Q. Victorians were nothing if not colourful with their slang. A sampling? . . A. Here’s a few gems from James Redding Ware’s 1909 ‘Passing English of the Victorian Era’, with definitions tweaked in our own words … . Barber’s cat A man who is thin Born a bit tired

Q. You have to listen to one TV theme song, twice a day, for a year. Which one will you pick? Which TV theme songs and pieces do people hold most dear? . A. As of writing, Ranker has over 21,000 voters choosing their favourite TV theme songs. The winners?

Q. Why is the smell of bread baking so enticing? . A. There is the anticipated deliciousness, of course. After hours and hours of aromatic torture/bliss, we can finally saw our way through the satisfying crisp of the crust into the steaming crumb. Next step: drizzle on that sizzling butter.

Q. What’s your idea of an ideal museum? Is it a hidden gem of a place with a small collection of beautiful pieces? With no crowds to battle, you can just sit in front of an artwork, take in the details, and daydream. Or are you more excited about a

Q. I’m bored. What can I stream, skim, play, text, plan? With the magic of our omni-phones, we can instantly distract ourselves from quiet tedium and empty slog. But, could we benefit by just sinking into the boredom now and then? . A. Researchers, such as University of Central Lancashire’s

Q. -16, -27 C. Here in the Pacific Northwest, those are some shockingly cold temperatures. What are some forgotten or little used words related to winter, snow, and cold? . A. Algid Feeling cold or chilly Apricity That wonderful moment when the sun breaks through and warms up a cold

Q. Do not put those vegetables on my plate. Please. Do not put those vegetables on my plate. As a childhood ‘supertaster’, few things were as terrifying as a host with a cold-hearted smile, a giant serving spoon, and an insistence on sharing all the food equally between all the

Q. Who was Rachel Ruysch – the painter behind so many gorgeous 18th Century Dutch floral paintings? . A. Born 1664 in the Hague, Ruysch’s colourful life included: ten children, a much coveted position as a court painter, sustained critical and financial success, and a lower profile yet supportive artist

Q. Wait a minute. Nobody knows us here. Our social media accounts are private; search engines don’t give us the time of day.  Let’s assume new identities – we’re minor aristocracy, we’re high-flying art detectives in search of that masterpiece, we’re world-changing philanthropists. Do people embellish or flat out lie

Q. What does the ‘dollars to donuts’ expression mean, and why did it come to be? . A. This late 1800s American expression means: I’m so sure I’m right, I’m willing to wager something valuable – dollars, for something undeniably cheap if I’m wrong – donuts. Clearly this ‘dollars to