Archive for category: Friday Afternoon

The other day, I was out on the shop floor ”visiting” with my team (actually simply being nosy!) when I came across an empty box – a container of “nothing.” Once again, my amazing team had completed another wonderful PIA (pain in the @%$) Job for a very good customer – something that always puts a big smile on my face. After finishing my walk-about, I headed back to the office to get back to the next task at hand and continue looking out at beautiful Lake Erie. Remembering the empty box on the shop floor, it got me to thinking about “nothing” – and common nicknames we have for nothing – zero, zilch, nada, zippo, goose egg, squat, bupkis, nix, nil, and love (tennis), and of course, the old Seinfeld episodes came to mind as well (the show about nothing). Jackie and my girls often tell me that my mind works in mysterious ways (when they’re being kind!) Of course, I had to jump on the internet and start digging, trying to learn a bit more about nothing, asking myself, “Is there something behind nothing?” WOW! What a history, reaching way back in time to cultures and peoples of ancient times from across the world. Here’s some history and trivia I think you’ll enjoy, about nothing (that was fun to write!). Enjoy the journey (and yes, there is a song you may remember about zero) and a great Seinfeld clip. Enjoy!

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I was at a Guardians game the other night, and watching a ball carry easily into right field, I thought to myself, “holy cow, he hit that one a ton.” After the inning ended, I quietly wondered where holy cow came from—and why I chose those words. Does the phrase have ties to a specific religion or culture? Is it just a random combination, or is there really a specific cow out there I should know more about? Then, of course, my mind wandered to Holy smokes, Holy Toledo, and of course Holy Moly and my personal favorite  Holy Mackerel! (yes, I am a man of deep thoughts – you can ask anyone who knows me). Searching online, I learned that holy cow is a relatively late entry in a long line of similar phrases used to express surprise. For example, holy Moses dates back to the 1850s, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, while holy smokes and holy mackerel were in use by the 1890s. These expressions are examples of minced oaths—replacement phrases used to avoid profanity or direct religious’ invocation…something Jackie compliments me on! One of my “go to” expressions in front of the grandkids is “dang!” So, for those who do their best to control their language, here’s a fun recap of enthusiastic expressions. Special thanks to Google, Wikipedia, YouTube, Monty Python and of course Batman and Robin. Enjoy.

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Letters and Thank You notes. At times, they feel like the “proper” thing to send, while other times they are just what’s needed for a business inquiry or transaction. So many times, throughout the day, I find myself jumping on my email account, banging out some correspondence, reading a few text messages from family and friends, and then returning back to work, never really realizing the ease and power of communications we enjoy today. Never disconnected anymore, I was thinking about what it must have been like back in “the old days” when people could only write letters to stay in touch with on another. Reading letters from famous people in history tells so much about what was going on at the time, and the heartache and thoughts facing the writers – one of my favorites is when Grace Bedell told Lincoln to grow a beard, to hide his thin face – 1860 – and how she’ll vote for him.

I can remember writing letters almost daily to Jackie during the summers while we were “courting”, with the best part being receiving letters back from her almost daily as well! Of course, the classic: “How are you? I am fine” opening. Here’s some fun info about letters, format, etiquette, and where the letter format likely evolved from. Be sure to send me a “thank you” note or email if you enjoyed the post! Enjoy!

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If you’ve ever wanted to have a fun vacation, visit Washington D.C., and especially visit the U.S. Capitol Building. The first time I saw it in person, I have to admit it was a breathtaking moment: that giant grand dome rising above the National Mall, white marble, long steps majestically framed by a blue sky and fluttering flags. When Jackie and I took the girls to DC to explore, we made sure to visit the capital. We were able to witness a vote taking place – (fascinating to see the various congress people meandering in to place their vote, then leave – and watching the tabulations taking place on the wall was very interesting as well). Historians say the US Capitol Building is the centerpiece of American history, drama, innovation, politics, art, personalities, and quirky architectural decisions – a place where the ideas and contradictions of the nation are literally set in stone. Did you know, our American flag flies continuously at the east and west bases of the dome — day and night since World War I. Flags over the Senate (north) and House (south) wings fly only when the chamber below is in session, and hidden flagpoles handle special ceremonial requests. I did some digging (SO MUCH info!) about this great building, its varied history, and quirks you might find interesting. Be sure to get a trip in to visit, and think about our great nation, and all that’s come before us. Enjoy!

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