Monthly Archives: December 2010
Three-quarters of a year in review
As another year draws to a close, we see psychology and behavior experts appearing in great numbers on the news and talk shows to advise us on our New Year’s resolutions. On the last day of 2009, one example seemed a … Continue reading
The food chain
As you may have noticed, I pay a lot of attention to etiquette. Some might say a little too much. Lately, I’ve found myself in uncharted etiquette territory. I wonder if you have too. Much has been written about online … Continue reading
Filed under Family and Friends, Food, Technology and Social Media
A place for Mrs. Prothero
Over the last few weeks, we’ve talked about Christmas traditions, sharing our families’ favorite movies, music and rituals. Before we move on from Christmas, there is another ritual in my family that I am betting no one else shares. For nearly … Continue reading
Filed under All Things Wordish, Family and Friends, Hearth and Home, Holidays, Quotes, Reading
Time for a change
I promised I’d tell you about the 9:45 a.m. phone call that got me out of bed yesterday. The call was from my doctor with the results of a recent blood test. Not to worry, the diagnosis was not of … Continue reading
Inertia
I am sorry to be a little late again today with the post. I am also sorry for all those who had to go in to work today, especially if they were the principal executors of their families’ holiday preparations. … Continue reading
At last
It’s finally time to be serious. For nearly a month now, I have complained and laughed nervously about the madness that are the weeks leading up to Christmas. It happens every year. I push myself past the limits to get … Continue reading
Filed under Holidays, Movies, Television and Radio
Nightmare before Christmas
The stress of the impending Christmas holiday has caught up with me. Maybe you can relate. Perhaps by the end of the day today, you will have reached your travel destination or your visiting relatives have arrived on your doorstep. … Continue reading
Filed under Family and Friends, Holidays, Movies, Television and Radio
A[n] honorary language convention
A few days ago, a reader asked me to address the subject of indefinite articles preceding words beginning with the letter “h.” I reviewed my understanding of the rules pertaining to the subject and set it aside pending consultation of … Continue reading
Filed under All Things Wordish, Politics, Travel
Ironic, my dear Watson
Perhaps you have read the news that in February, for the first time ever, a computer will compete on Jeopardy! You might remember when an IBM computer beat chess world champion Garry Kasparov in a six-game match in 1997. IBM’s … Continue reading
Sentimental greeting
How long have you had your current voice mail greeting? I just realized we have had the same greeting on our home phone for 15 years. Isn’t it about time we changed it? There are three distinct and definitive reasons we … Continue reading
