Like a Baseball in the Sky

Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand.

~ Wes Westrum

Next week is the first week of the dragon boat season and to kick it off, the club held a fundraising mixer at a local sports bar. I caught up with a few ladies I know from the team, as well as dodgeball, who were very interested in the sports being broadcast on all the TV screens around the place. We were able to watch the last period of the hockey play offs (go Bruins!) and then a bit of the baseball, and then began discussing team names. The general consensus is that teams that are named after natural disasters and ferocious animals are aptly named, as their names would evoke fear in their opponents. Oddly, Toronto's Major League Baseball team is called The Toronto Blue Jays - which are just loud and obnoxious birds that are rather harmless - however there are two other teams named after birds, The St. Louis Cardinals and The Baltimore Orioles. Today's question is: why are baseball teams named after birds?

A:

I love a truly random question - a big thanks to Anne Mather, who posed this on Friday night!

St. Louis joined the major leagues in 1891 originally called the Perfectos, it’s said a sportswriter overheard a woman in the stands say the uniforms were a “lovely shade of Cardinal” in 1899. The scribe took it and ran, and within a year, the name was made official.

In 1954, Baltimore acquired a team called the St. Louis Browns. With new ownership, came a new name, which was the Baltimore Orioles after Maryland's state bird.

Torontonians were asked for input in naming the city's baseball team. One of the suggestions was “Blue Jays”, and the team owners — Labatt Breweries — chose the name to coincide with their best-selling beer, Labatt’s Blue. it’s believed they hoped the team would be referred to as the “Blues,” but that backfired, as the “Jays” are the preferred shortened name for the franchise.

Sources:

Baseball Almanac

How Major League Baseball Teams got their Names

JD for ND

Tonight, Wine Wednesday has been substituted with Whiskey Wednesday to commemorate the life a friend who lost her battle with cancer three years ago. Her husband had requested that on her birthday, July 9, that her friends celebrate with Jack n' Chops - but the unconventional broad that I am, remembers her with a bit of JD and Coke on the day of her passing. I have mentioned this numerous times, both in person and on this blog, Tash was a very influential person in my life, although I don't know that I would have considered us close. I often think about her watching me omnisciently and wonder what she would have thought about my divorce or some of the choices I've made in my life - sadly, I think that she would be very disappointed. In any case, I raise a glass of Jack Daniels today to say "Cheers to Natasha Dean" and ask: what is the difference between Tennessee whiskey and bourbon?

A:

Both Tennessee whiskey and bourbon are made from 51% single grain mash - which is often corn - and they have to be aged in casks for two years before being bottled. The main difference between Tennessee whiskey and bourbon has to do with the filtration process - Tennessee whiskey is filtered through charcoal, where most other whiskeys are filtered through carbon. Also, most obviously, Tennessee whiskey has to be produced in the state of Tennessee (doy!).

I've never told anybody this, but years ago Tash sent me a text message with her and Mark's address at Gulliver's Wharf in London and I could never bring myself to delete it - I even locked it to ensure that I wouldn't erase it by mistake. I kept it for ages until my phone died in 2009 and I was so upset; I could replace all of my contacts, but I would never be able to replace that message.

Also, as a related aside, the photo is of "The Memory Wall" at the run site of CIBC's Run for the Cure. Each year, I participate in this charitable run to raise money for cancer - this year it is being held on October 2 - please donate here - but in the event that you ignore my request, I will find you and shake you down for money. ;)

Sources:

Answers.com: Tennessee Whiskey

Requenes.com: The difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey

The Whisky Guide

Drisophila Melanogaster

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

~ Groucho Marx

I don't know where they have come from, but I am overrun by fruit flies! Those little buggers are spread throughout my entire flat and I can't for the life of me figure out where they are breeding. Each spring, those tiny pests make a dazzling appearance in kitchens around the province, but I've heard of homemade traps that rid you of these pesky little sugar addicts. So, today's question is: how would one create a fruit fly trap with household items?

A:

One of the main points in preventing a fruit fly infestation is to keep your house clean and throw away rotting fruit - which are good starting points - however I diligently eat my fruit and I clean my kitchen every night, so unless something has fallen behind my microwave these are not issues for me.

It is advised that a dirty drain may encourage fruit flies to breed; if the flies are fornicating in your sink, it's best to pour boiling water down the drain daily. Poor little buggers are trying to get hot and heavy only to be interrupted by something hot and heavy!


The most common homemade trap is one made with apple cider vinegar, water and dish soap. Place this mixture in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap secured with an elastic band, then poke a small hole in the top of the cling film. Fruit flies are attracted to the fermented vinegar, become trapped in the bowl and eventually drown.


Note to self: buy some apple cider vinegar tonight... it will do double duty for ridding my home of fruit flies and ridding my body of bone spurs (see Cowgirl Spurs posting).



Sources:
TipNut.com: How to get rid of fruit flies
WikiHow: How to get rid of fruit flies

Guilty Pleasure

Medieval gardeners believed that the perfume of flowers was God's breath on earth.

~ A Garden of Fragrance

by Suzy Bales

Since moving into my new flat, I have developed a new guilty pleasure - I buy fresh flowers every week. Flowers are obviously not a necessity, but there is something about coming home to a vase full of colourful and fragrant florals that lifts my spirits. It doesn't matter whether I had a bad day, whether my apartment is a wreck, or whether my back is aching, when I walk through the door to see a bouquet in my front hall I have no choice but to smile. Today's question is: can flowers improve mood?

A:

A study conducted in 2005 by Rutgers University showed receiving flowers almost immediately has a positive effect on mood. Researchers found that 100% of women who received flowers smiled with sincerity - confirmed using the Duchenne theory, where specific muscles in the corner of the mouth and eyes are engaged, suggesting genuine emotion. The study also found that the scent of flowers can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety and reduce stress. For many years, various cultures have used flower essences to enhance mood. In 2006, Harvard University conducted a study which demonstrated that individuals with fresh flowers in the home felt less worried and more considerate of others. Additionally, those positive feelings were transferred into the workplace, where they performed more energetically and enthusiastically.

There you have it, I'm not alone when it comes to improving my mood with some flora!

*Note: I took the photos used in this post to document my guilty pleasure.

Sources:

Associated Content: Use Fresh Flowers to Improve Your Mood

eHow: Types of Flowers That Affect People's Mood & Smell

Natural Medicine: Pretty, Scented Flowers Improve a Bad Mood and Promote Wellness

The Secret Password is: Rain Man

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to a jazz night at an exclusive members-only club. If you are invited by a member, you can enter the club by giving a secret password at a restaurant, then restaurant staff will lead you outside to a locked door and let you up a flight of stairs. Mounting the stairs, one is greeted by flickering tea lights and crystal chandeliers which complement the toile wallpaper, dark wainscotting, Japanese barware and rows of well-curated bottles. This place is a throwback to the mysterious speakeasies of 1920's prohibition - needless to say, it is my kind of place. That first visit was wonderful and at the end of the night, I was joined at the bar by the savant saxophonist, who invited me back this week. So, for a second time, I went to check the place out. All of this exclusivity makes me feel very special and has piqued my interest about other secret societies. So, today's question is: who are the Freemasons?

A:

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization which arose in the 17th century under obscure circumstances. Some believe that Freemasonry evolved out of the operative lodges of the stonemasons of the middle ages. Others believe that it was born out of the guild that built King Solomon's temple or that it originated through direct descendants of the Knights Templar. Freemasonry has often been called a "secret society", however Freemasons describe it as an enigmatic group where certain aspects are secret.

The central functions of Freemasonry are charitable work, moral uprightness including a belief in a supreme being, and the development and maintenance of fraternal friendships. Freemasons use gestures, handshakes and code words to gain admission to meetings and identify legitimate visitors from other jurisdictions. Membership is not by invitation only, rather a candidate petitions the lodge where the brethren investigate the candidate to ensure that they are in moral good standing and then hold a secret ballot election.

The general requirements for initiation into Freemasonry are:

• Be a man who comes of his own free will.
• Believe in a Supreme Being.
• Be at least the minimum age (from 18–25 years old depending on the jurisdiction).
• Be of good morals and of good reputation.
• Be of sound mind and body.
• Be free-born (this is a legacy requirement, which stated that slaves were ineligible for membership. Some jurisdictions have removed this requirement.)
• Be capable of furnishing character references, as well as one or two references from current Masons, depending on jurisdiction.

Being a woman, I am not eligible for membership into Freemasonry, but I'm happy to stick with my weekly visit to the Toronto Temperance Society - jazz and gin martinis shrouded in secrecy is my idea of a good night out.

Sources:

Toronto Temperance Society

Wikipedia: Freemasonry

Wikipedia: History of Freemasonry

Cowgirl Spurs

Love you and your nutter back. x

~ Show of support via text message

From the combination of sitting for 10 hours in the car, walking around Boston for 6 hours and using my excellent toe point on stage, my body has revolted. I was experiencing severe sciatica earlier in the month, but chiropractic care and physiotherapy twice a week had eased it... however it's back and worse than ever. One of the underlying issues is my curvy spine - see Scoliosis posting in January 2010 - however my new x-rays show that I've developed bone spurs on my lower three vertebrae. When explaining to people what bone spurs are, I usually say that my vertebrae are growing little horns or beaks, which will eventually fuse together. It's worrying to me that at 30 years old I am experiencing so much pain, which is why tomorrow I will be going for a consultation on surgery to remove these little devil horns - I'm hoping that they will also provide me with some non-surgical options, however non-surgical treatment will only prevent further degeneration as bone spurs are irreversible. Just for my own sanity, I'm planning to do a little research on the topic, so today's question is: what is the process of removing vertebral bone spurs?

A:

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones. The bone spurs themselves aren't painful, but they can rub against nearby nerves and bones, causing pain.

Bone spurs are commonly caused by osteoarthritis, however can also be signs of:

• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). This condition causes bony growths to form on the ligaments of the spine.
• Spondylosis. In this condition, osteoarthritis and bone spurs cause degeneration of the bones in your neck (cervical spondylosis) or your lower back (lumbar spondylosis).
• Spinal stenosis. Bone spurs can contribute to a narrowing of the bones that make up the spine (spinal stenosis), putting pressure on the spinal cord.

As for treatment, there are two typical surgical procedures used to remove bone spurs - open procedure or arthroscopic surgery. Open surgery is where the doctor makes an incision and then pulls back the skin and muscle tissue to expose the spurs. Removal is achieved through chiselling the spurs down to the main bone. Arthroscopic surgery isn't as invasive as open surgery - the doctor will make several small incisions in the skin and will insert a tiny camera and special surgical tools to chip away the spurs.

Through my research, I came across a natural remedy for removal of bone spurs - apple cider vinegar. Apparently, a mixture of apple juice, grape juice and apple cider vinegar consumed daily can help the body to break down the bone spurs and absorb the excess calcium.

Other treatments include: chiropractic care, physiotherapy, pilates, yoga and the McKenzie technique. These treatments are excellent in pain relief and preventing further deterioration of the spine, however will not remove the existing bone spurs.

I'm a little scared for this consultation tomorrow, but it's got to be done.

Sources:

Helpde.com: Bone Spurs on Lower Vertebrae

Live Strong: Remove Bone Spurs

Mayo Clinic: Bone Spurs

One Week

Chickity China the Chinese chicken, you have a drumstick and your brain stops tickin'.

~ The Barenaked Ladies

Coming back from Boston, my companion and I decided that we were up for a little adventure; so instead of driving back through New York along the I-90, we veered North early and drove along the I-91 through Vermont and then up through Quebec. The scenery was breathtaking, as we drove the hilly and winding roads lined with fir trees and rock cliffs. Part of the experience of road tripping is to find fun music, play it loudly and sing it badly... so that's what we did! Our radio station of choice was XM satellite radio's 90's on 9 (although it wasn't our exclusive station as we cycled through the 40's, - 90's) 90's music is the music of our youth and many of the songs were recognizable and singable. The video below shows me rockin' out to The Barenaked Ladies' One Week. This song reminds me of when I was working in a record shop during my high school years; the Canadian band, Barenaked Ladies, were at the height of their career, gaining global popularity, when One Week was released. I remember Stephen Page, their front man at the time, being interviewed and telling a story of meeting Oasis - Liam Gallagher allegedly turned to his brother and said "Hey, this is the 'Chickity China' band!" How's that for recognition?!

The only problem is that the lead singer sings so quickly at times that I don't know what all of the words are! So, I'm going to make it my mission to find out. Today's question is: what are the lyrics to The Barenaked Ladies' One Week?

A:

One Week was released in 1998 and was the group's best performing single in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It reached number 1 on Billboard's top 100 and made it to number 5 on the UK Singles chart. Apparently, I'm not the only one who couldn't keep up with the lyrics, the song was featured in an advert for the Mitsubishi Lancer which featured a group of young people in the car seeming to sing along until they could not keep up with the rapid-fire lyrics.

"One Week"

It's been one week since you looked at me
Cocked your head to the side and said "I'm angry"
Five days since you laughed at me saying
"Get that together come back and see me"
Three days since the living room
I realized it's all my fault, but couldn't tell you
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
but it'll still be two days till I say I'm sorry

Hold it now and watch the hoodwink
As I make you stop, think
You'll think you're looking at Aquaman
I summon fish to the dish, although I like the Chalet Swiss
I like the sushi
'cause it's never touched a frying pan
Hot like wasabe when I bust rhymes
Big like LeAnn Rimes
Because I'm all about value
Bert Kaempfert's got the mad hits
You try to match wits, you try to hold me but I bust through
Gonna make a break and take a fake
I'd like a stinkin achin shake
I like vanilla, it's the finest of the flavours
Gotta see the show, cause then you'll know
The vertigo is gonna grow
Cause it's so dangerous,
you'll have to sign a waiver

How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad
Trying hard not to smile though I feel bad
I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral
Can't understand what I mean?
Well, you soon will
I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
I have a history of taking off my shirt

It's been one week since you looked at me
Threw your arms in the air
and said "You're crazy"
Five days since you tackled me
I've still got the rug burns on both my knees
It's been three days since the afternoon
You realized it's not my fault
not a moment too soon
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
And now I sit back and wait til you say you're sorry

Chickity China the Chinese chicken
You have a drumstick and your brain stops tickin'
Watchin' X-Files with no lights on
We're dans la maison
I hope the Smoking Man's in this one
Like Harrison Ford I'm getting frantic
Like Sting I'm tantric
Like Snickers, guaranteed to satisfy

Like Kurasawa I make mad films
Okay, I don't make films
But if I did they'd have a Samurai
Gonna get a set a' better clubs
Gonna find the kind with tiny nubs
Just so my irons aren't always flying off the back-swing
Gotta get in tune with Sailor Moon
'Cause the cartoon has got the boom anime babes
That make me think the wrong thing

How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad
Tryin' hard not to smile though I feel bad
I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral
Can't understand what I mean?
Well, you soon will
I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
I have a history of losing my shirt

It's been one week since you looked at me
Dropped your arms to your sides
and said "I'm sorry"
Five days since I laughed at you and said
"You just did just what I thought you were gonna do"
Three days since the living room
We realized we're both to blame,
but what could we do?
Yesterday you just smiled at me
Cause it'll still be two days till we say we're sorry

It'll still be two days till we say we're sorry
It'll still be two days till we say we're sorry
Birchmount Stadium, home of the Robbie

I leave you with the official video:

http://youtu.be/fC_q9KPczAg

Sources:

azlyrics: One Week

Wikipedia: One Week (song)