From the highlight reel

Generous was one of the first words to appear on this site, but needs to be recalled and applied to my friend Michael K. Willis. Michael was kind enough to review this site on one of his excellent blogs. For a long time, I've had a link up to his site which I use as an antidote for the caustic, cynical writing so often found in my comments section. (Of course I'm kidding.) Michael is a great writer who mixes serialized short stories, interactive posts and autobiographical vignettes on his Bread and Roses site. On his Neverending Rainbow site he offers sophisticated reviews of cultural offerings that a dirt-eater like me will nonetheless find interesting.

I chose the word generous to salute Michael because its the only word to characterize his writing. Not every story, whether autobiographical or fiction ends well for the characters, but you sure wish well for all the characters. The sympathy and optimism that Michael brings to his writing is rare and whats-her-name was a fool, buddy. He promises cynicism in his profile which I'm still waiting for.

Peace

Peace, n. In international affairs, a period of cheating between two periods of fighting.

2005 Update: The stated purpose of every martial leader as weight loss is the purpose of every customer at Denny's, prosperity of the gambler and education that of this writer. Purpose should, perhaps, be the word redefined but by a superior lexicographer.

Ardor

Ardor, n. The quality that distinguishes love without knowledge.

He loved her with an ardor--
Such a hot one,
That her father had to guard her
With a shotgun
-- Ovid

2005 Update: A love so sublime and overpowering that one will pay any membership fee, click any link and abbreviate even the shortest of words to prove its valor.

Horse

Horse, n. The founder and conservator of civilization.

2005 Update: The hostage negotiator of the open range. Successor to the dove as the paragon of modern love.


The Negotiator: Smokey, Deep Springs, CA 6/3/2005

Coming Attraction

Devil, n. The author of all our woes and proprietor of all the good things in the world. He was made by the almighty, but brought into the world by woman.

How many people can say they've been reviewed by the devil? I mean, besides Charlie Daniels and just about every other author, actor, musician, poet and job applicant. One day I'll update this definition but for now we'll just call him the alter-ego of a really funny dog and a really nice guy. Extra credit update: The great enemy of every Christian, Jew and Muslim except for each other.

Railroad

Railroad, n. The chief of many mechanical devices enabling us to get away from where we are to where we are no better off. For this purpose the railroad is held in highest favor by the optimist, for it permits him to make the transit with great expedition.

2005 Update: v.t. To deliver for justice someone guilty of original sin.
n. A means for escaping from or visiting by one's past.

Infancy

Infancy, n. The period of our lives when, according to Wordsworth, "Heaven lies about us." The world begins lying about us pretty soon afterward.

2005 Update: The time when our contribution is least and our compensation is best.

Foolhardy

Foolhardy, adj. Unlucky in the execution of a courageous act.

2005 Update: An adjective replacing Brilliant in the present tense.

Alone

Alone, adj. In bad company.

In contact, lo! the flint and steel,
By sharp and flame, the thought reveal
That he the metal, she the stone,
Had cherished secretly alone.

Thanks for the inspiration, Manjusha

2005 Update: Having the enemy surrounded with no victory at hand.

Wall Street

Wall Street, n. A symbol for sin for every devil to rebuke. That Wall Street is a den of thieves is a belief that serves every unsuccessful thief in place of a hope in Heaven. Even the great and good Andrew Carnegie has made his profession of faith in the matter.

Carnegie the dauntless has uttered his call
To battle: "The brokers are parasites all!"
Carnegie, Carnegie, you'll never prevail;
Keep the wind of your slogan to belly your sail,
Go back to your isle of perpetual brume,
Silence your pibroch, doff tartan and plume:
Ben Lomond is calling his son from the fray --
Fly, fly from the region of Wall Street away!
While still you're possessed of a single baubee
(I wish it were pledged to endowment of me)
'Twere wise to retreat from the wars of finance
Lest its value decline ere your credit advance.
For a man 'twixt a king of finance and the sea,
Carnegie, Carnegie, your tongue is too free!
Anonymus Bink

2005 Update: The world's great center of commerce in all except goods and services.

By the way, five demerits to anyone who leaves "The capitol of capital" in the comments.