The Tall Poppy Syndrome

The Tall Poppy Syndrome

We’ve just returned from lands Down Under, where I’ve learned an apropos phrase: the Tall Poppy Syndrome. It’s applied to me nearly all my life. In one incident after another, for better or worse, mostly worst. I am more sensitive than people care to...
Double entendre words

Double entendre words

We’re all aware of double entendre, a French phrase that masks dirty tricks of language, sexual innuendo and such. I recall an embarrassing attempt to titter beyond my parent’s Squaresville comprehension once as a teen. Only once. Nevermore…I’d...
The Language of Love

The Language of Love

Six years ago on this day Alex died. His last words were spoken to his trainer, Dr. Irene Pepperberg: “You be good. See you tomorrow. I love you.” Alex, the African gray parrot, lived 31 years. He was smart. He learned hundreds of words and combined them...
24 words

24 words

“You, hear me! Give this fire to that old man. Pull the black worm off the bark and give it to the mother. And no spitting in the ashes!” It’s not quite the Gettysburg Address, but it is deathless prose. The double dozen ‘ultra...