Like lovers of fusion cuisine, Americans readily toss around colorful phrases. Goodness knows where the words tumbling out of our mouths originate.
So it was for educational purposes that reporters at The Citizen—along with Zoe Pearson, public relations specialist at Brandon Township Library—decided to test-drive “Derivation”, a word game.
Derivation is new. Produced by Entspire, a portion of profits goes to children’s charities like “Reading is Fundamental”.
The goal: assemble letter-cards to spell “Derivation”. Letters are earned, in some cases, by bluffing other players about how a phrase came about. Or get a card by successfully drawing, describing, or acting out a word.
We had a bit of trouble deciphering the directions, which are, in all fairness, fairly straightforward. Perhaps we were flustered by “the oldest player rolls first.”
It didn’t take long to catch on, though. Soon we were getting loud as sports writer Jeff Patrus penned first an arm, then a smile. “Hand to mouth,” we shouted. “Call to arms.” Finally Zoe came up with the answer: “Armed to the teeth.”
You’ll need four to 10 players to play.
With appointments scheduled and deadlines looming, the game was quick. I can see, though, where it could be an absolute blast.
I’d love to get together a group of wordsmiths, or professional bluffers to play. Picture a room full of writers, sales reps, teachers, and lawyers, a glass or two of wine, and voila! An unforgettable evening.
One caveat: there’s no age recommendation on the box. If you’re including children in the game, make sure you have a back-up activity planned for them.
Want to give the game for Christmas, or have it on hand for group get-togethers?
Log on to www.derivationfun.com.
For more word origins, check out titles by Charles Earle Funk at your local library.
Other last-minute gift ideas:
Computer: MisterTech, (248) 627-9426
Michigan-made gourmet gift basket: Nana’s, 8217 State Road, Goodrich, (810) 636-7733
Coffee gift baskets featuring locally roasted ABeanToGo gourmet coffee, Be Thoughtful Gift Express, (248) 802-2843 or (248) 894-6237
OSHA-approved lightweight 225-pound “Extend and Climb” ladder adjusts from 2.5 to 12.5 feet, Ace Hardware, Ortonville
Decorative water crock and water service, AK’WA Water, (248) 627-3474
Decorative mirrors, CB Glass, (248) 627-6550
Car detailing, Cobra Detailing, (248) 627-1278.
Gift certificate for angel or other mural: Anna Keeble Interiors and Art, (248) 505-0873, www.dkinteriorsandart.com
Remote car starter: Customer Stereo & Alarm, 8221 S. State Road, Goodrich, (810) 636-7080
Cleaning service: A Mop & 2 Moms, (248) 627-7506, (248) 467-9645
Massage, Wellness Enhancement, (248) 627-2125
New tires: Brandon Tire & Service Center, 595 M-15, Ortonville, (248) 627-2500.
Apple gift boxes, Ashton Orchard, 3295 Seymour Lake, Ortonville, (248) 627-6671
Jewelry, Jim’s Jewelry on M-15 in Goodrich, or D. L. Bonner’s Jewelry on Mill St., Ortonville
Greater Ortonville Chamber of Commerce Cookbook, available at The Citizen, 12 South St., Ortonville, (248) 627-4332
Stocking/card stuffers: Lottery tickets from Bueche’s Food Center, Ortonville
Collector’s knives: Mill Street Market, 458 Mill St., Ortonville, (248) 627-8516
Pickup liners, head and taillight covers, Nu-View Auto Glass, 8355 S. State Road, Goodrich: (810) 636-6300, 800-789-2447.
Gift baskets, Porter’s Orchard, 12160 Hegel Road, Goodrich, (810) 636-7156
Satellite TV, USA Wireless, 465 South St. Ortonville, (248) 627-4833
Selection of photo papers, frame from Rite Aid, M-15 in Ortonville
Burt’s Bees items, Tranquility Spa, 48 South St., Ortonville, (248) 627-5744.
Collectibles: Willow Pointe, 425 M-15, Ortonville, (248) 627-4340
Dog gear: Oogiewear, (248) 627-1212, www.oogiewear.com.
Pottery, twig furniture, Red Pine pottery (248) 627-6281
Pavers for Oaktree/Reid Elementary playgrounds, name-personalized, (810) 695-1365 or (810) 636-7502
Bears and Folk Art Dolls: Wren in the Willow Country Store, 8241 S. State Road, Goodrich, (810) 636-3434
“Lissy-Lost” by Goodrich author and illustrator Lori Taylor, loonwoman@chartermi.net, or singingsprucestudio.com
Paintball supplies, Brown’s Do-it Center in Goodrich, 7281 S. State Road in Goodrich, (810) 636-7022
Brandon High School store: Open to parents 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 18.
Skate gear: Freestyle Skate Shop, 380 Mill St.