uncleblogsy

Another Flock of Postcards

There are graphic artists whose work is designed to hang on the wall, and there are artists whose work tends in other directions. Some artists find their niche in comic strips while others find it in magazine covers. Some illustrate books and some customize cars. There are artists known for skulls etched on people’sContinue reading “Another Flock of Postcards”

Going Going Bygone

I wonder, every now and then when I have finished wondering if we will ever own cars as energy-efficient as Fred Flintstone’s, how much longer television will continue. My television provider (remember when you used to just turn on the set?) has let me know I can renew service at a higher price ORContinue reading “Going Going Bygone”

Ranunculus to You, Polyanthus to Rhubarb

POLYANTHUS “Pride of Riches” This has so many rich flowers that everyone assumes it’s proud. POLYANTHUS, CRIMSON “The Heart’s Mystery” Elizabeth W. Wirt calls this the Crimson-Heart Polyanthus, which would explain why the floriographers had hearts on their minds. POLYANTHUS, LILAC “Confidence” Confidence is another word which has almost entirely changed itsContinue reading “Ranunculus to You, Polyanthus to Rhubarb”

Teen Book List, 1973

As noted heretofore, this is another one of them new years, a time when this column generally looks back to the world of books marking significant anniversaries. I thought I might start with things which are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary, and now I wish I hadn’t. The last thing I really need, when consideringContinue reading “Teen Book List, 1973”

New Year, Old Advice

Now, your old Uncle Blogsy has never been a great one for New Year’s resolutions. I like the concept, and I applaud those who make them. But as making resolutions to do better in the New Year implies that I am not perfect to begin with, I prefer not to participate. (As forContinue reading “New Year, Old Advice”

Ranunculus to You, Palm to Plumbago

P PALM “Victory” A lot of our early history was concentrated around the Mediterranean, where palm trees are often handy. It became the custom to spread the road with palm fronds if a conqueror was to come that way. To this day, we speak of winners as “taking the palm”, though it hasContinue reading “Ranunculus to You, Palm to Plumbago”

Deeper and Deeper

Now, in our last thrilling episode, we expressed our deep feelings of sorrow when we discussed the plight of our snowbird friends and relatives, the ones who find themselves forced to go to areas of the world where they cannot enjoy the fun of being surrounded by snow at this festive time of year. Continue reading “Deeper and Deeper”

Catch the Drift?

Now, as several scholars (or simply wiseguys on the Interwebs) have pointed out, not every Christmas song we sing or listen to or tolerate in the store, is strictly a Christmas song. A large number of songs—Let it Snow, Winter Wonderland, Suzy Snowflake, Frosty the Snowman—are technically snow songs, songs about the joys ofContinue reading “Catch the Drift?”

Ranunculus to You, Oak to Oyster Plant

O OAK “Hospitality”* See LIME *OAK GUM “Do Not Trust In It” OAK LEAF “Bravery” To win a wreath of oak leaves, a Roman had to win a battle, kill an enemy, or save the life of another Roman. The oak leaf naturally became associated with valor in war. Today, a MajorContinue reading “Ranunculus to You, Oak to Oyster Plant”

Santa Blogs XXXVII

You fat old mountebank: Remember me? I’m the one whose mom kept getting me classic secondhand children’s books like Pollyanna and Honey Bunch and the Dachshund of Doom when what I ASKED for were graphic novels about the zombie apocalypse. I wrote to my uncle, suggesting he look into collectibles, figuring he was loadedContinue reading “Santa Blogs XXXVII”