Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune
Welcome to all of our Canadian visitors (via Five Feet of Fury). Thanks for stopping by.
What he Wrote: "... Tampa Bay Devil - oops, sorry for the momentary political incorrectness ..."
Obscure Reference: The Tampa Bay major league baseball franchise (American League) was formerly known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, after a species of sea ray in the genus Mobula. The team was re-named in 2008 to the Tampa Bay Rays. The term 'politically incorrect' is used to refer to language or ideas that may cause offense or that are unconstrained by behavior seen as seeking to minimize offense to racial, cultural, or other identity groups. The "Devil" in Devil Rays was perceived as offensive to some.
What he Wrote: "... the Bombshell of the Balkans ..."
Obscure Reference: Originally during World War II, "Bombshell Girl" referred to the "pinup" girls who were painted onto the sides of WWII planes, bombers, and their bombs. The Balkans is the historic and geographic name used to describe a region of southeastern Europe. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains which run through the centre of Bulgaria into eastern Serbia.
What he Wrote: "... in a FEMA trailer with a gland problem like Tropicana Field ..."
Obscure Reference: The term 'FEMA trailer', is the name commonly given by the U.S. Government to many forms of manufactured housing assigned to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Intended to be temporary quarters only, FEMA trailers have become part of the cultural landscape and language of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities. Tropicana Field is the home ballpark of the Tampa Bay Rays, located in St. Petersburg, ironically resembling a giant orange juice squeezer tilted to one side when viewed from afar.
What he Wrote: "... the extra from "Deliverance" who appeared ..."
Obscure Reference: 'Extra' is a performer who appears in a nonspeaking capacity, usually in the background. Deliverance is a 1972 motion picture drama, 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: "... the pitter-patter of little feet around the manse ..."
Obscure Reference: A manse is a house inhabited by, or formerly inhabited by, a minister, usually used in the context of a Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist or United Church. 'Pitter-patter of little feet' refers to the sound of children playfully running.
What he Wrote: "... the Inmate-In-Waiting ..."
Obscure Reference: A lady-in-waiting is a female personal assistant at a noble court, attending to a queen, a princess or other noblewoman. A lady-in-waiting is often a noblewoman of lower rank (i.e., a lesser noble) than the one she attends to, and is not considered a servant. Their duties varied from court to court. Tudor queens often had a large degree of say in who became their ladies-in-waiting. Sometimes Ladies-in-Waiting would be a lady's older sister who never got married and came to keep her sister company. The term is also used in film and stage, to describe an actress whose role consists of very little action or involvement, differing from a supporting actress.
What he Wrote: "... like a drill instructor."
Obscure Reference: A drill instructor (or Drill Sergeant) is a non-commissioned officer in the armed forces with specific duties that vary by country. In the U.S. armed forces, they are assigned the duty of initiating new recruits entering the military into the customs and practices of military life. Drill instructors have a reputation as unforgiving taskmasters, and they are often portrayed as such in popular culture. The term 'drill instructor' is often used for an employer in any occupation who sets strict tasks and guidelines and is tough on those who do not comply.
What he Wrote: "... there was Gomer screaming ..."
Obscure Reference: Gomer Pyle was the simple-minded gas station attendant and later auto mechanic in the American TV sitcom 'The Andy Griffith Show', played by Jim Nabors. Nabors continued the character in his own starring vehicle, 'Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.' He was often awestruck by the simplest of things, resulting in the exclamation of his catchphrases, "Shazam!", "Gol-ly" and "Surprise, surprise, surprise!". In medical slang, the term 'gomer' is used to describe a chronic problem patient who does not respond to treatment.
What he Wrote: "... 'C'mon Garza, you're down three runs!!!' Goober screamed..."
Obscure Reference: Gomer's cousin was named Goober, played by George Lindsey. 'Goober' is an Americanization of the West African Kongo language word "Nguba", meaning Peanut. "Goober Peas" is another variation of this term. Goober was the town Mayberry's "village idiot".
What he Wrote: "... At this rate, perhaps by August, we could have Tropicana Field pretty much all to ourselves."
Obscure Reference: The Rays have yet to post a winning season nor make the playoffs.
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