The Characters Behind 12 Famous Songs

by Dictionary Scoop    There’s a mixture of fiction and real life behind the people made famous by the hit songs on our list today.  From classic rock ballads to catchy pop tunes, here are 12 famous songs that feature people’s names—and the stories behind them. 1-Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry    We’ll start …

Bags Of Glory, Crumbs Of Memories, Change

by Kevin Burton    There are many ways to illustrate how a person can change and change profoundly over the years, but I can sum it up in two words.    Stale Doritos.    I was amazed recently to have to admit the truth. The spicy nacho Doritos in our pantry had expired…on my watch! …

Canadian Boycott Of US Travel Going Strong

by Madeline Halpert BBC    Kristy Gammon used to travel to the US from Canada at least once every other year, taking ski trips at Lake Placid in New York and traveling to Baltimore, Maryland, for her husband's favorite Orioles baseball games.    But those trips are now over, she said. This year, the Nova …

Hidden Superpowers Of “Man’s Best Friend”

by Dictionary Scoop    Dogs have walked alongside humans for thousands of years, earning them the title of “man’s best friend.” But loyalty and love aren’t the whole story.    Behind every wagging tail lies a bundle of quirks and special skills that most people never notice. Some of these traits are downright funny, others …

The Weird And Wonderful Words Of Winter

by Kevin Burton     Winter has some words for you, even as you perhaps, have some muttered, unkind words for winter.    Merriam-Webster dictionary is just a collector of words, and I a mere humble blogger. So we’re not worthy of blame, though we have conspired today to bring you words you would rather not …

What Makes You Think You’re So Smart?

by Dictionary Scoop    We all had that friend who seemed to ace every class without even trying. But as it turns out, intelligence isn’t always about grades or test scores. Sometimes, it shows up in the most unexpected ways. Neuroscientists have revealed several everyday behaviors and habits that often characterize highly intelligent people. Do you fit …

A Little Fresh Air (Scientifically) Good For You

by Yasmin Rufo BBC News    If you've ever felt calmer after a walk in the park or a stroll through the woods, it's not your imagination - it's biology.    Spending just 20 minutes in nature can trigger measurable changes inside your body, from lowering stress hormones, to easing blood pressure and even improving …

Breaking Ice, Chewing Fat, 12 Social Idioms

by Dictionary Scoop    We often say things like “break the ice” or “hit it off” when discussing hanging out with people, without giving much thought to these idioms. But each one has a specific origin and meaning. Have you ever stopped to think about these 12? 1-Break the ice    The phrase “break the …

Mixed Up In The Mayhem Of Miscellany

by Kevin Burton    You have a drawer like this, admit it.    It’s that drawer where you keep things, small things. They will be useful, you swear, and you don’t dare throw them away. Twist ties, bolts, rubber bands.    That drawer is a physical category for the uncategorizable.    You may even have …

You Never Forget Your First Hate (Dodgers)

by Kevin Burton    My very first ecstatic sports moment came via a baseball wild pitch.    The Cincinnati Reds won the 1972 pennant by scoring two runs in the ninth inning of game 5. First Johnny Bench hit a tying home run. Then with two outs, Pittsburgh pitcher Bob Moose uncorked a game-ending wild …