Every once in awhile, one comes across an unusual word which describes a normal occurrence in a way that may titillate one’s imagination.  Consider the word “canoodle,” which by definition means to “kiss and cuddle amorously.” (dictionary.com)  Etymologically, “canoodle” arises from an obscure origin, but entered the English language in the mid-nineteenth century (in Abraham Lincoln’s time), and is used mostly in a jocular manner to describe “playful public displays of affection by couples who are head over heels in love.”  (Merriam-Webster Dictionary.)  I wonder if Honest Abe knew the term.    

If you thought “canoodle” was an unusual word for a common practice, consider a related term:  “Cingulomania, pronounced” “sing-gyoo-loh-may-nee-uh” and defined as: “the strong desire to hold a person in your arms — or to be more precise:  a strong desire to “canoodle.” That person could be anyone, including a loved one or a stranger walking down the street.  The suffix, “mania” suggests a mental illness, but what could be wrong with embracing a loved one?  Nothing, but an uncontrollable desire to embrace a stranger in the mall may get you arrested.  

Alternate terms cannot hold a candle (or perhaps, candoodle) to “canoodle.  Lets look at a few defined in dictionary.com: 

Hug:  to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection. 

Snuggle:  to lie or press closely, as for comfort or affection

Cuddle: to hold close in an affectionate manner, hug tenderly

Fondle: to handle or touch lovingly, affectionately, or tenderly   

Nuzzle:  to lie very close to someone or something

Nestle:  to lie close and snug, like a bird in a nest

Embrace: to take or clasp in the arms

Enfold: to hug or clasp

Caress:  an act or gesture expressing affection, . . . especially a light stroking or touching

All the foregoing terms suggest holding or touching someone with affection, but “canoodle” stands above them, as it adds another dimension worth dreaming about.  After all, a hug is just a hug, but a canoodle can lead to something exciting.  

Warning:  Too much canoodle may lead to Cingulomania.    

Knowledge defined: the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary.)  Many quotes featuring knowledge come to mind.  The most famous, perhaps, is an English proverb attributed to a well-known philosopher:

— “Knowledge is power.”  Sir Francis Bacon [1561—1626]

Essentially, knowledge is more powerful than physical strength, as it motivates us to study and acquire knowledge, and aids us to think for ourselves and not having to rely on the thoughts of others. How does one acquire knowledge?  One of the best scientists put it simply:

— “The only source of knowledge is experience.”  Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

 Acquiring knowledge may not be enough to gain power.  A Japanese proverb warns:

— “The old forget; the young don’t know.”

To be sure, we gain wisdom as we age, but when the ability to draw on our acquired wisdom fails, we become less wise because of a faulty memory.  The young do not have that problem because their reservoirs of acquired knowledge is low.  Knowing something, whatever it may be, beats not knowing anything, but to those who know something, when memory fails, the result is the same — unless the person forgetting can reignite his synapses to remember.  Both the forgetful old and the unknowing young must rely on a middle-ager to take the next step, whatever that may be.

Another reflective expression, usually used in sports contests:

— “You can’t put an old head on young shoulders.”

In a big game or championship contest, the young frequently collapse for inexperience in handling the stress and anxiety of expected performance.  While the veteran may not be as quick as energetic as a young player, his performance is more predictable and steady. 

— “Slow and steady wins the race.”  Aesop (620—564 BCE.) 

The extent of prior experience aids in adapting to the pressures of the moment.  An older actor may well adapt to the pressure of performance, but if he forgets his lines, he does no one any good.  

Conclusion:  Knowledge is power only if you can attain and retain it.    

What comprises an education?  Is it school learning, like the famous three R’s:  Reading ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic, or life experience, like touching something hot, zigging instead of zagging, or breaking up a relationship.  One could argue that an education comprises much more, and that it begins at birth and continues until death.  Anything one does, and many things one fails to do, contributes to their overall development in some way.  

An ancient Chinese philosopher claimed:

— “Rewards and punishments are the lowest form of education.”  Chang-tzu (369 BC —286 BC), one of the founders of Taoism. 

Under that low standard, I got myself a good education, for as a child I received rewards for being good, and spankings or deprivations for breaking the rules.  Chuang-tsu did not expand on what constituted the highest form of education.  

In grammar school, I recall the punishments particularly.  The good nuns used their standard issue fifteen-inch long, two-inch wide ruler for more than measuring length, but for enforcing rules and encouraging good penmanship. All students had to write with their index finger perfectly straight on the pencil shank. If a student raised the index finger knuckle to access more pressure, the nun would smack that knuckle with the ruler, as a reminder. To this day, I write with a straight index finger, which is why no one can read my handwriting. 

Whenever I would solicit one of my children to do something for or with me, I would always answer their question, “Why?” by saying:  “You’re getting yourself an education.”  I never clued them what part, just that it would advance them in life, being able to do more on their own, or learn something new.  One brisk winter day, I asked my son to help me place outside light bulbs on a tall spruce tree, while I held the ladder.  He was doing a fine job as he climbed up and down while I rotated the ladder around the tree.  At one juncture, his mother came outside to check on our progress.  She shouted to him: “What are you doing up on that ladder.”  He replied appropriately:  “I’m getting myself an education” — a lesson learned.

What does the number twenty-two mean?  Firstly, we look at the dictionary definition:  “1:  a number that is one number more than twenty-one; 2:  a .22 caliber firearm ”  (Merriam-Webster Dictionary.)  I believe the definition could have been improved by adding “and one less than twenty-three to put things in perspective — a disappointing start that hardly advances any narrative.       

Besides the firearm reference, the numeral twenty-two achieved considerable notoriety in 1961 through the famous novelette by Joseph Heller, Catch 22, defined as  “A dilemma or difficult circumstances from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.”  (dictionary.com)  

The term Catch 22, essentially describes a dilemma or paradoxical situation bound by contradictory rules; for example: a requirement that cannot be met until a prerequisite requirement is met, but the prerequisite cannot be obtained until the original requirement is met.  (urbandictionary.com)   In the book, a combat pilot desired to be removed from combat duty on the ground of insanity, but before he could be removed, he had to request removal, which proved that he was sane because only sane pilots would make such a request. 

While Catch 22 remains a “catchy” phrase, it lacks significance for the numeral “22’?  Why not “Catch 23, or “Catch 19?”  I suppose that the balance of each “2” bears some meaning; but if that is the case, then why not “Catch 11” or Catch 33?”  Why did Heller chose twenty-two?  Did it exist before he wrote about it?  Lets examine further:

The Urban Dictionary, an enlightening reference for slang terms, defines “twenty-two” as “when a man is kicked in the testicles . . .” (urbandictionary.com)  Oooh, how that must hurt!  Rather than a “Catch 22,” however, it signifies catching two at an inopportune moment.   

In 2013, a well-known Pop singer sang about twenty-two:

“I don’t know about you, 

But I’m feeling 22. 

Everything will be alright,

If you keep me next to you…

22, ooh ooh; 22, ooh ooh.”

Actually, the song lyrics leave me wanting, because one could insert any double digit number under 70 and achieve the same result — unless, of course, the singer had just experienced the Urban Dictionary definition for twenty-two.

What significance lies in a number?  Obviously, some numbers take on a special meaning, while others do not.  For example, everyone would like to be number one at something, score a ten in an athletic contest, or roll a lucky seven in a crap game.  Two may comprise delightful company, whereas three becomes a crowd.

Consider the bland, uninteresting numeral 23, which Merriam-Webster Dictionary aptly defines as:  “one more than 22 in number.”  Gee!  No one needs to consult a dictionary for that definition.  What may surprise you, however, is that the numeral 23 carried a special meeting in history and of today.  Lets look at a few. 

In genetics, most folks know that the human genome carries 23 chromosomes, which claim responsibility for whom we have become.  Each parent contributes 23 chromosomes, so a human cell nuclei comprises 46 chromosomes made out of 23 pairs.  You can find out more about your origins by spitting into a vial, and sending your DNA sample to “23 and Me.”   They will analyze and inform from whence your ancestors came, and other tidbits of knowledge. (23andme.com)

A college Statistics course will feature the familiar birthday paradox; i.e., in a random group of 23 or more people, more than a 50% probability exists that at least two in that group will celebrate the same birthday date.  It isn’t certain, of course, but the odds favor good chances to win a free drink at your local bar.  If you prefer better odds, one only need to by increase the group number from 23 to 70 people and assure a 99.9% chance. (Wikipedia)

“23 skidoo,” a phrase popularized in the early twentieth century, meant to depart, or to be forced to depart, quickly from a current location, as by a police raid.  The origin reportedly emanated from a subway exit on 23rd street, which had a vent, which would blow up the skirts of women exiting the train.  When the police arrived, the expression “23 skidoo” invited the crowd to scatter, as “lets get out of here.”  Some believe the 23 term originated with Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two Cities, when the old woman counting the daily victims calls “23” as the hero is beheaded. (Independent.com.UK)

In the 1990’s, Neil Simon wrote a play featuring Sid Caesar’s comedy writers, unusually entitled “Laughter on the 23rd floor.”  Simon consulted his former colleagues to determine the funniest floor number. Floor 23 received the most votes.  I guess you had to be there.     

Surprisingly, many more 23 oddity facts exist, so the numeral 23 embodies more meaning than would initially come to mind.       

Sometime ago, my wife and I opted to attend a movie.  We debated over which movie to see.  I favored A, while she favored B; so we decided on B.  Upon arrival at the theater, we diverted paths.  I purchased the tickets, while she stood in line for the requisite popcorn.  

A large sign behind the cashier read:  “All patrons over 62 may purchase a senior discount ticket.”  As I had just turned 62, I requested one senior and one adult ticket.  The cashier asked me:  “Who is the senior?”  I replied that I was 62, so she asked to see my driver’s license, which I produced.  After looking at it and me several times, she said:  “I have to check with my manager.”  The manager repeated the exercise, looking at it and me a few times, and ordered:  You have to give it to him,” to which I objected, as he had insinuated that I was seeking to sneak in the theatre at a discounted price.  

Thereafter, the cashier issued two senior tickets; and when I objected, she replied:  “Just take them.”  Now, I had two senior tickets, when only one of us qualified as a senior.  With my recent experience, I feared that the ticket taker would check us again, so I decided to go into the theater first.  I handed the other senior ticket to my wife, advising that I would go ahead to secure seats — thinking that if I were challenged, I could prove my age; but if she were challenged, she could say:  Oh, my husband must have given me his ticket.”  

I repaired to the theater, without incident, finding it empty — providing the perfect opportunity to select the best seat.  I sat in the middle of a row, finding it a little too close, and moved back a few rows, finding it too far,  Ultimately, I obtained the best seat, wondering whatever happened to my spouse.

A cleaning lady arrived and began sweeping up the popcorn remnants from the previous movie.  I asked her what the time the movie began.  Her answer confirmed that I was in the wrong theater — the one for movie A, so I left for the movie B theater, but I could not find my wife anywhere.  Obviously, she was walking around the venue, grazing on our popcorn, peeking into the other theaters looking for me.  Ultimately our paths crossed, and when she demanded:  “Where were you?”  I related the above chronicle.  

She kindly assured me:  “You certainly earned your senior ticket!”