Author Archives: Verla Viera

Intrepid Reader Barney of Ithaca, NY, is getting a lot of play on WordsWordsWords this week. Today’s mention is due to the fact that I’m reading a book he recommended. Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare, by Jeremy Butterfield, … Continue reading →

When I mentioned to Intrepid Reader Magi, currently of Somewhere-on-the-Road-in-New-Mexico (and also known as my best friend) that I wanted to do a post on back formation, she said, “That’s interesting, because I have an extra vertebra.” While I couldn’t … Continue reading →

From time to time, I like to publish, verbatim, the best spam comments I get on the blog. I especially liked these two. It practically sounds like they read it! ******* Together with almost everything which seems to be building … Continue reading →

I recently read The Sherlockian, by Graham Moore. The 28-year-old Mr. Moore is getting a lot of attention for this first novel, which has two different plot lines that unfold in alternating chapters. One is a fictional account of an … Continue reading →

Intrepid Reader Barney of Ithaca, NY, writes, “I cringe when airline flight attendants say that “federal regulations require that items are stored beneath the seat.” I want to shout out, “Use the subjunctive!!!!! It should be that federal regulations require … Continue reading →