August 18: Facts from a Team Meeting

Staff meetings are not typically one of the more exciting work events for anyone. Doesn't matter who's leading them, it's just one of those meetings that always seems to focus on process, routines and the tasks at hand; which everyone already knows. However, in a team meeting this afternoon, I learned some new things that had nothing to do with work. And, for once, my position on team meetings shifted from "urgh" to "wow, very cool". The meeting facilitator used some interesting facts, not to tie into a work-related event or issue, but rather to simply "break the ice" of the typical staff meeting format. These facts were:

• The term "Golf" originated from the sport's original perspective of "Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden". Unfortunately, like most staff meetings, all of the information you receive isn't always exactly true. In this case, the "Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden" theory is just an old wives tale. The true origin of the word "golf" is it derives from the Dutch word ’kolf’ or ’kolve,’ meaning"club". In the Scottish dialect of the late 14th or early 15th century, the Dutch term became ’goff’ or ’gouff,’ and only later in the 16th century ’golf’.

• The San Francisco Cable Cars are the only mobile National Historic Landmark. This one is true...somewhat. They are, in fact, a mobile National Historic Landmark, but the New Orleans' St. Charles streetcar line is the other. Thus making it two mobile National Historic Landmarks.
  

• It is impossible to lick your elbow. Well, not sure if it is fact or fiction, as I can't find any hard data on the topic. I know I can't lick mine, if that's any consolation. I guess give it a shot and let me know whether or not you have any success.