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AWADmail Issue 147

A Weekly Compendium of Feedback on the Words in A.Word.A.Day and Other Interesting Tidbits about Words and Languages

From: Anu Garg (garg AT wordsmith.org)
Subject: Interesting stories from the net

Watching Weasel Words:
abc.net.au

Linguist Studies 'Dude':
guardian.co.uk

Talking a Language Back From the Brink:
chronicle.com

2005: The Year of Languages in the United States:
washingtontimes.com

From: Bruce Bannerman (bannerATquixnet.net)
Subject: Thoughts on Contango

Contango

Like interest,
in advance,
cha, cha, cha.
Another step,
in the monetary dance.

From: Ed Buhl (etbuhlATaol.com)
Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--sumptuary

In the Middle Ages, there were sumptuary laws, which forbade persons of low social standing -- commoners -- from wearing expensive garments and jewelry. These were reserved for the nobility and persons of importance. Apparently it was feared one would no longer know to whom to give obeisance!

From: Melissa Epstein (tziyonahATyahoo.com)
Subject: Dec. 8 quote

Today's quote by chemistry professor Fred Menger prompted the most wonderful corollary from my father, Arthur Epstein, professor of chemistry and physics: "Sometimes you can coerce data by threatening deletion."

From: Char Hoxie (charhoxATchartermi.net)
Subject: Your Business Story (Re: contango)

Thank you so much for sharing the story about the "school of business and life." I loved it! I have often said that some of the saddest people on earth are those who enter teaching thinking they are going to teach a subject and find out they are teaching kids. Your story made me think about how much I've learned from the many children I supposedly "taught" over the years. Bless you!

From: Richard Graham (rzhaograhamATyahoo.com)
Subject: Ananya

Am I being too punny about the penny exchange? I have, as mentioned, a nearly 7-year old son, Danesh who sounds like a match for your matchless one.

He'd been helping me with shopping, scurrying to other aisles to find things and off loading the trolley onto the check out stand. I gave him the small change in return for all the help (not a pre-condition you understand). He took it, turned, went over to the large plexiglass collection drum for various causes that we have all over China in lieu of Community Chests and such, and carefully put it all in. I've never explored the subject of charity with him and he didn't turn to me for approval or approbation, just rejoined me and the bagged groceries and accepted my hand and the squeeze it gave.

High is our calling, Friend!--Creative Art / (Whether the instrument of words she use, Or pencil pregnant with ethereal hues,) / Demands the service of a mind and heart. -William Wordsworth, poet (1770-1850)