A family member suggested this expression, and the explanation of its meaning and origin on Wikipedia (under line in the sand) is interesting. The first meaning is a point “…beyond which one will proceed no further.” The second is it is a point at which a decision is permanent and irreversible. There is a Biblical link in John 8:6 where “…Jesus draws a line in the sand to address those who are about to stone a woman caught in adultery. There are several references to “…historic, or legendary, military events…” (including the Alamo) in which a version of the expression was said to have been used.
Author Archives: RF_Alum
Global Warming Commentary by Guest
Ponderer and I have posted “dueling” commentaries on global warming. A reader sent a paper to join the discussion. It is longer than commentaries usually posted on this site, but it has so much information that deserves consideration that I’ve decided to post it in its entirety with a few minor edits.
The so-called ‘greenhouse effect’ comes about by short wave radiation impinging on the earth from the sun. Some fraction of this short wave radiation is reflected back into space with little effect. Another fraction is absorbed by the earth. Essentially blackbody long wave radiation is emitted from the earth’s surface as a result. Carbon dioxide (and a few other gases that we will get to) absorbs and reemits this longer wave radiation. It emits the longer wave radiation in all directions, so some fraction comes back to be reabsorbed by the earth’s surface (either soil or water). On balance under these conditions there is more heat (in the form of both long and short wave radiation) entering the system than leaving it, so overall heating occurs. Continue reading
Things that Matter
This book was a wonderful Christmas present and contains a collection of the brilliant writings of Charles Krauthammer. Dr. Krauthammer’s personal story is, in my judgment, even more fascinating than his book. He was “playing hooky” from classes as a medical student when he suffered a broken neck diving into a private swimming pool. The university was convinced to provide him classes at his hospital bed, and he finished his doctorate in psychiatry. He did not learn to handwrite for three years and he remains confined in a wheelchair. He was named by the Financial Times “…the most influential commentator in the nation.” Liberals, Conservatives, and Libertarians can all learn from this book, although I expect Conservatives and Libertarians will be more comfortable with what they read.
Chapter 1 titled “Marcel, My Brother’ is touching. Marcel is described as a brilliant doctor and professor of medicine. He was four years older than Charles, and was a magnificent athlete. When Marcel’s friends were organizing pick-up games they all understood the rule: “Charlie Plays. The corollary was understood” If Charlie doesn’t play, Marcel doesn’t play.” The chapter was written ten days after Marcel died. It is a powerful chapter. The words convey the love and respect Charlie felt for Marcel and a sense of the depth of emotion from the loss. I can’t imagine a more powerful first chapter. Continue reading
Playing Hooky
The expression, which apparently had the original spelling “hookey,” is commonly used to express missing some scheduled event without permission. Mark Twain used it to describe how Tom Sawyer “took his flogging, along with Joe Harper, for playing hookey the day before.” The Urban Dictionary says the term is probably derived from the Dutch term “hoekje” for the game of hide and seek based on the word “hoek,” which means corner. The expression evolved into playing hooky to describe children skipping school. There is an alternative origin based on the verb hook meaning “to steal.” However, “hook it” didn’t make it into common use until playing hooky was already in use.
Tip of the Iceberg
This expression has become popular to warn of the less obvious results or effects of a situation or event. It is based on the fact that only ten percent of an iceberg is above the surface of the ocean. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the expression became popular beginning in 1969. In my personal opinion, “Tip of the iceberg” could be used to predict unintended consequences that often show up when the government tries to solve a problem with complicated laws.
Darkness at Noon
This book was written by Arthur Koestler in German and was translated into English by his companion, Daphne Hardy. It is considered a classic novel, and was considered in the selection of the “greatest legal novels.” The book gives an insight into the Stalin show trials that resulted in the execution of his enemies, most of his friends, and a large number of people who were just trying to stay out of trouble and alive. Very few members of the “first Congress of the Communist Party” who were included in a group photograph from early in the revolution were still alive by the beginning of the book. The efforts to erase those who had been executed had ended, and the only remaining evidence was the light rectangle on the walls where the picture had once been displayed. Comrade Nicholas Salmanovitch Rubashov was a senior official of the Party, but his time had run out. He had demonstrated willingness to sacrifice lovers, friends, and comrades who were designated by central authorities as the enemy. The book begins with his arrest and imprisonment, and he knew and accepted that his years of loyalty would not save him from charges that he had violated official edicts of the Party. Continue reading