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Friday, April 27, 2012

Homonym of the Day


Rain falls from the sky.
To rein in a horse--or, by extension, one's enthusiasm--means to hold it back. Giving "free rein," on the other hand, means letting it go.
Monarchs reign from thrones.
These words are homonyms. They sound the same but have very different meanings. Since horses are no longer part of everyday life for most English speakers, there is great confusion over rein and reign. Here's another case where Matthew's recommended study of Latin would help out a lot. Journalists, take note.

[This was originally and mistakenly posted on Books in Northport. I meant to post it here.]

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Greening

Chives and sorrel

Parsley

Rhubarb, strawberries, the odd weed and last year's straw bales

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Just Call Me "Nobody"

As in --

"Nobody reads books any more." (I do.)

"Nobody writes real letters any more." (I do.)

"Nobody uses e-mail any more." (They do everything through their "social networks"? Not me.)

So e-mail, send me a letter, or write me a book. I'll get the message.