Theft by Cop (civil asset forfeiture)
Police often take a person's property (such as cash, a car and even a house) on the suspicion of a crime -- although frequently no criminal charges are ever filed. Many critics have argued…
Archive for 11/2014
Muggers’ Express (4 subway line)
The Guardian Angels began in February 1979 (the group was started by Curtis Sliwa in 1977 as the "Magnificent 13") and patrolled the #4 Lexington Avenue subway train. "The…
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest”
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) is often credited with the following quotation about education: "If a man empties his purse into his head no one can take it away from him. An investment in…
“People like hard work when they are paying someone else to do it”
"Most people like hard work. Particularly when they are paying for it" was written by American humorist Franklin P. Jones in the Saturday Evening Post in 1954. "People like hard work…
Jawbreaker (sandwich)
A "jawbreaker" is a large Italian sandwich that's so big and so stuffed that it could break one's jaw to eat all of it. "Sunday night supper is an especially popular time…
“If you can sell. you’ll never be unemployed”
Sales is a very important part of business and the ability to sell is an important asset to have. "If you can sell, you'll never be unemployed" or "if you can sell, you'll…
“When people rob banks, they go to jail; when banks rob people, they get bonuses”
"When people rob banks, they go to jail. When banks rob people, they get bonuses" became a popular saying in 2011. "When people rob banks, They are thrown into tanks. When banks rob…
“Business without profit is not business any more than a pickle is a candy”
"Business without profit is not business any more than a pickle is candy" was said by Charles F. Abbott (1876-1936), Executive Director of the American Institute of Steel Construction, at…
“To be a success in business, be daring, be first, be different”
"To be a success in business: Be daring, be first, be different" has been cited in print since at least 1970. "Marchant" was credited in 1981, "Henry Marchant" was…
“If a listener nods his head when you’re explaining your program, wake him up”
"If a listener nods his head when you're explaining your program, wake him up" is a jocular one-line saying written by American computer scientist Alan Jay Perlis (1922-1990) in his…
“Opportunities always look bigger going than coming”
"An opportunity always looks bigger going than coming" was cited in print in May 1922 in the syndicated newspaper column "Smile a While" with Tom Sims. It's hard to see…
Great Under Major Pressure (GUMP)
"Great Under Major Pressure (GUMP)" is a popular term in South Florida high school football, where it began. Miami (FL) Northwestern High School starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and…
“Father Time is undefeated” (sports adage)
"Father Time is undefeated" means that age catches up and eventually defeats all athletes. American football analyst Michael Irvin made the comment about quarterback Brett Favre in…
“New York point guards will give up their grandmother before their dribble” (basketball adage)
New York City point guards having a reputation for being excellent dribblers in street basketball games, but some observers complain that the point guards seemingly don't know how to pass the…
Mayor Pothole or Senator Pothole (responsive to constituent needs)
The nicknames of "Mayor Pothole" (or "Pothole Mayor") and "Senator Pothole" generally indicate a politiician who pays attention to constituent services. Al…