Meanwhile, back at the ranch ... is a phrase frequently used by narrators of American cowboy movies and TV shows as a segue from one scene to another. It originated as a stock subtitle in the silent movies of the early 1900s, but came into such common use that it took on a life of its own and is still with us today. For example, it's the title of a children's book by Trinka Hakes Noble (published 1992); the first album of the German country band Texas Lightning; and the root of the name of the English band Meanwhile, back in Communist Russia... (1999-2004). It is also the name of a song by Badfinger from the album "Wish You Were Here" (1974).Now is frequently used by teachers to expand their students' knowledge in understanding old sayings still used today, such as,"close,but no cigar".