Writing

On Clichés Language has its limits: Great philosophers have struggled to articulate the truths they've discerned. Mystics have been rendered dumb by the beauty they've seen. The everyday person has been reduced to exasperation when his neighbor doesn't understand why something is humorous.

China wins: 223-220 [http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/medals]. We finished just two dropped batons behind. __________ One of the most knowledgeable writers I've ever met sent the following story from The Associated Press. Boys and girls, study close the italicized phrases as great examples of what to

I hardly qualify as a classicist, but I've read a lot of mythology, most of Plato, chunks of Aristotle, and an assortment of others. Despite this hobby, I'd never ran across this piece of information [http://www.reference.com/thisday/index.html?m=5&d=

If you refer to a threesome, you might use the word "trinity" or "triumvirate." Are there similar words for a foursome?

I realize I'm not suppose to be blogging on Saturdays, but just one quick thing: If you want good writing, subscribe to Oxford American [http://www.oxfordamericanmag.com/]. I've been enjoying it for a little over a year. The newest issue came three days ago, and

There is an amiable muse and a mordant muse. I'm not sure which should be indulged more. The amiable muse is more edifying; the mordant muse, more entertaining.

I have a couple of rough days ahead, but I'm taking off Friday, three of my kids will be gone for the Memorial Day Weekend (three days with their grandparents), and I plan to have plenty of leisure. Just give me strength to get through these next four

In high school, I was always taught: "Put two spaces after a period." When I started freelancing, editors told me to stop doing it. I never knew what to think. This month's Atlantic explains what happened [http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200611/word-court] in a

Long-time readers of this blog have no doubt noticed my dislike of cliches. My dislike is a little extreme, but basically it comes down to this: chiches are often substitutes for (and obstacles to) genuine clear thinking and inventive writing. The New Book of Lists [http://www.amazon.com/

> After scouring the soft white underbelly of the English language, from bathroom walls to the Internet, the editors of the Historical Dictionary of American Slang have chosen "jump the couch" as the Slang of the Year for 2005. . . . The phrase is taken from Tom Cruise's