Q. What are some striking jobs from days gone by? . A. Barber Surgeon Yes. They did both. A little snip here, a little snip there. Barber surgeons were particularly active with soldiers in the Middle Ages. Some believe that the red and white swirl of the barber’s pole symbolizes

Q. All limits are lifted, do what you have to do, this is a ‘no holds barred’ situation. What’s the origin of this phrase? . A. ‘No holds barred’ is rooted in the world of wrestling. While certain wrestling holds might be otherwise forbidden, this is not the case right

Q. Kraken? . A. Thanks to the Seattle Hockey naming czars, the googly-eyed Kraken is getting even more attention. As if this mythical, massive Norwegian sea creature wasn’t already lording its pop-culture prominence over Jörmungandr, Six-Headed Scylla, Lernean Hydra, and all the other mythological sea monsters. We’ve seen Kraken in

Q. Once again, the New York Public Library system kept close track of the most checked-out books over the past 12 months. Which books were New Yorkers borrowing most over 2024? Did any of these books feature in your reading pile? . A. Looking across the city’s three main public

Q. As you grit your teeth through the Fairy Tales of Grimm, you cannot help but notice how many characters fall prey to food-based horrors. It might be swift and brutal punishment for gluttony. It might be mind-warping hunger. Let’s follow the tatty children wandering too far from home in

Q. Are you ready for a new year? Let’s break out the New Year’s Eve good luck charms to usher in a fantastic 2025. Any  global rituals that seem particularly relevant? . A. Are you looking to travel more this coming year? Colombia has a winning option. Time to get

Q. Cozy on the couch, swaddled in pajamas, hungry but too lazy to cook. What shall we order? What have Canadians ordered most from food delivery services over the last year? . A. The various delivery services have mined their data. What have they found? Most Ordered Dishes in Canada.

Q. What are some little-known or old-fashioned names for everyday things or actions? . A. Here’s a sampling. As usual, some of these words have alternate meanings … . . Agraffe A hook and loop fastening, like on a bra. Or on armor Book-bosomed Walking around with a book all

Q. Merry Christmas! What are some striking paintings associated with Christmas? . A. Jean Hey. The Annunciation. 1490-05 . Leonardo da Vinci. Annunciation. 1472 . Philippe de Champaigne. The Dream of St. Joseph. 1642-43 . José Campeche y Jordán. La Natividad. 1799 . Ridolfo Ghirlandaio. The Nativity with Saints. 1514

Q. It’s hard to imagine that some of us used to look forward to airports and regular flights: the anticipation of an adventure, roomy seats, white linen meal service, delicious food 😱. Is it still possible to find some of the romance of the journey in a train – particularly