The Story Of English, A Review

"The Story Of English" may sound like a textbook, but it's a very compelling read.  When I picked it up a few years ago, I couldn't put it down until I finished it.  The evolution of the English language is an endlessly fascinating subject.  Across the continents, English has scores of faces, and there are many varieties of the language.  English has twice the vocabulary words of French, Spanish, German, or Italian.  The book explains why.  English has always been ... and continues to be, an evolving language.  From Anglo-Saxons, Normans, and cockney peddlers to Hessian soldiers, African slaves and Appalachian settlers, each group contributed to the rich lexicon that has become modern English.  Whole chapters are devoted to Scotland, Ireland, Australia, the Caribbean, India and contemporary African nations.

The book was co-written by Robert MacNeil of PBS's The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour.  It's well researched and covers centuries, yet is vivid and easy to follow.  There are useful photographs and maps throughout the text to provide clarity, insights and make history come alive.  If you read it, you will be absorbed, entertained and learn a great deal about the vernacular.  Every English speaking person should read it.

Meanwhile, Loretta (a reader) sent me the following fun trivia, which explains the roots of some popular English language sayings.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.  Read them just for fun -- I didn't turn up information to disprove them, but scholars often debate the definitive origins of words and phrases:

In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.  When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on.  Hence the phrase, “Goodnight, sleep tight.” became popular.  Submitted by Marg Duncombe.

At one time, English pubs baked a whistle into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups.  When patrons needed a refill, they used their whistle to get some service.  “Wet your whistle” is the phrase inspired by this practice.  Submitted by Marg Duncombe

Before thermometers were invented, brewers of beer had to dip a thumb or finger into the mix to find the right temperature for adding yeast.  Too hot or cold, and the yeast wouldn't rise.  This is where we get the phrase "rule of thumb."  Submitted by Marg Duncombe.

A practice in Anglo-Saxon England was for the bride's father to supply his new son-in-law with all the mead [or honey-wine] he could drink for an entire month after the wedding.  Since the calendar was lunar, this period was called the “honey month,” which we know today as the honeymoon.  Submitted by Tana M. Schiewer

In old English pubs, ale was ordered by pints and quarts.  When customers got unruly, the bartender would yell,  “Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down!”  From this, we get the phrase, “Mind your P's and Q's.”  Submitted by Marg Duncombe.

If you know the origins of other old sayings, please share them with us.


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Millions Shop Ebay

Founded in 1995, ebay is headquartered in San Jose, CA

As noted in last week's post, cyber shopping is a convenient avenue to find incredible deals and save serious money.  And, no discussion would be complete without mentioning ebay.  To date, it has 212 million registered buyers and sellers worldwide.  Since I'm not an experienced ebay shopper, myself, I turned to someone who is, Ms. Angel D.  Not only is Angel a brilliant bargain shopper, in general; she knows ebay's terrain and is fantastic at explaining the ins and outs to a greenhorn.  Here is our interview:

Q: Explain in a nutshell how ebay works.  And what you need to shop on it.

A: In order to shop on ebay you first need to set up an account.  Accounts are free.  You can than make a purchase in two ways:  You can either bid on an item you want, or sometimes people have a "buy now" option.  Payment takes place in a number of ways, and is up to the seller.  Some sellers will accept a personal check (you mail the check to them; when the check clears - they mail your item to you); others use PayPal, exclusively.  I prefer to use PayPal.

Q: Talk about ebay's great appeal -- its advantages over a retail store and how you can save money on it.

A: The greatest appeal is, you can find things on ebay that you can't find in stores anymore.  Not only antiques and older collectables, but also things that are only available in specialty stores ... and sometimes you don't know where the specialty stores are.  For example, I have an Italian charm bracelet.  I have no idea where they sell these charms anymore, but on ebay I just type "Italian charms" into the search box, and it brings up 50+ online "stores" that sell these charms.

Q: Name some of the great stuff you bought on ebay.

A:  Collectables (vinyl LP's, CD's, hall china), Italian charms, handmade sewing items -- I CAN sew, but often don't have the time.

Q:  Besides ebay, are there other websites you like?  Tell us which ones, and why you shop on them.  

A:  I use Amazon.com more often than ebay lately --- I mostly buy books and CD's, but Amazon has just as much variety as ebay -- especially since they have the buy “new” or “used” options.  And, Half.com -- a devision of ebay that is strictly "buy now," new and used items .... for books/movies/music/video games only.

Q:  What tips have you learned about getting the best deals?

A:  I generally compare between ebay and amazon to find the best price available that includes shipping.  Free shipping is a supreme bonus.

Q:  Do you have any buyer beware advice?

A: Always check feedback when buying .... especially on ebay.  A “good feedback percentage” is a must.  Some people never buy from new sellers, but I have taken a chance, or two and have not had a problem.  Also, if you are getting a lot of emails with multiple excuses that's probably a sign that the item isn't what it should be.  Move on ... because honest sellers will settle on a fair price and close the deal.  You want to buy from sellers who are professional; people who answer back right away.  Not people who send you endless emails that say how hard it is to get to the post office and how they must set up a special box just for you, etc.

Q:  It might be fun to talk about the items you bought, which turned out to be a steal.  And what you paid for them.

A:  Some of the best "steals" I got were vinyl records.  Many people do not know what they have, or will sell things in a "lot" instead of individually, to save time.  I once bid on a lot of 20 vinyl 45's -- all Jerry Lee Lewis ... paid $5.00 + shipping, and discovered an original, mint "Breathless" recording -- stamped, “signed 45” in the stack.  NICE!

Really!  It is nice to find a treasure {signed by The Killer!} for 25 cents!  Thank you, Angel, for an excellent rundown.


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Shopping Online For Savings Is Easy

Online shopping is awesome.  You can save tens and hundreds of dollars on essentials, if you do your homework.

You save money because you have access to many sellers and special deals.  No longer are you limited to just the stores in your local area.  After a thorough search, you can place your order with a merchant, who offers the best value, regardless of his city, state or country.  Always look for quality and free shipping  ... or a steal, so that you get a bargain even if you do pay the shipping charges.

The internet gives you the tools you need to be a savvy comparative shopper.  I use Google's search engine, plus websites such as Pricegrabber, Amazon, and Overstock to pinpoint information.  Whether I need a new laptop, or pillow case, I type in the name of the item to see what my choices are.  A few clicks will pull up a list of sellers, offering the best bang for the buck.

Not having to drive out and haul a product home, saves money also.  My laptop and printer were each delivered straight to my door, free of charge.  Not only do retailers offer free shipping, they post exclusive price reductions on their websites.

If you are shopping for shoes, or a big ticket item like furniture or electronics, look in a few stores first to find the models you like.  Try the shoes on to get your correct size.  Listen to the sound of a stereo system.  Then check online to find them cheaper.  You want to avoid the hassles of returns, when possible.

Only shop online with retailers well known for quality merchandise and super customer care.  Why take unnecessary risks and end up stuck with products that don't work out?  When ordering online, I always read what other customers say about a product and the company under "customer reviews."

There are many online retailers who meet my criteria of “awesome” – i.e., they have great stuff, prices and easy returns.  Favorites include:

Amazon – Books, music, everything

Apple – Computers, ipods, iphones and accessories

Brody's Of Brooklyn – Undergarments.  A family business for over 30 years. Old style customer service and super knowledgeable staff.  If your style has disappeared from department stores, Brody's may have it.  Speak to Douglas.  He won't let you order mistakes.

Canon – All-in-one printers.

Land's End – Everything from outerwear and snow boots to bathing suits and more.

LightingUniverse – Lighting fixtures at unbeatable prices.

Overstock – Jewelry, housewares, furniture, and everything else, too numerous to mention.  Up to 70% off.

Zappos – Shoes, clothes and more.  Free shipping both ways.

And before you buy anything, visit currentcodes and RetailMeNot for extra savings. A reader contacted me to say Fatwallet is gone. (Here what happened to it.)

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Coffee, People Love It!

Are you drinking a cup of coffee this morning?  If so you're not alone.  Coffee is popular the world over.  First discovered in Ethiopia, its consumption expanded to Yemen in the 15th century ... then to Italy ... the rest of Europe ... to Indonesia ... and by the 17th century to the New World.  Although coffeehouses began in the Arab world, by the 1690s there were over 3,000 in England alone, and more in Italy, France, Germany and the Americas.  Naturally, coffeehouses became popular places to socialize and discuss politics, which didn't turn out well for the King and Queen of France.

Michael Pendergrast wrote a fascinating book, explaining how coffee changed the world.

Today coffee beans are grown in over 70 countries, including the top producers Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia and Colombia.  Just like wine and chocolate, coffee grown and processed in different regions have differences in flavor, aroma, body and acidity.  Types include Colombian, Java and Kona.  Do you like your brew roasted light, medium or dark?

Coffee labeled as "fair trade" must be grown in eco-friendly and socially responsible ways.

No doubt: Coffee is a drug and stimulate.  Still, recent studies suggest there are some health benefits to drinking coffee.  In moderation [up to 24 ounces] it might prevent Alzheimer's, liver cancer, colon cancer, adult diabetes, Parkinson's, dementia, and gallstones.  My grandmother, who drank a large cup every day of her adult life, was healthy and mentally sharp in her 90s.  That's enough evidence for me to follow suit.  My mother says, “I know I'm addicted, but if I had to, I believe I could quit.”  (Yeah, right, mom.)  How about you?

Get tips for buying gourmet and organic coffee from these sites, or just be adventurous:

Coffee Review

Organic Trade Association

Gormet Foods 101


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The Story Of Stuff: A Review

The Story of Stuff: 1. Extraction, 2. Production, 3. Distribution

Annie Leonard, a former Greenpeace worker, is fascinated with material things, especially garbage.  She says when she looks at a cell phone, sweater, or paper cup “it's entire life cycle flashes before [her] eyes.”  It's an obsession that lead to a popular animated short and follow-up book called "The Story Of Stuff" [published in March, 2010].  And along the way, she's been accused of being un-American by followers of Glenn Beck and Fox News.

4. Consumption

"The Story Of Stuff” gets you to think about how material things come into your life and where they go after they are tossed.  We are asked to consider the hidden health, environmental and social impact of all the stuff we consume.  The book is a very understandable and entertaining read.  The tone is upbeat and ultimately hopeful, and it raises important concerns like resource depletion, toxic chemicals, worker safety and economic justice.  It also discusses the roles big business, governments and people play in over-consumption.  More stuff doesn't de facto produce greater happiness either.

5. Disposal

The author believes we can make products better without destroying our health or our planet, and corporations can be both profitable and socially responsible.  She asks us to be open to new ways of thinking.  

Although some of her critics accuse her of misrepresenting scientific terms and data, the book is a worthwhile read.  It's good to take stock of what's working and what's not … to question the status quo and to change the way we do things in order to make life better on a global scale. 

There isn't a single solution to ecological problems, but her book correctly advocates sustainability and gets readers to focus on the big picture.

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Autumn's Purple Haze

There was a time when only an emperor or the Pope could afford to wear purple because it took many shellfish to make the pigment.  Interestingly enough, Byzantine princesses delivered their aristocratic children in purple chambers.  That's how it was for centuries, until German chemist, William Henry Perkin, created a synthetic purple dye in 1856, making the color of privilege available to the masses.  Purple was rock legend Jimi Hendrix's favorite color, so that's what he painted his Haight-Ashbury house.

Now purple is showing up as a hot make-up trend on runways and red carpets, as well as, in everyday life.  I see it all around while walking down a city street.  In addition to clothing and accessories, there are lavender eyes, plum lips and mauve, or violet nails.  Purple is a bold color that flatters everyone.  Say goodbye to drab browns and invisable beige.  All eye colors and skin tones can wear some shade of purple. Whether you wear a little or a lot, it's pretty, bright and irresisable!  The royals knew it all along; such a sultry color and versitle.  No wonder it's been sought-after throughout the ages.

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Go On A Skin Diet

It's common sense: Want beautiful skin?  Eat a diet fortified with foods that keep you young.  A junk food diet, consisting of grease, sugar and white flour, will take a toll on your health and the texture of your skin, hair and nails.  So if you want to look your absolute best and have glowing skin as long as you live, plan meals with a good balance of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  Below are some nutrients known for their skin boosting properties:

1) Drink liquids – Pure water is the king.  Green, white and black teas are excellent choices too for their anti-oxidants.  So is coffee in moderation [up to 24 oz].  Doctors now say coffee and teas do not dehydrate the body and can be counted as fluids [unless you have a heart condition].  The day I found this out, coffee stopped dehydrating me!  Like many of you, I drink a cup in the morning.

2) Protein – Lean meats, low fat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese are excellent sources.  Protein is the building block of the entire body.

3) Anti-oxidants, especially Vitamin C – Blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, tomatoes, watermelon, and red peppers.  These foods build collagen and fight off free radicals.

4) Vitamin A – Eat carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos, spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, and eggs.

5) B Vitamins – Whole grains, breads, baked potatoes, bananas and peanut butter.

6) Omega 3 fatty acids – Salmon, tuna, sardines, nuts and flax seeds are rich in omega 3's, which fight UV cell damage.

7) Iron – Lean beef is a super source of iron.

8) Selenium – Stimulates antibodies to fight disease, keeping skin healthy.  Super sources include cod, red meat and Brazil nuts.

9) Zinc – Helps to produce collagen.  Oysters, red meat, pumpkin and lentils have plenty of zinc.

10) Biotin – Avocados are great for the skin, rich in biotin, niacin and monounsaturated fats.

But let's face it, once in a while everyone needs a treat.  Treats with anti-aging properties include dark chocolate and red wine; however, to benefit only have them in moderation.  Dark chocolate has flavonoids, which get converted into anti-oxidants.  And red wine is rich in polyphenols, another anti-oxidant that includes resveratrols.  Scientists are working to put high concentrations of resveratrols in pills to help people stay young ... so stay tuned.  Meanwhile, start your skin diet today to look and feel your fabulous best.

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Fashion's Night Out

Madison Avenue hosts Fashion's Night Out tomorrow for a second year in a row.  Stores stay open until 11pm and offer live music, champagne, h'orderves and, of course, the latest fashion to the public.  Some have reductions of 20%, or more.  Other events include photo booths, games with free giveaways and celebrity appearances.  You will find tons of style at every price point.  Conceived in 2009 by Vogue editor, Anna Wincour, FNO is fast becoming a global event in major cities.  It's also the perfect time to visit New York City with all your fashion forward friends! 

Update, September 12:  I joined the party on the Upper East Side and was surprised by how good the food and drinks were: Champagne at more stores than I care to mention and interesting cocktails at others.  Snacks included wrapped tuna squares, hickory almonds, tiny containers of flavored wild rice, bites of filet mignon on bread and dollops of red velvet cake with icing (at Ivanka Trump's shop).  I loved the friendliness, the festive atmosphere of listening to the in-store musicians and outdoor bands, walking past the window dancers and open-air mimes, and seeing very bony, super models on the arms of famous designers.  Valentino had a celebrity poker game happening. You could play musical chairs at Barney's and ping pong at several shops.  And the new fall clothes are gorgeous!  I had fun.

Fashion's Night Out has, so far, been in early September

Click map for a partial list of NYC's luxury stores

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Easy Labor Day Fare

Well here we are ... approaching another long weekend.  Why not celebrate the last summer holiday with easy-to-prepare summer food and an icy summer drink?  I love a great burger grilled to perfection, with just a touch of coarse salt, pepper and maybe a sprinkle of Worcestershire sauce, plus all the fixings like purple onion, romaine lettuce, pickles and a slice of tomato.  The trick to a great burger is, don't mess with it.  Form a loose patty, flop it on one side and don't touch it until it's brown and ready to flip over on the other side.  When both sides are done, slap it on your warmed bun.  Pair it with golden brown french fries, if you wish.  I cut up fresh potatoes, brush them with olive oil and a dash of salt and bake them until crispy.  My condiments of choice are good ole American ketchup and freshly ground pepper.  Usually I'll also prepare a quick salad consisting of:  romaine lettuce, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and a vinaigrette dressing.  Or some sides, like grilled vegetables, baked beans, or corn on the cob.  Simple, satisfying and flavorful.

What more do you need?  How about a refreshing drink, using watermelon and Jim P.'s tempting recipe:

Sirloin or sirloin-chuck is tasty

Jim's Watermelon Margaritas

Make watermelon fresca by blending:

Watermelon chunks (It's ok to keep the seeds.)

1 cup, or so of water (Eyeball all ingredients.)

A few teaspoons of sugar to taste

The juice of one lime
Strain the blended watermelon juice to remove the solids and seed particles.

Take 4 oz of the mixture and add:

1.5 – 2 oz tequila

   .5 oz triple sec

Add a little more lime juice

Add a little more sugar, or syrup if you like it sweeter.

Blend in a shaker with ice.  Then serve it straight, or on the rocks.

Jim says “The agua fresca's good straight up too.”  Many thanks for the recipe, Jim, (and for being the impetus for learning a little Spanish).  What a fitting drink, along with comfort food, for a relaxing Labor Day weekend.


¡Buen provecho

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How Will Changes In Health Care Effect You?

When my parents were a young married couple, they paid for doctor visits, shots and medicine out-of-pocket. At the time few people had great health insurance, if any.  But in the 60s, office visits cost $6. Shots were $4. Even hospital stays could be paid off in installments of $112 dollars a week [$16 each day] over a short period of time.  And that's how my parents paid for medical expanses, from check-ups to a premature birth.   Those days are gone. Now health care has gotten very sophisticated, and each procedure can cost thousands of dollars.  The reality is an average Joe could quickly go bankrupt without health insurance.

In the United States many of the urban poor are covered.  My hairdresser, who works at a ritzy Manhattan hair salon – but earns a low wage without benefits* – receives comprehensive health care from top New York doctors at a prestigious hospital as a Medicaid patient.  And contrary to what you hear about government-run programs, my retired relatives on Medicare are content with the level of care they receive. Many of us don't remember a time before these safety nets were in place.  Nowadays it's often the middle class who must worry about losing health care should they max out their insurance, or loose their jobs.

So it's worth taking a look at what the Obama Administration fought hard to pass.  Regardless of where you stand on health care reform, some of the changes take effect starting in September.  According to Organizing For America, a pro-Obama volunteer group, here is what the new reforms will do:

Directly quoted:

"1.  Prevents insurance companies from canceling your policy if you get sick.  Right now, insurance companies can retroactively cancel your policy when you become sick if you or your employer made an unintentional mistake on your paperwork.

2.  Stops insurance companies from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. Beginning in September, discrimination against children with pre-existing conditions will be banned―a protection that will be extended to all Americans in 2014.

3.  Prohibits setting lifetime limits on insurance policies issued or renewed after Sept. 23, 2010. No longer will insurance companies be able to take away coverage at the very moment when patients need it most. More than 100 million Americans have health coverage that imposes lifetime limits on care.

4.  Phases out annual dollar limits on coverage over the next three years.  Even more aggressive than lifetime limits are annual dollar limits on what an insurance company will pay for your health care. For the people with medical costs that hit these limits, the consequences can be devastating.

5.  Allows you to designate any available participating primary care doctor as your provider. You’ll be able to keep the primary care doctor or pediatrician you choose, and see an OB-GYN without referral.

6.  Removes insurance company barriers to receiving emergency care and prevents them from charging you more because you’re out of network. You’ll be able to get emergency care at a hospital outside of your plan’s network without facing higher co-pays or deductibles or having to fight to get approval first.”


And of course, the most controversial aspect of the new health care bill is being challenged in the courts -- namely that everyone must have medical insurance. 

I think it's vital we take the time to learn how the new legislation will effect us and not simply listen to political pundits, who appear on television.  Recommended reading: Heath Care Reform by Jonathan Gruber.  You have every right to your opinion.  Just be informed, so that fear based on misunderstanding doesn't rule the day.


*It's worth noting that businesses, which once offered employees benefits now hire workers as independent contractors, so they don't have to pay for health care.

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