08 Mar 2023

Favourite Film Themes

Q. The Oscars are coming next Sunday and, with that, much reflection around all things film. What are some of your favourite movie themes of all time? How would people answer this question more broadly? . A. BBC Music Magazine led a poll around this question in 2019. The winner

03 Mar 2023

Grow a Pear

Q. It’s all about the apple. Apples, apples, apples. But, when it comes to pome fruit, there is another member with a storied history: the pear. How were pears used centuries back? . A. It’s not all about Flashy Cousin Apple. The low key Pear has also had its time

25 Feb 2023

Awkward

Q. ‘Yipes. I can’t believe I just did that’. We’ve all been there (some of us more than others 🥸) Think of something embarrassing you did in the last day, week, month, year. All in all, what kinds of moments do people find most awkward? . A. Aussie polled 2000

24 Feb 2023

P.S. X Loves You

Q. Not sure how to write that semi-casual business email, shower gift thank you note, mildly flirtatious text, love letter for the ages? You don’t have to look far on the internet to find templates for even the most obscure communications. But, what about back in the day? Where could

20 Feb 2023

Cater Cousins + Matrikin

Q. Happy Family Day from B.C. What are some historic or lesser-used words to describe the world of relatives? . A. Agnation A family line through the paternal side Beldame A grandmother. Also, we must note, a nasty old name for an ‘unattractive, unfriendly aged’ woman. Cater-Cousin A fourth –

17 Feb 2023

Something Nameless This Way Comes

Q. Here, from the safety of the outside world, we can say it. Macbeth. But step into a theatre. and you’re unlikely to hear anyone uttering the name of Shakespeare’s 30thplay outside of the script. How did Macbeth’s name become so feared in theatrical circles? . A. “The Scottish Tragedy”. ”

13 Feb 2023

UR Mine, Conversation Hearts

Q. Will you give, get, or stockpile some conversation hearts for Valentine’s Day?  Where did these long-popular candies originate? . A. As it turns out, the technology behind these sweethearts came from the mind and hands of Mr. Oliver R. Chase, Pharmacist. His core invention? An 1800s lozenge cutting machine

13 Feb 2023

The Art Of Love – Requited + Not So Requited

Q. With tomorrow – Valentine’s Day – comes a spotlight on romantic love. Some revel in the celebration: chocolates, candies, flowers! Others can do without the reminder or the calendar pressure, thank you very much. What are some famous paintings that celebrate the joys, pains, and drama of love? . .

07 Feb 2023

Aristotle’s Heart

Q. As Valentine’s Day draws near: what are some ways in which luminaries of the past have celebrated the heart? . A. If there is one person who would appreciate our love of Valentine’s Day hearts, it’s Aristotle. ‘The seat of the soul and the control of voluntary movement –

03 Feb 2023

Forget It

Q. Day to day, what are we most likely to forget and why? . A. “Why did I come upstairs?” “Hey look there’s, um, he’s waving at us. Ugh. What’s his name?” “Has anyone seen my car keys?!” Does any of this sound familiar? The worst is when our so-called