grin and bare it
A blog by Matthew Dicks
A decade of neologisms
Here’s a selection of The Guardian’s favorite neologisms of the last ten years. These words and expressions were all coined in particular parts of the world in specific years: they’re principally slang and jargon, catching…
Read MoreLiterary and Pregnancy Dos and Don’ts
I adore this Romance Heroine’s Don’ts List. It’s quite amusing. I thought I’d create a list as well. So inspired by the birth of my friend’s first child two days ago, here is my “Friends…
Read MoreBest books of 2009
The New Yorker’s writers list some of their favorite books of 2009. Ann Kingman, Michael Kindness, and the Books on the Nightstand listeners list some of their favorites from the past year. I hoped to…
Read MoreAn honor or a disservice?
The NY Times ran a piece about the most commonly shoplifted books. Oddly enough, The Bible tops the list in some stores. Perhaps people feel entitled to the word of their Lord. Or maybe The…
Read MoreTalented teenager
My former student has been creating some stop-motion videos that are both ingenious and highly entertaining. She was brilliant when I taught her in third grade, but she’s even more impressive seven years later. Please…
Read MoreLook! A Democrat who speaks like a Republican!
I try not to be too political on this blog, but sometimes I can’t help it. I’ve also been told by those who represent me to be myself and not be afraid to share my…
Read MoreThe story of our engagement
On December 28, 2004, I asked my wife to marry me. My goal was to give her a proposal that she would never forget. Here is the story: Elysha’s favorite room in the world is…
Read MoreRise up, my brothers and sisters!
Mark Wilson and I are simpatico when handling movie theater talkers. I agree with everything he suggests. On Wednesday, my friend and I plan on seeing Avatar at the local IMAX theater. If anyone dares…
Read MoreNothing good can come of it
When I am helping a friend or colleague prepare for a confrontation with a coworker, boss, family member, or similar individual, I often ask the same question: What is your expectation for a reasonable outcome?…
Read MoreI don’t care if Glenn Beck is on your Christmas list
An excellent question from Kate Ward of Shelf Life in regards to gift-giving etiquette: “Is it possible to feel good about spending $20 for a book you despise but know your loved one will devour?”…
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