The discussion I hear (when bailout funding to states is mentioned) centers around infrastructure–bridges, highways, etc. What about education? California’s train wreck of a budget will crush a lot of college dreams. Robert Reich says it much better than I can. Money quote: Education is largely funded by state and local governments whose revenues areContinue reading “Citigroup? What About the Huddled Masses?”
Author Archives: Norm Benson
Just in Time for the Holidays
My wife and I remember to be grateful at each meal. Now with the Say-A-Blessing Electronic Keychain I can recite the correct blessing whenever, wherever, and for whatever, in Hebrew. No more memorizing. It’s also a flashlight unto my feet. Mazel tov.
Quantum of Wallace
I had to pass this one along. I found it hilarious. Thanks to Andrew Sullivan for the link.
Oh my, shoganai
Over at Pink Tentacle is a list of the Top 60 popular Japanese words/phrases of 2008. The number one Japanese word for 2008 is (drum roll, please….): “Guu” — a corruption of the English word “good” and the signature line of comedienne Edo Harumi, delivered with the thumbs-up gesture. Comedy comes from the culture.
Apparently Atlas Shrugged Because He Didn't Understand
New York magazine has posted personals ads from TheAtlasphere.com. The Atlas in Atlasphere alludes to Atlas Shrugged, Rand’s 1000 page Magnum Opus. Magnum opus is Latin for “doorstop.” The Atlasphere’s mission is to “bring together admirers of Ayn Rand’s novels, from around the globe, to network both personally and professionally.” After all, Ayn Rand’s novelsContinue reading “Apparently Atlas Shrugged Because He Didn't Understand”
Apparently Atlas Shrugged Because He Didn’t Understand
New York magazine has posted personals ads from TheAtlasphere.com. The Atlas in Atlasphere alludes to Atlas Shrugged, Rand’s 1000 page Magnum Opus. Magnum opus is Latin for “doorstop.” The Atlasphere’s mission is to “bring together admirers of Ayn Rand’s novels, from around the globe, to network both personally and professionally.” After all, Ayn Rand’s novelsContinue reading “Apparently Atlas Shrugged Because He Didn’t Understand”
Lynne Viehl’s Devil’s Writing Dictionary
S. L. (Lynn) Viehl over at Paperback Writer has a nifty Devil’s Writing Dictionary. I love her definition of novel: Novel: a rambling, proportionally disorganized fictional prose narrative of considerable length (usually 60,000 words or more) that typically possesses some semblance of a plot (unless literary, see Literature) that is presented in between sequences ofContinue reading “Lynne Viehl’s Devil’s Writing Dictionary”
Lynne Viehl's Devil's Writing Dictionary
S. L. (Lynn) Viehl over at Paperback Writer has a nifty Devil’s Writing Dictionary. I love her definition of novel: Novel: a rambling, proportionally disorganized fictional prose narrative of considerable length (usually 60,000 words or more) that typically possesses some semblance of a plot (unless literary, see Literature) that is presented in between sequences ofContinue reading “Lynne Viehl's Devil's Writing Dictionary”
I Give Thanks
For writing. For friends. For my wife. For great holiday stories, like the one I just heard about a couple arguing over who is more OCD. Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone. If you’re one of my readers from outside of the US. It’s a day of gluttony in which we’re thankful that … well youContinue reading “I Give Thanks”
Word (or Phrase) of the Year
From the American Dialect Society: What is the word or phrase which best characterizes the year 2008? What expression most reflects the ideas, events, and themes which have occupied the United States and its residents? Nominations should be sent to woty@americandialect.org. The best “word of the year” candidates will be: —new or newly popular inContinue reading “Word (or Phrase) of the Year”
Nullius in Verba 