So That's Where That Expression Came From!

1. Before the widespread use of electric lighting, theaters used a technique called limelight, which involved heating calcium oxide (quicklime) with a high-intensity flame from burning oxygen and hydrogen to produce a brilliant, focused white light for spotlighting performers. This invention, first used theatrically in 1837, led to the common expression "in the limelight" -- the actors were literally in the "limelight". Did you know the origin of this expression?

2. Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" famously features an eccentric character called the Hatter, who's referred to in the story as "mad" and became popularly known as the Mad Hatter. However, the phrase "mad as a hatter," used to describe someone who's crazy or prone to unpredictable behavior, didn't originate with Carroll. Instead, the expression is linked to the hat-making industry and mercury poisoning. In 17th century France, poisoning occurred among hat makers who used mercury for the hat felt. The "Mad Hatter Disease" was marked by shyness, irritability, hallucinations and tremors that would make the person appear "mad." Did you know the origin of this expression?