Inquiring, and Wandering, Minds

Driving home last evening in the all-too-early darkness since "Fall Back," my companion and I were chatting, as we usually do.  Our topics of conversation vary greatly, and it's usually not "girly stuff."  This time was no exception

We are concerned for a young church member who is suffering from post traumatic distress syndrome, having recently returned from what must have been an horrific tour of duty in the Middle East Conflict.  If you're a praying person, please be sure to mention the men and women of our armed forces, and all those in harm's way.

What this young man is currently experiencing brought to mind the experience of a college friend who had served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. (Ever notice how all our "non-wars" are "Conflicts?")   My friend's ship came under attack and an enemy shell struck the magazine (ammunition section), blowing the ship to smithereens and causing all sorts of injuries.  He survived without serious physical damage, but for years thereafter was startled almost to the point of fainting at any loud, unexpected noise. I don't know that he ever completely recovered from the experience.

In a complete departure from that painful subject, I suddenly began to wonder why the word "magazine" is a used both in a military sense and as a descriptor for such things as The Ladies Home Journal.   This morning, I looked it up: the answer is below, compliments of dictionary.com

"Origin:
1575–85; < F magasin < It magazzino storehouse < Ar makhāzin, pl. of makhzan storehouse; in E figuratively, as “storehouse of information,” used in book titles (from c1640) and periodical titles (in The Gentleman's Magazine, 1731)"

Later, with more cheerful things.