Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What He Wrote: "... loosely paraphrase Sigmund Freud,..."
Obscure Reference: Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939), was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who founded the psychoanalytic school of psychology. Freud is best known for his theories of the unconscious mind and the defense mechanism of repression. He is also renowned for his redefinition of sexual desire as the primary motivational energy of human life.
What He Wrote: "... when you have a state exchequer that's beginning to look more barren than the Zimbabwe treasury ..."
Obscure Reference: 'The Exchequer' was (and in some cases still is) a part of the governments of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland that was responsible for the management and collection of revenues. Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, and formerly Southern Rhodesia, is a landlocked country in the southern part of the continent of Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. Formerly prosperous and known as the breadbasket of Africa, Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a hard currency shortage, which has led to hyperinflation and chronic shortages in imported fuel and consumer goods as well as famine and economic hardship.
What He Wrote: "... there is talk of upping the ante ..."
Obscure Reference: In the card game of Poker, an ante is a forced bet in which each player places an equal amount of money or chips into the jackpot before the deal begins. In games where the acting dealer changes each turn, it is not uncommon for the players to agree that the dealer provides the ante for each player. This simplifies betting, but causes minor inequities if other players come and go or miss their turn to deal. 'Upping the ante' is done by agreement of all players when the starting 'jackpot' is too small.
What He Wrote: "... if the bean counters have their way ..."
Obscure Reference: In American slang, a 'bean counter' is a derogatory term refering to one who specializes in accountancy for accountancies sake; to examine petty ependitures rather than look at the overall big picture.
What He Wrote: "... streets will start to look like something out of 'The Grapes of Wrath.'"
Obscure Reference: The Grapes of Wrath is a classic novel published in 1939 and written by John Steinbeck, who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature. A celebrated Hollywood film version, starring Henry Fonda and directed by John Ford, was made in 1940. Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on a poor family of sharecroppers, the Joads, driven from their home by drought, economic hardship, and changes in the agriculture industry. In a nearly hopeless situation, they set out for California's Central Valley along with thousands of other "Okies" in search of land, jobs, and dignity.
What He Wrote: "... turning the State into "Deadwood' ..."
Obscure Reference: Deadwood, named for the dead trees found in its gulch, is a city in and the county seat of Lawrence County, South Dakota. The population was 1,380 at the 2000 census. A fire on September 26, 1879, devastated the prosperous boomtown, destroying over 300 buildings and consuming everything belonging to many inhabitants. Without the opportunities of rich untapped veins of ore that characterized the town's early days, many of the newly impoverished left town to try their luck elsewhere, leaving it a ghost town.
What He Wrote: "... the Bush Junta years ..."
Obscure Reference: A junta is government by a committee of military leaders. It is usually the result of a 'coup d’état', the sudden, illegal overthrowing of a government by a part of the state establishment — usually the military — to replace the branch of the stricken government, either with another civil government or with a military government. Often it becomes a military dictatorship, though the terms are not synonymous.
What He Wrote: "... so slap-happy in handing out sales tax exemptions as if they were campaign yard signs ..."
Obscure Reference: 'Slaphappy Sleuths' is a short subject film starring American slapstick comedy team the Three Stooges in November, 1950. 'Campaign yard signs' are small, inexpensive cardboard signs handed out (usually for free) by politicians during elections for use by constituent's front lawns to indicate support for that candidate.
What He Wrote: "... all the aesthetic charm of road apples...."
Obscure Reference: 'Road apple' is American slang for horse manure deposited in the middle of the road. Commonly found where horse-drawn wagons or carts are plentiful, i.e Amish, rural, or western locales.
What He Wrote: "... It's not Dogpatch. "
Obscure Reference: Dogpatch is the fictional setting of most of Al Capp's Li'l Abner comic strip. The inhabitants of Dogpatch were mostly lazy hillbillies, who wanted nothing to do with progress, were extremely patriotic and devastatingly poor.
What He Wrote: "... a sort of Kato Kaelin of citizenship ..."
Obscure Reference: Brian "Kato" Kaelin is the one-time house guest of O.J. Simpson who became peripherally involved in the 1994-95 O.J. Simpson murder case. He was the subject of jokes by TV comedians, who made fun of his spaced-out surf bum persona, lack of employment, and parasitic habits.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Don't They Cover This in Law School?
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What He Wrote: "...poor, hapless Jason Kuhn was walking down the street one day whistling "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" ..."
Obscure Reference: 'Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah' is a song from the Disney 1946 live action and animated movie 'Song of the South', sung by James Baskett. It is one of many popular songs that use a bluebird ("Mr. bluebird on my shoulder"), epitomized by the "Bluebird of Happiness," as a symbol of cheer.
What He Wrote: "...living out the galley slave scene in 'Ben-Hur,'"
Obscure Reference: 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' is an 1880 novel by American general and author Lew Wallace. It has been adapted into a Broadway play, silent films, talkies, and a musical. The third version of the film, directed by William Wyler, premiered at Loews Theater in New York City in 1959 starring Charlton Heston as the main character Judah Ben-Hur. In the story, Judah is unjustly condemned to the slave galleys. Pirates attack the Roman galley and his galley is sunk, but Ben-Hur saves the life of Arrius, its commander.
What He Wrote: "...Founding Fatheresque epiphany to involve himself in the electoral process..."
Obscure Reference: An epiphany (feeling), is the sudden realization or comprehension of the essence or meaning of something. Founding Fathers of the United States are the political leaders who signed the Declaration of Independence, or otherwise participated in the American Revolution.
What He Wrote: "... This wasn't Shemp Howard whom Ober was letting off the hook ..."
Obscure Reference: Shemp Howard (1895 – 1955) was part of the Three Stooges comedy team. He was the older brother of Moe Howard and "third stooge" in the early years of the act. He would rejoin the trio in May 1946, after youngest brother "Curly" suffered a stroke. Shemp is often compared to Curly, but his comedic stylings were unique, and some fans even prefer his gruff, wisecracking comic style over Curly's brand of silliness. "Letting Off The Hook" is an American colloquialism which refers to vaudeville performances. Particularly bad acts which were heckled by the audience were pulled offstage by a large, comical hook.
What He Wrote: "...poor, hapless Jason Kuhn was walking down the street one day whistling "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" ..."
Obscure Reference: 'Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah' is a song from the Disney 1946 live action and animated movie 'Song of the South', sung by James Baskett. It is one of many popular songs that use a bluebird ("Mr. bluebird on my shoulder"), epitomized by the "Bluebird of Happiness," as a symbol of cheer.
What He Wrote: "...living out the galley slave scene in 'Ben-Hur,'"
Obscure Reference: 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' is an 1880 novel by American general and author Lew Wallace. It has been adapted into a Broadway play, silent films, talkies, and a musical. The third version of the film, directed by William Wyler, premiered at Loews Theater in New York City in 1959 starring Charlton Heston as the main character Judah Ben-Hur. In the story, Judah is unjustly condemned to the slave galleys. Pirates attack the Roman galley and his galley is sunk, but Ben-Hur saves the life of Arrius, its commander.
What He Wrote: "...Founding Fatheresque epiphany to involve himself in the electoral process..."
Obscure Reference: An epiphany (feeling), is the sudden realization or comprehension of the essence or meaning of something. Founding Fathers of the United States are the political leaders who signed the Declaration of Independence, or otherwise participated in the American Revolution.
What He Wrote: "... This wasn't Shemp Howard whom Ober was letting off the hook ..."
Obscure Reference: Shemp Howard (1895 – 1955) was part of the Three Stooges comedy team. He was the older brother of Moe Howard and "third stooge" in the early years of the act. He would rejoin the trio in May 1946, after youngest brother "Curly" suffered a stroke. Shemp is often compared to Curly, but his comedic stylings were unique, and some fans even prefer his gruff, wisecracking comic style over Curly's brand of silliness. "Letting Off The Hook" is an American colloquialism which refers to vaudeville performances. Particularly bad acts which were heckled by the audience were pulled offstage by a large, comical hook.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
This Law Stuff Can Be So Annoying
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What He Wrote: "... Tampa's ambitious hotsy-tots ..."
Obscure Reference: 'Hotsy-Totsy' refers to being just right, or perfect. The term was coined by cartoon artist Billy de Beck, famed for his comic strips "Barney Google" and "Snuffy Smith". Another of his coinage that has found a place in the English language dictionaries is heebie-jeebies meaning jitters or creeps .
What He Wrote: "... let's describe the Daddy Warbucks' state of mind ..."
Obscure Reference: Lieutenant General Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks is a fictional character from the comic strip Little Orphan Annie. His age in the series is around 52. The derivation of Warbucks' name is from his making millions through munition sales in World War I.
What He Wrote: "... what a whiz-bang idea it would be ..."
Obscure Reference: 'Whiz-Bang' was GI slang for a destructive WWI-era artillery shell. Fawcett Publications started its vast empire by publishing a bawdy cartoon and joke magazine called "Captain Billy's Whiz-Bang".
What He Wrote: "... Tampa's ambitious hotsy-tots ..."
Obscure Reference: 'Hotsy-Totsy' refers to being just right, or perfect. The term was coined by cartoon artist Billy de Beck, famed for his comic strips "Barney Google" and "Snuffy Smith". Another of his coinage that has found a place in the English language dictionaries is heebie-jeebies meaning jitters or creeps .
What He Wrote: "... let's describe the Daddy Warbucks' state of mind ..."
Obscure Reference: Lieutenant General Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks is a fictional character from the comic strip Little Orphan Annie. His age in the series is around 52. The derivation of Warbucks' name is from his making millions through munition sales in World War I.
What He Wrote: "... what a whiz-bang idea it would be ..."
Obscure Reference: 'Whiz-Bang' was GI slang for a destructive WWI-era artillery shell. Fawcett Publications started its vast empire by publishing a bawdy cartoon and joke magazine called "Captain Billy's Whiz-Bang".
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Shut Up! Shut Up! Shut Up!
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What He Wrote: "...oozing radio boil Bubba the Love Grunge..."
Obscure Reference: A passing swipe at 'Bubba the Love Sponge Clem', syndicated radio personality on the Cox Radio Network stations.
What He Wrote: "... would have even Lady Justice doing the Hokey Pokey."
Obscure Reference: The Hokey Pokey is a participation dance with a distinctive accompanying tune and lyric structure. It is well known in English-speaking countries. Lady Justice (Justitia, the Roman Goddess of Justice) is an allegorical personification of the moral force that underlies the legal system. Since the Renaissance, Justitia is frequently depicted as a bare-breasted woman carrying a sword and scales, and sometimes wearing a blindfold.
What He Wrote: "... brought about by Mark Lunsford and his mouthpiece Rick Block ..."
Obscure Reference: A mouthpiece is the part of a wind instrument that the musician blows into. In American slang, a "mouthpice" is often used to refer to one's spokesperson, or more frequently, their attorney.
What He Wrote: "... Jabba the Smut had been using his daily gathering of beagles ..."
Obscure Reference: Another swipe at DJ Clem, this time comparing him to 'Jabba The Hutt', a fictitional blob-like character in George Lucas' Star Wars films.
What He Wrote: "... when it comes to class, Bubba the Love Thug makes Sasquatch look like Cary Grant."
Obscure Reference: Cary Grant, was an English-born actor known for mostly American films. With his distinctive Mid-Atlantic accent, he was noted as perhaps the foremost exemplar of the debonair leading man, handsome, virile, charismatic and charming. Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is a figure in North American folklore alleged to inhabit remote forests, mainly in the Pacific northwest region of the U.S. and Canada. He is sometimes described as a large, clumsy, hairy bipedal ape-like creature.
What He Wrote: "... a low-rent bumpkin ..."
Obscure Reference: In America, bumpkin is a derogatory term to refer to the stereotype of poor, un-sophisticated country people; in the rural South, synonymous with 'yokel', or 'hick'.
What He Wrote: "... a more foreign concept to grasp than if Ronda Storms tried to comprehend an issue of Vogue."
Obscure Reference: Vogue publishes a magazine based entirely on Fashion, Life and Design. Vogue is so named because it is said to be as a noun, suggesting transient impermanent fashionability i.e. 'in vogue'. Ronda R. Storms is a Republican Florida State Senator, representing the 10th District. She is recognized by her quick tongue and often scathing sarcastic remarks, many of which she does not retract.
What He Wrote: "... like Madonna accusing Mother Teresa of being a tart."
Obscure Reference: A tart is a promiscuous woman or a woman who dresses in a sexually provocative way, or a prostitute. Mother Teresa was an Albanian Roman Catholic nun who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India in 1950. For over forty years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying. Following her death kin 1997 she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Madonna is an Italian contraction of the phrase 'ma donna' (my lady), referring to the Blessed mother of Jesus Christ. Ironically, it is also the stage name used by American singer and actress Louise Ciccone Ritchie who is known for use of sexual, social and religious themes in her work and has been dubbed the "Material Girl".
What He Wrote: "... radio's answer to ricin ..."
Obscure Reference: Ricin is a protein poison that is extracted from the castor bean. The lethal dosage is about 500 micrograms (about the size of a grain of salt) in humans if inhaled or injected, very small indeed. The poison has been known for use in assasinations and terrorist attacks.
What He Wrote: "... he was more clueless than Sgt. Schultz ..."
Obscure Reference: Feldwebel (Sergeant) Schultz was a character in both the feature film 'Stalag 17' and the TV series 'Hogan's Heros.' Schultz is the bumbling, highly unmilitary sergeant of the guard. He is a basically good-hearted man who, when confronted by the shenanigans of the prisoners, will simply look away, repeating simply “I see nothing, nothing!” in order to avoid becoming involved in any way.
What He Wrote: "... Stubba the Yutz may be slower than a sack of snipes ..."
Obscure Reference: Another stab at Clem, 'yutz' being Yiddish slang used by English-speaking Jews to mean a foolish or incompetent person. Snipe is any of nearly 20 very similar wading bird species. They are characterised by a very long slender bill and cryptic plumage. In the days of market hunting, the most skilled hunters of all would often bring many snipe to market earning the nickname "sniper" as a badge of respect for the difficulty in shooting this amazing little bird.
What He Wrote: "... spent more time around lawyers than John Gotti."
Obscure Reference: John Gotti, also nicknamed by the media as "The Dapper Don" and "The Teflon Don", was the boss of the Gambino crime family, one of the 'Five Families' of New York City. In 1992, Gotti was convicted of racketeering, 13 murders, obstruction of justice, hijacking, conspiracy to commit murder, illegal gambling, extortion, tax evasion and loansharking.
What He Wrote: "... rolled over like a Pomeranian that had just soiled the carpet."
Obscure Reference: A Pomeranian is one who hails from Pomerania, or the region located on the south coast of the Baltic Sea, divided between Germany in the west and Poland in the east. It may also refer to a small 'toy' breed of dog of the Spitz family, named for the same region. Dogs frequently roll over to show submissiveness to their master, exposing their vulnerable underbellies.
What He Wrote: "... promised to only blow air kisses ..."
Obscure Reference: The air kiss is a social gesture whose meaning is basically the same as that of many forms of kissing. The air kiss is a pretence of kissing: the lips are pursed as if kissing, but without actually touching the other person's body. Air kisses are often associated with glamor models and celebrities: a tongue-in-cheek explanation is that unlike regular kisses, air kisses don't disturb their makeup.
What He Wrote: "... this walking "Deliverance" theme ..."
Obscure Reference: Deliverance is a 1972 Warner Bros. motion picture drama, based on a 1970 novel of the same name. The film is noted for the memorable music scene near the beginning that sets the tone for what lies ahead: a trip into unknown and potentially dangerous territory. In the scene, set at a rural gas station, one of the main characters plays the instrumental "Dueling Banjos" on his guitar accompanied by a mentally-challenged hillbilly in-bred albino youth playing banjo.
What He Wrote: "... would be akin to Gen. Sherman assuming the role of spokesman for the residents of Atlanta."
Obscure Reference: William Tecumseh Sherman was a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War, for which he received criticism for the harshness of the "scorched earth" policies that he implemented in conducting total war against the Confederate States, starting with the razing of Atlanta and continuing in his "march to the sea."
What He Wrote: "... having Jeff Foxworthy's entire act self-appointing himself as their spokesman..."
Obscure Reference: Jeffrey M. Foxworthy is an American comedian, actor and game show host who is known for his work as a stand-up comedian. He is known for his "You Just Might Be a Redneck" jokes, and currently is the game show host of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
What He Wrote: "... that was Lady Justice doing the Macarena."
Obscure Reference: The Macarena is a song by Sevilla natives Los del Río and the seductive dance invented for it.
What He Wrote: "...oozing radio boil Bubba the Love Grunge..."
Obscure Reference: A passing swipe at 'Bubba the Love Sponge Clem', syndicated radio personality on the Cox Radio Network stations.
What He Wrote: "... would have even Lady Justice doing the Hokey Pokey."
Obscure Reference: The Hokey Pokey is a participation dance with a distinctive accompanying tune and lyric structure. It is well known in English-speaking countries. Lady Justice (Justitia, the Roman Goddess of Justice) is an allegorical personification of the moral force that underlies the legal system. Since the Renaissance, Justitia is frequently depicted as a bare-breasted woman carrying a sword and scales, and sometimes wearing a blindfold.
What He Wrote: "... brought about by Mark Lunsford and his mouthpiece Rick Block ..."
Obscure Reference: A mouthpiece is the part of a wind instrument that the musician blows into. In American slang, a "mouthpice" is often used to refer to one's spokesperson, or more frequently, their attorney.
What He Wrote: "... Jabba the Smut had been using his daily gathering of beagles ..."
Obscure Reference: Another swipe at DJ Clem, this time comparing him to 'Jabba The Hutt', a fictitional blob-like character in George Lucas' Star Wars films.
What He Wrote: "... when it comes to class, Bubba the Love Thug makes Sasquatch look like Cary Grant."
Obscure Reference: Cary Grant, was an English-born actor known for mostly American films. With his distinctive Mid-Atlantic accent, he was noted as perhaps the foremost exemplar of the debonair leading man, handsome, virile, charismatic and charming. Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is a figure in North American folklore alleged to inhabit remote forests, mainly in the Pacific northwest region of the U.S. and Canada. He is sometimes described as a large, clumsy, hairy bipedal ape-like creature.
What He Wrote: "... a low-rent bumpkin ..."
Obscure Reference: In America, bumpkin is a derogatory term to refer to the stereotype of poor, un-sophisticated country people; in the rural South, synonymous with 'yokel', or 'hick'.
What He Wrote: "... a more foreign concept to grasp than if Ronda Storms tried to comprehend an issue of Vogue."
Obscure Reference: Vogue publishes a magazine based entirely on Fashion, Life and Design. Vogue is so named because it is said to be as a noun, suggesting transient impermanent fashionability i.e. 'in vogue'. Ronda R. Storms is a Republican Florida State Senator, representing the 10th District. She is recognized by her quick tongue and often scathing sarcastic remarks, many of which she does not retract.
What He Wrote: "... like Madonna accusing Mother Teresa of being a tart."
Obscure Reference: A tart is a promiscuous woman or a woman who dresses in a sexually provocative way, or a prostitute. Mother Teresa was an Albanian Roman Catholic nun who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India in 1950. For over forty years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying. Following her death kin 1997 she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Madonna is an Italian contraction of the phrase 'ma donna' (my lady), referring to the Blessed mother of Jesus Christ. Ironically, it is also the stage name used by American singer and actress Louise Ciccone Ritchie who is known for use of sexual, social and religious themes in her work and has been dubbed the "Material Girl".
What He Wrote: "... radio's answer to ricin ..."
Obscure Reference: Ricin is a protein poison that is extracted from the castor bean. The lethal dosage is about 500 micrograms (about the size of a grain of salt) in humans if inhaled or injected, very small indeed. The poison has been known for use in assasinations and terrorist attacks.
What He Wrote: "... he was more clueless than Sgt. Schultz ..."
Obscure Reference: Feldwebel (Sergeant) Schultz was a character in both the feature film 'Stalag 17' and the TV series 'Hogan's Heros.' Schultz is the bumbling, highly unmilitary sergeant of the guard. He is a basically good-hearted man who, when confronted by the shenanigans of the prisoners, will simply look away, repeating simply “I see nothing, nothing!” in order to avoid becoming involved in any way.
What He Wrote: "... Stubba the Yutz may be slower than a sack of snipes ..."
Obscure Reference: Another stab at Clem, 'yutz' being Yiddish slang used by English-speaking Jews to mean a foolish or incompetent person. Snipe is any of nearly 20 very similar wading bird species. They are characterised by a very long slender bill and cryptic plumage. In the days of market hunting, the most skilled hunters of all would often bring many snipe to market earning the nickname "sniper" as a badge of respect for the difficulty in shooting this amazing little bird.
What He Wrote: "... spent more time around lawyers than John Gotti."
Obscure Reference: John Gotti, also nicknamed by the media as "The Dapper Don" and "The Teflon Don", was the boss of the Gambino crime family, one of the 'Five Families' of New York City. In 1992, Gotti was convicted of racketeering, 13 murders, obstruction of justice, hijacking, conspiracy to commit murder, illegal gambling, extortion, tax evasion and loansharking.
What He Wrote: "... rolled over like a Pomeranian that had just soiled the carpet."
Obscure Reference: A Pomeranian is one who hails from Pomerania, or the region located on the south coast of the Baltic Sea, divided between Germany in the west and Poland in the east. It may also refer to a small 'toy' breed of dog of the Spitz family, named for the same region. Dogs frequently roll over to show submissiveness to their master, exposing their vulnerable underbellies.
What He Wrote: "... promised to only blow air kisses ..."
Obscure Reference: The air kiss is a social gesture whose meaning is basically the same as that of many forms of kissing. The air kiss is a pretence of kissing: the lips are pursed as if kissing, but without actually touching the other person's body. Air kisses are often associated with glamor models and celebrities: a tongue-in-cheek explanation is that unlike regular kisses, air kisses don't disturb their makeup.
What He Wrote: "... this walking "Deliverance" theme ..."
Obscure Reference: Deliverance is a 1972 Warner Bros. motion picture drama, based on a 1970 novel of the same name. The film is noted for the memorable music scene near the beginning that sets the tone for what lies ahead: a trip into unknown and potentially dangerous territory. In the scene, set at a rural gas station, one of the main characters plays the instrumental "Dueling Banjos" on his guitar accompanied by a mentally-challenged hillbilly in-bred albino youth playing banjo.
What He Wrote: "... would be akin to Gen. Sherman assuming the role of spokesman for the residents of Atlanta."
Obscure Reference: William Tecumseh Sherman was a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War, for which he received criticism for the harshness of the "scorched earth" policies that he implemented in conducting total war against the Confederate States, starting with the razing of Atlanta and continuing in his "march to the sea."
What He Wrote: "... having Jeff Foxworthy's entire act self-appointing himself as their spokesman..."
Obscure Reference: Jeffrey M. Foxworthy is an American comedian, actor and game show host who is known for his work as a stand-up comedian. He is known for his "You Just Might Be a Redneck" jokes, and currently is the game show host of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
What He Wrote: "... that was Lady Justice doing the Macarena."
Obscure Reference: The Macarena is a song by Sevilla natives Los del Río and the seductive dance invented for it.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Who's Side is Howard Dean On, Anyway?
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What he Wrote: "... the ham-handed galoots running the Democratic Party..."
Obscure Reference: 'Galoot' is an old word used in Scotland that means a person with an ungainly, cumbersome, and clumsy personality.
What he Wrote: "... make "The Honeymooners" Raccoon Lodge seem like a Marine Corps precision drill team."
Obscure Reference: The Raccoon Lodge was a social lodge which Ralph and Norton were members of. Such story lines were typical: Ralph gets elected treasurer of the Raccoon Lodge, and promptly loses $200 of their money. He and Norton head to the race track and invent a scheme to try and win it all back..
What he Wrote: "...who couldn't find their keister with the help of Sacagawea, Magellan and Charles Lindbergh ..."
Obscure References: Sacagawea was a Shoshone indian guide who accompanied Lewis & Clark on their expedition of the Pacific Northwest. Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer who led the first sailing expedition around the world. Lindbergh was the first solo pilot to fly from New York to Paris nonstop. Keister is slang for buttocks,the rounded portions of the anatomy located on the posterior of the pelvic region.
What he Wrote: "...Florida Democratic major-domos announced ..."
Obscure Reference: A majordomo is the highest person of a household staff, one who acts on behalf of the (often absent) owner of a typically large residence. Majordomos were common in Europe until the feudal decreased in importance and the landed aristocracy no longer had the means to employ them.
What he Wrote: "... as opposed to Republicans, Democratic events involve cash bars ..."
Obscure Reference: Cash Bars are a form of dispensing adult (alcoholic) beverages at social events, where the receipient pays cash to the bartender for each beverage purchase (as opposed to "open bar", where the beverages are free).
What he Wrote: "...they are but mere bagatelles of bungling ..."
Obscure Reference: Bagatelle (from the Château de Bagatelle) is an indoor table game related to billiards, the object of which is to get a number of balls (set at nine in the nineteenth century) past pins (which act as obstacles) into holes.
What he Wrote: "...grandmasters of Nathan Thurmesque arrogance ..."
Obscure Reference: Nathan Thurm was a character created by comedian Martin Short. A shady lawyer, Thurm was a chain-smoker, quite paranoid, and constantly in denial about his paranoia. He would often deny an accusation, then immediately reverse his position when the accuser reaffirmed the statement.
What he Wrote: "...the Dogpatch Estates condo association."
Obscure Reference: Dogpatch is the fictional setting of most of Al Capp's Li'l Abner comic strip. The inhabitants of Dogpatch were mostly lazy hillbillies, who wanted nothing to do with progress, were extremely patriotic and devastatingly poor.
What he Wrote: "... Dean's Winnie the Pooh whining ..."
Obscure Reference: Winnie-the-Pooh, is a fictional bear character created by A. A. Milne and named after a teddy bear owned by his son, Christopher Robin. In December 2000, a Canadian medical journal jokingly "diagnosed" characters in the books and films with various mental illnesses, e.g. Winnie the Pooh shows signs of obsessive compulsive disorder.
What he Wrote: "... Dean and his Potomac politburo ..."
Obscure Reference: The Potomac is a river that runs between Washhington D.C. and Arlington, Va. Politburo is short for Political Bureau. The term originates from the Russian Politicheskoye Buro, which contracts to Politburo. It is the executive organization for a number of political parties, most notably for Communist Parties.
What he Wrote: "... like camp counselors overseeing an origami contest."
Obscure Reference: Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to create a given result using geometric folds and crease patterns without the use of gluing or cutting the paper medium.
What he Wrote: "This will stun the Howard Sprague of The Beltway..."
Obscure Reference: Howard Sprague is a fictional character on the CBS television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show and its spin-off Mayberry R.F.D. He was characterized by his moustache, bow tie, and a penchant for philosophy and culture. Howard was a repressed Mother's boy who lived with his overbearing and manipulative mother. The 'Capital Beltway' is a nickname for the Interstate highway (I-495) that circles Washington, D.C.
What he Wrote: "... that is why the drinks are on the house..."
Obscure Reference: A common American saying which means the host of the party is purchasing the adult beverages. (See "cash bar", above).
What he Wrote: "...the petulant Joan Crawford of the Electoral College..."
Obscure Reference: Joan Crawford was an Academy Award-winning American actress, known for her petulance, or sudden, impatient irritation over some trifling annoyance. The United States Electoral College is a term used to describe the 538 Presidential electors who meet every four years to cast the official votes for President and Vice President. Each state legislature has the power to determine how exactly the electors are to be chosen.
What he Wrote: "... the ham-handed galoots running the Democratic Party..."
Obscure Reference: 'Galoot' is an old word used in Scotland that means a person with an ungainly, cumbersome, and clumsy personality.
What he Wrote: "... make "The Honeymooners" Raccoon Lodge seem like a Marine Corps precision drill team."
Obscure Reference: The Raccoon Lodge was a social lodge which Ralph and Norton were members of. Such story lines were typical: Ralph gets elected treasurer of the Raccoon Lodge, and promptly loses $200 of their money. He and Norton head to the race track and invent a scheme to try and win it all back..
What he Wrote: "...who couldn't find their keister with the help of Sacagawea, Magellan and Charles Lindbergh ..."
Obscure References: Sacagawea was a Shoshone indian guide who accompanied Lewis & Clark on their expedition of the Pacific Northwest. Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer who led the first sailing expedition around the world. Lindbergh was the first solo pilot to fly from New York to Paris nonstop. Keister is slang for buttocks,the rounded portions of the anatomy located on the posterior of the pelvic region.
What he Wrote: "...Florida Democratic major-domos announced ..."
Obscure Reference: A majordomo is the highest person of a household staff, one who acts on behalf of the (often absent) owner of a typically large residence. Majordomos were common in Europe until the feudal decreased in importance and the landed aristocracy no longer had the means to employ them.
What he Wrote: "... as opposed to Republicans, Democratic events involve cash bars ..."
Obscure Reference: Cash Bars are a form of dispensing adult (alcoholic) beverages at social events, where the receipient pays cash to the bartender for each beverage purchase (as opposed to "open bar", where the beverages are free).
What he Wrote: "...they are but mere bagatelles of bungling ..."
Obscure Reference: Bagatelle (from the Château de Bagatelle) is an indoor table game related to billiards, the object of which is to get a number of balls (set at nine in the nineteenth century) past pins (which act as obstacles) into holes.
What he Wrote: "...grandmasters of Nathan Thurmesque arrogance ..."
Obscure Reference: Nathan Thurm was a character created by comedian Martin Short. A shady lawyer, Thurm was a chain-smoker, quite paranoid, and constantly in denial about his paranoia. He would often deny an accusation, then immediately reverse his position when the accuser reaffirmed the statement.
What he Wrote: "...the Dogpatch Estates condo association."
Obscure Reference: Dogpatch is the fictional setting of most of Al Capp's Li'l Abner comic strip. The inhabitants of Dogpatch were mostly lazy hillbillies, who wanted nothing to do with progress, were extremely patriotic and devastatingly poor.
What he Wrote: "... Dean's Winnie the Pooh whining ..."
Obscure Reference: Winnie-the-Pooh, is a fictional bear character created by A. A. Milne and named after a teddy bear owned by his son, Christopher Robin. In December 2000, a Canadian medical journal jokingly "diagnosed" characters in the books and films with various mental illnesses, e.g. Winnie the Pooh shows signs of obsessive compulsive disorder.
What he Wrote: "... Dean and his Potomac politburo ..."
Obscure Reference: The Potomac is a river that runs between Washhington D.C. and Arlington, Va. Politburo is short for Political Bureau. The term originates from the Russian Politicheskoye Buro, which contracts to Politburo. It is the executive organization for a number of political parties, most notably for Communist Parties.
What he Wrote: "... like camp counselors overseeing an origami contest."
Obscure Reference: Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to create a given result using geometric folds and crease patterns without the use of gluing or cutting the paper medium.
What he Wrote: "This will stun the Howard Sprague of The Beltway..."
Obscure Reference: Howard Sprague is a fictional character on the CBS television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show and its spin-off Mayberry R.F.D. He was characterized by his moustache, bow tie, and a penchant for philosophy and culture. Howard was a repressed Mother's boy who lived with his overbearing and manipulative mother. The 'Capital Beltway' is a nickname for the Interstate highway (I-495) that circles Washington, D.C.
What he Wrote: "... that is why the drinks are on the house..."
Obscure Reference: A common American saying which means the host of the party is purchasing the adult beverages. (See "cash bar", above).
What he Wrote: "...the petulant Joan Crawford of the Electoral College..."
Obscure Reference: Joan Crawford was an Academy Award-winning American actress, known for her petulance, or sudden, impatient irritation over some trifling annoyance. The United States Electoral College is a term used to describe the 538 Presidential electors who meet every four years to cast the official votes for President and Vice President. Each state legislature has the power to determine how exactly the electors are to be chosen.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
A Wise Man Knows When to Run Away
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What He Wrote: "...Visions of the limo coo-coo-ca-choo scene between Kevin Costner and Sean Young from "No Way Out..."
Obscure Reference: In the 1987 film, the characters played by Kevin Costner and Sean Young take a limo back from a State Dept. function, and can't wait to get home to have sex. Literally. Can't wait. Steamy.
What He Wrote: "...that night at the old Malio's..."
Obscure Reference: Malio's is a now-defunct steakhouse in Tampa Fl, where the city's movers and shakers could frequently be seen.
What He Wrote: "...found love in a time of pasties ..."
Obscure Reference: Pasties are adhesive coverings applied to cover a person's nipples. The concept of 'pasties' is to reveal as much of the breast as possible without being entirely topless. Many exotic dancers wear them in strip clubs as required by law.
What He Wrote: "...Christy Yamanaka is the Barbie Doll of Bankruptcy."
Obscure Reference: Barbie dolls have been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for nearly fifty years, and have been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parody of the doll and her lifestyle. Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding where the petitioner asks the courts for redress or restructuring of outstanding debts which cannot be readily paid.
What He Wrote: "... Duh! Ipso Facto Dufus?"
Obscure Reference: Ipso facto is a Latin phrase, directly translated as 'by the deed itself', which means that a certain effect is a direct consequence of the action in question. In law, this phrase is frequently employed to convey the idea that something which has been done contrary to law is automatically void. 'Doofus Drake' is a character created by The Walt Disney Company exclusively for the animated television show DuckTales. Doofus is a friend of Huey, Dewey and Louie. Doofus was a rather dim-witted and clumsy character.
What He Wrote: "...ad for something called "The Emperor's Club."
Obscure Reference: Strip clubs are frequently known as 'gentlemen's clubs' having exotic sounding names.
What He Wrote: "...Visions of the limo coo-coo-ca-choo scene between Kevin Costner and Sean Young from "No Way Out..."
Obscure Reference: In the 1987 film, the characters played by Kevin Costner and Sean Young take a limo back from a State Dept. function, and can't wait to get home to have sex. Literally. Can't wait. Steamy.
What He Wrote: "...that night at the old Malio's..."
Obscure Reference: Malio's is a now-defunct steakhouse in Tampa Fl, where the city's movers and shakers could frequently be seen.
What He Wrote: "...found love in a time of pasties ..."
Obscure Reference: Pasties are adhesive coverings applied to cover a person's nipples. The concept of 'pasties' is to reveal as much of the breast as possible without being entirely topless. Many exotic dancers wear them in strip clubs as required by law.
What He Wrote: "...Christy Yamanaka is the Barbie Doll of Bankruptcy."
Obscure Reference: Barbie dolls have been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for nearly fifty years, and have been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parody of the doll and her lifestyle. Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding where the petitioner asks the courts for redress or restructuring of outstanding debts which cannot be readily paid.
What He Wrote: "... Duh! Ipso Facto Dufus?"
Obscure Reference: Ipso facto is a Latin phrase, directly translated as 'by the deed itself', which means that a certain effect is a direct consequence of the action in question. In law, this phrase is frequently employed to convey the idea that something which has been done contrary to law is automatically void. 'Doofus Drake' is a character created by The Walt Disney Company exclusively for the animated television show DuckTales. Doofus is a friend of Huey, Dewey and Louie. Doofus was a rather dim-witted and clumsy character.
What He Wrote: "...ad for something called "The Emperor's Club."
Obscure Reference: Strip clubs are frequently known as 'gentlemen's clubs' having exotic sounding names.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
These Poor Souls Never Had a Prayer
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What He Wrote: "... theo-huckster Paula White, the Elmer Gantry of Givenchy ..."
Obscure Reference: Givenchy is a French brand of clothing, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics. Elmer Gantry is a satirical novel written by Sinclair Lewis in 1926 and published by Harcourt in March 1927. The novel tells the story of a young, narcissistic womanizing college athlete who, upon realizing the power, prestige, and easy money that being an evangelical preacher can bring, pursues his "religious" ambitions with relish, contributing to the downfall, even death, of key people around him as the years pass. A huckster is a seller of small articles, usually of cheap or shoddy quality, or one engaged in haggling or making petty bargains.
What He Wrote: "... unsuspecting flock of liturgical lemmings to the promised scam."
Obscure Reference: A Liturgy is the customary public worship done by a specific religious group. Lemmings are small rodents, usually found in or near the Arctic, in tundra biomes. Misconceptions about lemmings go back many centuries. While many people believe that lemmings commit mass suicide when they migrate, this is not the case. On occasion, large migrating groups will reach a cliff overlooking the ocean. They will stop until the urge to press on causes them to jump off the cliff and start swimming, sometimes to exhaustion and death.
What He Wrote: "... sort of the Perle Mesta of Proverbs ..."
Obscure Reference: Perle Skirvin Mesta was an American society figure, political hostess, and U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. Mesta was known as the "hostess with the mostes [sic]" for her lavish parties featuring the brightest stars of Washington, D.C., society, including artists, entertainers and many top-level national political figures. Proverbs is a book of the Old Testament Bible.
What He Wrote: "... ex-husband Randy's "Without A Chance Of Getting Out With Your Wallet Intact" make-believe church."
Obscure Reference: Randy White founded the 'Without Walls' evangelical church in Tampa, Florida. Without Walls Church has a large number of financial assets.
What He Wrote: "... White and her Hole In The Gospel Gang ..."
Obscure Reference: Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, was the name given to a gang in the American Wild West, which took its name from the Hole-in-the-Wall Pass in Johnson County, Wyoming, where several outlaw gangs had their hideouts. This is a swipe at White's 'Without Walls' church.
What He Wrote: "... Buddy Rich-esque Bible Thumpers ..."
Obscure Reference: "Buddy" Rich ( 1917 – 1987) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Rich was billed as "the world's greatest drummer" and was known for his virtuoso technique, power, and speed. Bible Thumping is a technique used by evangelical preachers in particular, where the Holy Bible is held aloft and thumped with the hand for emphasis.
What He Wrote: "... pass the hat, pass the basket, pass the trough ..."
Obscure Reference: Passsing the hat, basket, or collection plate is a time-honored tradition in churches to receive donations of money to defray expenses.
What He Wrote: "... Elmer Fudd gazing into the barrel end of his shotgun."
Obscure Reference: Elmer J. Fudd is a fictional cartoon character and one of the most famous Looney Tunes characters. His aim is to shoot Bugs Bunny, but he usually ends up seriously injuring himself.
What He Wrote: "... White, the Mother Superior of Neiman Marcus."
Obscure Reference: 'Mother Superior is the title of nuns in a convent. Neiman Marcus is an upscale, specialty retail department store operated by the Neiman Marcus Group in the United States.
What He Wrote: "... Speaking in dungs."
Obscure Reference: 'Speaking in tongues' also known as Glossolalia ( is the vocalizing of fluent speech-like but unintelligible utterances, often as part of religious practice. Dung is animal feces for manure.
What He Wrote: "... seminary training consists of shopping at "Larry's House of Miters ..."
Obscure Reference: Mitre is the ceremonial headgear of Bishop in the Christian faiths. It may be pointed, or rounded, and is sometimes bejeweled. 'Larrys House of..." implies a discount-clearance house retail store. A Seminary is a college which emphasises divinity education, or training for the clergy.
What He Wrote: "... put on a cassock and self-anoint yourself a "bishop"..."
Obscure Reference: A cassock is a sleeveless, draping garment worn by Bishops of various faiths.
What He Wrote: "... Christianity's answer to Three Card Monte ..."
Obscure Reference: Three-card Monte, also known as the Follow the lady, or Follow the Bee is a confidence game in which the victim, or mark, is tricked into betting a sum of money that he can find the money card, for example the queen of spades, among three face-down playing cards. In its full form, the three-card Monte is an example of a classic short con in which the outside man pretends to conspire with the mark to cheat the inside man, while in fact conspiring with the inside man to cheat the mark.
What He Wrote: "... Paula White, the Joan of Armani ..."
Obscure Reference: Joan of Arc was a 15th century saint and national heroine of France. She led the French army to several important victories and led king Charles VII to his coronation. Armani is an Italian fashion company founded in Milan in 1975 by Giorgio Armani and Sergio Galeotti. The company designs and manufactures products in several categories including fashion accessories, apparel, cosmetics, fragrances, home interiors, jewelry, eyewear and watches under several labels.
What He Wrote: "... fellow used scruple salesman "Bishop" T.D. Jakes."
Obscure Reference: Thomas Dexter "T. D." Jakes Sr. is an American pastor of the The Potter's House, a 30,000 member church in Dallas, Texas. It is a primarily African-American non-denominational megachurch.
What He Wrote: "... theo-huckster Paula White, the Elmer Gantry of Givenchy ..."
Obscure Reference: Givenchy is a French brand of clothing, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics. Elmer Gantry is a satirical novel written by Sinclair Lewis in 1926 and published by Harcourt in March 1927. The novel tells the story of a young, narcissistic womanizing college athlete who, upon realizing the power, prestige, and easy money that being an evangelical preacher can bring, pursues his "religious" ambitions with relish, contributing to the downfall, even death, of key people around him as the years pass. A huckster is a seller of small articles, usually of cheap or shoddy quality, or one engaged in haggling or making petty bargains.
What He Wrote: "... unsuspecting flock of liturgical lemmings to the promised scam."
Obscure Reference: A Liturgy is the customary public worship done by a specific religious group. Lemmings are small rodents, usually found in or near the Arctic, in tundra biomes. Misconceptions about lemmings go back many centuries. While many people believe that lemmings commit mass suicide when they migrate, this is not the case. On occasion, large migrating groups will reach a cliff overlooking the ocean. They will stop until the urge to press on causes them to jump off the cliff and start swimming, sometimes to exhaustion and death.
What He Wrote: "... sort of the Perle Mesta of Proverbs ..."
Obscure Reference: Perle Skirvin Mesta was an American society figure, political hostess, and U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. Mesta was known as the "hostess with the mostes [sic]" for her lavish parties featuring the brightest stars of Washington, D.C., society, including artists, entertainers and many top-level national political figures. Proverbs is a book of the Old Testament Bible.
What He Wrote: "... ex-husband Randy's "Without A Chance Of Getting Out With Your Wallet Intact" make-believe church."
Obscure Reference: Randy White founded the 'Without Walls' evangelical church in Tampa, Florida. Without Walls Church has a large number of financial assets.
What He Wrote: "... White and her Hole In The Gospel Gang ..."
Obscure Reference: Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, was the name given to a gang in the American Wild West, which took its name from the Hole-in-the-Wall Pass in Johnson County, Wyoming, where several outlaw gangs had their hideouts. This is a swipe at White's 'Without Walls' church.
What He Wrote: "... Buddy Rich-esque Bible Thumpers ..."
Obscure Reference: "Buddy" Rich ( 1917 – 1987) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Rich was billed as "the world's greatest drummer" and was known for his virtuoso technique, power, and speed. Bible Thumping is a technique used by evangelical preachers in particular, where the Holy Bible is held aloft and thumped with the hand for emphasis.
What He Wrote: "... pass the hat, pass the basket, pass the trough ..."
Obscure Reference: Passsing the hat, basket, or collection plate is a time-honored tradition in churches to receive donations of money to defray expenses.
What He Wrote: "... Elmer Fudd gazing into the barrel end of his shotgun."
Obscure Reference: Elmer J. Fudd is a fictional cartoon character and one of the most famous Looney Tunes characters. His aim is to shoot Bugs Bunny, but he usually ends up seriously injuring himself.
What He Wrote: "... White, the Mother Superior of Neiman Marcus."
Obscure Reference: 'Mother Superior is the title of nuns in a convent. Neiman Marcus is an upscale, specialty retail department store operated by the Neiman Marcus Group in the United States.
What He Wrote: "... Speaking in dungs."
Obscure Reference: 'Speaking in tongues' also known as Glossolalia ( is the vocalizing of fluent speech-like but unintelligible utterances, often as part of religious practice. Dung is animal feces for manure.
What He Wrote: "... seminary training consists of shopping at "Larry's House of Miters ..."
Obscure Reference: Mitre is the ceremonial headgear of Bishop in the Christian faiths. It may be pointed, or rounded, and is sometimes bejeweled. 'Larrys House of..." implies a discount-clearance house retail store. A Seminary is a college which emphasises divinity education, or training for the clergy.
What He Wrote: "... put on a cassock and self-anoint yourself a "bishop"..."
Obscure Reference: A cassock is a sleeveless, draping garment worn by Bishops of various faiths.
What He Wrote: "... Christianity's answer to Three Card Monte ..."
Obscure Reference: Three-card Monte, also known as the Follow the lady, or Follow the Bee is a confidence game in which the victim, or mark, is tricked into betting a sum of money that he can find the money card, for example the queen of spades, among three face-down playing cards. In its full form, the three-card Monte is an example of a classic short con in which the outside man pretends to conspire with the mark to cheat the inside man, while in fact conspiring with the inside man to cheat the mark.
What He Wrote: "... Paula White, the Joan of Armani ..."
Obscure Reference: Joan of Arc was a 15th century saint and national heroine of France. She led the French army to several important victories and led king Charles VII to his coronation. Armani is an Italian fashion company founded in Milan in 1975 by Giorgio Armani and Sergio Galeotti. The company designs and manufactures products in several categories including fashion accessories, apparel, cosmetics, fragrances, home interiors, jewelry, eyewear and watches under several labels.
What He Wrote: "... fellow used scruple salesman "Bishop" T.D. Jakes."
Obscure Reference: Thomas Dexter "T. D." Jakes Sr. is an American pastor of the The Potter's House, a 30,000 member church in Dallas, Texas. It is a primarily African-American non-denominational megachurch.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What He Wrote: "...Idi Amin was a paragon of democratic fair play..."
Obscure Reference: Idi Amin Dada was President of the African country Uganda from 1977 to 1981, when he was exiled to Libya and Saudi Arabia after his ouster. It was generally accepted he was one of the most brutal, murderous dictators of the 20th century.
What He Wrote: "...the Bowery Boys meet-Freedonia's Rufus T. Firefly ..."
Obscure References: The Bowery Boys were a nativist, anti-Catholic, and anti-Irish gang based North of the Five Points district of New York City in the late 19th century. They were also a group of actors (comedy troupe) who made a series of films released by Monogram Pictures from 1946 through 1958. We're not sure which group Ruth is refering to. Rufus T. Firefly was the character played by comedian and actor Groucho Marx in the 1933 film 'Duck Soup.' Fredonia was the fictitional small, bankrupt country where the film takes place.
What He Wrote: "... the high priests of the DNC feverishly try to untie the delegate Gordian Knot they wrapped themselves into."
Obscure Reference: The Gordian Knot is a legend associated with Alexander the Great. It is often used as a metaphor for an intractable problem, solved by a bold stroke. According to prophesy, Alexander cut the knot and eventually became King of Asia Minor.
What He Wrote: "...because the DNC and its banana republic Jabba the Vote, Howard Dean, got his spats wadded over Florida's ..."
Obscure References: 'Banana Republic' is a pejorative term for a small, often Latin American, Caribbean, or African country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture, and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy and corrupt clique. 'Jabba the Hutt' is a fictional character in the Star Wars saga. He first appeared on film in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) as an obese, slug-like alien. Howard Dean is the chairman of the DNC. Spats are ornamental overshoes, usually worn as part of the uniform of marching bands and ceremonial honor guards.
What He Wrote: "...Idi Amin was a paragon of democratic fair play..."
Obscure Reference: Idi Amin Dada was President of the African country Uganda from 1977 to 1981, when he was exiled to Libya and Saudi Arabia after his ouster. It was generally accepted he was one of the most brutal, murderous dictators of the 20th century.
What He Wrote: "...the Bowery Boys meet-Freedonia's Rufus T. Firefly ..."
Obscure References: The Bowery Boys were a nativist, anti-Catholic, and anti-Irish gang based North of the Five Points district of New York City in the late 19th century. They were also a group of actors (comedy troupe) who made a series of films released by Monogram Pictures from 1946 through 1958. We're not sure which group Ruth is refering to. Rufus T. Firefly was the character played by comedian and actor Groucho Marx in the 1933 film 'Duck Soup.' Fredonia was the fictitional small, bankrupt country where the film takes place.
What He Wrote: "... the high priests of the DNC feverishly try to untie the delegate Gordian Knot they wrapped themselves into."
Obscure Reference: The Gordian Knot is a legend associated with Alexander the Great. It is often used as a metaphor for an intractable problem, solved by a bold stroke. According to prophesy, Alexander cut the knot and eventually became King of Asia Minor.
What He Wrote: "...because the DNC and its banana republic Jabba the Vote, Howard Dean, got his spats wadded over Florida's ..."
Obscure References: 'Banana Republic' is a pejorative term for a small, often Latin American, Caribbean, or African country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture, and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy and corrupt clique. 'Jabba the Hutt' is a fictional character in the Star Wars saga. He first appeared on film in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) as an obese, slug-like alien. Howard Dean is the chairman of the DNC. Spats are ornamental overshoes, usually worn as part of the uniform of marching bands and ceremonial honor guards.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Our Fauntleroy Still Thinks He's Special
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What He Wrote: "...nosy reporters started asking the Diocletian of the Apalachee Parkway ..."
Obscure Reference: Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus, known in English as Diocletian, was Roman Emperor from November, 284 to May, 305. Diocletian's reforms fundamentally changed the structure of imperial government and helped stabilize the empire economically, and his regin was known for the worst persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire since the reign of Nero. The Apalachee Parkway is a major east-west highway in Tallahassee, part of US-27, which starts just east of the Capitol.
What He Wrote: "...as if his reign was one giant Skull & Bones meeting.
Obscure Reference: The Order of Skull and Bones, is a secret society of Yale University upperclassmen. Skull and Bones is known for its extreme secrecy, and members will deny they even belong. As with other Yale societies, the sharing of a personal history is the keystone of the senior year together in the tomb. Presidents G.H.W. Bush, G.W. Bush, and Senator John Kerry are reportedly members.
What He Wrote: "...the Little Lord Fauntleroy of Tallahassee ..."
Obscure Reference: Little Lord Fauntleroy is a still popular children's novel by American author Frances Hodgsen Burnett. The main character, Cedric, is a poor American boy from Broooklyn who learns he is the sole heir to a wealthy British earldom. Cedric Lord Fauntleroy is in line to be the next Earl of Dorincourt. The current Earl of Dorincourt intends to teach his grandson how to be an aristocrat. However, Cedric inadvertently teaches Grandfather that an aristocrat should practice compassion and social justice towards humans in his care.
What He Wrote: "...treating the state's open government laws like they were broccoli on his father's dinner plate."
Obscure Reference: Former President George H.W. Bush, Jeb's father once commented to the press that broccoli is his least favorite vegetable.
What He Wrote: "...nosy reporters started asking the Diocletian of the Apalachee Parkway ..."
Obscure Reference: Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus, known in English as Diocletian, was Roman Emperor from November, 284 to May, 305. Diocletian's reforms fundamentally changed the structure of imperial government and helped stabilize the empire economically, and his regin was known for the worst persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire since the reign of Nero. The Apalachee Parkway is a major east-west highway in Tallahassee, part of US-27, which starts just east of the Capitol.
What He Wrote: "...as if his reign was one giant Skull & Bones meeting.
Obscure Reference: The Order of Skull and Bones, is a secret society of Yale University upperclassmen. Skull and Bones is known for its extreme secrecy, and members will deny they even belong. As with other Yale societies, the sharing of a personal history is the keystone of the senior year together in the tomb. Presidents G.H.W. Bush, G.W. Bush, and Senator John Kerry are reportedly members.
What He Wrote: "...the Little Lord Fauntleroy of Tallahassee ..."
Obscure Reference: Little Lord Fauntleroy is a still popular children's novel by American author Frances Hodgsen Burnett. The main character, Cedric, is a poor American boy from Broooklyn who learns he is the sole heir to a wealthy British earldom. Cedric Lord Fauntleroy is in line to be the next Earl of Dorincourt. The current Earl of Dorincourt intends to teach his grandson how to be an aristocrat. However, Cedric inadvertently teaches Grandfather that an aristocrat should practice compassion and social justice towards humans in his care.
What He Wrote: "...treating the state's open government laws like they were broccoli on his father's dinner plate."
Obscure Reference: Former President George H.W. Bush, Jeb's father once commented to the press that broccoli is his least favorite vegetable.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Science! Science? Hahahaha!!!
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What he wrote: "...Ronda Storms, the Tammy Faye Bakker of Tallahassee..."
Obscure Reference: Tammy Faye Bakker was the former wife of televangelist and later convicted felon Jim Bakker, who co-hosted with him on The PTL Club from 1976 to 1987. Her over use of make-up, particularly mascara, gave her a clown-like appearance.
What he wrote: "...Ronda Storms, R-Paula White-Lite, a woman who would even send the hosts of 'What Not To Wear' screaming into the night?"
Obscure Reference: Paula White is a current-day evangelist in the Tampa area who also holds conservative views. It's not known if she really is a Republican (R), but one of the hosts of the TV show 'What Not To Wear' is reportedly gay.
What he wrote: "The Vicarette of Valrico..."
Obscure reference: In Roman Catholicism, a Vicar is a representative of an ecclisiastic, or clergyman, he may also be a clergyman himself. Valrico is a relatively small community southeast of Tampa, Fl, in which Storms resides.
What he wrote: "... the Board of Education turning into pillars of salt?"
Obscure reference: This biblical allusion recalls God's warning to Lot to flee the municipalities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and to not look back. Lot's wife looks back as they are running and is turned into a pillar of salt.
What he wrote: "...didn't sit well with the Bible-thumper crowd and their Mother Superior, Ronda Storms, R-Archbishop of Amway."
Obscure references: Bible-thumping is frequently used by evangelical clergy during preaching to emphasize the 'Word of God.' A Mother Superior is who female monastics, commonly known as nuns, refer to the leader of their convent. Amway is a privataely-held corporation which uses multi-level marketing to distribute their goods and services. Amway has no Archbishop, although several Christian denominations (Catholic, Episcopalian, Orthodox, among others) use the title to designate a senior or elevated Bishop.
What he wrote: "...Tugboat Annie of End Times..."
Obscure references: 'End-times', or 'End-of-days', refers to the period preceding the Second Coming of the Messiah, which varies from religion to religion. 'Tugboat Annie' is the name of a 1933 movie in which Annie Brennan is the main character; the plot is about a bickering middle-aged couple who operate a tugboat.
What he wrote: "...one who belongs to the Church of the Parallel Universe..."
Obscure reference: No Church of the Parallel Universe is known to exist, although 'Parallel Universe is the name of the second record album release of musical group 'Leiahdorus', and may refer to their fanatical followers.
What he wrote: "...the Ma Kettle of Genesis..."
Obscure reference: Ma and Pa Kettle were characters in a series of comedic movies in the 1940's and 1950's. Ma Kettle was larger, more ambitious, and smarter than Pa, but not by much, and she could easily be fooled. Genesis is the first book of the Bible (and Torah) and deals with creation and man's early days.
What he wrote: "...the Torquemada of Tallahassee ..."
Obscure reference: Tomas de Torquemada was a medieval Dominican monk, and the first Inquisitor General of Spain. Modern allusions to Torquemada in popular culture are usually meant to invoke images of cruelty and callowness of the Catholic Church, organized religion, or other powerful institutions generally.
What he wrote: "...Ronda Storms, the Tammy Faye Bakker of Tallahassee..."
Obscure Reference: Tammy Faye Bakker was the former wife of televangelist and later convicted felon Jim Bakker, who co-hosted with him on The PTL Club from 1976 to 1987. Her over use of make-up, particularly mascara, gave her a clown-like appearance.
What he wrote: "...Ronda Storms, R-Paula White-Lite, a woman who would even send the hosts of 'What Not To Wear' screaming into the night?"
Obscure Reference: Paula White is a current-day evangelist in the Tampa area who also holds conservative views. It's not known if she really is a Republican (R), but one of the hosts of the TV show 'What Not To Wear' is reportedly gay.
What he wrote: "The Vicarette of Valrico..."
Obscure reference: In Roman Catholicism, a Vicar is a representative of an ecclisiastic, or clergyman, he may also be a clergyman himself. Valrico is a relatively small community southeast of Tampa, Fl, in which Storms resides.
What he wrote: "... the Board of Education turning into pillars of salt?"
Obscure reference: This biblical allusion recalls God's warning to Lot to flee the municipalities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and to not look back. Lot's wife looks back as they are running and is turned into a pillar of salt.
What he wrote: "...didn't sit well with the Bible-thumper crowd and their Mother Superior, Ronda Storms, R-Archbishop of Amway."
Obscure references: Bible-thumping is frequently used by evangelical clergy during preaching to emphasize the 'Word of God.' A Mother Superior is who female monastics, commonly known as nuns, refer to the leader of their convent. Amway is a privataely-held corporation which uses multi-level marketing to distribute their goods and services. Amway has no Archbishop, although several Christian denominations (Catholic, Episcopalian, Orthodox, among others) use the title to designate a senior or elevated Bishop.
What he wrote: "...Tugboat Annie of End Times..."
Obscure references: 'End-times', or 'End-of-days', refers to the period preceding the Second Coming of the Messiah, which varies from religion to religion. 'Tugboat Annie' is the name of a 1933 movie in which Annie Brennan is the main character; the plot is about a bickering middle-aged couple who operate a tugboat.
What he wrote: "...one who belongs to the Church of the Parallel Universe..."
Obscure reference: No Church of the Parallel Universe is known to exist, although 'Parallel Universe is the name of the second record album release of musical group 'Leiahdorus', and may refer to their fanatical followers.
What he wrote: "...the Ma Kettle of Genesis..."
Obscure reference: Ma and Pa Kettle were characters in a series of comedic movies in the 1940's and 1950's. Ma Kettle was larger, more ambitious, and smarter than Pa, but not by much, and she could easily be fooled. Genesis is the first book of the Bible (and Torah) and deals with creation and man's early days.
What he wrote: "...the Torquemada of Tallahassee ..."
Obscure reference: Tomas de Torquemada was a medieval Dominican monk, and the first Inquisitor General of Spain. Modern allusions to Torquemada in popular culture are usually meant to invoke images of cruelty and callowness of the Catholic Church, organized religion, or other powerful institutions generally.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
When in Doubt, Just Form a Committee
Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
What he Wrote: "...there was a Churchillian moment for you."
Obscure Reference: Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1940-1945 and 1951-1955. Churchill's greatest achievement during WWII was his refusal to capitulate when defeat seemed imminent, and he remained a strong opponent of any negotiations with Germany throughout the war.
What he Wrote: "...a Bubba the Love Dolt radio gimmick."
Obscure Reference: Morning DJ "Bubba the Love Sponge" (Syndicated on Cox Radio) is a so-called "shock jock" who in the past has been fined and suspended for outrageous on-air stunts and FCC-prohibited behavior.
What he Wrote: "...High Sheriff de Sade..."
Obscure Reference: The Marquis de Sade was a French aristocrat and noted 19th century pornographer. He was incarcerated for about 32 years of his life, and the term "sadism" is derived from his name.
What he Wrote: "...there was a Churchillian moment for you."
Obscure Reference: Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1940-1945 and 1951-1955. Churchill's greatest achievement during WWII was his refusal to capitulate when defeat seemed imminent, and he remained a strong opponent of any negotiations with Germany throughout the war.
What he Wrote: "...a Bubba the Love Dolt radio gimmick."
Obscure Reference: Morning DJ "Bubba the Love Sponge" (Syndicated on Cox Radio) is a so-called "shock jock" who in the past has been fined and suspended for outrageous on-air stunts and FCC-prohibited behavior.
What he Wrote: "...High Sheriff de Sade..."
Obscure Reference: The Marquis de Sade was a French aristocrat and noted 19th century pornographer. He was incarcerated for about 32 years of his life, and the term "sadism" is derived from his name.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
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