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May 18, 2011
This week's themeWords derived from circus This week's words three-ring circus desultory dog-and-pony show hey rube jumbo Newsy anagrams All the news that's fit to anagram The Anagram Times 
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A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Gargdog-and-pony show
PRONUNCIATION:
(dog and POH-nee shoh)
MEANING:
noun:
An elaborately staged presentation or briefing arranged for public
relations, selling, etc. Also, a presentation that is overly contrived.
ETYMOLOGY:
After small traveling circuses that featured tricks involving dogs and
ponies. Earliest documented use: 1885.
USAGE:
"Rather than be honest about the tragic missteps of the past and confront
the lingering issues over detainee treatment, the Pentagon puts on a
preposterous dog-and-pony show when reporters come calling."Pentagon's Offensive Guantanamo Show; St. Petersburg Times (Florida); Jul 7, 2009. "Cebu Pacific, the Philippines-based airline, has turned their safety announcement into a true dog-and-pony show. Their flight attendants dance to the music of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry while pointing out and demonstrating safety equipment. It's even choreographed." (video) Gail Todd; Some Airlines Employ Humor With Safety Announcements; Chicago Daily Herald (Illinois); Apr 3, 2011. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization. -Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)
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