Carl Pettit
Why Do We Escape By the ‘Skin of Our Teeth?’ Ouch, Sounds Painful
If you escape something dangerous, like a possible ninja assassin or your mother’s rage after forgetting her birthday yet again, you just might catch yourself saying, “Whew, I escaped that by the skin of my teeth.” In others words, you almost didn’t make it out at all, but why would we say something that sounds kinda painful?
6 of the Coolest (Pun Intended) Ice-Skating Rinks Around
Winter in the city is one of the best times of the year, and what better way to witness the flourishing surroundings first hand than to visit some of the most well-known ice rinks. Here’s six of the best, and most unusual ice-skating rinks that should definitely be on everyone's list of tourist attractions.
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Why Do Some People Carry Around a Lucky Rabbit’s Foot?
People carry around a lucky rabbit’s foot for luck… Duh! “Where did this peculiar habit come from?” is perhaps a better question.
The custom of toting around a rabbit’s foot for luck is practiced all over the world, but there are two main reasons why some of us choose to keep one in our pocket these days.
Where Do ‘Couch Potatoes’ Come From?
Some of you might be laughing right now, while looking at your husband or significant other and thinking, “I know exactly where couch potatoes come from. (Insert loved one’s name here).” And, you know, you’d be kind of right.
Get Ready for the Most Grueling Cross-Country Ski Race of Your Life [PICTURES]
Listen up all you winter sports lovers! February 11 and 12 are the perfect excuse for you to fulfill both your need for cross-country skiing and getting out of the states. That’s the time you need to be making your way up to Quebec, Canada for the Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM), the longest, and perhaps most grueling cross-country ski race on the planet.
Why Do We ‘Knock on Wood?’
Oops, you’ve just said something terrible, or perhaps something you shouldn’t have said at all. You don’t want to invite the bad luck that will inevitably accompany your careless remarks, but what can you do? Knock on wood, of course. But why do we do that?
What Exactly is a ‘Scapegoat’ Anyway?
Since today is “National Blame Someone Else Day,” we thought we’d take a look at the origins of the term “scapegoat.” No, a scapegoat isn’t a tricky goat that has busted out of his pen and fled the farm. A scapegoat is someone who shoulders the blame and is punished, unjustly or not, for the misdeeds of others.
Where Does the Saying ‘Take a Raincheck’ Come From?
When you say, “I’ll take a raincheck,” you’re telling someone that you can’t accept his or her offer or invitation now, but you’d be happy to accept it down the road. The phrase can also be used sarcastically, by letting someone know you’d prefer to delay something unpleasant until the future, or as a promise for out-of-stock goods.
But how did this expression make it into our lexicon?
6 Things You Might Not Know About Luge Racing
Luge racing is literally the “fastest sport on ice.” These days, men and women alike hurl down ice tracks at ridiculously high speeds in pursuit of an adrenaline rush, and perhaps a little glory to boot. Here are some facts you might not know about the sport?
Where Does the Expression ‘To Have a Chip on Your Shoulder’ Come From?
When you have a chip on your shoulder, it means you’re in a foul mood because of some injustice, imagined or not, you believe another person or group of people have directed against you. It also implies that you can easily become upset. But what exactly is the origin of this popular expression?
Can You Figure Out Where the Best Snowshoe Trails Are? [PICTURES]
Crisp air, serene natural settings and exhilarating hikes await you this winter in Jackson Hole, WY. Home to Grand Teton National Park and the stunning Grand Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole’s spectacular wilderness habitats and jagged mountain vistas make for some of the most wonderful snowshoeing adventures around.
What’s the Story Behind the Phrase ‘Peeping Tom?’
A peeping Tom is a person who secretly watches someone else, so how is it possible the expression has its roots in taxation?