I was looking for something yesterday– and as it turns out it was right under my nose (would that The Essential Thomas Paine be found there, too)– and not only did I find something for which I wasn’t looking (looking for, whatever), I found this as well. Context: A couple of years ago I took
Today we turn the page. We ought to regard books as we do sweetmeats, not wholly to aim at the pleasantness, but chiefly to respect the wholesomest; not forbidding either, but approving the latter most. Plutarch (ca. 46-120) “Sweetmeats” is an odd word. It means candy, confections, candied fruit bonbons. From Middle English, swete (sweet)
A follow-up to the four-part saga of Missy’s Epic Novel writing posts. Originally posted June 2019. Pt. 1: Missy Begins in the Middle; Pt. 2: Missy’s Epic Novel (so called); Pt. 3: “Have I missed something?”; Pt. 4: It’s Epic! “Marica?” Missy asked as she looked up at Marica who was having breakfast at her desk. “Yes, Missy?”
Originally posted December 2018, with more to come. “Pardon me, Marica,” Missy began, “Do you have a moment?” “Why certainly, girl,” Marica replied, “What’s up?” “Ruff?” Rocky asked. “What are your thoughts on in me-dI-us rez?” “Ruff?!?” Rocky scoffed. “What?” “Me-dI-us rez. Surely you know that term, Marica,” Missy answered. “It’s a literary devise meaning
Those of a certain age will remember James J. Kilpatrick (1920-2010), a true political pundit (“learned man”) before the term came into popular use. He and Shana Alexandra were sparing partners on 60 Minutes, and that’s how he’s remembered. For years, though he wrote a syndicated column on English and English usage. I remember reading
[FYI: That random “iv” is a link to a reference.] Check out the comments. The articles have generated quite a bit of discussion. Turns out I’m not the only one who likes crappy old books. Final part tomorrow.
… to the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy during a campaign stop… No. It does not matter that I *know* what the author of that sentence *meant.* That someone can write that– let alone (presumably) re-read it– and not be aware that it is f*cked is almost beyond belief. But I live in
A period of unfavorable weather set in. He showed satisfaction as he took possession of his well-earned reward. It rained every day for a week. He grinned as he pocketed the coin. The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr., With Revisions, an Introduction, and New Chapter on Writing by E.B. White (1959)
Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail and treat his subjects
“Marica? Do you have a minute?” Missy asked as she closed the lid to her laptop. “Of course, Missy! What’s on your mind?” Marica replied. “Ruff?” “I’m just curious. Have you read the Harry Potter books?” “No, Missy, can’t say as I have. There’re not really my cup of tea,” Marica said. “Dear Friend,” Missy
No name is more famous in American politics than “Kennedy.” The Kennedys are a powerful, elite family in American politics that have held many political positions. They’re both loved and despised. Needless to say, John Kennedy (often known as “JFK”) was born into great wealth because of his familial ties. https://www.finance101.com/richest-presidents/29/ Linked from PJMedia.com. I’m
“Hey, Missy! How’s your novel coming along?” Marica asked. “Sweepingly, Marica. Just sweepingly!” replied Missy looking up from the pile of notebooks, books, and devises on her desk. “Ruff?” Rocky questioned. “Um, Missy… don’t you mean ‘swimmingly’?” “Swimmingly!?!” Missy cried out. “What does swimming have to do with writing an epic novel? No, no. I
“Pardon me, Marica,” Missy began, “Do you have a moment?” “Why certainly, girl,” Marica replied, “What’s up?” “Ruff?” Rocky asked. “What are your thoughts on in me-dI-us rez?” “Ruff?!?” Rocky scoffed. “What?” “Me-dI-us rez. Surely you know that term, Marica,” Missy answered. “It’s a literary devise meaning ‘to being in the middle of things’.” “Ruffruffruff,”
Reading maketh a man full, conferences a ready, and writing an exact man; therefore if a man write little, he had need of a great memory; if he confer little, he had need of a present wit; and if he read little, he had need have much cunning to seem to know what he doth
Yesterday I bemoaned the sad fact that no one knows how to outline and alluded to the obvious fact that no one is going to learn by trying to outline using MS Word. I offered up my own version of the correct notation for varying degrees of subordination. However, at the time I could not
A clue as to what Mr. Big Food and I accomplished over the break. Did you know that United Egg Farmers and several large egg producers (where large modifies producers, not eggs) were sued multiple times for alleged price fixing? That’s some chicken s&^* isn’t it?More to come. We’re working under a deadline!!
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