Believe it or not, the well-known saying originated in the Middle Ages. That would make sense. A penny was probably worth a fortune back then. In fact, one source reveals that in 1217, one penny was about a month's salary.
No, I have no idea why people have such information on hand. Some people are just into that kind of thing. I have no reason to doubt it. The Internet wouldn't lie. Don't judge.
Now, however, offering someone a penny for their thoughts sounds more like an insult; although quite frankly, during this campaign season, most of the thoughts I've heard voiced lately aren't worth much more. I wouldn't give a penny for their two cents worth.
Sadly for some, we may soon have to eliminate the saying from our vocabulary. Either that or change it to "a nickel for your thoughts" at the very least. The beloved penny may soon be going the way of payphones and drive-in movies, disappearing into virtual oblivion.
Many countries around the world, including our North American neighbors Canada and Mexico, have recently eliminated their lowest currency. The push is on for the U.S. to follow suit. There are even groups, such as "Citizens to Retire the U.S. Penny" who are dedicated to the noble pursuit.
I'm kidding, of course. These guys have way too much time on their hands. "Gosh, should I watch a marathon of all six "Star Wars" movies or update my "Eliminate the Penny" website and then tweet about it?"
Not that I'm judging anyone.
However, I have to admit that there is a strong case for eliminating the penny. It costs more to produce a penny - over two cents - than it is worth. According to retirethepenny.org (the aforementioned website), in 2011, the U.S. spent almost $120 million to produce less than $50 million of circulating currency.
Incidentally, the same is true of all coins. It takes more than double to produce them than they are worth. But apparently, that is beside the point.
Stores and businesses across the country are on board with eliminating pennies. Many have banned them within their own stores, including a handful of businesses in the Indianapolis area.
Yet there are several arguments against eliminating the penny. In fact, most surveys done on the subject - and there have been a lot - show that 60 to 75 percent (varying by survey) of Americans favor keeping the penny, for both fiscal and sentimental reasons.
Personally, I'm already feeling nostalgic for those shiny, copper Abe-heads.
For so many years I was the young, harried professional that would get all bent out of shape waiting for the older woman in line ahead of me at the grocery store to fish exact change out of her pocketbook. Now I'm that older woman, and I won't be able to extract my revenge on the younger generation. I'm screaming foul. Where's mine? Don't judge me.
What about penny loafers? Quarter loafers would just look too gaudy.
What about penny slots? How are miserly gamblers going to get their fix?
What about girls named Penny? Are they going to have to change their name?
As for the grand old saying, "A penny for your thoughts," what's it going to be now; $5,257.58 for your thoughts? Incidentally, that is the average monthly salary in the U.S. in 2011. According to the Internet; which wouldn't lie.
Don't judge.
- Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer from Clayton and is the author of the book "What's the Point?" available at booklocker.com. Contact her at btodd@tds.net.
I’ve not kept it a secret that I find people who dress their dogs in clothes to be, to put it nicely, somewhat more than just eccentric. And many friendly, helpful readers out there have not kept it a secret that they really wish I would not express my views about dogs dressed as humans.
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
It sounds like the plot from a dystopian libertarian novel. The word “patriot” and the phrase “educating on the Constitution and Bill of Rights” triggered heightened scrutiny from the most intrusive agency in the federal government.
The action at the bird feeder has been spectacular lately: Cardinals, finches, songbirds in impressive variety crowding around all day long in search of sustenance. It is truly gratifying …
Everyone presumes that Sen. Chuck Schumer, the media-hungry Democrat from New York, wants to be the next Senate majority leader. His performance in the negotiations over the Gang of Eight immigration plan should bolster his case for an eventual promotion.
Someone had to take the fall for President Barack Obama thoughtlessly drawing a “red line” threatening serious consequences if Syria used chemical weapons. It turns out that it is the president himself.
There were other issues that had potentially greater financial impact or will leave a more resolute imprint on people’s lives, such as Medicaid expansion and Common Core.
It’s a bleak scenario. A massive earthquake along the New Madrid fault kills or injures 60,000 people in Tennessee. A quarter of a million people are homeless.
It’s a bleak scenario. A massive earthquake along the New Madrid fault kills or injures 60,000 people in Tennessee. A quarter of a million people are homeless.
Commentary
Discussion
Five grand for your thoughts
By Rebecca Todd CNHI
"A penny for your thoughts."
Believe it or not, the well-known saying originated in the Middle Ages. That would make sense. A penny was probably worth a fortune back then. In fact, one source reveals that in 1217, one penny was about a month's salary.
No, I have no idea why people have such information on hand. Some people are just into that kind of thing. I have no reason to doubt it. The Internet wouldn't lie. Don't judge.
Now, however, offering someone a penny for their thoughts sounds more like an insult; although quite frankly, during this campaign season, most of the thoughts I've heard voiced lately aren't worth much more. I wouldn't give a penny for their two cents worth.
Sadly for some, we may soon have to eliminate the saying from our vocabulary. Either that or change it to "a nickel for your thoughts" at the very least. The beloved penny may soon be going the way of payphones and drive-in movies, disappearing into virtual oblivion.
Many countries around the world, including our North American neighbors Canada and Mexico, have recently eliminated their lowest currency. The push is on for the U.S. to follow suit. There are even groups, such as "Citizens to Retire the U.S. Penny" who are dedicated to the noble pursuit.
I'm kidding, of course. These guys have way too much time on their hands. "Gosh, should I watch a marathon of all six "Star Wars" movies or update my "Eliminate the Penny" website and then tweet about it?"
Not that I'm judging anyone.
However, I have to admit that there is a strong case for eliminating the penny. It costs more to produce a penny - over two cents - than it is worth. According to retirethepenny.org (the aforementioned website), in 2011, the U.S. spent almost $120 million to produce less than $50 million of circulating currency.
Incidentally, the same is true of all coins. It takes more than double to produce them than they are worth. But apparently, that is beside the point.
Stores and businesses across the country are on board with eliminating pennies. Many have banned them within their own stores, including a handful of businesses in the Indianapolis area.
Yet there are several arguments against eliminating the penny. In fact, most surveys done on the subject - and there have been a lot - show that 60 to 75 percent (varying by survey) of Americans favor keeping the penny, for both fiscal and sentimental reasons.
Personally, I'm already feeling nostalgic for those shiny, copper Abe-heads.
For so many years I was the young, harried professional that would get all bent out of shape waiting for the older woman in line ahead of me at the grocery store to fish exact change out of her pocketbook. Now I'm that older woman, and I won't be able to extract my revenge on the younger generation. I'm screaming foul. Where's mine? Don't judge me.
What about penny loafers? Quarter loafers would just look too gaudy.
What about penny slots? How are miserly gamblers going to get their fix?
What about girls named Penny? Are they going to have to change their name?
As for the grand old saying, "A penny for your thoughts," what's it going to be now; $5,257.58 for your thoughts? Incidentally, that is the average monthly salary in the U.S. in 2011. According to the Internet; which wouldn't lie.
Don't judge.
- Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer from Clayton and is the author of the book "What's the Point?" available at booklocker.com. Contact her at btodd@tds.net.
I’ve not kept it a secret that I find people who dress their dogs in clothes to be, to put it nicely, somewhat more than just eccentric. And many friendly, helpful readers out there have not kept it a secret that they really wish I would not express my views about dogs dressed as humans.
May 17, 2013
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
May 17, 2013
The federal government recently announced new regulations for buying fast food.
May 17, 2013
It sounds like the plot from a dystopian libertarian novel. The word “patriot” and the phrase “educating on the Constitution and Bill of Rights” triggered heightened scrutiny from the most intrusive agency in the federal government.
May 17, 2013
The action at the bird feeder has been spectacular lately: Cardinals, finches, songbirds in impressive variety crowding around all day long in search of sustenance. It is truly gratifying …
For my neighbor.
That’s what it’s like at his feeder.
May 14, 2013
On April 27, Dr. Jeff Butts demonstrated a rare form of servant leadership as he participated in the Go Love Indy westside service project.
May 13, 2013
Everyone presumes that Sen. Chuck Schumer, the media-hungry Democrat from New York, wants to be the next Senate majority leader. His performance in the negotiations over the Gang of Eight immigration plan should bolster his case for an eventual promotion.
May 13, 2013
Someone had to take the fall for President Barack Obama thoughtlessly drawing a “red line” threatening serious consequences if Syria used chemical weapons. It turns out that it is the president himself.
May 13, 2013
There were other issues that had potentially greater financial impact or will leave a more resolute imprint on people’s lives, such as Medicaid expansion and Common Core.
May 13, 2013
It happens every year at this time; I make a little dandelion whine. So here goes.
May 10, 2013
Follow me on Twitter
Will you be attending this year's Indy 500?
Tires
Telecommunications
Beauty Salons
Government
It’s a bleak scenario. A massive earthquake along the New Madrid fault kills or injures 60,000 people in Tennessee. A quarter of a million people are homeless.
May 19, 2013 3 Photos 3 Stories
Complete Report:
Part I: Are We Prepared? | Part II: Disaster Dollars
Part III: Lessons Learned | Part IV: Warning Signs
Part V: The Big One
When it comes to midsized family sedans, the Kia Optima ranks high on my list for its good looks, economy and value.
May 17, 2013 1 Photo
It’s a bleak scenario. A massive earthquake along the New Madrid fault kills or injures 60,000 people in Tennessee. A quarter of a million people are homeless.
May 19, 2013 3 Photos 3 Stories
Complete Report:
Part I: Are We Prepared? | Part II: Disaster Dollars
Part III: Lessons Learned | Part IV: Warning Signs
Part V: The Big One
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