A-Z of English words with surprising origins

There are plenty of surprises. Who knew that marmalade, for instance, while eternally associated in my mind with Paddington Bear, is in fact Portuguese? So here is an A-to-Z of some of my favourite English words that have been absorbed from and inspired by other languages. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/11/26/bowords126.xml

Knitting, the Olympics and poetry

New Poetry Society director lays out plans to grab public's attention Judith Palmer explains why knitting and the Olympics can raise poetry's profile Poetry as an Olympic sport, as a prescription service and even as a very unsual knitting pattern. These are among the eyecatching if eccentric plans of Judith Palmer, the new director of the Poetry Society, to raise the artform's profile. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/nov/27/poetry-society-judith-palmer-scarf

Scottish writer 'to kill off' Batman after 70 years

IT IS enough to send any fans of the Caped Crusader into a flap. Batman is set to be "killed off" after almost 70 years of crimefighting. Scottish writer Grant Morrison has penned a dramatic new instalment of the Dark Knight's adventures, called Batman RIP, in which fans will see "the end of Bruce Wayne" as Batman http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/entertainment/Scottish-writer--39to-kill.4730822.jp

Are you kidding me? This is serious!

Or, what psychologists have to say about writing e-mail An old college friend and accomplished writer, John Scalzi, recently posted a list of writing tips for non-professionals, which I'd highly recommend for professionals and non-professionals alike. One of his most unusual suggestions is to "speak what you write" -- literally, to read your writing out loud before publishing, whether in a blog post or just an e-mail to friends. This, he argues, will not only help catch spelling and other errors (each of which Scalzi says decreases the writer's apparent IQ by 5 to 10 points), but also help you see whether you're conveying the meaning you intend. So what does psychology research have to say about this notion? (No, not that typos decrease your IQ, but the larger idea that reading your words out loud will help you determine if your meaning is clear.) more ...

Talking about disability

A Guide to Using Appropriate Language Times have changed for people with disabilities... but language lags behind. Life for most people with mental or physical disabilities is vastly improved over what it was twenty or thirty years ago. The Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal and state laws assure that people with disabilities have the same basic rights as people without disabilities. Some things have been slower to change; namely, attitudes and perceptions about people with disabilities. Ignorance and discrimination can be serious impediments to achieving integration, productivity, and independence for people with disabilities. The use of outdated language and words to describe people with disabilities contributes greatly to perpetuating old stereotypes. No longer should we view people with disabilities as helpless or tragic victims. Awareness is the first step toward correcting this injustice. If public opinion about people with disabilities is to be brought up to date, the public needs to hear and learn to use appropriate language. It is especially important for the media, elected officials, public speakers, and others in leadership positions to portray people with disabilities sensitively and realistically. This is a guide to using descriptive words and language when talking to or about people with disabilities. http://www.traponline.com/language.htm

How to be funny

How would YOU like to be the LIFE and SOUL of ANY social gathering? Let's be honest. We all LOVE those individuals that make us LAUGH. The funnier you are, the more people like you. Well, how funny are YOU? What if you could suddenly become EVEN FUNNIER, just by following a few simple rules? Master wit Max Matterson has worked in the comedy world for the past 20 years. He's the co-author of "Comedy Writing Secrets" and trained many of the big late night show hosts. He knows EXACTLY how to train ANYONE to become super-witty in just minutes. Matterson claims there are just a series of simple rules that ANYONE can follow to become hilariously funny! Do YOU want to discover his COMEDY SECRETS? Visit his website online and learn more: http://www.consultpivotal.com/Ahow_funny.htm Max shares EVERYTHING with you -- and GUARANTEES that your new-found funny skills will ROCKET your business and social life. In fact he'll buy back the course if you're not absolutely THRILLED! When was the last time you invested even FIVE MINUTES in developing your social skills? Especially in something as important as your HUMOR? Do it now. Click HERE and get started: http://www.consultpivotal.com/Ahow_funny.htm

The New Face of Business Meetings

Meetings used to be a way of discussing important issues. Meetings took place in our personal lives, as well as during our day of work. Seminars, conventions, conferences, or simply, gatherings and discussions -- various kinds of meetings offered people a chance to have their say. In the days gone past, people would necessarily have to assemble at a specified place. But then, that was back in the days when people with similar needs and topics of discussion lived in close proximity to each other. Those who lived far away would most likely have different attitudes and varying needs to take care of. Now, jet across to the present day. Times sure have changed. We are constantly in touch with people who live not just in different towns and cities but in different time zones, and on different continents. We can no longer claim that people who live miles apart have nothing in common. The various social networking websites that dominate our lives suggest the contrary. We share many interests with people of varied backgrounds who live across the oceans. (... more)