The Phrases We Use When Things Are Easy

by Dictionary Scoop     Some things in life are so simple and effortless that they deserve their own colorful descriptions. It wasn’t difficult to compile these ten phrases: 1-I can do it in my sleep    We all have that one recipe we know by heart—the one we turn to whenever we want to impress …

This Girl Had A Pocket Full Of Determination

by Kevin Burton    It’s girl power times three on Page 7 today.    The third story is about car repair, the first two about clothing, beginning with my favorite, a rare tale of a big company responding to consumers. All three are from the Good news Network:    “A young English schoolgirl named Georgia …

Words Whose Standard Spelling Has Changed

by Dictionary Scoop    Just as a river constantly flows yet maintains its continuity, languages change and evolve over time. Words can shift in spelling, alter their meanings, or branch into entirely new concepts while retaining the essence that once defined them.    Even in modern times, with dictionaries and education standardizing pronunciations and definitions, notable differences …

Barratt Is First Blind Woman To Swim Channel

by Andy Corbley Good News Network    A Paralympic gold medalist has become the first blind woman to swim across the English Channel, and she finished under time.    Melanie Barratt took on the challenge after falling in love with open-water swimming.    She said that being blind has left her feeling “isolated,” but thanks …

Blind Couple Gets Assistance In Saving House

by Anders Anglesey and Amy Fenton Daily Record  (Scotland)    A blind couple on the brink of eviction has been left astounded by a stranger’s generous offer to purchase their home for them.     “Cath and John Roche, both blind since birth, were shocked when they received a Section 21 notice after their landlords’  properties in …

The Hidden Psychology Of Know-It-Alls

by Dean Burnett BBC    We all know someone like it. You probably work with or are even related to one. At office parties and family gatherings, you’re likely to have to interact with one and rediscover just how annoying they are.    We’re talking about the ‘know-it-all.’ Individuals who will enthusiastically lecture you about …

Quibbles And Bits: Sorry Drew, Didn’t Mean It!

by Kevin Burton    In a recent post about Elton John and his struggles with vision loss, I made an offhanded, rash statement. Today I make a correction.    I hope it’s not too late.    I wondered in print about what I would say to Sir Elton about blindness in the very unlikely event …

Of Sir Elton John And Seeing Things Clearly

by Kevin Burton    What would you say to Sir Elton John if you could have a moment’s conversation with him today?    Now that question may be absurd, or at least rhetorical. If you’re like me and grew up with Elton John in his prime all over the radio, as part of the fabric …

Where Ya From? What’s Your Demonym?

by Kevin Burton    People from Wichita, the nearest large city to me, are called Wichitans.  That’s straightforward enough.    People from Puebla, Mexico, a city very near to my heart, are called Poblanos. Why not Pueblanos?  Not sure, good question.    Wichitan and Poblano are demonyms. The word demonym is “Rooted in the Greek …

Last Word On Last Letter: Canada Says “Zed”

by Kevin Burton    It’s the beginning of a new year, so leave it to Page 7 to take you to the end – of the alphabet that is.    May I be the first to wish you a very happy International Z Day.    “Z Day, celebrated on Jan. 1, is a quirky and …