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MCMLXXXIII.

RIP. IOU. BRB.

L

My hope for the world

If I could teach students, writers, and copyeditors only one thing, it might be this: the past tense of lead (verb, pronounced LEED: to guide others by going in advance of) is led, not lead (noun, pronounced LED: a soft grey metal). I see this error made so commonly that I'm starting to doubt that the distinction is correct (but it is: I checked!).

Professional editors should not make this mistake. But perhaps I am a lone voice in this particular language wilderness.

Sighfully,
L

Toward the new year

From "It Won't Take Long" (as performed by Indigo Girls; original lyrics by Ferron)

...oh beware you sagging diplomats
for you will not hear one gun
and though our homes be torn and ransacked
we will not be undone
for as we let ourselves be bought
we're gonna let ourselves be free
and if you think we stand alone
take a look around and you will see

we are children in the rafters
we are babies in the park
we are lovers at the movies
we are candles in the dark
we are changes in the weather
we are snowflakes in july
we are women grown together
we are men who easily cry
we are words not quickly spoken
we're the deeper side of try
we are dreamers in the making
we are not afraid of why

Ah.

Snowbound,
L

What Book Am I?

Took a quiz to find out what book I am. Here is the result:

You're The Dictionary!
by Merriam-Webster
You're one of those know-it-all types, with an amazing amount of knowledge at your command. People really enjoy spending time with you in very short spurts, but hanging out with you for a long time tends to bore them. When folks really need an authority to refer to, however, you're the one they seek. You're an exceptional speller and very well organized.

Wow! I'm amazed.

Want to take the book quiz yourself? Go here. Enjoy!