Category: Uncategorized
Translation: Words into History
One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite (Irish) plays: “[I]t is not the literal past, the ‘facts’ of history, that shape us, but images of the past embodied in language.” -Brian Friel, Translations Speak and write carefully: your words are powerful, and they could become history!
Two Gifts from the Graceful, Galloping Gaelic Girl
I (Maura Grace Harrington) am not only the Graceful Grammarian—oh, no, my identity has more facets than two! I am also the Graceful Gael…or maybe the Galloping Gael…or maybe Gaelic Girl. Anyway, what this boils down to is: I’m a proud Hibernophile. Most of my graduate work focused on Irish literature, and I enjoy being involved in Irish events and organizations. As you can … Read More Two Gifts from the Graceful, Galloping Gaelic Girl
Macaroni Men
Good evening, word lovers! Did you catch tonight’s Final Jeopardy? The eyebrow-raising category: Four-Letter Words The Question: “New research shows that this word that has become ubiquitous dates back to young men also called ‘macaronis’.” The answer: Wait, let me give you a clue first… Did you get it? It’s “dude”: a derivative of “Doodle!” Who knew! This is really a funny coincidence, as … Read More Macaroni Men
A Faustian Challenge
While my students and I were discussing Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust today, this quote from the play jumped out at me. Originally written in German, it loses nothing in translation. (At least I don’t think it loses anything—but I don’t know German!) Note the parallel structures, balance, and complete thought in a succinct sentence. These elements of form allow us the freedom to … Read More A Faustian Challenge
A St. Patrick’s Day Gift for You!
In my neck of the woods, St. Patrick’s Month is in full swing. Parades have begun, the rush of Irish events is keeping all calendars full, and yes, the Harrington house is decked out for the big day. Since St. Patrick’s Day is only two weeks away, I’d like to share with you an article about the legacy of St. Patrick’s spirituality in 20th … Read More A St. Patrick’s Day Gift for You!
Semicolon Joy
I will never forget the day Professor Drabik, my Literary Types and Themes instructor at Caldwell College, announced to our class: “The mark of a truly good writer is that he or she can use the semicolon WELL.” I’m not quite sure why this particular sentence is so memorable, but it has stuck with me through 16 years! And I do my utmost to … Read More Semicolon Joy
A Granola Thought
Having just baked these scrumptious-looking granola muffins, a quote by Maya Angelou comes to mind: “Writing and cookery are just two different means of communication.” I’ll chew on it while I sample the muffins!
Sprinkles
Last year, in my travels around New Jersey, I encountered this monument to confectionary delight: a 7-foot-tall sprinkle machine! Imagine my glee! It’s YOUR turn now! Give us a word or phrase to describe this contraption!
Yes, I actually own this t-shirt.
It was a Christmas gift a couple of years ago. (Special thanks to my sister, Eilish!) Prophetic? Perhaps. Accurate? Definitely. Be warned.
The Psychology of Email
I recently came across this great article about the importance of considering how business email communications will be interpreted by the recipient. It includes some really helpful advice, which is especially useful on Monday mornings. Enjoy!
The Power of Proofreading
When I saw this sign outside one of my favorite local businesses, I was taken aback. I mean, this place sells THE most delicious maple walnut ice cream—if docs aren’t allowed, no more maple walnut ice cream for me! But then I took a second look, and I realized that the real intention of the sign is to prevent dogs from entering. While canine … Read More The Power of Proofreading
Happy Tongue Twister Day!
Looking for something to do this weekend? Hie thee to Wisconsin for the International Tongue Twister Contest! If you can say several tongue twisters in 10 seconds, you’ll be in the running to win a peck of pickled peppers, or perhaps even some seashells to sell by the seashore. My favorite tongue twisters are of Seussian origin. Fox in Socks remains, to this day, … Read More Happy Tongue Twister Day!
The Graceful Grammarian 