The Un-American

Quo Vadis? We're Being Buffaloed!

"The Arena Scene from Quo Vadis" (1910) by A. D. M. (Astley David Middleton) Cooper (Californian, 1856-1924)
Originally commissioned by W. J. Ferguson in 1910 for his establishment, New Louvre Saloon (53 North First, San Jose, CA). The painting was featured in the saloon until 1943. Note: The Classical Allegorical subject matter of the painting is based on the rescue of Lygia by Ursus from the back of the Wild Bull during the time of Emperor Nero which eventually led to their freedom as slaves.

Charlotte Mittnacht

"Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done good, but who have done good to thee."

-Cornelius Tacitus

The Call...

Into the Mouth of the Wolf!

Crepi il lupo!

In bocca al lupo (pronounced [im ˈbokka al ˈluːpo], "into the mouth of the wolf") is an Italian idiom originally used in opera and theatre to wish a performer good luck prior to a performance. The standard response is crepi il lupo! ([ˈkrɛːpi il ˈluːpo], "may the wolf die") or, more commonly, simply crepi! ("may it die").

Equivalent to the English actor's idiom break a leg, the expression reflects a theatrical superstition in which wishing a person "good luck" is considered bad luck. The expression is commonly used in Italy off stage, as superstitions and customs travel through other professions and then into common use, and it can sometimes be heard outside of Italy.