WC has apparently confused folks by describing his approach to this blog as the embodiment of the Magpie Principle. While we live in confusing times, WC doesn’t want to unnecessarily contribute to that confusion. So let’s see if WC can explain his reference. (WC has used the term – sometimes as “magpie sensibility” – to…
WC doesn’t envy anyone who attempts English as a second language. The language is riddled with euphemisms, words with multiple meanings and contextual defined term. As just one example, let’s use a term WC blogged about recently, “yard birds.” WC meant bird species seen in his yard. But “yard birds” has other meanings. There’s the…
Ten years ago today, on November 29, 2008, the first blog post on Wickersham’s Conscience went live. That post was read in the first week by . . . a total of eight readers. The U.S. and, for that matter, most of the world, was mired in George W. Bush’s recession, Barack Obama had just…
The Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year for 2018 is toxic. No, wait, that’s confusing. The word of the year is the adjective “toxic.” The Word of the Year isn’t itself toxic. “Toxic” joins “youthquake” (lame), “post-truth,” “vape” and “selfie,” all recent Oxford Dictionary Words of the Year. Prior winners also include “refudiate,” a Palinism,…
Long time readers of Wickersham’s Conscience know that at irregular intervals WC tries to follow-up on topics discussed earlier. It’s not systematic and it’s certainly not due diligence, But readers may be interested in what has happened since on some subjects, so here’s an effort. Nor is it stump grinding, but we’ll get to that…
It’s time for one of WC’s irregular nods to journalism and diligence. While the Magpie Principle usually rules around here, sometimes foggy memories of WC’s one journalism class emerge and you get a post like this. So here are some follow-ups, nods and quibbles on stuff WC has written about earlier. No less venerable an…
Another anniversary. Not fun, perhaps, but consider the alternative.
