This morning, we are going to find out how much skin you have in the game. That’s right. Skin. We talk a lot about this outer covering of our bodies and even sometimes unfairly judge others because of it, but why? Too blotchy. Too dark. Too freckled. Too tan. Too pimply. Too pale. All this over skin? Apparently so.

Yes, skin is our largest organ, accounting for up to 15% of our body weight and covering approximately 22 square feet. And, yes, it has up to seven layers of tissue that guard our muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. It’s important stuff, no doubt. It has also become part of our vernacular with a variety of somewhat awkward uses and meanings.

Those who are described as having “thick skin” may be called hardened, insensitive, implacable. Those who are called “thin-skinned” might be considered delicate, hypersensitive, emotional.

We have likely all met a deadline or goal by “the skin of our teeth,” meaning we barely accomplished something great or narrowly missed something disastrous.

Being “comfortable in our own skin” is said to be a good thing, as we are content, confident and happy with who we are and not feeling the need to pretend or be someone we are not.

In the 1970s, we used to say, “Give me some skin” and then extend a hand for a high-five. That was far out, man.

To “save someone’s skin” means to help someone get out of a dangerous or difficult situation. The phrase dates back to the 1500s when "skin," in this sense, referred to the body in the process of hanging or beheading.

To “get under someone’s skin” means to irritate or upset that person. All this stuff about skin may be getting under your skin right now.

We are often told that beauty is only skin deep, meaning what matters is a person's character and not his or her appearance. Meanwhile, American women alone spend an average of $3,756 per year on beauty products and services, and beauty companies spend an estimated $7.7 billion on advertising their products and services.

And finally, we all know there is more than one way to skin a cat, but why would we? Of course, this gruesome reference means various ways exist to accomplish the same task, but removing a cat’s skin? Apparently, a debate on cat-skinning once existed, addressing whether to boil the cat after it was killed or while it was still alive. And you thought you had skin in the game?

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

JOE'S NEIGHBORHOOD
Two characters and a dog in Woodland Cemetery

By Joe Weeg

The graves sprawl over the bright green and faded brown grass like grazing cattle over the stubble of an Iowa corn field. Narrow blacktop roads meander here and there across the 65 acres. Pools of sunshine dance on the white granite tombstones and the half-buried markers of grey river rock. While the many trees with small leafing buds stand quietly in respect.

Woodland Cemetery on the cusp of spring.

Mike Rowley tells a story.

[...]

Competing for time
Residents share how relationships are the “win” in sporting together.

By Jackie Wilson

Like other families, Clint Gentry and his son, Simon, were looking for ways to social distance during the pandemic. So, in 2020, they started playing disc golf together.

Clint played occasionally as a student while attending Iowa State University. Yet, teaching and raising a family prevented him from playing. Simon, who was 11 at the time, was eager to learn.

They played at the Southwoods Park Disc Golf in West Des Moines. Simon says, “I wasn't very good to start. I've learned a lot since then, but I’ve lost a few discs.

“He’s picked it up naturally,” Clint adds.

[...]

These celebrities were born on this date: Miranda Cosgrove, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Hughes, Rob Gronkowski, Olly Murs, Cate Blanchett, George Lucas, Sofia Coppola, Zach Edey, Dustin Lynch

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

Why is sausage bad for you? BECAUSE IT IS THE WURST! - Gail Tomlinson, Carolyn Rogers

Today's riddle

What does a frog order at a restaurant?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Ankeny,  Altoona or Bondurant Living magazines, contact:  

Angela Ossian
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angela@iowalivingmagazines.com

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