I emailed a friend of mine today, and was telling him how 2002 seems to be trying with all its might to repeat itself in 2003. I told him that we (my sisters and I) are right back to square one. After I sent it, I started wondering .... what is square one?? What does that expression reference, anyway?? All I can think of is hop scotch. lol Going back to square one ... starting the hop scotch game all over again. I'm sure that's not where it came from, but .... it sounds good. lol Do any of you know where the expression originated from?

Now, moving right along. ;) How 'bout that "American Idol" show -- what are those people thinking??!! So, what do you say -- are they merely people who have a high sense of self-esteem and confidence; or are they poor souls who are living inside a big fat bubble of denial? I couldn't believe the look of disbelief on some of their faces when told they couldn't sing worth a darn! lol And even afterward, they still truly believed they could!! Too funny.

Do any of you watch "The Bachelorette"? I missed it this week. Who did she keep and who did she get rid of?? I know, it's stupid to be so into a show like that ... but it's fun to watch. I just can't believe people actually set themselves up for rejection on national television like that! Now they must be confident! lol

Back to square one - back to where one started, having wasted time
The most usual explanation refers to the diagram of a football pitch divided into numbered squares, printed in Radio Times from 1927 until about 1940 to help listeners follow radio commentaries on matches. the commentator referred to these squares when describing the progress of play, enabling the listener to visualise it more clearly.
While it may be true that commentators used the phrase 'back to square one', it would not have meant what it now means: soccer is a game of rapid movement and there is little sense of starting again after useless effort. There is, however, an alternative origin in board games such as Snakes and Ladders in which certain throws of the dice do indeed take the players back to square one, wiping out the progress they have made. This is the more likely origin of the phrase, though football commentators may have popularised it.
http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/sayingsb.htm

Thoughtfully shared by: min at January 30, 2003 05:21 PM

I have to tell you that I find it really hard to believe that some of those people werent just there so they would end up in the out-takes of the worst possible singers. I agree there is nooooo friggin way some of those guys could actually believe that they can sing. Makes for some good entertainment though! :) Certainly had me in stitches!

Thoughtfully shared by: Jen at January 30, 2003 06:25 PM

I, too, skipped The Bachelorette in favor of American Idol. I must admit that both shows are guilty pleasures, but I enjoy them so much! I'm kind of hoping she keeps the dude who wrote her the poem, the big goofy guy, and the blonde who's kinda scruffy in that irresistable boyish way. :)

Thoughtfully shared by: Dyanna at January 30, 2003 06:38 PM

One step forward, two steps back (like in the Springsteen song)... that's another expression that has a kind of resonance to lots of situations. Although sometimes the one step forward is worth it.

Thoughtfully shared by: John at January 30, 2003 07:29 PM

I watched American Idol and it's hard for me to believe that some of these people actually thought they'd make it to Hollywood. Simon was in rare form as usual. *hehehe*

I hope you have a good day and a great weekend. Be Well...

Thoughtfully shared by: Bobbi at January 31, 2003 05:05 AM