No prob, thanks for stopping by, you reminded me to post a word.
I'd like to get hold of those twelve volumes, I wonder what a first edition of that would cost.
February 4, 2003
MAD, adj. Affected with a high degree of intellectual independence; not conforming to standards of thought, speech and action derived by the conformants from study of themselves; at odds with the majority; in short, unusual. It is noteworthy that persons are pronounced mad by officials destitute of evidence that themselves are sane. For
illustration, this present (and illustrious) lexicographer is no firmer in the faith of his own sanity than is any inmate of any madhouse in the land; yet for aught he knows to the contrary, instead of the lofty occupation that seems to him to be engaging his powers he may really be beating his hands against the window bars of an asylum and declaring himself Noah Webster, to the innocent delight of many thoughtless spectators.
February 5, 2003
MYTHOLOGY, n. The body of a primitive people's beliefs concerning its origin, early history, heroes, deities and so forth, as distinguished from the true accounts which it invents later.
Love the Ambrose Bierce quotes! I receive a daily 'aphorism' from a site called Aphorisms Galore! and eveyso often on of these quotes gets selected. Thanks for your thread.
Hey cobalt - thanks - he's great isn't he? I see his quotes everywhere.
February 6, 2003
PROOF, n. Evidence having a shade more of plausibility than of unlikelihood. The testimony of two credible witnesses as opposed to that of only one.
Highly un-PC you coined a new phrase LBS. I love these keep them coming.
February 7, 2003
SATAN, n. One of the Creator's lamentable mistakes, repented in
sashcloth and axes. Being instated as an archangel, Satan made himself multifariously objectionable and was finally expelled from Heaven. Halfway in his descent he paused, bent his head in thought a moment and at last went back.
"There is one favor that I should like to ask," said he.
"Name it."
"Man, I understand, is about to be created. He will need laws."
"What, wretch! you his appointed adversary, charged from the dawn of eternity with hatred of his soul -- you ask for the right to make his laws?"
"Pardon; what I have to ask is that he be permitted to make them himself."
It was so ordered.
The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page:
click here for Dr. Johnson
February 8, 2003
PATRIOTISM, n. Combustible rubbish read to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name.
In Dr. Johnson's famous dictionary patriotism is defined as the last resort of a scoundrel. With all due respect to an enlightened but inferior lexicographer I beg to submit that it is the first.
February 9, 2003
RICHES, n.
A gift from Heaven signifying, "This is my beloved son, in
whom I am well pleased." - - John D. Rockefeller
The reward of toil and virtue. - - J.P. Morgan
The sayings of many in the hands of one. - - Eugene Debs
To these excellent definitions the inspired lexicographer feels
that he can add nothing of value.
February 10, 2003
ERUDITION, n. Dust shaken out of a book into an empty skull.
So wide his erudition's mighty span,
He knew Creation's origin and plan
And only came by accident to grief --
He thought, poor man, 'twas right to be a thief.
Romach Pute
I'm really enjoying these, Larry.
Thanks chato, I especially liked today's, erudition.
Puts me in mind of that other great talent, Mark Twain who noted that:
there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress (or appropriate legislative body)
February 11, 2003
KORAN, n. A book which the Mohammedans foolishly believe to have been written by divine inspiration, but which Christians know to be a wicked imposture, contradictory to the Holy Scriptures.
Watch your back LBS today.
Most of Bierce' entries about religion are sarcastic - hopefully any potential assailants will realize that!
February 12, 2003
DIPLOMACY, n. The patriotic art of lying for one's country.
I would like to add Mr. Clemens comment on legislatures:
No man's life or property are secure when the legislature is in session.
