O'Potpourri

Happy St. Patrick's Day
What's it all about? Click here for the History Channel's version.

For me, it means Lucky Charms for breakfast (they're magically delicious, trust me). Later, I will listen to U2 on the iPod while enjoying a Smithwyck's ale. Also, all day long, I will speak in an exaggerated Irish accent. That should be a treat since I'm attending a business luncheon. Later, I will wear my green visor to our poker game and play a little looser, counting on the luck of the Irish (even though I only have trace amounts of Irish in me). Unfortunately, I don't own any work-appropriate green clothing so I have to find other ways to celebrate on behalf of all of my Irish readers. Erin go bragh.

Spread the "word"


In legal terms, the word "chattel" is defined as movable, personal property. Years ago, I heard the definition and thought it meant stuff you keep in your pockets or small personal items. For example, when getting up from having a drink at a bar, one might say, "Hang on a sec, just let me grab my chattel", meaning your receipts, wallet, sunglasses and keys. I like this use of the word and intend to try to get it to catch on. Stuff and junk and things and crap are all words that are overused in our vernacular. Chattel is a snappy word that can also be used in poetry and hip-hop songs since it rhymes with cattle, battle, skedaddle, ping-pong paddle etc. Please use this new word liberally and help me get it out there. If you'd like your husband to get his stuff off of the top of your dresser or the kitchen counter, ask him to clean up his chattel. If they ask you to empty your pockets at the airport, ask them if they have a basket for your chattel. Come on, join the chattel bandwagon now, before everybody's saying it.

Ask the O'Undaground
Dear Undaground,

Why was Crossfire canceled?

Signed,
Shouting at my TV in Shelbyville, Tennessee

Dear Shouting,

I could say that CNN has a new president and is trying to differentiate themselves from FOX by eliminating the point/counterpoint, jane-you-ignorant-slut, right vs. left approach to cable news coverage.

But I'll go with this: They canceled it because you enjoyed it.

I can relate. I'm still mourning the loss of "Ed" and "Freaks and Geeks", both canceled prematurely by NBC. Meanwhile, you can tune in now on NBC to watch "Deal or No Deal", which has all the entertainment value of watching someone play a scratch-off ticket.

I do like "Meet the Press" though.