|
A quick glance at info and news of interest to snowbirds |
The International Gathering of the Clans, held in Nova Scotia every four years, is back in 2003. Scots from all over the world will be attending this event, which includes special concerts and Scottish events all over the province. Their full summer schedule runs from June 29 to October 15, 2003. For more information, call the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism and Culture at 1-800-565-0000, or e-mail them at info@checkinnovascotia.com.
PHRASE ORIGINS
Baths in the 1500s consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then any other men, then the women and finally the children -- last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it, hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."
Houses had thatched roofs -- thick straw, piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the dogs, cats and other small animals (mice, rats and bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained, it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof; hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs."
Floors were made of dirt. The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread "thresh" (the straw left over after threshing grain) on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they kept adding more and more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. To prevent this, a piece of wood was placed in the entranceway; hence, a "thresh hold."
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, the "upper crust."
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whiskey. The combination would sometimes knock people out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait to see if they would wake up -- hence, the custom of holding a "wake."
MARKHAM, ONTARIO TO LEAD THE WAY TO INTERNET VOTING?
Frank Edwards, head of elections for the town of Markham, is presenting a plan to the Markham town council to allow voting on the Internet for snowbirds.
Markham has always touted itself as the high-tech capital of Canada, and is hoping to improve voter turnout rates by making it easier for snowbirds to vote when they're away and avoid the inconvenience of a proxy vote.
Hopefully more Canadian towns, provinces and even the federal government will follow its example!
SOMETHING TO STOP CRYING ABOUT!
Ever wonder why we cry when we cut up onions? Certain enzymes which are released when the onion is chopped react with the moisture in our eyes and create sulfuric acid...it's no wonder we cry!
Scientists have always believed that the same enzyme which causes us to cry provides that zingy taste we love, but researchers in Japan have discovered that there may be a second enzyme which is the real criminal.
The consequences? Scientists may be able to create an onion which gets rid of the tears but keeps the taste.
In the meantime, here are some tips to help you stop the tears when chopping:
Light a candle near the chopping board (make sure to keep it away from anything flammable!). The flame burns up the sulfuric acid before it gets to your eyes.
Refrigerate the onions to slow the release of the offending enzyme.
Pour a small amount of white distilled vinegar on your cutting board to neutralize the fumes.
Table of Contents Issue 45