“Build to stock” is a production system where products are made on a fixed schedule, rather than in response to demand. It is suitable for predictable or seasonal demand and when there are economies of scale. Fast food restaurants also use this approach during busy times. The alternative is “build to order,” which has no […]
BYOB means bring your own bottle and is often used for parties or restaurants without a liquor license. Some restaurants allow BYOB with a corkage fee, while hosts may invite guests to bring their own drinks. Not all restaurants offer BYOB, and it’s important to clarify beforehand. BYOB is an acronym that means bring your […]
The corner office is a symbol of career advancement and success in office culture, reserved for the highest-ranking employee or supervisor. It offers privacy and a view, and is often the goal of ambitious employees. While those unfamiliar with the dynamics of office life may not see the difference between a corner office and a […]
The Australian Bush is an underdeveloped area that is not as remote as the Outback. It was originally filled with bushes and native trees, and served as a habitat for native plants and animals. The area was unfamiliar to European settlers and is associated with wilderness and self-reliance. Despite its hostile conditions, the Bush supports […]
Floating in shipbuilding involves filling the drydock with water and using tugboats to take the ship out. This method replaces the traditional launch and allows for completion of the hull and installation of propulsion systems. The process also prevents damage and allows for building ships in one area and launching them in another. The term […]
Canaries were used in coal mines to detect dangerous gases. Today, the phrase “live like a canary in a coal mine” refers to serving as a warning to others. It is also used to describe a harbinger of the future, such as a melting glacier in Alaska. Companies use a similar strategy for future growth […]
Fitting out is the stage in boat construction where technicians install accessories such as furniture, machines, and the power plant. It also involves installing systems and equipment, connecting and wiring the ship, and installing paint, flooring, and decorative features. Shipbuilders near ports supply the necessary items, and delays can be costly. Fitting out is a […]
Big Ben is the nickname for the bell inside the Elizabeth Tower in London. The tower was previously called the Clock Tower and Big Ben cracked in 1859 but was repositioned in 1863. It can be heard from 9 miles away. The nickname Big Ben refers to the large bell inside the clock of the […]
“Main Street” originally referred to a central business district, but now symbolizes the financial well-being of small businesses and the working class. The term has become a powerful rhetorical slogan in response to economic downturns and is commonly used in political campaigns. The Walt Disney Company continues to highlight “Main Street USA” themes in their […]
HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) is an aviation concept that places frequently used controls on the throttle stick and control column, allowing pilots to activate them without taking their hands off the controls or breaking visual contact with the windshield. The concept has also been applied to other vehicles, such as Formula One racing […]
“High voltage” refers to electrical currents that can harm humans and animals. It’s not an exact measurement, but anything over 230 kilovolts is considered dangerous. The warning is issued only when humans are at risk, and even 40 volts can be dangerous. The International Electrotechnical Commission has established safety standards for electrical applications. Voltage can […]
Streamlining projects involves rationalization to maintain quality and schedule. Dispatchers monitor work, inspect supplies, negotiate with suppliers, and manage transport arrangements and budgets. Training and experience are necessary for careers in this field. Streamlining is the rationalization of projects to keep them on schedule and maintain quality standards. A company may assign one person or […]
Cradle to Cradle (C2C) is a sustainability model that mimics natural processes to benefit the environment during product manufacture and use. Components are divided into technical and organic categories, with the aim of creating closed production cycles and no waste. The term was coined by Walter Stahel in the 1970s, and companies that embrace the […]
“Sensitive but unclassified” is a term used by US government agencies to refer to information that is unclassified but sensitive, posing a threat to national security or revealing personal details. The term was introduced by President Jimmy Carter in 1977 to protect government correspondence from public disclosure. Personal information, contractor proposals, border control details, and […]
The tradition of giving white feathers to those who don’t join the military dates back centuries, originating from cockfighting. During WWI, the Order of the White Feather encouraged women to shame men out of uniform. However, some men were mistakenly given feathers, and conscientious objectors were proud to receive them. The peace movement adopted the […]
“Chimerica” refers to the interdependent economies of China and the US from 1996 to 2006. China’s currency control and US borrowing led to economic growth, but also contributed to the 2007 financial crisis and a rift between the two countries. “Chimeric” is a term used to describe the closely interconnected economies of China and the […]
The term “free world” originated during the Cold War to distinguish democracies from communist countries. The US president became known as the “leader of the free world” due to their role in fighting communism. The term is disputed by some countries and concerns have been raised about the use of the word “free”. The term […]
Born secret information, restricted from the start, contains descriptions and test results of potentially dangerous technologies. Laws governing this type of information originated from US government actions during World War I and II. High-ranking officials are the only ones with access, and inventors must follow specific steps to keep details secret. Declassified items usually concern […]
The drawn and quartered punishment was a brutal execution method used in England for high treason. The person was hanged, disemboweled, beheaded, and cut into four pieces. It was outlawed in 1832 after being used for over 600 years. The punishment was not dismemberment, but the body was cut into five pieces. The head was […]
“Reaching across the aisle” refers to politicians compromising with those of different parties to pass legislation. Cooperation is necessary in American politics, where Democrats and Republicans dominate. Many voters prefer a bipartisan approach, but it can be seen as treacherous by some. The phrase can also apply to other contexts, such as church communities. Reaching […]
