M is for the Million Things....

Mother's Day is once again here, and we pause to remember some of the great mothers of history: Ma Green, Ma Kettle, Mammy Yokum, and Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention.

The term "mother" has been applied to several institutions, from the Church to the CBC, and some persons have their own special use of the word. Financier Jack Stark (CHQM, Morrison Steel) referred to the bank as Mother. When contemplating some large financial undertaking, he would say, "We'll have to go talk to Mother," often confusing the other party. 

In the play and film "A Hatful of Rain," the evil drug boss was called "Mother." He was portrayed with suave menace by Henry Silva.

A happy day to all maternal parents. And to all restaurateurs celebrating the biggest day of their year while dealing with a nervous breakdown. 

It's Mother's Day: Mum's the word.