Thursday, September 20, 2007

The Evolution of Language

This is interesting... to some. The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary just released its sixth edition.

Here are 10 of the new words, with their OED definitions:
1. Amp — To make (a person) very excited or energetic (as if) through the consumption of amphetamines or another stimulant. Frequently used with up

2. Beatboxing — The action or practice of imitating the sounds of an electronic drum machine with the voice.

3. Buzzkill — A person who, or thing which, dampens enthusiasm or enjoyment.

4. Chill Pill — An anti-depressant; anything intended to calm a person down (take a chill pill, calm down, relax).

5. Ghetto Fabulous — Pertaining to or favoring an ostentatious style of dress associated with the hip-hop subculture.

6. Monobrow — A pair of eyebrows that meet above the nose, giving the appearance of a single eyebrow; a person with such eyebrows, jocularly — a stupid person.

7. Pimpmobile — A large, flashy car, especially one used by a pimp.

8. Rockism — The theory that traditional rock music is a more authentic form of popular music than pop music.

9. Secret Sauce — A special feature or technique kept secret by an organization and regarded as being the chief factor in its success.

10. Splitsville — The termination of a relationship, especially a romantic one.
Welcome to the new world.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Show Off

What have I to show for all this time
that you have given me
unassembled pieces, shapeless, here and there
I lay it at your feet, complete
Self-satisfaction; I expect that I deserve
my reward, you have promised
see, they approve, they cheer me on
I must be in your favor

Take me by my hands
guide them to create
something useful, something good, shame me
seeing how I need your perfect skill
Then walk with me, so I grasp clearly
that I am not the cause of all this praise
you shine infinitely bright
You must be all they see

1 Corinthians 1:27-29,31

Friday, September 07, 2007

Auto Humor

We live in an age of automotive wonder. While it is true (as in most fields) that we're standing on the shoulders of visionary giants, some of them were midgets.

The 50 Worst Cars of All Time.