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

Hi, all!

Our most recent episode is a favorite archive edition: "A Roberta of Flax," with funny collective nouns for plants, plus the game "Telephone," the use of "whenever" with reference to a one-time event, and how Shakespeare's language sounded in his day. Behold:

https://waywordradio.org/roberta-of-flax/

Many of you sent us more funny collective plant nouns. Jas Williams sent us dozens, including "a mnemonic of forget-me-nots" and "a break of day lilies." Ren Willis-Frances added "a silence of mums." Love those!

Remember the recent dustup over on the BBC's site, where a UK journalist lamented the "Americanization" of British English? He hit a nerve -- the essay had more than 3 million page views! The BBC turned to Grant for a response from this side of the Atlantic. His riposte, also widely read and commented upon, is here:

http://wywd.us/dearbritain

Children needn't learn cursive writing any more. That's the contention, at least, of a growing number of educators. A surprising recent discussion on "The Diane Rehm Show":

http://wywd.us/chiknscratches

If you're bedeviled each week by The New York Times' Sunday crossword, you'll enjoy this short interview with one of your chief tormentors, puzzle constructor Brendan Emmett Quigley:

http://wywd.us/acrossndown

Congrats to our friends at Studio West, where we record "A Way with Words," who are celebrating their 40th anniversary. Originally a music studio, their business is thriving. Their secret? Diversifying to include sound production for video games, Hollywood films, and TV. Their diverse client list includes Queen Latifah, Patti Smith, Mitt Romney -- oh, and a couple of word nerds.

http://wywd.us/studwest

BEHIND THE SCENES: A big "Thank you!" to all who responded to our e-fundraising campaign this week. Your support helps us record new episodes. We're in the process of doing so right now!

If you meant to donate but forgot, not to worry. We still welcome your contributions in any amount:

https://waywordradio.org/donate

Our Federal tax ID is #27-0277377, and if your employer has a matching gift program, be sure to let 'em know.

Or pop a check in the mail to:

Wayword, Inc.
P.O. Box 632721
San Diego, CA 92163

By the way, some of you asked about Wayword, Inc., the educational nonprofit that produces and distributes the show.

We're proud to say you can find out all you'd ever want to know about Wayword through our "Better Giving Profile." It's online at the San Diego Foundation, in partnership with Guidestar.org.

Many donors like to study up on exactly where their money goes these days -- with good reason. The Better Giving profile shows our finances, management, educational mission, organizational history, and more.

We believe strongly in such transparency, so you can see where your money goes and why.

Have a look if you like, and let us know your thoughts!

http://wywd.us/wayword

Thanks,

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

Call with your questions at any time:
U.S. and Canada (877) WAY-WORD/(877) 929-9673
London +44 20 7193 2113
Mexico City +52 55 8421 9771

Donate: https://waywordradio.org/donate/
Podcast: https://waywordradio.org/podcast/
Forums: https://waywordradio.org/discussion/
Newsletter: https://waywordradio.org/newsletter/

Skype: skype://waywordradio

----

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/