Category: Uncategorized
Shakespearean contributions
My students often explain to me that the reason that Shakespeare’s writing is somewhat challenging to understand is that he wrote in “Old English.” They are skeptical, incredulous, nay, even horrified when I tell them that he wrote not in Old English, nor even Middle English, but Modern English! Now, of course, Shakespeare’s Modern English was early Modern English—but it was Modern English, nonetheless. … Read More Shakespearean contributions
It’s ALIVE!
When I was in college a zillion years ago (from 1997 through 2001), not many colleges in New Jersey required that students take a gym class. While I am almost adequate at certain sports and enjoy being very active, I have always been a little bit nervous about gym classes. In college, our gym classes—two semesters’ worth—were to be selected from particular among sports. … Read More It’s ALIVE!
Here’s my card: Take 2
To reflect changing realities (including a new website), the Graceful Grammarian has gotten some new business cards. This time, they’re double sided! If you’d like a few to distribute to friends and associates, give a holler!
GG in Gannett!
Happy St. Patrick’s Eve! About a week ago, Marta Deyrup and I learned that the book that we co-edited would be featured in all of the Gannett newspapers in New Jersey! And this morning, the article appeared online. (Since I don’t live in Gannett territory, I’m not sure on which day the article was/will be printed.) Here’s the article (via the Gannett Courier-Post). What … Read More GG in Gannett!
Helpful Advice from Ms. Mentor
For me, a picture captioned “a pic of my dog and I” produces a nails-down-the-chalkboard response. I’m glad to see that I’m not alone. I hope that you enjoy the sage advice in this article, in The Chronicle of Higher Education, by Emily Toth.
How much do you know about some of Ireland’s most famous writers?
Just for some pre-St. Patrick’s Day fun: take this quiz to find out!
A Perspective on W.B. Yeats’ “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”
One of my favorite poets is W.B. Yeats (you’re shocked, I know)—and one of my favorite of his poems is “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.” I’m not alone in liking this poem—in fact, for quite a few years, Irish schoolchildren were required to memorize it, as it is aesthetically beautiful and contains nationalist overtones. I’d like to share with you both the poem and … Read More A Perspective on W.B. Yeats’ “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”
GG in the News
The Graceful Grammarian’s alter ego, Gaelic Girl, has been getting some press lately! Here she is again, this time on Baristanet.
Woman Abandoned; Baby on Facebook?
This morning, I woke up to this headline: “Woman Abandoned in Restroom as Baby Seeks Mom on Facebook.” Maybe it’s because I wasn’t yet fully awake, but I did NOT expect to see this photo accompanying the article. I immediately envisioned a woman being left in a bathroom (by whom or for what reason, I have no idea), while simultaneously, a remarkably precocious baby … Read More Woman Abandoned; Baby on Facebook?
Middle Name Pride Day
Happy Middle Name Pride Day! Yes, it’s a real holiday! OK, so it’s not officially recognized by the US government, but it is mentioned a few times on the internet. Whether it’s a real holiday or not, let’s celebrate it! Poor middle names! They so often are relegated to the realm of initial-dom. My thought is this: my parents went to the trouble of … Read More Middle Name Pride Day
Gaelic Girl Strikes Again
Guess who had an unexpected opportunity to make some remarks for an article in The Montclair Times last week about Irish legends, reading, an exciting upcoming event, and a new book! I’ll give you three guesses.
The Medium Is the…Carvel Cake
Part of the genius of our good family friend Fr. Bob Brennan is that he knows exactly how to deliver a message. Fr. Bob has had his share of maladies, and he is the first to offer sympathy when anyone is suffering. He has a keen sense of in what way each individual suffers, and he takes tremendous joy in ministering to those in … Read More The Medium Is the…Carvel Cake
The Graceful Grammarian 