Ten Inflammable Words We Use Incorrectly

by Dictionary Scoop    Vocabulary is in great part learned through copying and imitating others, but this can lead to incorrect use of a word becoming widespread.    Let’s explore some words that you might be using incorrectly. (Then let’s enjoy some snarky comments from your humble blogger.) 1-Nauseous    Many people use “nauseous” to describe …

Strange College Traditions Around the Country

by Interesting Facts    When you think of U.S. college traditions, alcohol-fueled antics and Animal House tropes may come to mind, but that wouldn’t be giving college students nearly enough credit.    Students have found creative ways over the years to forget the stresses of academic life. These stories showcase some of the strangest. Dragon Day (Cornell …

Floating An Idea For Next Year’s Anniversary

by Kevin Burton    From out of the blue, (and from the Associated Press) I get a super idea for a fun adventure. And my wife is shooting it down.    But wait.  I say this is a developing story. We have almost a whole year to talk things over.    Stay tuned dear readers, …

Quibbles And Bits: B-Side Fortune Cookies

by Kevin Burton    I list these songs below, and chances are you’ll pick up right away where I am going with them:    “Laughing” and “Undun” by the Guess Who, “It’s Too Late” and  “I Feel The Earth Move” by Carole King  “Who’ll Stop The Rain” and  “Travelling Band” by Credence Clearwater Revival, “Something” …

Can True Love Be Found At A Flea Market?

by Kevin Burton    The Burtons love a good farmer’s market. And the local weather has been conducive to attending the outdoor version.    So this could happen pretty soon. Sign us up!    A farmer’s market of course, is the much yummier first cousin of a garage sale.    But what of a flea …

International Women’s Day, Because Why Not?

by Kevin Burton    Tomorrow dear reader, is International Women’s Day.    When I gave my wife Jeannette those glad tidings she said “What does that mean?”    An excellent question from an excellent woman.    “Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination,” is the invitation from the International Women’s …

Some Charming Words For Nasty People

by Kevin Burton    My assigned task was to write past-due notices to customers. Dry enough, but I had some fun with it.    I was working as an office assistant at a photo lab in Columbus, Ohio. We were in the not-so-busy season, taking care of things that didn’t get done during the busy …

Thou Shalt Not Steal Said Llamas In The Night

by Good News Network    A would-be thief was caught by police after a herd of llamas cornered the suspect in a field until officers could arrive.    And not a Florida man in sight.    The crook was fleeing the scene after stealing from a woman in Derbyshire, England, and he decided to squeeze …

Pigeons And Doves: A Valentine’s Day Primer

by Kevin Burton    You’ve heard of rose-colored glasses?  You’ve heard of beer goggles? You’ve heard of “I only have eyes for you, sh-bop, sh-bop?    Well it’s Valentine’s week and here on Page 7, for the occasion, we’re going to do a little bird watching. Stay with me now, for as the kids say, …

Opportunity Lost, Conscience, Laundry Clean

by Kevin Burton    I set the phone down in the office, just long enough to go downstairs and start a load of laundry.    How virtuous is that!    But alas, in doing so, I let a precious opportunity slip away. “Kicking myself” is not the half of it.    I don’t often leave …