Saturday, May 16, 2009

Random thoughts on three words . . .

I can't say the word, particularly.

I am envious of anyone who can pronounce it with ease. I say, par-tik'-ur-lee. When I attempt to say it correctly I fumble on the "u-ler-ly" part. Okay, this isn't earth shaking news -- but stick with me here, it gets even more meaningless. For instance...

Vestibule. It's a funny word, I think it's the"bule" part. I mention this because I was in an old theater last night and noticed a wall sign with an arrow pointing forward and the word Vestibule. My recollection of it goes back to around 6 years of age when I was told to stand in one before first Holy Communion. It is not a word we see these days, so after seeing it last night, I decided to look it up.
Vestibule or Vestibulum can have the following meanings, each primarily based upon a common origin, from early 17th century French, derived from Latin vestibulum, "entrance court".
I wonder if it has any connection to the Vestel virgins of ancient Rome. Etymologists and Wikipedians may reply.

Stimulus is a word we see and hear everywhere today. And I'm really tired of it. Banks are getting it, car companies are hoping for it, AIG abused it, the President supports it and Congress enacted it. You and I are yet to see the effects of it and if I had a dollar for everytime I have read it, I wouldn't need it.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Cartoons by Michael Ramirez at ibdeditorials.com

And the Winner is . . .

Fwtacoma was 6 for 6. Perfect.

If fwtacoma tells me the answers were given without any research, and sends me his or her email I will gladly send the prize.

The highest ranked fast food restaurants, in the correct order.

1. In-N-Out Burger, Irvine, Calif., 60%
2. Chick-fil-A, Atlanta, 55%
3. Panera Bread, St. Louis, 54%
4. Chipotle, Denver, 52%
5. Pei Wei, Scottsdale, Ariz., 51%
6. Qdoba, Wheat Ridge, Colo., 49%

Why am I suspicious?