I've been busy on facebook, twitter, google reader, goodreads and friendfeed on occasion. I've been neglecting this blog, del.icio.us, flickr and a host of services I signed up for and haven't used much. While it's pretty rare that I don't post at least an item a day, they don't all show up here. So I think the next step is clear, I should convert this space into something between the "river of news" and "lifestream" concept. We'll see if I can reserve a late night slot for the upgrade.
Recently in Words & Language Category
The last year summed up in twenty-four words inspired by Jennie and the Mayfly project.
India trips delighted. Lost one rudder on two sailing trips. Fall came and the market fell too. Darkness and Winter overstaying, no return ticket.
Here is a funny website to jumpstart your writing, Write or Die. It is a writing exercise where you have a blank box to start writing in. If you stop for any reason there are consequences. One of the levels will start erasing what you have already wrote. Wow, is that motivation to keep going. Check it out if you have some writing that has been waiting on the back burner for all too long.
Normally I reserve this space for omphaloskepsis, but today I think it is time for some new words. Check out the 50 Favorite Words on the BBC's web site. I dare you to throw one into casual conversation.
A few weeks ago I was alerted to the fact that I was using the phrase " the Lion's Share" far too often. When asked about what the cliche might mean I was at a loss. It turns out that it comes from Aesop's Fables. Thanks to google I got a quick explanation. Turns out the Lion's Share is 75% and speaks too the Lion's sense of entitlement.
The Lion went once a-hunting along with the Fox, the Jackal, and the Wolf. They hunted and they hunted 'til at last they surprised a Stag, and soon took its life. Then came the question how the spoil should be divided. "Quarter me this Stag," roared the Lion; so the other animals skinned it and cut it into four parts. Then the Lion took his stand in front of the carcass and pronounced judgment: The first quarter is for me in my capacity as King of Beasts; the second is mine as arbiter; another share comes to me for my part in the chase; and as for the fourth quarter, well, as for that, I should like to see which of you will dare to lay a paw upon it."
"Humph," grumbled the Fox as he walked away with his tail between his legs; but he spoke in a low growl ."You may share the labours of the great, but you will not share the spoil."
[The Lion's Share]
"We old folks have to find our cushions and pillows in our tankards. Strong beer is the milk of the old."
-- Martin Luther
I thought Martin Luther said this, " "Beer is proof that God loves us, and wants us to be happy", but that was Benjamin Franklin.
Bret was right, I was wrong.
-- Martin Luther
I love prowling the internet looking for funny t-shirts. I found this one on threadless and sent the link to Jennie, my scrabble playing bud from 5th & 6th grade. Check out Jennie's t-shirt.
I'm a sucker for unscientific polls.
| Your Linguistic Profile: |
| 65% General American English |
| 20% Upper Midwestern |
| 10% Yankee |
| 0% Dixie |
| 0% Midwestern |
There are two things in life that always make me feel better.
- Taking a long walk.
- Reading a book.
