Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

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Regarding "myriad," Grant cites David Foster Wallace, who said that anyone who scoffs at "a myriad of" is "both persnickety and wrong." Which reminds us that Wallace's unfinished, posthumous novel "The Pale King" is newly out.

New York Times reviewer Michiko Kakutani says the book is by turns "breathtakingly brilliant and stupefyingly dull." It's definitely headed to our nightstands:

http://nyti.ms/gvplvW

And for something really fascinating, take a peek into Wallace's library of self-help books.

http://bit.ly/i6C2uj

Another new book of interest: "You Are What You Speak: Grammar Grouches, Language Laws, and the Politics of Identity" by Robert Lane Greene. Linguist Geoff Nunberg calls it "a very readable survey of all the ways our received ideas about language can lead us astray."

Even if you don't get the book, Nunberg's essay is, as always, well worth reading.

http://nyti.ms/hyOpPh

Last month, the Associated Press itself became the subject of news by decreeing that henceforth, there would be no hyphen in "e-mail." It's about time.

When it comes to the language of the cyberspace, many news outlets have been slow to catch up. Until recently, The New York Times was telling editors to use the term "an e-mail message" instead of "an e-mail." Their reasoning? If you wouldn't say "a mail," you shouldn't say "an e-mail."

But as language columnist Jan Freeman notes in the Boston Globe, "this sort of logic rarely makes a dent in usage."

http://bit.ly/i5fq4i

BEHIND THE SCENES: Maybe you've seen the TED talk video making the rounds about the amazing puppetry in the new production of "War Horse," now in previews on Broadway.

http://bit.ly/gMjz28

As it happens, there's "A Way with Words" connection here.

When Quiz Guy Greg Pliska isn't puzzling all of us on the air, he works as a professional musician. If you go to Lincoln Center's site, and scroll all the way down on the right, you'll see Greg's credit as musical director for this stirring new play.

Congratulations, Greg!

http://bit.ly/bIlRNa

If you see "War Horse," tell us what you thought of the music!

Giddying up,

Martha and Grant
Co-hosts of "A Way with Words"
https://waywordradio.org
words@waywordradio.org

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Special support for this episode of "A Way with Words" comes from Robert Lawrence, in honor of his wife, Laurie Black, whose fierce love and advocacy in the face of illness are a gift beyond words.

Support for "A Way with Words" also comes from National University, which invites you to change your future today. More at http://www.nu.edu/