Ever wonder where "Dog days of summer" comes from?

[ailsagirl]

The dog days, in the most technical sense, refer to the one- to two-month interval in which a particularly bright star rises and sets with the sun, shining during the daylight hours and staying hidden at night. This star is known by three names: Sirius, the Dog Star, and Alpha Canis Majoris. Apart from being the most prominent star in the constellation Canis Major (Latin for “Greater Dog”), this heavenly body is responsible for the origin of the expression dog days, a phrase that has endured through millennia.

http://blog.dictionary.com/dog-days-of-summer/

[Archae]

1. I learned that back in school.

Nearly 40 years ago.

Told it to my Mom, my Dad said I was "talking smart again."

(My Dad hated intellectuals.)

[ailsagirl]

2. I didn't!

It's always good to learn something new.

[malthaussen]

3. According to one origin story...

... the "dog watches" aboard ship are also related to the rise of Sirius.

That mutt has a lot to answer for.

-- Mal

[ailsagirl]

4. He sure does!

I always enjoy reading the story behind the many expressions we use (and often don't know their origins).

[RushIsRot]

5. Shirley, you can't be Sirius!

Alright, I'll go to my room now...

[ailsagirl]

6. .....