The Latest from Mr. Vocabulary Man

By Byron Harvey / August 29, 2008 /

“sy·co·phant” Pronunciation: -fent also -fant Function: noun Etymology: Latin sycophanta slanderer, swindler, from Greek sykophantes slanderer, from sykon fig + phainein to show — more at fancy Date: 1575 Definition: a servile self-seeking flatterer Synonyms: see “parasite” Used in a sentence: Olbermann and Matthews, who proved themselves sycophants during the entire Democratic National Convention, wouldn’t…

Sometimes a Duck is Just a Duck

By Byron Harvey / August 28, 2008 /

In fact, most of the time… The Chronicles of Narnia; Pilgrim’s Progress; even Animal Farm; these are allegorical books, written on one level but symbolizing deeper truth meant to be understood on a different level. This is a time-honored style of writing, and much good has been done by such works. But there are some…

Unfortunate Metaphors

By Byron Harvey / August 27, 2008 /

From a friend: Funny Metaphors Used in High School Essays Just in case you need some writing inspiration. Every year, English teachers from across the USA submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays. These excerpts are published each year to the amusement of teachers across the country. Here are…

Is Obama Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory?

By Byron Harvey / August 26, 2008 /

We can only hope so… Wayne Root is the Libertarian Party Veep Candidate, on the ticket with Bob Barr, who’d be getting my vote if not for the fact that the Supreme Court is too important to let Obamessiah pick the next Justices. At any rate, other than some gripes I have with the last…