‘Commentary’ Archives
By the Way
By Peter Molenaar Just recently, while traveling north on Cedar Avenue, this writer was forced to slam his brakes near the tangled intersection known for its Taco Bell. A long-haired youth had stepped abruptly in front from the parallel traffic which had stalled for his benefit. My horn refrained, yet the youth approached with a finger on display. Note: Eventually, I did travel east on Riverside Avenue to pay a bill at an orthopedics clinic. Then, en route home, a stop at the Community Peace Garden was in order. (This oasis appears just west of Cedar and adjacent to east-bound Highway 94.) While watering a plot, to my astonishment, “Long Haired Youth” again approached, this time clutching one stolen luscious red heirloom tomato! Flight was not an option. Yet the hose kept running, flat upon the ground, as I presumed to block his path””at which point mutual recognition occurred. He kept coming. (more…)
A Wiff of Wilf
Rufus who, after “breaking wind,” is told by his owner, “Oh Rufus, pee-yew, you “stink like a Wilf”. Which begs the question: What is the origin of the phrase “stink like a Wilf”? By Peter Molenaar Rufus the dog belongs to girlfriend. I am pleased to say they both love me. Evidently, however, when left in the care of a family member, Rufus was misfed. A remarkable sequence of what is called “breaking wind” resulted. To which girlfriend exclaimed “Oh Rufus, pee-yew, you “stink like a Wilf”. Which begs the question: What is the origin of the phrase “stink like a Wilf”? A superficial inquiry suggests that variations of the phrase formed while passing mouth to mouth in South Minneapolis. But as always, we must pursue a deeper historical analysis. Let”'s have a look. Zygmunt Wilf was born in Germany on April 22, 1950. His parents are both Holocaust survivors from Nazi occupied Poland. The [...]
