Out Of Curiosity

I was telling someone today that I felt 'under the weather’ and when I got off the phone, the thought struck me that I don’t really know what that expression means. I know I’ve always used it to express not feeling well but is that the proper use? And why is it ‘under’ the weather? Who came up with it? And when? What kind of shitstorm was there that day?

A few months ago my friend was over for lunch and we were talking about how certain places in the world still drive on the left side. We got to wondering how this is still happening when a greater portion of the world drives on the right. And how did it start? None of us could really answer the question. So we did the obvious thing:

HEY SIRI!!! Why do some countries drive on the left side of the street?

I remember that the answer had something to do with how the cavalry used to ride on the left because most swordsmen were right handed. We had a laugh because it was absolutely the last thing we thought would be the answer...but after reading the blurb, we dropped it there. We didn’t even continue to read how that eventually evolved to vehicles still driving on the left or why it persists in 2018.

I would like my curiosity to be satisfied by more than a short paragraph synopsis that Siri explains to me in passing in the midst of dinner conversation. I want to be the smartass who is able to explain either of these examples in depth, should I be asked.  I mean, what’s my excuse? I didn’t grow up in this digital age. If I wanted to answer a question in my mind, I used to have to march up to my parents' leatherbound collection of encyclopedias glistening on the top shelf of the 'fancy' living room (only after asking permission and washing my hands of course) and LOOK IT UP! I had to put in the effort.  When did I get so lazy? When did just the minimum answer become enough?
My smart phone is making me dumb.

So that's why, Cheryl, I can't come to Trivia Night.