virtualDavis

Although the visual effect is clever (and ultimately compelling) it tires the eyes and pushes the concept too far. That said, Stephen Fry’s reflection on the increasingly overlooked wonders of language (as well as the tendency for critics to harp on language fouls and blunders rather than celebrating the extraordinary richness of words) is delightful. A welcome tune for many wordsmiths, and a reminder that we should emphasize the power and beauty of language rather than beating up the language manglers. I remember my mother telling me as a boy, “You’ll get more flies with honey.” Right?

When it rains it pours. A month and a half of drought; then a deluge. That’s life! Yes, I’m back sooner than expected with a couple of collectibles that I couldn’t let slip through my fingers without passing them along. And knowing where they’d be when I came looking for them later.

First off, is it late? Are you tired? Are your eyes pretty well shot from looking at the screen for too long. Then check this out. Optical illusion to dazzle and dizzify you… And before I let you slip into total disorientation, here’s another handy tool to have up your sleeve, the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

Do you know them all? Give it a try: Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Echo Foxtrot Golf Hotel India Juliet Kilo Lima Mike November Oscar Papa Quebec Romeo Sierra Tango Uniform Victor Whiskey X-ray Yankee Zulu Now test yourself. Spell your name. Or spell your address… Good night.