Pylimitics

Sometimes when a machine breaks, but real replacement parts aren’t available, you have to jury-rig a repair. This has nothing to do with trial juries, rigged or not. Originally this version of “jury” was a term sailors used for any makeshift repair they substituted for the original, usually in an emergency. You know, like when… Continue reading

Even if you’re feeling perfectly healthy, it might not take much to render you rigwelted. I mean, one simple case of the flu and you could be reduced to lying in bed. Rigwelted! (like I said the first time).  “Rigwelted” comes from the early 1800s, and originally meant lying helplessly on your back. But only… Continue reading

After a period of warm, dry weather, when it finally rains there’s often a very distinctive smell in the air. It’s a pleasant smell. It’s a smell with its very own word: “petrichor.” The fragrance is a little bit like wet dirt, but it doesn’t occur every time it rains — the preceding dry spell… Continue reading

When a dignitary of great fame but also unpredictable, unstable behavior visits a community unused to hosting such personages, local officials are often frightened and want to put forth the best possible appearance. You can see this sort of thing in North Korea, where you have to dress and act in specific ways when attending… Continue reading

In 1897, if you wanted a job in the new industry of dispensing soft drinks at a “soda fountain”, you might study a book. The book was the Modern Guide for Soda Dispensers by W. A. Bonham, and it had all sorts of useful information.  One important part of the book was recipes. Here’s an… Continue reading