4 definitions by ctsurv553
One of the members of a party of men, mostly from Georgia, who were among the first non-indigenous Americans to "discover" Death Valley, California, in December 1849. This group was part of a wagon train of "Gold Rush 49'ers", numbering about 150, who were enroute to California from Salt Lake City, and became lost after attempting to follow a "short cut" map that purported to cut 200 miles off the well-known Old Spanish Trail to Los Angeles. This map was later proven to be fraudulent. Little is known of this particular group, except their number, about 15~20 men, and the name of their leader, one James Martin. This shortcut proved disastrous - three men died in late December 1849 and January 1950 and all suffered terribly from thirst and near starvation before reaching Los Angeles, 2 months after the rest of the original wagon train that had stayed on the known trail.
"Did you hear about Benny's attempt to hike across Death Valley last summer? He had to be rescued by Park Rangers before he even got a mile from his car; he almost won the Bug Smashers Award!"
by ctsurv553 December 27, 2022
A person who is extremely clumsy, or who often is sporting bandages covering minor injuries, might be said to be incapable of "walking and chewing gum at the same time".
After the third time in one month that the new office assistant was electrocuted while trying to clear a paper jam in the office copier, the supervisor shook his head and asked the Personnel office to move the employee to another department with no machinery in it, as "this guy can't walk and chew gum at the same time".
by ctsurv553 September 1, 2015
Used in connection with electronics kit-building, or electrical work in general. It is one step above the "Black Smoke Club". To become a member of the Blue Flame Club of electronics kit builders, your completed kit radio, oscilloscope, multimeter, etc., must burst into vigorous flames, with the distinct blue color of high-voltage short-circuit electrical arcing, as soon as you power it up for the first time. If it only sizzles and emits grey or black smoke, but no visible flames, you are member of the Black Smoke Club.
"Did you hear about Jerry almost electrocuting himself down in the avionics lab this morning? His DIY power supply kit exploded as soon as he plugged it in; yep, ol' Jerry bought himself a charter membership in the Blue Flame Club!"
by ctsurv553 December 10, 2021
Any endeavor which fails in an awe-inspiring or spectacular manner. Origin of phrase taken from old WW1 movies where the Red Baron shoots down an opposing French or British biplane fighter, which then spirals down out of control, trailing a long streamer of flame and smoke from burning fuel.
Did you see Joe trying to hit up that hot chick at the club last night? She took one look at his geeky 70's clothes, haircut, and nerdy glasses, and shot him down in flames without even opening her mouth to say a word!
by ctsurv553 September 6, 2015