This is an update on the coffee-container miniature worm bin started on June third. The twenty-four brave worm volunteers entered their habitat just two weeks ago. They've received four coffee filters with coffee grounds, a few grapes and strawberries, and a blender puree of tough asparagus ends. Then they were completely forgotten for a week.
You know what can happen when the office administrator takes a week off. The copy machine starts pleating every document, before sending it into Toner Netherland (Retrieve Misfeed From Sector 8! Retrieve Misfeed From Sector 8!). The scanner and fax start imitating the copier. The phone system gets in cahoots with the security system to send false alarms to the Fire Department.
So, it seemed wise to check back with the worms. What a bunch of Dilberts! I dumped the contents of the Maxworm House can into a tub, and did a quick roll call. Twenty-two worms showed up. They were anxious to get back to their cubicles once they learned the meeting room lacked a tray of donuts, but seemed otherwise healthy. Maybe they still have employer-sponsored health insurance and a 401(k).
Dumped back in, I have to wonder about the two missing worms. Were they out on the loading dock for a smoke break? Didn't they get the memo? Were they hanging out in the handle of the plastic coffee container? Were they tweaking their resumes? Were they no longer employed at this location?? Yikes! What if they are disgruntled?
Checked the Word Detective to learn about the phrase "in cahoots":
... As a synonym for "conspiring with" or "collaborating with," "in cahoots" carries a loose, folksy tone that nicely softens what might otherwise be regarded as paranoia..."Cahoots" is a classic early 19th century American coinage, largely unknown outside the U.S. The origin of "cahoots" is a bit uncertain, but it can be narrowed down to two possible roots, both French words. The American scholar John Bartlett, of "Bartlett's Quotations" fame, felt certain that "cahoot" came from the French "cohorte," meaning "company or band." The Oxford English Dictionary, on the other hand, theorizes that it came from the French "cahute," meaning "cabin," reasoning that to "be in cahoots with" was to be as close as two people sharing a small cabin.
Not surprising that twenty-four worms sharing a small coffee container might experience a loose, if organic, paranoia. Hey, dudes, mellow out. No more coffee grounds for you.
© 2008 Nancy L. Ruder
No comments:
Post a Comment