Playing Against The Seconds
Despite the fact that there are more words in the English language than any other language on the planet there are still many examples where one word can have more than one meaning.
There is a type of auction called a penny auction where part of the trick is to successfully bid against the clock. The idea is to watch the seconds count down and there is an example of a word that has at least three meanings.
Seconds is normally associated with the ticking of a clock but it can also mean a second portion of food and it can also mean a manager in a boxing match.
In the old days when gentlemen settled arguments with a duel with sword or pistol each would arrive at the appointed hour with his second. The second in this example was almost like a P.A. to a celebrity or business type today.
The duellists would by this time not be talking to each other so the finer detail of the duel would be arranged by the seconds.
A penny auction is the best way to get your items for the best price and thishas a clock attached to tick away to zero until someone puts in a last second bid which resets the clock. In this example we are talking about a very different type of second. Clocks have been used in all sorts of game shows where there must be some sort of time limit.
Another use of the word second is when advertising or talking of used goods perhaps for sale. They are known as second-hand. Seconds are also used on points of the compass along with another multi-use word the minute.
One of the most popular and long standing radio programs involves celebrities having to talk for a minute without repetition of any word or phrase and without any hesitation. It sounds easy but it is rare that one person can talk the full minute without falling foul of the rules.
A penny auction is the best way to get your items for the best price and the most fun can be had at http://www.bidvid.com
