Was the Titanic doomed because of its name? Can you really "swallow the anchor"? Jack Tar and the Baboon Watch is a collection of unusual; nautical-based phrases and trivia tidbits for Jack Tars* and landlubbers** alike. Author and mariner Frank Lanier began to compile these entries while serving in the Coast Guard; they were included in the Plan of the Day published aboard the various ships Lanier was stationed on starting in the 1980s. He explains these colorful terms and entertaining phrases in plain language and presents their origins―many of which will surprise you! Inside you will find words and phrases . . . FROM THE FAMILIAR . . . Over a Barrel--Sailors were sometimes tied over a barrel while being flogged. Rummage--A ship's cargo or the packing of it in the vessel's hold; the yardsale-type association of the term arising from the fact damaged cargo was often sold at a "rummage sale;" a clearing out sale of unclaimed goods at the dock. Rubbernecker--A sailor who stood by and looked on as his shipmates worked. Square Meal--A solid; hearty meal; said to be derived from the square; wooden platters hot meals were served upon aboard ship in good weather. To "Fudge It"--A sailor's term for a lie; nonsense; exaggeration that can be traced to one Captain Fudge; a seventeenth-century sailor whose propensity for telling outrageous whoppers prompted his crew to meet any tale of dubious origin with a cry of "You Fudge It!" . . TO THE BIZARRE . . . Dog’s Vomit--A moist hash of hardtack biscuits and meat cooked together. Kissed by Mother Carey--Those whose destiny seemed forever tied to the sea. Suck the Monkey--The clandestine siphoning of spirits from one of the ship's casks via a straw or other such tube. Swallow the Anchor--An old salt who retired ashore; forever giving up his life at sea. With the intriguing Jack Tar and the Baboon Watch; you'll soon be able to talk like a sailor worth his salt! *Sailors **Unexperienced sailors
#1159916 in Books 2008-03-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.36 x 6.50l; 1.68 #File Name: 0071543937256 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An interesting history of the early US national debtBy MetallurgistWith all of the talk these days of the size of the US national debt it is nice to read a cogent history of how the US handled the national debt that originated from the Revolutionary War and the period up to 1836. Why stop in 1836 - that was when the US paid off its debt and for the first and last time became debt free. The book covers all aspects of this debt; who loaned the US colonies money; who was paid in the continentals that became a major part of the debt; who bought US bonds and how did the US raise the money to pay off the debt. The book also addresses why some nations can progress to prosperity; while others do not. All are subjects of this careful; academic; but charmingly written book. Professor Wright has a nice colloquial style that makes a highly academic subject very readable.The book concentrates on Alexander Hamilton; the first Sec. of the Treasury and his financial system; a system that laid the financial underpinnings of the US and led to the elimination of its first national debt. The question of taxation is covered as well as the formation of the first and second banks of the United States. While a history of debt; the book does not neglect our current debt crisis. The last chapter describes how our current debt is not only so immensely larger than previous debt; but how it is different and infinitely more dangerous. The book ends with an appendix of 47 pages of tables and graphs describing sources of revenue and who held the debt prior to 1836.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Ralph KwiatkowskiThis book is for a future class this fall.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Things we should all know.By J. ReidThis book should be the basis of a high school senior class in economics. The math and the history would be beneficial to all rising adults. (It wouldn't hurt the rest off the population that call themselves adults either.)
