New tax rates released Monday by the Office of the Comptroller set the new tax rate on gasoline at 46.6 cents per gallon, a net increase of six-tenths of a penny more than this year鈥檚 rate, and the first increase after two year of slight declines. The tax is in addition to the federal tax on gas of 18.4 cents a gallon.

Robert Rehrmann, the director of the Board of Revenue Estimates, said the overall increase this year was not driven by the war with Iran.

鈥淎lthough Middle East geopolitical shocks triggered a spike in gasoline prices beginning in early March, the average price over the full 12-month determination period was lower than the prior year,鈥� Rehrmann wrote in his report.

The new rate is now one-tenth of a penny lower than it was in July 2023, when the tax jumped by 7 cents per gallon. The latest increase amounts to an additional six cents in taxes on 10 gallons of regular gas.

Rehrmann cautioned that the full effects of the conflict, which have seen gas prices climb well above $4 per gallon, may yet be seen.

鈥淕lobal oil markets are unpredictable, but any sustained increase in gasoline prices will be reflected in next year鈥檚 determination,鈥� Rehrmann wrote.

One week ago, the national average was $4.507 per gallon for regular, according to AAA, and $4.416 in Maryland.

On Monday, the average retail price of a gallon of regular gas in Maryland was $4.17 per gallon 鈥� $1.12 more than a year ago.

鈥淕lobal oil markets are unpredictable, but any sustained increase in gasoline prices will be reflected in next year鈥檚 determination,鈥� according to AAA.

By law, the comptroller must set and announce the new rate by June 1, to take effect on the July 1 start of the fiscal year.

Maryland鈥檚 gas tax includes two components 鈥� the Consumer Price Index and pre-tax prices on gasoline.

In 2013, lawmakers passed legislation coupling a portion of the gasoline tax to inflation. That portion of the tax is based on the Consumer Price Index for the preceding year. By law, that portion of the tax rate can only increase. It is capped at 8%.

The second component applies a sales and use tax to the wholesale price of gas. That portion of the tax rate fluctuates with the average wholesale price.

Annual inflation of 2.8% added nine-tenths of a penny to the state gas tax this year. That was offset by three-tenths of a penny drop attributed to slightly lower wholesale prices over the 12-month period ending in April.

In 2023, the gas tax jumped by 7 cents per gallon driven by an annual inflation rate of 7.1% coupled with higher wholesale prices for gas.

Since 2023, the state has experienced two years of slight decreases.

In 2024, the state鈥檚 portion of the gas tax dropped nine-tenths of a penny to 46.10 cents per gallon. Last year, the rate dropped to an even 46 cents per gallon.

Decreases in fiscal years 2021 and 2022 were caused by lower fuel prices during the pandemic, when fuel demand waned as more people worked from home and traveled less.

In each instance, the decreases were attributed to wholesale gas prices offsetting increases from inflation.

Republicans in the House and Senate mount a nearly annual offensive to end automatic inflation-driven gas tax increases. This year was no different.

鈥淭his latest increase reveals a fundamental flaw in Maryland鈥檚 gas tax equation 鈥� that in some of the most difficult economic times, this tax will increase because of the automatic formulas the Democratic majority pushed through a decade ago,鈥� House Minority Whip Del. Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick) said in a statement Monday.

鈥淢arylanders are struggling with high gas prices. While we cannot control federal policy in the Middle East, we can control Maryland鈥檚 tax policy here at home,鈥� said Pippy, who called it 鈥渦nconscionable that Maryland鈥檚 Democratic majority has put a system in place that will increase the burden on Marylanders.

鈥淲hile I am certain there will be those who downplay this increase, when taken in combination with more than 300 tax and fee increases over the last four years, including the largest tax increase in Maryland鈥檚 history, this is unaffordable and unsustainable for Maryland鈥檚 families and businesses,鈥� his statement said.

Republicans vowed a renewed push to end the automatic increase if the legislature returns for a special session this summer to take up legislation on congressional redistricting.

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Josh Hart, of Silver Spring, Maryland, has become a valuable cog on the team that has won 11 straight playoff games and hasn鈥檛 lost in over a month.

Now in his ninth season in the NBA, Hart’s durability, flexibility and all-around skills make him a fan favorite and a perfect player to complement Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns.

Hart has come a long way from his days playing in the Montgomery County Recreation League to going viral by untying the shoelaces of late night TV show host Jimmy Fallon as he sat courtside at a Knicks playoff game recently.

And now, he鈥檚 getting ready to play in his first NBA Finals. On Wednesday, the Knicks begin their best of seven NBA Finals series with the San Antonio Spurs.

It has been quite a journey for Hart, thanks to a tireless work ethic and a strong support system at home and in the community.

WTOP talked with his mom Pat to get the scoop on Hart and his journey.

A dream come true

The journey to the NBA Finals began in Montgomery County many years ago with a dream.

“Well, it’s something I don’t know if I ever pictured actually happening,” Pat Hart told WTOP. “I can’t remember what age it was. I remember Josh saying one time that he said, ‘I want to go to the NBA, and then after that I want to be a broadcaster.’ So you know my response to that was, well, my dream is for you to get a college scholarship. I said that’s all I ever wanted to see happen, so once he got his scholarship, it was like, well, I got my dream.”

A rough start at Sidwell

After his freshman year at Wheaton High School, Hart transferred to Sidwell Friends, a private school in D.C. with a much higher level of basketball and academics. It was a tough transition for Hart.

“He came from Wheaton 鈥� a public high school, and not that it’s a bad school, but compared to Sidwell, which is one of the top five high schools in the country, and presidents and diplomats,鈥� Pat Hart said. “He did not have the required study skills for Sidwell. I mean, I think the first day he came into class, I remember him saying he sat down, pulled his hoodie up and put his head down on the desk, and everybody, including the kids, just kind of looked at him like, what the heck is he doing?”

鈥淗e had a very rough first year,鈥� Pat Hart said. 鈥淎t the end of that year, they actually told him they thought it was best if he went somewhere else that he would be better.”

Family, friends, neighbors and the school all stepped up, offering help with housing for a better study atmosphere, lunches and a tutor. All the kindness and support turned Hart’s high school experience and life around.

鈥淗e actually did very well in the end, but it took a village.”

Eagle Scout

During his senior season at Sidwell, Hart was named first team All-Met and earned his Eagle Scout badge, the highest honor for Boy Scouts. But it didn鈥檛 come easily.

Hart had risen from Boy Scout to Cub Scout but then, 鈥渉e decided he didn’t really want to be bothered with doing that Eagle Scout thing, so he kept putting it off and putting it off and putting it off,鈥� Pat Hart said.

An AAU tournament was coming up that would help determine where Hart would go to college, but his dad, Moses, said he couldn鈥檛 play because he did not fulfill his promise to finish his Eagle Scout work.

“We made a deal,鈥� Moses said, according to Pat. “I fulfilled my end of the deal. You haven’t fulfilled your end of the deal. So, with that, Josh got working on it.”

Hart earned his Eagle Scout badge, something only 4% of Scouts achieve.

A storied career at Villanova

At Villanova, Hart wasted no time making an impact. He made the Big East All-Freshman team in 2014 and won the league鈥檚 6th Man of the Year award in 2015.

In his junior year, Hart helped lead Villanova to the 2016 NCAA national championship in a game remembered for Kris Jenkins hitting a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to beat North Carolina.

The next season, Hart collected Big East Tournament MVP and Big East Player of the Year honors.

He graduated with a degree in communications and, in 2022, Villanova retired his No. 3 jersey.

Two of Hart鈥檚 current Knicks teammates, Brunson and Mikel Bridges, were also teammates on Villanova鈥檚 2016 national championship team. Collectively, the three are known as the “Nova Knicks.鈥� Having three former college teammates play together on an NBA team is very rare.

They are all very close with each other and their former Villanova head coach Jay Wright.

鈥淎ll those boys, they still all communicate with Jay, and Jay texts them, and they text back,鈥� Pat Hart said.

Ten years after winning an NCAA title together, the 鈥淣ova Knicks” are trying to win an NBA title together.

The NBA journey

Hart was selected in the first round (30th overall) of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, then immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

After playing for three teams (Lakers, New Orleans and Portland) in his first six years in the league, he was traded by Portland midseason in 2023 to the Knicks.

鈥淗e’s been popular any place he’s been, because of the way he plays and the things he does, and just doing whatever it takes to try and help his team win.”

Finding a home in New York

Now in his fourth season with the Knicks, Hart has become a very important player on the team.

He led the NBA in minutes played with 37.6 per game last year and holds the franchise single season record with nine triple doubles.

In 2023, Hart signed a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Knicks through the 2027-28 season.

“He’s always wanted to find a home and be with one team for more than 鈥� he was with other ones,鈥� Pat Hart said.

53 years and counting

The Knicks are one of the NBA鈥檚 cornerstone franchises but have struggled to find sustained success for decades. New York last played in the NBA Finals in 1999, losing to the San Antonio Spurs led by Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

The last time the Knicks won an NBA Championship was 1973. The team featured legends Walt 鈥淐lyde鈥� Frazier, Willis Reed, Earl “The Pearl鈥� Monroe and Dave DeBusschere, all Hall of Famers.

How big a deal is it that they鈥檙e in the NBA Finals? The cheapest tickets on the secondary market for the first game in New York on June 8 (Game 3) are going for over $4,000 per ticket.

Commanders fan

A vocal fan of his hometown Washington Commanders, Hart often posts about the team on social media. And he’s been known to wear the team’s gear, including an oversized Commanders cap during a media scrum.

Teammates Brunson and Towns are avid Philadelphia Eagles fans, so there鈥檚 鈥渜uite a rivalry there,鈥� according to Hart鈥檚 mom.

Hart is also a fan of the Chelsea soccer team in the English Premier League.

Family man

Hart is the youngest of three children. He and his wife Shannon Phillips have twin sons, Hendrix and Haze, who have joined Hart on the Knicks’ bench on occasion.

鈥淗e’s very devoted to his family, to his wife,鈥� Part Hart said. “He’s always been more of a home guy, a homebody. Just as soon being home, he’s not going to go out to the clubs and party and drink a whole lot. He’s very, very much a family man. He’s very family oriented.”

Hart’s grand uncle on his father’s side is Elston Howard, a former New York Yankees catcher who was voted American League Most Valuable Player in 1963.

When he鈥檚 not with his family or playing basketball, he鈥檚 probably playing golf, playing video games or eating candy.

Candy man

Hart eats Mike and Ike鈥檚 candy before every game, a superstition that started in college, when he used to hide the candy in his parka so his coach wouldn鈥檛 find out.

In 2025, Mike and Ike appointed Hart as its first “chief candy officer” and this year, he was promoted to “president of candy ops.鈥�

On a recent appearance of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Hart took a box of Mike and Ike’s out of his jacket and shared his favorite candy with Fallon.

“He’s just got a sweet tooth, unfortunately, from my side of the family, so he comes by it naturally. He’s got a cabinet in his house next to his refrigerator that he can open up, and it’s nothing but shelves of Mike and Ike’s, just rows of boxes, Mike and Ike鈥檚.鈥�

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect that the New York Knicks last won an NBA Finals 53 years ago.聽

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On Thursday, she announced that Edward Baine, executive vice president of utility operations and president of Dominion Energy Virginia, would replace Rocovich on the board for the remainder of his term, which ends in June 30, 2027.

The transition comes after multiple board shakeups last year under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin鈥檚 tenure, federal investigations at several state universities related to diversity and discrimination issues, the sudden departures of high-profile university presidents and concerns within higher education communities about politicization of public universities鈥� governing bodies.

In the letter, Spanberger wrote that Rocovich鈥檚 conduct was found to be in violation of the state鈥檚 for state boards and commissions, the Board of Visitors Code of Ethics, and statutes requiring board members to act in accordance with the best interests of Virginia Tech.

The letter did not provide additional details on Rocovich鈥檚 alleged violations, stating only that the findings constituted 鈥渟ufficient cause鈥� for his removal. The governor鈥檚 office did not immediately respond to questions for clarity about the termination.

Rocovich鈥檚 dismissal after 16 years of service follows the board鈥檚 vote to grant an exception permitting him to serve a third one-year term as rector during the search for Virginia Tech鈥檚 next president, following Tim Sands鈥檚 April departure, Cardinal 太子探花 last month.

The board minutes noted that Rocovich was elected rector because no other nominees were available and he was willing to serve.

Last month, following Sands鈥� announcement that he would step down in April, the governor four new members to Tech鈥檚 governing board. Spanberger visited the campus on May 15 to give the university鈥檚 commencement address.

Rocovich was also a to Republican gubernatorial nominee and Spanberger rival Winsome Earle-Sears鈥� campaign, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

Having served on the board of visitors from 1997 to 2005, Rocovich was appointed to a term from 2010 through 2014, and was rector from 2002 to 2004.

A native of Roanoke and a Virginia Tech graduate, Rocovich founded a law firm and practices taxation and trusts and estates law. He also earned degrees from the University of Richmond and New York University.

He has contributed to securing funding for research, scholarships, and programs, according to his board bio, which has since been removed. He also founded the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been involved in various Virginia education and civic organizations.

In a statement, House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, praised Rocovich for his work on the board while questioning the governor鈥檚 decision to terminate him.

鈥淭he governor owes the Virginia Tech community 鈥� and all Virginians 鈥� an explanation for this decision,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hat exactly did John Rocovich do?鈥�

鈥淚鈥檝e known John for years, and I know he has done nothing but act in the best interest of Virginia Tech. To suggest otherwise is libelous.鈥�

The next board meeting is on June 1.

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World-renowned soprano Ren茅e Fleming has long established herself as an icon in the opera world, taking on almost every imaginable role and playing most of the iconic music venues around the world 鈥� even the Sphere in Las Vegas with Dead & Company last year.

Fleming brings her show, Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, to The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda on Wednesday, May 27.

The concept of the show has been in the works for a few years, beginning during the COVID-19 pandemic when many artists like Fleming were out of work.

Fleming had been throwing around the idea of doing music from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and combining it with 21st century songs.

She asked her team, “Why don’t we juxtapose those two things, some modern music that we can even commission, talking about nature and sort of connecting to it now, versus the beautiful, romantic songs of that earlier century, 鈥� Fleming told WTOP.

That led to the creation of the album of the same title as the show, which won Fleming her fifth Grammy. She鈥檚 been nominated 18 times.

Based on the success of the album, Fleming told her team they needed to tour.

The singer recalled someone who introduced her to the CEO of National Geographic, and she thought the media group’s nature films could be perfect for her shows.

“We really want people to just be reminded of how much we love the planet and how much it deserves our care and so it’s half the program is that 鈥� with this beautiful film,” Fleming said. “And I wanted to do it in D.C. 鈥� or in the DMV area.”

In January, Fleming canceled two May dates with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. She was one of several artists who canceled shows there amid leadership changes and a name change at the performing arts center.

Fleming had been inextricably linked with the center, having performed there several times over the years and being a Kennedy Center honoree in 2023.

In 2025, Fleming stepped down from her role as the center鈥檚 Artistic Advisor-At-Large after the forced resignations of Chair David Rubenstein and President Deborah Rutter. Fleming declined to discuss her departure and show cancellations.

As the old entertainment adage goes, 鈥淭he show must go on.鈥� In March, Fleming announced Strathmore would be the new venue for the Anthropocene show.

Fleming is no stranger to the arts and cultural center in North Bethesda. In December 2023, the soprano teamed with former NIH director Dr. Francis Collins for a workshop at Strathmore called Music as Medicine: The Science and Clinical Practice.

The workshop aimed to “highlight accomplishments in advancing scientific research on music and health, develop a blueprint for the next phase of research and further build the research community,鈥� according to an NIH press release.

Several years prior, Fleming had a memorable dinner at the Inn at Little Washington with Collins and three high-profile Supreme Court justices. That dinner, which took place shortly after a landmark decision from the court, changed her perspective on the impact music can have.

“I’ll never forget it, because it was a tense evening at first,” said Fleming. “They didn’t agree, as Supreme Court justices don’t typically, this was especially vitriolic, and I was placed between Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Antonin Scalia. So, both (were) opera lovers 鈥� but by the end of the evening, Francis Collins brought his guitar. We got a sing along. Everybody was jolly. We had a great time.”

The Anthropocene show will feature a couple of selections from Fleming鈥檚 new album, a collaboration with banjo virtuoso B茅la Fleck called “The Fiddle and the Drum.” The name comes from a 1969 Joni Mitchell song. The album, scheduled for release on May 29, features several vocalists including country music legend Dolly Parton.

鈥淚f you had told me that I would someday record with Dolly Parton, I would have said I can’t imagine how that could possibly happen, but it’s the truth. And she sounds absolutely fantastic. I mean, I’ve always truly admired her in so many different ways.”

The album鈥檚 debut single, “In the Pines,” featuring Parton, was released in March.

Other guest vocalists on the album include Vince Gill and Jerry Douglas. “This is a real departure from anything I’ve done before, but it’s music that I’ve always loved. It draws on, you know, really American folk music,鈥� Fleming said.

In addition to selections from the new album, the setlist for the May 27 show will feature opera (of course), folk, standards and other genres. From Puccini to Porter and Bacharach to Bjork, Fleming favors an eclectic approach for her shows.

鈥淭here’s a broad spectrum of music on the program and something for everyone is usually my goal.鈥�

Tickets for 鈥淩en茅e Fleming Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene鈥� on May 27 at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda are available at .

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Bentley is pure joy on four legs. This playful, happy-go-lucky boy approaches life with endless enthusiasm, a constantly wagging tail and a smile that seems to light up his whole face.

Wherever Bentley goes, fun follows close behind.

He loves people and thrives on affection and companionship. Sit near him and he鈥檒l happily rest his big sweet head in your lap, soaking up attention before bouncing into play mode with an adorable bow and goofy grin. Bentley is the kind of dog who makes every day feel lighter fun.

His favorite things include splashing in kiddie pools, outdoor adventures, playtime, snuggling with humans and zooming around the yard. He also has a knack for making people laugh with his joyful personality.

Bentley is affectionate, entertaining and full of life. He鈥檚 looking for a loving home ready to embrace his playful spirit and give him the fresh start he deserves.

Because of his curiosity and energy, Bentley’s future family should keep soft toys, plastic items and other tempting objects out of reach, as he may try to chew or swallow them during playtime.

If you鈥檙e looking for a dog who will bring energy, laughter, affection and nonstop tail wags into your life, Bentley is ready to meet you.

痴颈蝉颈迟听聽for more information.

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She loves gentle head scratches and being brushed, and will happily settle in for some cozy attention.

Her favorite pastimes include “making biscuits,” playing with wand toys (she’s enthusiastic about them, even if her aim isn’t perfect), birdwatching from the window, and, most of all, relaxing in bed.

Renesme is truly a “bed cat.” If you can’t find her, check for a little lump under the comforter. There’s a good chance she’s tucked in and snoozing.

She’s so fluffy that even her paws have little tufts of fur.

She may be a bit shy at first, but with a little patience and time to adjust, her incredibly sweet and gentle personality really shines through.

痴颈蝉颈迟听聽for more information.

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Matthew Ng, MD, is board certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery. He performs surgery at The George Washington University Hospital and Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center. Here, he discusses colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection through screening.

Q: What are the basics about colorectal cancer?

A: Colorectal cancer is a disease that starts anywhere in the colon and the rectum and it always begins as a small growth or a polyp. Over time, it continues to evolve and mutate and turn into a cancer. This cancer can cause symptoms like bleeding and in advanced stages, it can become painful and cause blockages, and worst-case scenario is that it can spread throughout the body and ultimately cause death.

Q: Are you seeing a rise in colorectal cancer?

A: Interestingly, we鈥檝e been seeing colon cancer decline in older patients over the age of 50, but we have been seeing a rise in younger patients under the age of 50, which is quite alarming.

There are many theories out there as to why colon cancer is rising in younger patients. There are a lot of ideas that could be related to environmental factors, such as diet, obesity, lifestyle modifications, not eating enough fiber, smoking and processed foods. These are all contributing factors potentially to the rise of colon and rectal cancers in younger patients.

Q: What are some of the signs and symptoms to watch for?

A: Typically, in early stages, patients don鈥檛 have any symptoms at all. When it becomes more advanced, you can start seeing blood in your stool. You can have black stools. You can have stools that are getting narrower or thinner in caliber, and have unintentional weight loss, vague abdominal pain and even lack of appetite.

Q: What makes colorectal cancer different from other cancers?

A: Colorectal cancer can be preventable and we know it grows slowly. With adequate screening and the ability to remove the precursor lesions known as polyps, then we can prevent colon and rectal cancer from becoming an issue to begin with.

Q: What is the screening process for colorectal cancer?

A: We need to figure out if the patient is considered high risk. When I say high risk, we talk about patients who have a history of colorectal cancer, have any history of inflammatory bowel disease or they themselves are having symptoms. If that is the case, then they should be getting a colonoscopy.

If you鈥檙e considered average risk, meaning no history whatsoever of colorectal cancer and no symptoms, you can still get a colonoscopy, which is considered the gold standard. But there are also other adequate tests out there, such as stool-based testing.

Q: How is colorectal cancer treated?

A: If a patient is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we take a multidisciplinary team approach for treating it. Some patients may need chemotherapy first upfront. Some patients may also need radiation. If it is in the early stage, oftentimes surgery alone can be curative.

Q: How has technology changed in this field over time?

A: We have gotten better with our screening colonoscopies. The visualization is much better and the high-definition photos that we can see have much improved over time. In addition, the stool-based testing has become a lot more sensitive and specific for detecting cancers.

In terms of treatment of colon and rectal cancer, chemotherapy has become much more evolved and specialized. Our surgical techniques have been more precise, and with the advent of robotic technology, we can offer a much more minimally invasive approach to surgical treatment of colon and rectal cancer.

Q: How do you prioritize patient-centered care?

A: Every patient that we see is unique, and I personally like to take an approach where the patient is involved in their care. Especially with cancer care, there are a lot of variables involved and it is important that we keep in mind what the patient ultimately wants. If they want a more conservative approach or a more aggressive approach, every treatment that we offer these patients is tailored to their needs.

Q: Can you describe the screening program at Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center in Ward 8?

A: At Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, we offer a new screening clinic for patients at average risk. This helps identify whether you鈥檙e able to get a screening colonoscopy.

To schedule a visit at Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center鈥檚 colorectal cancer screening clinic, call 771-444-6146.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive or robotic surgery is right for you. Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of these facilities. The facilities shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our websites.

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Each day, you probably use a variety of expressions, idioms, proverbs, and slang that aren鈥檛 meant to be taken literally. If you’ve ever wondered why we say certain things the way we do, you might be able to guess where they came from. Still, some English phrases are so unusual that their origins remain a mystery unless you understand the historical context behind them.

Chew the fat

To 鈥渃hew the fat鈥� is to chat casually, often about nothing in particular. The phrase may have started as sailors talking while eating salted meat. It鈥檚 a leisurely, friendly kind of conversation 鈥� the verbal equivalent of just hanging out with a friend on a lazy afternoon.

Armed to the teeth

Being overly prepared or too well equipped. A possible origin is 17th century pirates who wanted to make sure they never ran out of ammunition and held a gun in each hand. In order to be prepared, they tended to keep another gun in their pocket and held a knife in their teeth.

Butter him up

To flatter someone. In ancient India, a customary religious act involved devotees throwing balls of butter at the statues of their gods. This was meant to ask for the gods鈥� forgiveness and favor.

Skeletons in the closet

A secret that someone is embarrassed about. Before the UK passed its 1832 Anatomy Act, grave robbers supplied skeletons for medical schools. When a raid occurred, the teachers tended to hide these skeletons in the closet so as not to have them confiscated.

In a nutshell

When you want to make it clear that you’re going to sum something up in just a few words. This hyperbolic expression alludes to the Roman writer Pliny’s description of Homer’s Iliad being copied in so tiny a hand that it could fit in a nutshell. For a time it referred to anything compressed, but from the 1500s on it referred mainly to written or spoken words.

Letting someone off the hook

Excusing someone from a task or obligation. The phrase is believed to originate from fishing, where a fish is removed from the hook, allowing it to escape.

Once bitten, twice shy

Means a bad experience makes you cautious, originating from literal animal bites in folklore and appearing in English literature by the 1800s, with the concept traced back to Aesop’s Fables

It鈥檚 not over until the fat lady sings

It means that one should not presume to know the outcome of an event which is still in progress. This saying originates from opera, referencing the long, grand final aria typically sung by a heavyset soprano.

Fly by the seat of Your pants

To improvise by instinct. Prior to the widespread use of reliable aviation instruments, pilots were at the mercy of the weather. Assessment of cloud cover and potential storms were vital in the early days of flying, when encapsulation of an aircraft by thick cloud or dense fog could have fatal consequences. The thin air and inability to see could become disorienting. When overtaken by rough conditions, a skilled pilot would 鈥渇ly by the seat of their pants.鈥� They flew by instinct and feel鈥攁nd their backside, or the seat of their pants, made the most physical contact with the airplane.

Make the grade

To succeed. The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway鈥檚 Allegheny steam locomotives were incredibly powerful, featuring an output of 7,500 horsepower. They were designed to pull heavy, loaded coal trains up and over the Allegheny Mountains. These trains had a steep climb to the summit, but the 771,000-pound giants had enough traction to 鈥渕ake the grade.鈥�

Red tape

We use the term red tape to denote anything that may delay or hold us up, whatever the process may be. It also refers to a lot of unnecessary bureaucracy or paperwork. This term originated from the fact that legal and official documents were tied up or bound with red tape since the 16th century. By doing so, it was often difficult to access them. Hence, the term 鈥渞ed tape.鈥�

Beyond the pale

When something is beyond the pale, it鈥檚 unacceptable or immoral. It originates from the concept of a “pale,” a boundary fence (from Latin palus, meaning stake) defining a safe, civilized area, with “beyond the pale” meaning outside that border into lawless or uncivilized territory

On the fence about revamping your backyard?

Have you been thinking about giving your backyard a makeover, but you keep 鈥渢urning a blind eye鈥� because you鈥檙e unsure of where to start? You may be uncertain about what you want, when to begin or who to turn to.聽聽is here to help you 鈥渓et your hair down鈥� and 鈥渂reak the ice鈥� if you鈥檙e still 鈥渙n the fence鈥� about how to revitalize your outdoor space.

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After being聽abandoned in an apartment, he’s looking for a fresh start with a new family or owner.

The Humane Rescue Alliance describe him as a striking, athletic boy who is always ready for an adventure.

He loves walks, runs, and staying active, but he鈥檚 also happy to entertain himself with toys (the tougher, the better).

He also loves exercising, going on outdoor adventures, belly rubs, showing off his tricks, and keeping an eye on squirrels and neighborhood rats (his #1 enemy).

He’s working on his manners and improving his leash skills. He is eager to learn and loves positive reinforcement with treats.

Indy is deeply people-oriented and thrives on affection and companionship. His handsome brindle coat and incredible ears are guaranteed to turn heads wherever he goes. Due of his high prey drive, Indy would do best in a quieter home without cats or other small animals.

If you鈥檙e looking for a smart, active, and loyal companion, Indy is ready to meet you!

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