As a someone whose primary tools are words, I am always interested in where these critical implements originated and how they continue to evolve. The study of grammar, language, vocabulary–otherwise known as etymology–has always fascinated me. For those who enjoy writing and reading, what follows should be an entertaining romp …
I hesitate to post this, but after reading through it a few times, I just can’t resist. We all know that the pun, or paronomasia, is often called the lowest form of humor. But as the American wit, Oscar Levant once said: “A pun is the lowest form of humor—when …
Hundreds, if not thousands, of authors of fiction and non-fiction books, were once journalists. I am one of them. I spent 28 years as a national and foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. I consider it the best training ground for my entry into writing Historical Fiction, which my Finding …
There are those who believe that a university education is almost a prerequisite to becoming a successful author. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you might be surprised to find out how many authors made names for themselves without finishing — or, in some cases, ever attending …
I began reading W. Somerset Maugham in the 1980s when I was covering Asia for the Chicago Tribune. Many of the places I worked and lived were the same places that Somerset Maugham set some of his books and short stories, so I felt it was my duty to get …
We are living at a time when it is fashionable to vilify and “cancel” the founders of our nation because a handful of myopic and narrow-minded chuckleheads have resolved to apply 21st-century values to the 18th and 19th centuries. I contend, however, that we need to take a step back …
Who would have thought it possible? Who would have ever guessed that today’s military would be led by the very socialists and Marxists that I and millions of other veterans battled during a 45-year cold war—not to mention, hot wars such as Korea and Vietnam? But apparently, that is the …
Since 2010 Word Play Masters has run a contest circulated on the Web in which readers are asked to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and then supplying a new definition. As a writer, I have always been fascinated by words, …
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Today, I am reposting a recent article by author and actor Michael Knowles, who also hosts the Daily Wire’s The Michael Knowles Show. In his article, Knowles discusses how sadly ill-informed American Millennials, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are when it comes to such critical topics as economics, socialism, capitalism, and …