Redefining misanthropy for a fresh generation. Standard posts begin with a definition from Ambrose Bierce's The Devil's Dictionary followed by a modern adjustment. Miscellany on Wednesday and storytelling on Saturday.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Lacteal Fluid
LACTEAL FLUID, n. (Reporterese) Milk.
2009 Update: The final kindness last altruism before death.
Is it a coincidence that NPR's Morning Edition ran a story today on the 50th Anniversary edition of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style? With its admonition to "Omit needless words?"
Sauerkraut, the better question is what are you hearing?
Pia, that's more intriguin, I have to admit.
Nessa, I'd try your daughter.
Different ring, huh, Jenn?
Amoeba, I've wondered in the past whether "Mammon" and "Mammary" shared a root. The double-entendre is accidental. And this year, they probably need all the members they can get.
For me, Actonbell, the Parker quote took second place to E. B. White's tale of Will Strunk in the classroom - where he omitted needless words so effectively, and with such obvious pleasure, that he found himself with nothing to say, and time to kill. So he said everything three times.
I think reporters were more literate, but not better stylists, in Bierce's day.
That ELEMENTS OF STYLE was very big at Yale when I T. A.ed there. At Auburn I used TEN LESSONS IN CLARITY AND GRACE, which is also good, but sounds more Southern.
been milking the day , for a reply... have none... nothing to say of death, as for giving... remember a coastie,who in class (childbirth) expressed his delight in cream and sugar , in one motion .... Peace
'Zactly, Dawg. Mr. Stuart Little himself. In fact, if I remember correctly, it was E.B. White who taught James Thurber the wonders of Strunkian style, exhibited in their collaboration Is Sex Necessary?
milk of magnesia? or are you talking jack (daniels)?
ReplyDeleteUh, lacteal sounds so not intriguing. However--lacteal fluid--love child of teal milk paint
ReplyDeleteI think I love these words. I wonder how I can work them into a conversation today.
ReplyDeletegot lacteal fluid?
ReplyDeleteMammon.
ReplyDeleteI mean, really. Have you checked the price on a gallon of milk lately?
Is it a coincidence that NPR's Morning Edition ran a story today on the 50th Anniversary edition of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style? With its admonition to "Omit needless words?"
ReplyDeleteI didn't think you had such power over NPR, Doug.
yersigh - not so loud!
Sauerkraut, the better question is what are you hearing?
ReplyDeletePia, that's more intriguin, I have to admit.
Nessa, I'd try your daughter.
Different ring, huh, Jenn?
Amoeba, I've wondered in the past whether "Mammon" and "Mammary" shared a root. The double-entendre is accidental. And this year, they probably need all the members they can get.
:-) Ha, ha... Jenn's comment is a goodie!
ReplyDeleteLacteal Fluid: Udderly delicious, especially when served cold alongside chocolate cake.
For me, Actonbell, the Parker quote took second place to E. B. White's tale of Will Strunk in the classroom - where he omitted needless words so effectively, and with such obvious pleasure, that he found himself with nothing to say, and time to kill. So he said everything three times.
ReplyDeleteOmit needless words.
Omit needless words.
Omit needless words.
My Gawd. A prehistoric rapper!
I think reporters were more literate, but not better stylists, in Bierce's day.
ReplyDeleteThat ELEMENTS OF STYLE was very big at Yale when I T. A.ed there. At Auburn I used TEN LESSONS IN CLARITY AND GRACE, which is also good, but sounds more Southern.
LACTEAL sounds weird to me. Adding fluid to it doesn't help.
ReplyDeletebeen milking the day ,
ReplyDeletefor a reply...
have none...
nothing to say of death,
as for giving...
remember a coastie,who in class (childbirth)
expressed his delight
in cream and sugar ,
in one motion ....
Peace
LOL at the Dorothy Parker Quote! I can always tell kindness when I see it.
ReplyDeleteThat's not so much about altruism, Doug, but in your age a man has so few illusions that I'd hate to ruin it...
JD, you mean lactose ho-hos?
ReplyDeleteActonbell, the one by the writer from Portland making fun of Strunk & White? This is why I love Dot Parker, by the way.
Amoeba, E.B. White was the White of Strunk &?
I reckon, Weirsdo.
Stirring, Bear.
Yes, yes, Ariel. Leave me this last one. I shouldn't need it much longer.
'Zactly, Dawg. Mr. Stuart Little himself. In fact, if I remember correctly, it was E.B. White who taught James Thurber the wonders of Strunkian style, exhibited in their collaboration Is Sex Necessary?
ReplyDeleteUmmm - am going North to Reno to assist the daughter in law with her baby - sadly cannot help with the lacteal fluid. I do have principals after all.
ReplyDelete