Saturday, July 31, 2010
Literal vs. Figurative, Pt. II
This would be completely incorrect. Literally, Melissa is a human being, not a ray of light. Figuratively, she might be a ray of sunshine, but certainly not literally.
Using "She's a real ray of sunshine" is using a much lighter touch.
In both cases, the culprit is the common use of exaggeration in English. Those who say "a real ray of sunshine" try to use the word "real" as a strengthener; that is, a word to add emphasis to the sentence, like the bold I am using for this text (if you are seeing the text here on the blog, anyway). Rather than, for example, shouting the idiom out, people use certain words for emphasis.
Long ago, someone could say "a virtual ray of sunshine" and that would be strong enough. In popular American culture, people have become so accustomed to exaggeration that they will literally say, "She's literally a ray of sunshine." Nonetheless, this is wrong.
It is never correct to use a word as strong as literally for something that is not correct and true in reality, rather than in a figurative expression. More importantly, you cannot possibly sound well educated and articulate if you abuse the word "literally" for things that are not literal.
If only all native speakers followed this advice.
A Ray Of Sunshine
Figuratively, sunshine is strongly related to happiness. Therefore, a ray of sunshine is someone or something that brings happiness to others. Ex.: "Melissa always comes to work with a smile of her face. She's a real ray of sunshine to everyone at the office."
1996-97 Milwaukee Admirals Danny Lorenz Jersey
Friday, July 30, 2010
Teflon and Velcro
When used idiomatically, for example, applying to American presidents, "a Teflon president" is a president to whom no scandal will stick. "A Velcro president" is a president to whom all scandals seem to stick, even those that ought not negatively affect him personally.
Originally, "Teflon" was used as an idiomatic adjective with wide usage (such as with John Gotti, "The Teflon Don," a noted American Mafia leader who for many years escaped punishment, being found innocent in several criminal trials). Since Velcro sticks to anything, journalists have adopted "Velcro" as the opposite of Teflon, and idiomatically use the word to spice up news stories.
Reference: http://www.latimes.com/la-na-velcro-presidency-20100730,0,375806.story
vegasvegas
Yummy Yummy

1994 NHLPA Martin Brodeur Jersey
- In what years was a particular style worn?
- Can any additional patches be added to the jersey based on when it was used?
- Who wore the jersey during those years?
- What numbers did the players wear?
- Did he wear a "C" or an "A"?
- What fonts were used for the names and numbers?
- Is any additional patch even available?
- Where can I obtain the patch?
- What was accomplished while wearing the jersey? A championship or personal milestone?
- Is the brand of jersey correct for the year I'd like to replicate?
- Where on Earth can I find an illustration or photo of the player I've chosen wearing the jersey to confirm any of the above questions?
Under A Cloud
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Beauty Buzz About Queen B

Have you heard the new beauty buzz about the Queen B?
Well, according to published reports 63 year old Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, aka the wife of Prince Charles, has been in the British news lately for her apparent treatments of bee venom in lieu of Botox�.
Called an "organic facelift� for $85 you can undergo a masking procedure that "stings" the skin to stimulate production of bodily chemicals that will relax muscles and reduce wrinkles.
I think however that she still looks like time has taken a toll on her skin, I�ll stick with my Botox� and leave the hives to the royal wives.
Cute Summer Heels

1997-98 Long Beach Ice Dogs Steve Finn Jersey
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Stealing Someone's Thunder
In the movie "Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief," a character steals the thunderbolt of the ancient Greek god, Zeus. While fiction, this would be stealing someone's thunder figuratively and literally.
2001-02 Chicoutimi Saguenéens Alexandre Blackburn Jersey
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Summer Wedding Shoes
Dolce Vita, $182 @
Jean-Michel Cazabat, was $395, sale $197.50 @
Sergio Rossi, was $650, sale $325
Sergio Rossi, was $595, sale $297.50
L.A.M.B., $245 @
@ Available in more colors
Texture Tuesday: July 27, 2010
1982-83 Binghamton Whalers Dave McDonald Jersey
Monday, July 26, 2010
Bad EWP
Sorry for being such a bad EWP.