Fluffy Friday ... I Think Not.

I was going to bore you all with a bit of fluff about my writing.

Then I read this article. I cried. Those amazing, brave people. I am in awe of them. They are heroes in every way, shape and form.

I don't believe in God, but today I am praying. I don't have faith in humanity, but today I am humbled before it. The Fukushima 50 (200, really) have my heart and my prayers. Spare yours.

On that note, there are many things people around the world are doing to help. An amazing composer, Thomas Bergersen, one of the musical geniuses behind Two Steps from Hell, is releasing a few singles from his upcoming and highly anticipated (by me, at least) album, Illusions, early on iTunes. 100% of the proceed from these early purchases will go to the Red Cross to help with the crisis in Japan. I tend not to throw the word 'genius' around lightly, so when I say he's amazing, then you have to understand that I mean he's A-MAZ-ING with multiple exclamation marks.

Yesterday, I mentioned Writers for the Red Cross. I'm mentioning them again. Do check them out. It's a brilliant organisation.

Google is getting in on the action with a donation line available via this site. The link is also permanently plastered to the top banner of this blog.

There are many other ways you can help. Watch this if you need a little inspiration.

I am heartened by the compassion and action people have taken in response to the crisis in Japan. Humans have never been my favourite species. Truth is, I prefer spiders most of the time. However, sometimes, when I see the things I mentioned above, I think there's hope for us after all.

On that note, here's today's Forgotten English:

Basket of Chips:

A metaphor for a pleasant experience, perhaps because a supply of chips gives promise of a good fire.

- Richard Thornton's American Glossary, 1912

I think this is quite appropriate. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Book Review: Almost French

Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris by Sarah Turnbull

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A light, easy read that I found I could relate to.

I don't normally read memoirs. This one was given to me by my flatmate. The tale is an Australian woman's struggle to adapt to the life and attitudes of Paris.

Though I didn't move to Paris, there were many passages in the book that I could relate to. Most notably, the open, frank manner of Australians, versus, well, other cultures.

More than once, my blunt manner has gotten me into some trouble over here in Canada.

I suspect I enjoyed it purely because I can relate to it in a fairly major fashion. All the same, it's a great read of 'when cultural expectations collide.'

If you have a spare afternoon, pick it up. It's a short, cutesy read that goes well with a light, fruity white.

View all my reviews

And today's Forgotten English is:

Englottogaster:

(I kid you not)

One who speaks from his belly; a ventriloquist.

- William Turton's Medical Glossary, 1802

Engastrimyth, one who appears to speak in the belly; a ventriloquist.

- Sir Jame Murray's New English Dictionary, 1901.

Well, no wonder this word isn't used anymore! Just for fun, I'm going to slide it into a conversation and see what reaction I get.

Also, for those of you so inclined, there is now a link on the top of this blog for you to donate the the Japanese Red Cross to aid their disaster relief efforts (through Google). It doesn't have to be a huge amount. Every little bit helps.

Righto, that's it from me, have a lovely Monday everyone.

Fever Broke, and so is Japan

I was intending to spend today celebrating as my fever finally broke yesterday. The sensation was instant - like clouds parting. I did a happy dance right then and there.

I was also going to wax lyrical about how awful it is outside, and how grateful I am to J.M-B. for letting me use her gumboots (and for fitting into said gumboots) as the puddles out there are actually the size of small ponds, and I was often wading shin deep through them to get to the bus today.

Then I get to work this morning to find that Japan has been hit with a monstrous 8.9 earthquake. 8.9. And then they were also hit by a 30ft tsunami that resulted from the quake. Pictures of Japan show a gruesome scene. The tsunami sparked by the earthquake is on its way to the USA's west coast.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan, and with everyone who has been or will be affected by the tsunami.

It's times like this I wish I had tonnes of money - I could jump on a plane and rush over to help in whatever way I could.

On that very sombre note, I did promise to catch up on all the Forgotten English I had missed due to illness. Thus:

Wednesdays' Forgotten English:

Cassock:

A long, close-fitting frock or tunic worn by Anglican clergymen ... sometimes worn by vergers, choristers, and others engaged in ecclesiastical functions.

- Sit James Murray's New English Dictionary, 1893

(Since when is 'cassock' forgotten? It might be I know it 'cause I read a lot of Fantasy. Even still, forgotten?)

Thursday's Forgotten English:

Woofits:

The unpleasant aftereffects of overindulgence, especially drinking.

- Lester Berrey's American Thesaurus of Slang, 1941.

(I recall Grandma using this once or twice, but I forget the context)

And today's Forgotten English:

Hortyard:

A garden or orchard.

- James Halliwell's Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, 1855.

There. All caught up. Try to have a happy weekend if you can. And if you can, spare a thought and a prayer for Japan and her neighbours.