About This Blog


Of all the literary devices in an author's toolbox, none can be as confusing to the uninformed as the "metaphor", which is a direct comparison, or "simile", a comparison using the words 'like', or 'as'. Often, when the reference is uncommon or vague, the reader is left thinking "huh?"

Daniel Ruth, a well-known Tampa Tribune columnist, has a habit of over-using these devices to such extent that many readers only begin to understand the full comedic content of his columns.

We here at DRMW believe that there hasn't been as much head-scratching since Dennis Miller co-hosted 'Monday Night Football.'

To correct this deficiency, we resolve to clarify any obscure references and allow Ruth's humor to shine forth in all its glory. We do the research, so you don't have to!

We hope there will be something here for everyone, from Emo-kids to aging acid-heads, from Ivy-league matriculated to government-school edjamicated, from casual readers to bathroom-stall scholars. For those of you who need to find errors in everything, we put a few mistakes in as well. Just have fun. Let the dissection begin!

Unfortunately, Mr. Ruth is no longer with the Tampa Tribune, therefore updates will no longer be written. This blog is preserved for demonstration purposes only.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Making A Federal Case Of A Boo-Boo

Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune

What He Wrote: "... hit the wheel of fortune..."
Obscure Reference: The Wheel of Fortune, or Rota Fortuna, is a concept in medieval and ancient philosophy referring to the capricious nature of Fate. The wheel belongs to the goddess Fortuna, who spins it at random, changing the positions of those on the wheel - some suffer great misfortune, others gain windfalls.

What He Wrote: "... of fate's fickle finger..."
Obscure Reference: 'The Fickle Finger of Fate' (also known as El Dedo del destino) is a 1967 comedy film directed by Richard Rush, starring Tab Hunter. Hunter is a clumsy businessman who accidentally gets wrapped up in a plot of intrigue while on a trip to Spain. It was also the name of an award given on Rowan & Martin's television series "Laugh-In" (1968-73), saluting actual dubious achievements by the government or famous people.

What He Wrote: "... of bad judicial karma."
Obscure Reference: Karma is the concept of "action" or "deed" in Indian religions understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect, described in Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies. The philosophical explanation of karma can differ slightly between traditions, but the general concept is basically the same. Through the law of karma, the effects of all deeds actively create past, present, and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to him/her and others.

What He Wrote: "...Megahed, which is Arabic for complete moron,..."
Obscure Reference: 'Megahed' is not Arabic for 'complete moron'.

What He Wrote: "...before you could say, 'Book 'em, Dano,' ..."
Obscure Reference: "Book 'em, Danno" was a catch phrase used often by fictional detective Steve McGarrett (played by Jack Lord), head of the Hawaiian State Police squad in the television series 'Hawaii Five-O'. McGarrett would often utter the phrase at the completion of a succesfull aprehension or arrest to second-in-command Dan 'Danno' Williams (played by James MacArthur).

What He Wrote: "... another pint of Guinness..."
Obscure Reference: Pint is the standard UK measure of beer - apparently equivalent to 0.568 litres in new money, or 20 fluid ounces in American money. Guinness is a popular dry stout ale that originated in Arthur Guinness's St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. The beer is based on the porter style that originated in London in the early 18th century. It is extremely popular with the Irish and is the best-selling alcoholic drink of all time in Ireland.

What He Wrote: "...Four Green Fields pub..."
Obscure Reference: 'Four Green Fields' was a record album released under the GEM label by Irish traditional musicians 'The Flying Column', who formed a folk band in Belfast around 1967/68. They took their name from the small tight cells that comprised the Irish Republican Army active service units during the Anglo-Irish war of 1916-1921. This album became popular for nationalist households in Northern Ireland after it was released in 1971. It recounted in song the various rebellions from 1798 right through to the IRA border campaign which ended in 1962.
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