When we think of traditional Christmas carols such as "Away in a Manger" or "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," we assume they have been with us through the ages. As … [Read more...]
Principles for Critiquing? Or Bone-crushing Reviews?
On June 14, 1922, Warren G. Harding became the first U.S. President to have his voice transmitted by radio. This did not impress journalist H. L. Mencken, who said … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving or Turkey Day?
I was sad years back to find that numerous students even in Christian high schools and colleges do not know the origins behind American Thanksgiving and join many … [Read more...]
More Interesting Word Origins
I love tracking word origins because so there is so often are interesting stories behind them. Apparently knucklehead refers to someone with a brain the size of a … [Read more...]
Dated Words – Here Today Gone Tomorrow
This blog highlights popular expressions made obsolete as technology marches forward. For example, I used to joke that I had a photographic memory that wasn’t … [Read more...]
October 16 is National Dictionary Day
October 16 is National Dictionary Day, an unofficial holiday celebrating the birthday of Noah Webster who published An American Dictionary of the English Language in … [Read more...]
Danger Zone or Unwise Questions
Who has not accidentally asked unwise awkward questions you immediately wished you could retract? We vocalize questions in light, rising tones, but if offensive, the … [Read more...]
“Lest We Forget”
“Lest we forget” is a phrase often used in Remembrance Day services in English-speaking countries, but it also applies to other dates. September 11, 2001 is one such … [Read more...]
Onomatopoeia – sound effect words make storytelling live
Profound thanks to the Greeks for creating sound effect words. The term comes from two combined Greek words, onoma meaning “name” and poiein meaning “to make” or … [Read more...]
Truisms – Pithy statements of obvious truth
Tru·ism - a statement that is obviously true but says nothing new or interesting. Synonyms for the term include platitude, cliché, banality. This post exists because … [Read more...]
