It was a little embarrassing to discover recently—after multiple rereadings—that one of my favorite English novels contains clues about the language’s syntax in the late 18th–early 19th centuries.
To be precise, it is International Blasphemy Rights Day (BRD). How did I not know of this earlier?
Today I want to honor a person whose words have immeasurably changed my life for the better. If he were alive, today would be his 72nd birthday.
I first learned of the Freethought Society via the Thomas Paine Memorial Association, whose cause I fully support. On inquiring about volunteer possibilities, I was invited to write up my own “journey story.” It has been published in the latest newsletter. I’m sharing my original text here for easier access.
A certain kerfuffle that’s been in the news has focused some attention on two words whose conflation has always perplexed me. It stems from a gripe I have about American English speakers.
Truth be told, I don’t just reread: I re-reread, re-re-reread, etc. certain books so often that others might consider me a little daft. But there’s method in my madness.
Every year, I steel myself for this day and its unwelcome celebratory wishes. This year, I have a place to rant about it.
