2

Our language is evolving and new words (neologisms) are being added to the dictionary in greater numbers than ever before.

And yet we continue to use sayings from long ago–their original meanings lost in the annals of history.

Here’s a few common sayings we still use today. 

Piping hot                                                                            This descriptor has its roots in the bakery biz. In times of yore, the village baker would blow a pipe announcing that fresh bread had just been pulled from the oven. The villagers, upon hearing the loud nose, came a runnin’ to buy the fresh loaves.

Make no bones about it

We’re used to having our chicken and fish de-boned. But many years ago, diners had to be very careful when they ate. If the hungry person de-boned their meal carefully, they could dig into the pile of protein with gusto–with nary a worry about choking on a bone.

 

Down in the dumps

This history behind this saying is just too circumspect to be true. Seems an ancient Egyptian pharaoh named Dumpos died from depression. Anyone who suffered from the king’s ailments was said to have come down with Dumpos’ disease.


Hit a snag

A lumberjack’s term, this phrase meant the logs floating down the river were being held up by a  tree trunk (snag) stuck into the river.

 

See how it pans out

From the gold-panning days of yesteryear, this expression was coined by those who hoped  gold flakes would be revealed after they shook the sand from the pan.

 

Know the ropes

If a seaman didn’t the know the difference between the various ropes and rigging of a sailboat or how to handle them, he would be assigned to menial tasks. So if a sailor wanted to a better position he had to “know the ropes.”

 

Rigamarole

Ragemane rolle is a scroll used in a medieval game of chance.

 

Called on the carpet:

When railroad was king, the big railroad bosses had elegant and luxurious  offices–you know, the kind with carpet! When a misbehaving employee did something bad, the Big Boss summoned them to their carpeted office for a scolding.

Related Posts: History of Common Sayings; Teen Slang 1: Teen Slang 2; Teen Slang 3

 

Frittata Recipe

Eggs! Veggies! Cheese! Healthy stuff! 

A frittata is quick-easy and, like most of my recipes, doesn’t call for exact ingredients.

I usually serve it with a salad. ( Actually, that’s a gross misrepresentation– pointing to the bag of greens while saying “You want salad? There it is!” is how I “serve”)

You might note that there’s only 1/2 the frittata in the pic below. That’s because after removing it from the oven, I left the kitchen for several moments. BIG mistake!  When I returned, a hungry 19 yr old had already descended upon it!

Note: This can also be made without cheese for those who are lactose intolerant.

 

Related Posts: For more yummy food click Recipes on the navigation bar.

History Behind Common Sayings

We certainly use some odd phrases and idioms.

Ever wonder where they came from or what the supposed history is behind them?

Don’t kick a man when he’s down:


In 555 AD, a disgraced general named Belisarius was stripped of his rank, command,  and wealth on charges of crimes against Rome. If that wasn’t  bad enough ol’ Belisarius became blind and took to begging. In those days, people gave beggars a swift kick when they passed by– to which the once esteemed leader would reply, “Don’t kick a man when he’s down.” His frequent retort–all the more impressive when his identity was revealed– quickly spread throughout the empire. No doubt he earned more money this way, too.


Don’t give a damn:                                                             No, this phrase was not coined by Rhett Butler, but has ancient origins  The damn is a Hindu coin that had a tendency to vary in value. When it plummeted, the Brits–who occupied India at the time–took to describing something of little worth this way.
It’s raining cats and dogs:


This comes from the Norse god Odin whose dog took the form of wind.  (My dog only passes wind). When Odin’s dog ( the wind) chased a cat (rain) ancient Celtic people said Odin was dropping cats and dogs from the sky.


Another possibility: During the Middle Ages roofs were made of straw. Dogs (used for hunting and protection) and cats ( to keep the mice population at bay) found warmth on the rooftops. A few good rainstorms –and bam! The straw was soaked through and cats and dogs were raining down.


Dog days of summer:


In Roman times, Sirius–the dog star–is brightest from the beginning of July until mid August AND rises with the sun!  The hot months, therefore, were attributed to the star’s brightness.


Leave no stone unturned:                                                      If you were an ancient Greek and wanted an answer to an important question, you paid a visit to the Oracle at Delphi–kind of like a hotline to the gods.  One fine day, Euripides asked the Oracle where to find the treasure left by a certain general-on-the-run. The Oracle’s advice to the treasure-seeking Euripides was “to leave no stone unturned.”
Won’t hold water:


Those wacky Romans! They expected their Vestal virgins to remain virginal. One day, Tutia–one of the original Vestals–was accused of…well, you know. To prove her virginity, Pontifex Maximus insisted she carry a sieve ( a strainer–with holes) of water from the Tiber river to the Temple. If the water escaped she would have to face a nasty punishment–being buried alive. Tutia passed the test. Whew!


The Lion’s share:                                                               This phrase comes from Aesop’s fables. Seems the lion and a bunch of his animal BFFs went hunting one fine day. When it came to share the booty, the lion–as king of the beasts- claimed the 1st, the 2nd, and 3rd parts for himself. Then the clever lion said anyone who wanted to dispute him for the 4th part  was  welcome to it. Nobody volunteered–who wants to fight with a lion?

 

 The history behind common sayings–who knows what weird things our great great grandchildren will be using in a few hundred years?

 

Related Posts: Stupid Sayings; Vatican Vocab; Vatican Vocab 2

Stupid Sayings

Some aphorisms are spot on! Others are just plain stupid! Ridiculous because they are so clearly false and illogical! And that’s why I never use cliches!

Hubby likes to spout trite sayings every now and again. I usually reply with a theatrical groan and then point out why the saying is stupid. I think he just enjoys watching me throw a hissy fit!

Hubby’s 4 favorite sayings:

1. A body at rest, stays at rest: A body in motion, stays in motion. ( I don’t think this is an actual saying, but he insists it is)


As any mom knows, it’s UNTRUE!  Sleeping babies wake up screaming, small toddlers run circles until collapsing with exhaustion.  I think it provides Hubby  an excuse not to move after he plants (notice the verb here) himself in front of the TV after dinner.


 2. Once you’re late five minutes, you might as well be late an hour.

This one gets him in the most hot water. It’s not even a saying, is it?  I think he made up his own maxim. However, next time I take too long getting dressed, I’ll use it on him. (payback’s a b****)

   3. If you ain’t cheating, you’re not trying.                        Where this came from, I have no idea–except that the person was a cheater who became either a politician or a press agent. Hubby says this just to get my goat. Not  appropriate to repeat to a teacher!
 4. Luck beats skill every time. (*this saying is stupid only in the sense that life can be unfair)

 Hubby coached youth baseball and soccer for many years so he’s a firm believer in this truism. And it goes without saying ( which is stupid, because I just said it), that no matter what sport or business you’re in, when it come right down to it, everyone needs luck on their side.
Note: Luck is the residue of design (by Branch Rickey) is always my snappy comeback!

Other idiotic idioms !

1. It’s either sink or swim.


There’s another option, you know. It’s called floating–and that’s what we (or our projects) have to do somtimes.


2. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery 


See “if you ain’t cheating” above. This aphorism was either first spoken by a lazy, unoriginal imitator or a person who never had his idea/concept/look ripped off by a pretender.


In education we have another name for it: plagiarism.


3. More than you can shake a stick at.


“More” what ? Who/what/why are you shaking a stick? Is it magic stick? is it voodoo? Is it a symbolic stick?


4. Live each day as if it’s your last ( YOLO = you only live once)


If this were my last day I would: eat chocolate, ice cream, cupcakes, and french fries;  ditch the job; spend all my money; stop editing my novel; not sleep. Oh yeah! A great and productive way to live your life!


5. Cat got your tongue? 


OK, maybe if the feisty feline is Grumpy Cat, this saying might have some merit, otherwise how does an animal with paws grasp your tongue?


6. Shit-eating grin.


This isn’t a saying, but rather a common descriptor that’s just gross! Who would be grinning if they ate shit?

 

Next post: The history behind some of our more common sayings!

Related Posts: Rules for a Good Life; More Rules for a Good Life; Sarcastic Signs

Sequestration at My House

Sequestration…sequestration…that’s all I’ve been hearing about for weeks! It’s all sequestration frustration!

While I drive to work, when I drive home, on the evening news. (No, I’m not telling you which channel I watch–I know better than to get involved in a political debate!)

I decide to look up the word as it applies to the government and the definition is VERY long, but extremely informative. I used  A Glossary of Political terms.

In a nutshell, sequestration refers to the automatic across-the-board budget cuts that result when Congress can’t reach a Budget resolution, EXCEPT on ALL those programs that are exempt. Which means, the non-exempt programs have to absorb the cuts of those  (mostly gigantic) exempt programs. I am positive I have oversimplified the definition waaaaaaaay too much.

So…this got me to thinking.  I need a little sequestration in my house. Some across-those-kitchen-cupboards spending cuts except on those necessities I deem vital to the household and my sanity.

Budget Cuts:

ESPN channels 1 thru 500: Need I say more?
Green fees (sorry, hon)
Fast-food for teens too lazy to make a sandwich
Lawn service: good exercise for the men in the home
Snack foods that end with -itos ( Doritos, Fritos, Burritos, Cheetos, etc): no nutrituional value
Carbonated and/or flavored water: Try H2O + lemon= refreshment

EXEMPT:

Starbucks: Writers need coffee–it’s like a commandment or something. (Thou shalt drink over-priced coffee while writing.)

Wine: Provides many excellent health and emotional benefits


Chocolate: Mood enhancement


Manicures: Allows mom to feel pampered while she’s  working, slinging dinner, & writing

I’m going to announce my sequestration cuts today. I’m sure everyone will have no problem with the exempt “programs.”

And if the family doesn’t like it what are they gonna do? Vote me out?

Related Posts:Juror #1000; What Would George Washington Do; New Years Resolutions

 

Queen of T.P.

“We’re out of toilet paper, mom!”
“There’s no more toothpaste left, honey.”
“How come we don’t have any more paper towels?”

Sound familiar?

One of the joys of being a Mom is that ever so gradually–over the course of many years– you inherit a few choice titles and responsibilities as well–important monikers of distinction and honor. (Can  you hear the sarcasm?)

Queen of Toilet Paper: Maintains TP inventory of all bathrooms in the home.
Refrigerator Czar: Responsible for incoming and outgoing food; inside cleanliness; and defender of “I’m saving that” specialty items.
Empress of the Iron: Specialist in ironing clothes that family members need in 2 minutes.
Pantry Princess: Stocks and organizes all canned and dried goods.
Monarch of the Mall: Knows exact GPS location of every single store and closest parking spot.
Countess of Coordinatation: Organizes all important events so they fall on the exact same day
Maharajah of Manners: Stand in for Emily Post or Miss Manners
Tyrant of the Trash: Only person capable of identifying an overflowing trash can
Dinnertime Dictator: Chooses time, location, availability, and menu of meals
Duchess of Don’t: Repeats time-honored maxims: “Don’t throw the ball in the house;” “Don’t forget _____:” “Don’t give me attitude:”  ”I don’t think so:”

Do you have any special royal titles?

Related Posts: Experienced Mom lesson #1; 20 Signs you’re an Adult; Gadget Girl; Countless Club Cards; The Refrigerator Blues:

 

 

First House

Home Ownership!  It’s a BIG mill stone—um… I meant mile stone!

My eldest son has been looking for a house for the past few  month, and he really really really wants to buy.

Most of us remember the FIRST House. The pain  joy a memory never forgotten.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. That’s what sort of homes we traipsed through as young 20 somethings with know-it-all attitudes and decades of earning ahead of us.

I recall the day we pulled up to a lovely little (emphasis on little) home in a trendy college town.

“It’s perfect!” I cried to my then Hubby. I lept out of the car and eagerly pulled the flyer from its plexibox stand. “$475,000.00????? Where the  !@*^%! is the rest of the house?”

Trendy college town location got scratched off the list and our house quest took us further and further away from cultured humanity.

Here’s a few common first time buyer realizations:

It’s a BIG decision that can make you or break you .
Mom and Dad chew your ear off about everything that you didn’t want to hear. 1) Roofing issues, 2) structural problems, 3) maintenance costs, 4) school district boundaries,  5) water leaks, 6) grass, retaining walls, paint, tile, carpeting, termites, water spots, wiring blah, blah, blah…
Next is the million papers to sign, date, read, while trying to understand all of the real estate and legal hocus pocus gobbly gook.
The vetting process comes next. Submitting mountains of  paper work and financials and bank statements and more statements and more paperwork and …
Every step takes twice as long as it should
Every step requires a price to be paid
Then, if all goes to plan,you qualify and get the loan!

Then reality smacks you across the face! All the stuff you took for granted at an apartment or mom and dad’s home is now YOUR RESPONSIBLY.
And:


every repair is twice as much as quoted


multiple trips to Home Depot are required for the easiest repair


you never have the right tool

“some assembly required” is somebody’s idea of a sick joke
the neighbors will always have greener grass
for every two trees/flowers/shrubs you buy, one will die
the little magic garbage disposal wrench always goes missing
the irrigation system will always break when you’re not home
important things like heat and water ALWAYS break on a Saturday

No wonder mom and dad never had any money! The cost for every hammer, nail, window covering, dishwasher,  washer, dryer, mop, bucket, broom, pan, screwdriver, wrench,drill sandpaper, duct tape, rake, hose, watering can, spade, shovel, light bulb, window rod, squeegee  extension cord, Spackle, filter, hook, wire, dowel, vacuum cleaner, dust buster, cleaning product,garden glove, garden clippers, lawnmower came out of their pay check!

It all adds up!

Hubby remembers when his bathroom light stopped working. He  didn’t  know he had to reset the GFI. In fact, he didn’t know where the circuit breaker was!

Ah! Good times! Home ownership is an adventure! And one goes through a huge learning curve with the First House purchase!

Related Posts: Christmas Breakdowns

Vatican Vocabulary 2

There exists more lore, legends, and conspiracy theories about the Vatican than the US Government! And everyone can agree–we all love the mystery and intrigue that comes with powerful and prestigious organizations.

One common papal myth is that the Pope never makes a mistake. This might have come about because of the mistaken notions about Papal Infallibility. The term refers to his issuing Church proclamations that are:  1) based on faith and morals;   2) applicable to the entire Church; 3) supported with full Papal authority, as opposed to his private personal beliefs.

Another myth is Saint Joan, the supposed female Pope of the 13th century. Apparently  there’s no actual proof of her ( besides the chair ) in the annals of Vatican documents. But hey! I’m always up for a good conspiracy theory about that myth!

Without further ado, here’s more Papal lexicon!

L thru Z

lappets

Lappets:  The two long strips of cloth that hang from the back of the Pope’s headpiece ( tiara)

Martyr: A person who dies for their religious belief. During the 1st century AD many Christians were tortured and killed by evil Roman emperors, thus being martyred.

Missal: A selection of scriptural passages and prayers used during mass.

Mortal: A sin so bad the consequence is Hell.

pallium

Pallium: The wide circular collar with front and back strips that the Pope wears over his vestments.

Pontiff: Another name for the Pope. Pre-Christianity the word referred to the highest priests.

Prorogation: Fancy word for putting off a decision or action. Stalling

Purgatory: Spiritual holding place to work off one’s venial (lesser) sins.

Sacrament: There’s 7 of them. 1) Baptism 2) Confirmation 3) Holy Eucharist 4) Penance  5) Sacrament of the Sick  6) Holy Orders  7) Matrimony

Scapular:  A cloth pendant necklace that has been blessed.

Scrutiny: One conclave vote

See: another word for Diocese

Stella stercoraria/Porphyry Chair: Looks like a toilet seat  and is used to elevate the Pope. The myth is that the chair was used to prove the gender of the Pope, thereby preventing any more Pope Joan snafus-which, evidently, no real proof of such a woman Pope exists.

Strator: Christian leaders who act as helpers to the Pope. Originated when Constantine (first Christian Roman emperor) acted as a groom by leading the Pope’s horse by the bridle.

Synod: another word for council

Synoptic Gospels: Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke are all  (pretty much) collaborative accountings

Venial: A sin that’s not so bad as to damn you to Hell.

Veneration: To revere or regard with great respect. A saint can be venerated but not worshipped.

Vicar: A representative.

The Catholic Church is in the thick of choosing another Pope. I wonder if the new Holy See will also have a twitter account?

Related Posts: Vatican Vocabulary

 

Vatican Vocabulary

 Lots of media chatter about the Pope and his successor these last few days! Who will be the new leader of the Catholic Church? If we watched the movie or read Dan Brown’s novel Angels and Demons we might be familiar with some of the terminology. Like any organization, the Church has its own language.

Even though I attended CCD ( Catholic catechism class) during high school  I don’t remember the nuns ever providing us with a papal lexicon.  Such a list might have come in handy during these times.

Pope titles:


His Holiness


Holy Father


Pontiff


Papa


Vicar of Christ


Vicar of Peter


Bishop of Rome


Holy See


Apostolic See

The following is the first of 2  posts defining a bit of the Vatican Vocabulary.

Vatican Vocabulary     A thru J

Adoration: Process by which the candidate with enough votes is declared by the Cardinals( Conclave) to be the next Pope.

Anathema: Condemned for heresy and excommunication by the Pope

Antipope: Men in ancient times who claimed to be Pope, but were not.

Archpriest: A senior priest in the diocese

Benefice: Holding an office that produces an income

Breviary: Prayer book recited during the day

Brief: Short communique from Pope which is sealed with the Fisherman’s Ring

Bishop: Kind of like district managers, they manage a region or geographical area.

Bull: Official communique from the Pope to some or Church members. The lead seal makes it official.

Camerlingo: The cardinal who is NOT in conclave, but instead manages Church goings-on

Canonize: A Pope proclaims someone a saint. There’s a whole bunch of rules and proofs for this to occur. Miracles etc…

Cardinal: The Pope’s cabinet, in layman’s terms. They can also be bishops and priests

Collagium: Money paid to the bishop if a priest wanted a concubine (in the Middle Ages)

Conclave: Cardinals locked in a room to elect new Pope. This was done so they didn’t dawdle.

Consistory: Cardinal meetings to elevate new cardinals.

Contumacy: Grievous disobedience

Curia: Executive branch of Church government

Deacon: Person who can preach at mass or help with communicant, but cannot administer the sacraments. Ordained bishop’s assistant.

Diocese: Territory of the bishop.

Excommunication: No longer being allowed to receive the sacraments.

Interstices: You can’t just zip up the Vatican ladder, you know. This is the amount of time between appointments.

Jubiliee: The Pope declares a Holy Year every 25 years or so. It had a much different meaning in ancient times, but I’ll save that for another post.

 

No, there’s no vocabulary test! Whew!

Related Posts: Teen Slang; Teen Slang ; Teen Slang 3

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On-line Job Applications

Can a computer program determine if you’re a good candidate for a job?

I’m not so sure about that. My son has had to fill out many on-line job applications this past year and he has yet to receive one bite.

I understand the rationale. Companies have to vet all the job-seeking candidates, and the on-line application is an efficient, unbiased, time-saving way to do it. Still…

Nothing compares to meeting a prospective employee in person. Our brain is able to do what a computer cannot–make split second judgments. Evaluations based not on how well a person responded to 100 repetitive questions on a multiple answer form, but with regards to body language, appearance, demeanor, and speech.

Multiple choice questions! Puuullleeease!  Hey Big Corporations, how can you possibly assess someone’s ability to think analytically, creatively,and quickly with a multiple choice questionnaire! Yes, I understand some jobs require mindless drones, but a customer service provider is a true boon to your business when they take initiative and respond to customers with grace, creativity,and intelligence.

And that is not possible to assess with an on-line app!

How many of us have had frustrating experiences dealing with employees who can only repeat platitudes and/or are brain-dead? (see Zombie post)

I realize it reduces productivity hours when mangers review multiple applications, but I find the on-line applications repetitive, vague, and very disconcerting.

While peering over my son’s shoulder as he  applied for several jobs, I was amazed by the ridiculousness of the questions. The applications require that you lie!

Many years ago when I worked for Giant Corporation, my manager asked us to try out the new employee computer application. It was designed to assess morals, values, and trustworthiness. After assuring us we would NOT be fired if we failed, we each took the test. It was not unlike my son’s on-line applications.

Care to guess how I did?

That’s right!  I FAILED!  The test determined I was not an honest person based on my answers. The office thief-gossip-drama queen-liar, however, passed with flying colors! Why?  Cuz she LIED!

I still remember one of the questions.

1)  People in government tell the truth
A) 100% of the time      B) 80% of the time    C) 50 % of the time      D) 20% of the time.

I chose D.

Am I right? 

Evidently because I do not have blind faith in people, I am deemed trustworthy.

Mmmmm. And I thought understanding human nature meant you were wise!

Have you ever filled out a on-line job app and received an interview?

Related posts: What Would George Washington do?; How to tell if someone’s lying