This week I've been heavy into research so buckle up, students. It's time for a history lesson. . .

Cashiering
No, I'm not talking about the gal at the supermarket popping her gum as she rings up your broccoli. This kind of cashiering is a ritual dismissal of an individual from a position of responsibility for a breach of discipline. Think of the general getting his stars and little brass buttons ripped off his uniform in front of a bunch of lower ranking minions. Embarrassing, eh? Yep. It's meant to be. And in the British army, you lost out on the fee you paid to become an officer in the first place, so it not only hurt your pride, but nipped your pocketbook as well.

Congreve Rockets
Did you know rockets were in use way back when in the early 19th century? 1805 was when the Royal Arsenal first demonstrated solid fuel rockets. These weapons of destruction were used effectively in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. Think of the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner... and the rocket's red glare... yeah. Congreves.

Courtesy
Manners and etiquette were big deals back in the Regency era but especially so during a dinner party. When dinner was announced, guests didn't just belly up to the bar and chow down. Ladies and gentlemen entered the dining room according to rank. The mistress of the house would request the lady first in rank to lead in the others. The master of the house did the same with the gentlemen. Each took their place at the table in the same order. It was considered a mark of ill-breeding for a person to seat him or herself higher than they ought.

There. Ready for a quiz?