The saying swan song is usually referred to a final theatrical or dramatic appearance, or any final work. It generally carries the connotation that the performer is aware that this is the last performance of his or her lifetime, and is expending everything in one magnificent final effort. Swan song comes from an old belief that swans, […]
In the 18th century it was the fashion to wear white, curly wigs. They were often powdered. The wigs were called wool possibly because they resembled a sheep’s fleece -if a wig slipped, one could have the “wool pulled over their eyes”
DYK: Did You Know? GO THE EXTRA MILE – By law a Roman soldier could force anybody to carry his equipment 1 mile. The expression probably comes from the Bible, when Jesus declares in his Sermon on the Mount, “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41) The verse is a reference to the practice […]
Did you know that…. In olden days, space was limited so to “set the table” meant you had to take the board hanging from the rafter in the kitchen and “set” it on trestle legs where the meal would be eaten. For example, “set the table” in front of the fireplace or “set the […]
When coins were made of gold, silver or other metals. Their value depended on the amount of gold or silver they contained. Some people would make counterfeit coins by mixing gold or silver with a cheaper metal. However you could check if a coin was genuine by dropping it. If it was made of the […]
I ran across this film recently and it is one that truly “should not be forgotten.” It is titled America the Beautiful. Be sure to share with others. Contributor Names to vocal Shannon Quartet (vocalist) Ward, Samuel — 1847-1903 (composer) Bates, Katherine Lee — 1859-1929 (lyricist) In it you will see these truly historic and […]
It is believed that in olden days, brewers estimated the temperature of a brew by dipping their thumb in it thus came about the saying ‘Rule of Thumb’
In olden days if you were served a cold shoulder of mutton instead of hot meat, you knew your were not being encouraged to call again…hence you gave someone the “cold shoulder.” Check out historical, genealogy books and novels by Donna R. Causey
THE FIRE ENGINE DRIVER (Excerpt from The Washita Breeze, Bessie, Oklahoma, January 19, 1906)
The saying “wearing your heart on your sleeve” comes from the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages knights who fought at tournaments wore a token of their lady on their sleeves. Today if you make your feelings obvious to everybody you wear your heart on your sleeve. WHERE DO I START? Hints and […]
