“Actor: What’s my motivation? / Director: Your salary”
A classic acting joke, told both on Broadway and in Hollywood, has an actor reading a line and asking the director, "What's my motivation?" The director snaps back with a terse…
Archive for 10/2012
“Institutions will try to preserve the problem to which they are the solution”
"Institutions will try to preserve the problem to which they are the solution" was said by technology writer Clay Shirky at SXSW (South by Southwest, a conference in Austin, TX) in March…
“Bite off more than one can chew” (undertake too much)
"Don't bite off more than you can chew" means that one shouldn't attempt to do more than one is capable of doing. "Don't bite off more than you can chew when you…
“As happy as a clam”
"As happy as a clam" is an American phrase that puzzles many, who ask if and why clams are happy. "He was as happy as a clam" was cited in print in 1833. "I should be happy…
Great Deformation
David Stockman, the Reagan administration's Director of the Office of Management and Budget (1981–1985), announced in 2012 his new book, The Great Deformation: How Crony Capitalism Corrupts…
Fiscal Cliff
A "fiscal cliff" is a point where a government can't pay its bills. The term "fiscal cliff" was used in 1975 to describe New York City's financial crisis. "The…
Welfare-Warfare State (Warfare-Welfare State)
Entry in progress -- B.P. OCLC WorldCat recordThe new left; a collection of essays.Author: Priscilla LongPublisher: Boston, P. Sargent [1969]Series: Extending horizons booksEdition/Format: Book :…
Last Chance Saloon (First and Last Chance Saloon)
"Last Chance Saloon" has been the name of many drinking and eating places in the United States for over 150 years. The First and Last Chance Saloon was opened by Noel Burton in Fort Town…
“Tell the boss what you really think of him — and the truth shall set you free”
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" is from John 8:32 of the New Testament. However, telling the absolute truth in the workplace is not always the best idea to…
“Holy mackerel!”
"Holy mackerel!" is an expression of surprise that has been cited in print since at least 1867. It has been suggested that the original expression was "Holy Mary," with…
“First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people”
"First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people" is a business saying meaning that one should always hire the best people. Leo Rosten (1908-1997), an…
Last Chance Saloon
"Last Chance Saloon" has been the name of many drinking and eating places in the United States for over 150 years. The First and Last Chance Saloon was opened by Noel Burton in Fort Town…
“Like a pork chop at a Bar Mitzvah” (out of place)
The expression "like a pork chop at a Bar Mitzvah" means that something is out of place and unwelcome. A pork chop is not kosher and cannot be served at a Bar Mtizvah. "Going over…
“No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes”
"No husband/man has ever been shot while doing the dishes" is a humorous saying that has been printed on many gift items, such as posters, T-shirts and even kitchen aprons. The popular…
“Fettuccine Alfredo is macaroni and cheese for adults”
"Fettuccine Alfredo is macaroni and cheese for adults" is a line credited to American stand-up comedian Mitch Hedberg (1968-2005). It's not known when Hedberg first included the joke…
“Both the Democrat and the Republican are running for president of Ohio”
The Democratic and Republican presidential candidates ignore states where the election is not in question and spend almost all of their time in contested or "battleground" states. The…
Prepper (disaster preparation expert)
A "prepper" is someone who prepares to survive a disaster, such as food shortages or a terrorist attack. The term became popular in 2012 with the National Geographic Channel television…
“A waffle is like a pancake with a syrup trap”
"A waffle is like a pancake with a syrup trap" is a jocular statement that has been printed on many images. The joke was a signature of comedian Mitch Hedberg's comedy act since at…
“Success goes to your head, failure to your heart”
Entry in progress -- B.P. Google BooksPeter's Quotations: Ideas for Our TimesBy Laurence J. PeterNew York, NY: Quill/Morrow1992Pg. 188:Whenever one finds oneself inclined to bitterness, it is…
Feastival (feast + festival)
A "feastival" (feast = festival) is an event with food ("feast") and usually some entertainment. The word "feastival" has been cited in print since at least 1939, with…