“Signs don’t vote”
"Yard/Lawn signs don't vote" is a popular political adage. However, many politicians also believe that a large show of support, in the form of lawn signs, is usually beneficial.…
Archive for 10/2011
“Nothing New York suffers from can’t be cured by doubling its budget” (J. K. Galbraith)
The economist John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) said in 1965 about New York City's budget problems -- a paraphrase is neccesary because the precise quotation has not been found --…
“Profit is not a four-letter word”
"Profit is not a four-letter word" is a slogan defending capitalism. The saying means that making money is not inherently a bad thing. "Profit is not a four-letter word" dates…
Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children (United States Marine Corps or USMC nickname)
The United States Marine Corps is part of the United States Armed Forces and was founded in 1775. The letters "USMC" have been nicknamed "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children"…
“Wine improves with age—I improve with wine”
A popular T-shirt saying is "Wine improves with age. I improve with wine.” The saying appears to have been cited in print since 2007. Zazzle.comWine Improves With Age I Improve With Wine…
“One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter”
"One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" means that a fighter can be good or bad, depending upon one's view of the cause he's fighting for. The saying…
“One man’s mob is another man’s democracy”
After some had called the 2011 "Occupy Wall Street" protests a "mob" (unlike the tea party rallies), White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in October 2011: “I don’t…
Candy Corn
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Candy cornCandy corn is a confection in the United States and Canada, popular primarily in autumn around Halloween (though available year-round in most places).…
Circus Peanuts (candy)
The circus has long been known for providing hungry patrons with pink lemonade and peanuts for sale. "Circus peanuts" became a popular name, just like "ballpark hot dogs." The…
Long Depression (1873-1879)
The economic period starting with the Panic of 1873 -- between October 1873 and March 1879 -- has been called the "Long Depression." The term :long depression" was used as early as…
“Lean to the green”
"Lean to the green" is advice sometimes given to politicians, meaning that a politician should tend to take the side of where the money (green dollars) is coming from. The "lean to…
Environmental Persecution Agency (Environmental Protection Agency or EPA nickname)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed in 1970 to protect human health and the environment. Some critics have claimed that the EPA regulates too little during Republican…
Pyramid Scheme
A "financial pyramid" is one where there are many people/investors at the bottom of the pyramid, but few at the top. A "pyramid scheme" pays off the oldest investors by getting…
Ponzi Scheme
A "Ponzi scheme" is the method developed by Charles Ponzi (1882-1949), using international reply coupons for postage stamps, to allegedly make money for investors. Ponzi's method was…
“It’s so hot, the hens are laying hard-boiled eggs” (Texas heat joke)
It's often joked that it's so hot in Texas, "the hens/chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs." TheTexas version of the joke dates to at least 1953. The "laying hard-boiled…
“A tie game is like kissing your sister”
"Like kissing your sister" means something that is perfunctory, without much pleasure. The saying "like kissing your sister" has been cited in print since at least 1892. Since…
Crunkcake (crunk/drunk + cupcake)
A "crunkcake" (crunk/drunk + cupcake) is an alcoholic cupcake. "Crunkcake" has been cited in print since at least September 2008, but received popularity when Sabath and Faith…
Worst Boston (First Boston nickname)
First Boston was a New York City-based investment bank, founded in 1932. First Boston was acquired by Credit Suisse in 1990; First Boston was called "CS First Boston" from 1993 until…
Moron Stanley (Morgan Stanley nickname)
The financial firm of Morgan Stanley was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in New York City. The Morgan Stanley nickname of "Moron Stanley" has been cited in print since at least 1992.…
Cuptail (cupcake + cocktail)
A "cuptail" (cupcake + cocktail) is an alcoholic cupcake. Some variations include a Margarita cuptail, a Mojito cuptail and a Kalhua-infused chocolate cuptail. The term…