Write and Polish ~ News & Blog

Gold Star to author Tom Vanderbilt in Slate.com article

4/10/2012

Whilst reading Slate.com over lunch today, as we frequently do, we encountered this Gold-Star-worthy gem from author Tom Vanderbilt:

"an America enraptured by the cultural prosthesis that is the automobile...."

That, ladies and gentlemen, is a fine phrase -- embedded in a fine article about a pedestrian crisis...that is, the fact that Americans just don't walk.

Enjoy the full article here.

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Outbreak of Great Vocabulary -- We've Created an Award for That!

2/27/2012

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A recent outbreak of Great Vocabulary has inspired us to create an award. Way back, we all enjoyed getting a gold star for the day. Now, you can have that satisfaction again! Use a great word (or phrase) and you may find yourself in possession of a Gold Vocabulary Star!

Inaugural awards go to Media Beyond for use of 'ennui' in their fabulous new demo video, Chris Rickert's recent 'kerfuffle' in the Wisconsin State Journal, and Jim Hall of DCS Property Inspections for 'flotsam and jetsam.'

Well expressed, each of you!

Feel free to submit nominations of worthy word usage. Point us in the direction of the especially literate or clever by sending an e-mail or commenting on this thread. Tell us the person/entity you'd like to recognize, the word or phrase, and a link to the context so we may enjoy it ourselves. We'll be happy to recognize those using the language with loving creativity!!So, light up the firmament with great vocabulary and the Gold Stars that go along with it!!

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Gold Star (Retroactive) to Director Joe Carnahan in NPR Interview

1/27/2012

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We initially commended Joe Carnahan for his use [invention?] of the adjective, "schmuck-y"in the course of discussing his new film, "The Grey."

He was indicating that the movie may be his response to being "perceived as this schmuck-y action director who doesn't have anything meaningful to say."

Nicely phrased, Joe! Thanks for upping the ante, both in film and in vocabulary!

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Recognition of a Fine Turn of Phrase

10/31/2011

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Today's recognition for a nice turn of phrase goes to Chris Rickert of Lee Newspapers in his commentary that ran in Racine's Journal Times today (originally appearing, it would seem, in the Wisconsin State Journal):

"I knew immediately when I read about the group last week that I wanted to be a part of it. But I also know I've been well served by a strict adherence to the old Groucho Marx maxim never never to join any club that would have me as a member. (I suspect the clubs have benefited from this as well.)"

(You can read the entire column here.)

Well expressed, Chris!

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Gold Star to author Tom Vanderbilt in Slate.com article

Outbreak of Great Vocabulary -- We've Created an Award for That!

Gold Star (Retroactive) to Director Joe Carnahan in NPR Interview

Recognition of a Fine Turn of Phrase

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