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Why do we call the end of the world “doomsday”?
The original doom wasn’t only about last judgments. This week, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists reset its Doomsday Clock, a long-running warning against humanity’s own self-destruction, to two and half minutes to metaphorical midnight. It hasn’t been this close to midnight since 1953, after the US and Russia both tested H-bombs. Oy. Nuclear weapons, climate change, Read more.
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Why is it called an “inauguration”?
The etymology of inauguration is one “for the birds.” Today marks the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States. This historic moment raises lots of questions. Like Why? Why does the transfer of power take place on January 20? In 1933, Congress ratified the 20th Amendment, which moved up the Read more.
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Rowing, rivers, and rulers: 5 “Russian” roots
“Russia” isn’t Russian, the Kremlin was once one of many, and Vladimir Putin would really like what his name literally means. With increasing evidence for Russian interference in the US’s 2016 elections, and persistent ambiguity concerning Trump’s relationship with the country, news reports are littered with Kremlin‘s and Vladimir‘s. And at least etymologically, Russia indeed is the one “steering Read more.
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What is the “mail” in “blackmail”?
The origin of blackmail has nothing to do with dark letters. This week, a sensational yet unverified dossier leaked that alleges Russia has “compromising personal and financial information” it could use to blackmail President-elect Donald Trump. While we wait to learn more about the allegations, let’s get to the bottom of another matter. Where does Read more.
Mashed Radish 