An Etymologist's View Of The World

I saw this on Rachel Maddow’s show Friday night - An Etymologist's View Of The World. It’s a map anyone can recognize, but the names of cities and countries have been translated to their literal meaning in ancestral languages. Hang on a minute! I’m trying to tell you that this is as much fun as a mayonnaise jar full of critters. If you do nothing else today, click the etymology link.

WTF is an etymology? Merriam-Webster says:

1. The history of a linguistic form (as a word) shown by tracing its development since its earliest recorded occurrence in the language where it is found, by tracing its transmission from one language to another, by analyzing it into its component parts, by identifying its cognates in other languages, or by tracing it and its cognates to a common ancestral form in an ancestral language.

On the etymologist’s map, I found out that Chicago means Stink Onion, and Cancun looks like I Don’t Understand You. New York is fun - New Wild Boar Village. Stop playing! I love it.

Wasted Time Equals A Poll Tax (Rachel Maddow Clip)

Will conventional voting locations have more voting machines available on Election Day than early-voting locations?

When I voted early a few weeks ago (county clerk's office), there were only 10 touch-screen machines available and I experienced a two-hour delay. Will "conventional" voting locations (high schools, fire halls) have more machines available, on November 4th, to handle the crowds?

Please don't get me wrong. I am very moved to see millions of Americans lining up to vote - it's a brilliant time to be here in the US. But still - long lines effect Democrats and Republicans alike, and it is not unreasonable to expect a more efficient means of voting for all citizens. Wasted time is just as much of a poll tax as an outright fee.

Rachel Maddow Explains:

Rachel Maddow - McCain's "Respectful" Campaign And Grand Old Panic

Rachel Maddow (MSNBC) had a terrific program Monday night. Keith Olbermann wishes he was so cool.

First up: McCain's "Respectful" Campaign?



Next, a delightful exchange between Rachel and David Frum, Gee Dubya's former speechwriter. Hang on, - it gets bumpy when Frum decides to be a condescending prick. Oh no he di-int. Yes he did. Go Rachel!



Updates and comments later.