Tuesday, February 10, 2009

"Out in Left Field"

The phrase “way out in left field” has evolved to mean an eccentric or peculiar statement or act. The origin of the phrase comes from an extinct baseball park called West Side Grounds that the Chicago Cubs called home from 1893 to 1915. A mental hospital called the Neuropsychiatric Institute was located directly behind the left field wall. The Institute housed mental patients who could be heard making strange and bizarre comments within listening distance of players and fans. Thus, if someone said that you were “way out in left field,” the person was questioning your sanity and comparing you with a mental patient.

I http://wayoutinleftfieldsociety.melindaroberts.net/wp-content/gallery/historical-pictures-of-ballpark-and-team-photos/historical_photos_-of_west_side_grounds-3.jpghttp://wayoutinleftfieldsociety.melindaroberts.net/wp-content/gallery/historical-pictures-of-ballpark-and-team-photos/historical_photos_-of_west_side_grounds-8.jpg


The site of West Side Grounds is where I report to work daily. My research lab is in a building which was once the right field line (not left field). Recently a plaque reminding us all of the original Cubs field was placed outside.

Looking North on Wolcott at Taylor (1st base line)

*Quotations where used properly in honor of smoothdavehamm

Thursday, February 5, 2009

25 Things About Facebook

For all you FBer's out there, here is a pretty hilarious article.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28938524/wid/11915829?GT1=40000