Titular Posting
Someone once asked where the title "News from the back (of my mind) came from". A few years back I basically started a blog, but instead of a blog site that people came to visit, it was a series of emails I sent out that were, to me, intended to explore a bit of who I was. I would basically journal about a subject or concept or idea and send it out to people. I don't remember how long I did it or who I sent it to. I think I have it saved on my computer somewhere. I should take it out and read it some time, see if it still makes sense. It would be interesting to see how many ways I still agree with myself and how I disagree.
Anyway, I sent out these emails and didn't want to just have a lame subject line, so I started calling them 'News from the back (of my mind)'. It was suggested, or at least part of it was, by Peter. I think he suggested the first part (news from the back) because I tended to sit at the back of classrooms, so it seemed fitting (correct me if I'm wrong Peter)(or affirm me if I am right)(or just take the credit if you can't remember). I added the part in brackets. I don't know why, it just seemed fitting.
Then when I started this blog, it just seemed like an appropriate name.
The real question is, does anyone know why I am calling my story blog Grasp the Nettle? Does anyone know what that is a reference to?
Tell me what you think.
posted by Pants since 1986 @ 10:29 p.m.
7 comments
7 Comments:
I remember those e-mails! I probably still have them...since I hardly delete anything in my email account. :)
it was I who named it but not I who cracked the `grasp the Grasp the Nettle`code.
sad
Grasp the Nettle
Meaning:
To tackle a difficult problem boldly.
taxymoru
This little figure of speech is known wherever Urtica Dioica, the Stinging Nettle, is commonplace, which covers most of the English-speaking world. The figurative advice to be bold and 'grasp the nettle' derives from the property of the plant to inject toxins into the skin of any person or animal who brushes against its stiff, hollow hairs. If the plant is grasped firmly, especially if that is done in the direction the hairs are growing, the hairs tend to be pushed flat and avoid penetrating the skin.
Nettles favour disturbed ground and consequently are often found near human habitation. Fortunately, the antidote to nettle stings is found in the leaves of Dock, which also grows on disturbed soil and is usually to be found near nettles.
The property of the plant was well enough known by the 16th century for John Lyly to have included a reference to it in Euphues, 1578:
"True it is Philautus that he which toucheth ye nettle tenderly, is soonest stoung."
Aaron Hill's Works, circa 1750, contains the first example that I can find that advises that a nettle be grasped:
"Tender-handed stroke a nettle, And it stings you, for your pains: Grasp it like a man of mettle, And it soft as silk remains."
batonera
Both notes taken from:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/grasp-the-nettle.html
aimpa
and yet, that is not where I got the title from...
how curious.
update
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