The Oracle Report
It’s Back!
The series where we take a deep dive into the unknown depths of a very large dictionary of the English Language (blind sample) and explore the possibilities as best we can.
shil’ling mark’, a virgule, as used by a divider between shillings and pence: one reads 2/6 as “two shillings and sixpence” or “two and six.” Also called shilling.
Cross reference anyone?
vir-gule (vur’gyool), n. Print. 1. a short oblique stroke (/) between two words indicating that whichever is appropriate may be chosen to complete the sense of the text in which they occur: The defendant and/or his attorney must appear in court. 2. a dividing line, as between dates, fractions, a run-in passage of poetry to show verse division, etc.: 3/21/27; 3/4; Sweetest love I do not go/For weariness of thee. Also called diagonal, separatrix, shilling mark, slant, slash and solidus. Random House
But we knew this already, didn’t we? If not, now we do.
Use it in a sentence?
Shilling mark sounds better to me than vurgyool, which sounds like a trail food (imitation food product in a small package with noodles) this one has eaten way too much of.
But check out the beautiful prose in this old dictionary. Just cool.
So what’s the message?
Well, obviously it’s about money. For a little insight into your own feelings about money; see Personal Traits, sep.23/2023 here in S&UP.
My Take on it: the only value it has is the value we give it. Beyond that, you’re on your own.
It does however lead one to contemplate the sentiments of those beneath the yoke of their particular currency while they are taxed beyond recognition supporting the over bloated needs of their kingdoms. We might imagine references to “pulling them from our arses”, or “depositing them while in a very awkward squatting position and exposing our tender bits” or even “Bloody blowing out our sphincters in support of the King!” So many possibilities.
Maybe this is too radical. Let’s stay on track.
It’s a long steel rail and a short cross ties… In the Pines, public domain
You might know the meaning of this if you’ve ever walked railroad tracks (a common escape route for vagabonds and felons) often the shortest route between two places. To get from here to there with expediency and when afoot, undetected. That is not to say that outcomes are always nefarious because sometimes good people need good travel routes. Integrity can include less traveled pathways; sometimes there are things worth avoiding; sometimes the scenery is just better. We don’t need an excuse and we don’t need permission; if we see a better way to get where we’re going and no one gets hurt, why not take it?
What’s this got to do with money?
Work it out!
Choice
Is the greatest power we have. Never underestimate it.
Probably Pointless and Utterly Redundant Updates:
Except for this: heartfelt thanks goes out to Diane, our breakout subscriber and brave soul who decided to dip her toe into the murky waters of S&UP, exposing us to the larger world. As we say around here “welcome, you’re home now”. So stick around darlin’, we’re jus’ gettin’ started.
Another episode consulting The Oracle comes to you next week right here, where we play for fun while not turning our back to harsh realities.
All life is sacred.
Why not?
Not just money but anything in life I would say, only has the value we give it. Also I learned a new word today thanks man.
Casar, you're a loyal reader. The Oracle Report is a fun series; what is new to you is as often as not just as new to me. Comments and reactions are a major driver of continuation here; Notifications is my favorite part. We have a small but loyal readership (avg. 70% of subscribers) and S&UP lives and breathes for the reader. Imagine what it will be at 70% of a million. So, good on ya'!