Port, Starboard, Larboard. The term starboard, the nautical term for the right-hand half of the ship, comes from Old English storbord and is a combination of stor, meaning steer, and bord , meaning board.. On old ships the rudder or steering paddle would be on the right side of the ship. Hence, the term starboard.
October Birthstone - Opal and Tourmaline. The folk who are born in the month of October are probably one of the lucky few who can choose between two different types of stones for their birth month. The stones that characterise births in October are opal and tourmaline.
Octoberâs birthstone, the opal, symbolizes faithfulness and confidence. The word comes from the Latin opalus, meaning âprecious jewel.â Necklaces with opals set in them were worn to repel evil and to protect eyesight. Novemberâs birthstone, the topaz, symbolizes love and affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect. Decemberâs birthstone, turquoise, is regarded as a love charm. It is also a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. Turquoise rings, in particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits.