The End of the Dog Days

Remember, in the not too distant past, when the term "The Dog Days of Summer" had some significance?

It generally referred to the period, right about now, when the toll of summer heat had made people more languid than usual, resulting in many businesses closed for a week or two, family vacations scheduled, major news at a premium and in general a sort of torpor or doldrums would  set in. Even Congress was on recess  and not attending to the country's business. In ancient times, people believed the Dog Days to be an evil time when the sea boiled, wine turned sour and dogs grew mad.

But, alas, in the 21st century like so much else that we were used to, the Dog Days have lost their relevance. Perhaps it is  the widespread availability of air conditioning and indeed our 24/7 technology (texting and tweeting are never on vacation) that has eliminated or greatly reduced the doldrums. A prime example of  how Summer has changed is the early start to the school year compared to even 10 or 20 years ago--never mind TNB's childhood when the Dog Days were certainly present.

Of course, the end of the Dog Days is primarily an American phenomenon. In Europe (where paid vacations far outstrip those in the U.S.) some countries are still more or less closed down in August. But take comfort that at least one American institution is still celebrating the Dog Days--the aforementioned Congress. When they do return to Washington,  no matter what time of the year, it will still be an evil time and it wouldn't surprise anyone if the sea boiled, the wine turned sour and the dogs grew mad.