Paul Brians - Podcast Details

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Hugos There PodcastCommon Errors in English Usage, with Dr. Paul BriansDr. Paul Brians, retired professor of literature (including SF) from Washington State University, joins me for a discussion of his website and book, as well as SFF movies and books, and some more recent reading recommendations outside the genre. Find the book here: https://wmjasco.com/william-james-company/22-common-errors-in-english-usage-3rd-ed.html Links: Paul’s WSU website (includes links to the common errors site … Continue reading "Common Errors in English Usage, with Dr. Paul Brians"2023-04-151h 20

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 122: The Gluten-Free EpisodeThis week we discuss more medical terms, including MRIs, EKGs, CAT scans and others; and then we proceed to some talk about food sensitivities. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/122-medicalterms2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! This week’s calendar entry is “feint/faint.” 2018-01-2300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 121: Medical Terms—Refills, Urgent Care, Vein vs. Artery, Taut vs. Taunt, and Much MoreThis week we discuss medical terms, including accessible care vs. guaranteed care; fractures, sprains, and strains; Alzheimer’s vs. dementia, and more. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/121-medicalterms1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! This week’s calendar entry is “taunt/taut/tout.” 2018-01-1600 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 120: Crusades, Demagogues, Stump Speeches & MoreThis week we continue our discussion of terms related to governance and politics. We explore crusades, demagogues, stump speeches, gerrymandering, and barn burners. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/120-politics12.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! This week’s calendar entry is “vapid/vacuous.” 2018-01-0900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 119: A Modicum of Civility—Citizenship, Civil Disobedience, and Civil WarThis week we continue our discussion of terms related to governance and politics. We explore citizenship, civil disobedience, and civil war. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/119-politics11.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! This week’s calendar entry is “unrest.” 2018-01-0200 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 118: The Magi(c) of ChristmasThis week we rebroadcast our Christmas episode from 2015. In the spirit of the Christmas season, Paul Brians calls on his background as a scholar of the Bible and discusses some of the important language in the story of Christmas. Do you know the religious tradition of the Magi? The difference between miracle and magic? Listen to find out. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/12-magicOfChristmas.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Opening music (Paul Brians’ favorite recording of “We Three Kings”) “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry 2017-12-2300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 117: Holiday Greetings and the War on ChristmasWhen a would-be suicide bomber attempted a terrorist attack in New York City earlier this month, he said he chose his target because there were Christmas-themed posters nearby. This week on the podcast we talk about the more theoretical war on Christmas, and we discuss holiday greetings. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/117-merryChristmas.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! On sale through the end of the year for just $15. This week’s calendar entry is “anxious/eager.” 2017-12-1900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 116: Caucuses, Lobbyists, PACs, and MoreThis week we continue our discussion of terms related to governance and politics. We explore caucuses, lobbyists and PACs, and more. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/116-politics10.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! On sale through the end of the year for just $15. This week’s calendar entry is “yea/yeah/yay.” 2017-12-1300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 115: Administration, Congress, What Veto Means, and Much MoreThis week we take up our discussion of terms related to governance and politics. We explore the origin of the word “veto,” talk about filibustering and reconciliation, and more. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/115-politics9.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! On sale through the end of the year for just $15. This week’s calendar entry is “capital/capitol.” 2017-12-0500 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 114: More on the Book Sale, Plus Thanksgiving Leftovers—“dolly/handcart,” “duck tape/duct tape,” “between you and me,” and Lots MoreThis week we pick up from last week and serve some Thanksgiving leftovers, including “dolly/handcart,” “duck tape/duct tape,” “between you and me,” and many more entries and cartoons from the book. We also promote the best way to buy the book on sale through the end of the year. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/114-thanksgiving2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment (five discussed on the podcast this week): 2017-11-2900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 113: Giving Thanks for the BookThis week we take a break from our extended discussion of political terms while Tom thanks Paul for creating the Common Errors in English Usage site and book, and Paul thanks Tom for contributing cartoons to the book. We also promote the best way to buy the book on sale through the end of the year. Entries we talk about include “auger/augur,” “all goes well/augurs well,” “hark/harken,” “one in the same/one and the same,” “the exception proves the rule,” “begs the question,” “hone in/home in,” and several others. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/113-thanksgiving1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes ...2017-11-2100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 112: Political Stripes—Red & Blue, Liberal, Libertarian, Conservative, and ReactionaryThis week we discuss, define, and explore political leanings: red/blue, liberal, libertarian, conservative, and reactionary. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/112-politics8.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! On sale through the end of the year for just $15. This week’s calendar entry is “reactionary/reactive.” 2017-11-1400 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 111: Left/Right, Socialism, CommunismThis week we discuss, define, and explore deeply more political terms. This time we cover left vs. right, socialism, and communism. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/111-politics7.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Pre-USSR communist societies. Buy the book! On sale through the end of the year for just $15. This week’s calendar entry is “socialize.” 2017-11-1000 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 110: Bureaucracy, Ballots & MoreThis week we spend the time talking about several more terms related to politics and government, including bureaucracy, red tape, ballots, voting, constitution, and parliament. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/110-politics6.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! On sale through the end of the year for just $15. This week’s calendar entry is “beauracracy/bureaucracy.” 2017-10-3100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 109: Empire and ColoniesThis week we spend the time talking about the word “empire” and its implications. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/109-politics5.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! On sale through the end of the year for just $15. This week’s calendar entry is “Romainian/Romanian.” Paul Brians’ essay on “postcolonial literature.” “What have the Romans ever done for us?” from The Life of Brian: 2017-10-2400 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 108: Dictatorships, State Capitalism, Monarchy, Oligarchy, Plutocracy, Kleptocracy, and EmpireThis week we focus on the dark side of governmental power: dictatorships, state capitalism, monarchy, oligarchy, plutocracy, kleptocracy, and empire. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/108-politics4.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “oppress/repress.” Buy the book! On sale through the end of the year for just $15. 2017-10-1800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 107: Suffrage, Franchise, Republic & DemocracyThis week we focus on voting and discuss “suffrage,”“franchise,”“republic,” and more about “democracy.” https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/107-politics3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “Democrat Party/Democratic Party.” Buy the book! 2017-10-1000 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 106: Feudalism, Fiefdoms, Monarchy, and Democracy—Where Do We Get All This Government From?This week we continue our discussion of words related to government and politics, including “feudalism,”“fiefdom,”“monarchy,” and “democracy.” https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/106-politics2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “grow.” Buy the book! 2017-10-0300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 105: Government and Politics—More Than Just WordsThis week we begin a discussion of words related to government and politics, starting with “government” and “politics” themselves. First we go over problems with Washington, but not in the way you might think! https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/105-politics1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: What is the “Slough of Despond” Paul mentions? This week’s calendar entry is “government.” Buy the book! 2017-09-2600 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 104: Finishing Up Health Care Terms: Networks, HMOs, Pre-existing Conditions, HIPA, and Primary Care PhysiciansThis week we finish up our discussion of useful vocabulary related to health care, including talk about networks, pre-existing conditions, HIPA, Obamacare vs. the ACA, and primary care physicians. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/104-healthcare6.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: About “Yankee Doodle” in The New York Times. This week’s calendar entry is “sick/sic.” Buy the book! 2017-09-1900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 103: Long-term Care Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Death Panels, and Even More on Health CareThis week we talk more about health care, including long-term care insurance, health savings accounts, death panels, and Charlie Gard. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/103-healthcare5.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: The New York Times’ Ron Lieber on the ethics of adjusting your assets to qualify for Medicaid. This week’s calendar entry is “able to.” Buy the book! 2017-09-1300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 102: Yet More Health Care Terms to Know and Love (or at least know)This week we continue our discussion of health care. Unfortunately, we all need to know a whole lot of complicated and confusing terms to get through our current health care debate. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/102-healthcare4.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “realize/realise.” Buy the book! 2017-09-0500 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 101: Even More Health Care Terms to Know and Love (or at least know)This week we continue our discussion of health care. Unfortunately, we all need to know a whole lot of complicated and confusing terms to get through our current health care debate. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/101-healthcare3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “tradegy/tragedy.” Buy the book! 2017-08-3000 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 100: More Health Care Terms to Know and Love (or at least know)This week, and in the coming weeks, we will discuss the vocabulary of health care. Unfortunately, we all need to know a whole lot of complicated and confusing terms to get through our current health care debate. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/100-healthcare2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “boost in the arm/shot in the arm.” Buy the book! 2017-08-2200 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 99: The Language of Health Care (Part 1)The ongoing debate on health care here in the US takes for granted that we understand deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, premium, out-of-pocket limits, and many other often-confusing terms. Since that isn’t always the case, we’ll be discussing the language of health care in the coming weeks. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/99-healthCareVocabulary1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “anecdote/antidote.” Buy the book! 2017-08-1600 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 98: SmartsFinally, after three weeks dwelling on words and expressions about idiocy, we turn our attention to some words that say smart. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/98-smart.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “genius.” Riddley Walker Buy the book! 2017-08-0800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 97: More Stupid AdjectivesWe’ve been talking about insults to the intelligence, and this week we conclude our discussion of adjectives. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/97-idiotic2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “gull/gall.” Silly Symphonies on YouTube Alessandro di Cagliostro on Wikipedia From John Skelton’s 1528 volume entitled “Replycacion agaynst Certayne Yong Scolers”: As touchyng the Tetrycall [severe] Theologisacion of these demy-diuines and Stoicall studiantes and frisca-ioly yonkerkyns … . moche better bayned [banned?] than brayned basked a...2017-08-0100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 96: Some Stupid AdjectivesWe’ve been talking about insults to the intelligence, and this week we switch the focus to adjectives. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/96-idiotic1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “French dip with au jus/French dip.” Entry for “hairbrained/harebrained.” Entry for “ignorant/stupid.” Buy the book! 2017-07-2600 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 95: Oafs, Goofs, Goons, and More on InsultsThis week continue our high-minded discussion of terms that insult the intelligence. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/95-idiot3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “ignorant/stupid.” Buy the book! 2017-07-1900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 94: Heads and Animals: More on InsultsThis week we discuss more words meant as insults to intelligence. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/94-idiot2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “disrespect.” Buy the book! 2017-07-1200 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 93: The True Meaning of Idiot and Other InsultsThis week we take on some words meant as insults to intelligence and where they come from. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/93-idiot.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: “Trump and the True Meaning of ‘Idiot’” in The New York Times Politically correct language was discussed in episodes 34 and 35. Buy the book! 2017-07-0400 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 92: A Visit from Mr. Gradgrind (From the Archives)This week we literally go back to the archives to replay our podcast on one of Paul’s most popular creations, “Mr. Gradgrind’s Literal Answers to Rhetorical Questions.” https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/06-gradgrind.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “beginning of time.” Mr. Gradgrind’s Literal Answers to Rhetorical Questions 2017-06-2700 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 91: When Is a Rose Not a Rose? (From the Archives)It’s Rose Festival time here in Portland, the City of Roses. In fact, 110 years ago, June 20–22, 1907, the first Rose Festival was held. Back then it was called the “Rose Carnival and Fiesta,” but we all know a Rose Festival by any other name would smell as sweet. Let’s mark the occasion by rebroadcasting Paul’s lecture, “When Is a Rose Not a Rose?” https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/27-WhenIsARoseNotARose.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: This week’s calendar entry is “parallel/symbol.” There...2017-06-2000 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 90: Steam (From the Archives)You see a lot of stories about various things losing steam or picking it up. This week we rebroadcast Episode 11, in which Paul discussed his interest in that phenomenon and other aspects of the word “steam.” https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/11-steam.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: “Ancestor/Descendant” entry featured in the calendar this week “We Haven’t Run Out of Steam Yet,” by Paul Brians Photographs Bainbridge Island from the Virginia V steamer, by Paul Brians The City of Lost Childr...2017-06-1400 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 89: Troubleshooting PhotographyThis week we take a break from usage and language to get some tips from Paul on photography. This time the focus is troubleshooting. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/89-photography6.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Shined/shone entry featured in the calendar this week Previous episodes discussing photography: 61, 62, 63, 79, 80 Buy the book! 2017-06-0600 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 88: Rag-picker’s Disease, Milk Leg, Scarlatina, and More Disease Names of AntiquityThis week we conclude our discussion of antiquated disease names. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/88-diseases4.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Photo of the Week: St. Catherine Links: Downfall/drawback featured in the calendar this week Inspector Clouseau requests a room Buy the book! 2017-05-3100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 87: King’s Evil, Grocer’s Itch, and (Blame It on the) Lumbago: More Disease Names of AntiquityThis week we continue to explore antiquated terms for diseases, not all of which are, unfortunately, antiquated themselves. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/87-diseases3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Old English featured in the calendar this week “Adelaide’s Lament” from Guys and Dolls Buy the book! 2017-05-2300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 86: Bronze John, Dandy Fever, Gleet, and More Disease NamesHow about another round of antiquated disease names, not all of which are all that pleasant? https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/86-diseases2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! 2017-05-1600 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 85: Black Death, Blood Poisoning, and Other Antiquated Disease NamesDo you even want to listen? We talk about terms we used to use for various diseases, not all of which are entirely pleasant. You’ve been warned . . . https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/85-diseases1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! 2017-05-0900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 84: When One Word Points Two Ways (Part 4)We conclude our discussion on contranyms, words that can mean two very different things. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/84-contranyms4.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: About Amelia Bedilia Buy the book! 2017-05-0200 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 83: When One Word Points Two Ways (Part 3)We continue our discussion on contranyms, words that can mean two very different things. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/83-contranyms3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! 2017-04-2500 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 82: When One Word Points Two Ways (Part 2)We continue our discussion on contranyms, words that can mean two very different things. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/82-contranyms2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: A sampling of L.M. Boyd’s “factoids” Buy the book! 2017-04-1800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 81: When One Word Points Two Ways (Part 1)Words whose meanings can be contradictory—sometimes called contranyms, autoantonyms, antagonyms, or Janus words—are this week’s topic. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/81-contranyms1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Cartoon accompaniment: Links: Buy the book! 2017-04-1100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 80: Shooting People, PhotographicallyThis week we talk more about photography, with the focus on photographing people. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/80-photography5.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Some of Paul’s photographs of people A volunteer weed-puller working on a property protected by the Bainbridge Island Land Trust. She’s watching the ivy she’s pulled of a tree trunk falling. A boy and his dog waiting for the July 4th parade to begin. 2017-04-0500 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 79: On PhotographyThis week we take a break, as we do from time to time, from language and usage to discuss one of Paul’s favorite topics: photography. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/79-photography.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Buy the book! 2017-03-2900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 78: ReligionOn the podcast this week we discuss some more commonly confused terms, this time on the topic of religion. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/78-religion.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Buy the book! 2017-03-2200 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 77: Sex & MusicOn the podcast this week we discuss commonly confused terms related to sex and music. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/77-sexandmusic.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Buy the book! 2017-03-1500 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 76: Lies (Part 2)On the podcast this week we continue the discussion of “lies” as a front runner for Word of the Year. In part two we talk about the the current state of presidential lying. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/76-lies2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: “Trump’s Gold Lining,” by Maureen Dowd Buy the book! 2017-03-0800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 75: Lies (Part 1)On the podcast this week we discuss “lies” as a front runner for Word of the Year. In part one we talk about the history of presidential lies. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/75-lies1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Buy the book! 2017-03-0100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 74: Romancing the Podcast (Part 5)This week we conclude our discussion of romanticism, talking about its lasting influence. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/74-romanticism5.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Paul Brians’ essay on romanticism The Definitive Flash Gordon Study Guide for Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Book One The Influence of Nietzsche The Enlightenment Study Guide for Voltaire’s Philosophical Dictionary Buy the book! Puget Sound in the foreground, the Kitsap Peninsula beyond, and soaring over them the Olympic Mountain Range and a solitary seagull, a photo...2017-02-2200 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 73: Romancing the Podcast (Part 4)Happy Valentine’s Day! This week we continue on the topic of romanticism and spend a little extra time on romantic love. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/73-romanticism4.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Paul Brians’ essay on romanticism Meet the Patels Buy the book! 2017-02-1400 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 72: Romancing the Podcast (Part 3)This week we continue with our discussion of romanticism. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/72-romanticism3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Paul Brians’ essay on romanticism Buy the book! 2017-02-0800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 71: Romancing the Podcast (Part 2)This week we continue our discussion of romanticism, starting with some talk about Shakespeare and winding up with a Gothic romance. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/71-romanticism2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Paul Brians’ essay on romanticism Authorship of Shakespeare’s plays: The case for Oxford Authorship of Shakespeare’s plays: The case for Shakespeare “How Movies and TV Address Rape and Revenge” Buy the book! 2017-01-3100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 70: Romancing the Podcast (Part 1)We love our holidays, and in anticipation of Valentine’s Day coming up soon, Paul talks about romanticism, a topic he knows very well. This week we talk about the history of the word and begin a discussion of the history of romanticism. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/70-romanticism1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Paul Brians’ essay on romanticism 2017-01-2500 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 69: Pronunciation (Part 2)—This Time It’s FrenchFrench words adapted for use in English have their own set of pronunciation pitfalls. This week we talk about some of them. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/69-Pronunciation2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Link: Featured pronunciation entries on the blog. 2017-01-1800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 68: Pronunciation (Part 1)This week we talk about some words with tricky pronunciation. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/68-Pronunciation1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Link: Featured pronunciation entries on the blog. 2017-01-1100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 67: 2016 in Review (Part 2)This week we continue our conversation on Australia’s Plain English Foundation’s list of objectionable usage in 2016. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/67-2016Review2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Link: Plain English Foundation announces worst word of 2016 2017-01-0400 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 66: 2016 in Review (Part 1)This week we talk about usage stories of the year. What was the word of the year according to Webster’s and others? What usage did Australia’s Plain English Foundation object to the most? Don’t just click the links below—listen to us discuss these weighty matters! https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/66-2016Review.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Plain English Foundation announces worst word of 2016 What is the 2016 Word of the Year? 2016-12-2800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 65: The Magi(c) of ChristmasIn the spirit of the Christmas season, Paul Brians calls on his background as a scholar of the Bible and discusses some of the important language in the story of Christmas. Do you know the religious tradition of the Magi? The difference between miracle and magic? Listen to find out. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/12-magicOfChristmas.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Opening music (Paul Brians’ favorite recording of “We Three Kings”) “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry Zoroastrianism (Zarathustrianism) Google search: The Slaughter of the Innoce...2016-12-2300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 64: The Solstice and Celestial Terms (a repeat of Episode 13)Seasons change, but the podcast this week remains the same as we rebroadcast a timely episode from the archives. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/13-solstice.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: revolve/rotate astrology/astronomy center around/center on epigram/epigraph/epitaph/epithet earth, moon satellite Also note this celestial event, mentioned in verse in the comic strip Frazz. 2016-12-2000 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 63: Photography (Part 3)This week we continue our discussion of photography as Paul Brians offers some great tips on how to get good images. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/63-photographyPart3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Through the end of the year, get the book for $15 Send an e-mail message to Paul for a free oval matte cutter 2016-12-1300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 62: Photography (Part 2)This week we continue our discussion of photography as Paul Brians offers some great tips on how to get good images. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/62-photographyPart2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Through the end of the year, get the book for $15 Send an e-mail message to Paul for a free oval matte cutter The photography of Jerry Uelsmann Finding Vivian Maier Paul’s manipulation of an image using Photoshop Elements: 2016-12-0800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 61: Photography (Part 1)For the next three weeks we are taking a holiday from our usual conversations concerning language and usage points to talk about photography, one of Paul Brians’ great interests. We sprinkle in a few terms worth knowing along the way. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/61-photographyPart1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Through the end of the year, get the book for $15 Send an e-mail message to Paul for a free oval matte cutter Paul Brians’ photos on Facebook ProCamera 2016-11-3000 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 60: The Language of the Streets (Part 2)This week we conclude our discussion of streets, avenues, boulevards, and other thoroughfares. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/60-streets2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Through the end of the year, get the book for $15 Listen to last year’s Thanksgiving-themed podcast 2016-11-2300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 59: The Language of the Streets (Part 1)This week we discuss the vocabulary of streets, avenues, boulevards, and other thoroughfares. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/59-streets1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher A view of Kirk Avenue: 2016-11-1600 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 58: Apostrophes (Part 3)This week on the podcast we continue our discussion of the apostrophe, this time focusing on contractions. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/58-apostrophes3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: “Bigly” or “big league”? President Obama’s dropped Gs “Roaring 20’s or Roaring 20s?” Apostrophes as visual separators 2016-11-0900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 57: Apostrophes (Part 2)This week on the podcast we continue our discussion of the apostrophe, this time focusing on possessives. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/57-apostrophes2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: “Apostrophes,” on the Common Errors in English Usage Web site “Expressions with Apostrophes,” a blog post by Paul Brians A blog post on its/it’s—are there three common errors to talk about here? The possessive apostrophe his origin 2016-11-0200 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 56: Apostrophes (Part 1)This week on the podcast we begin our discussion of the apostrophe, both the word itself and its use in punctuation. We go into some detail about good practice in typesetting along the way. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/56-apostrophes1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: A blog post on its/it’s—are there three common errors to talk about here? The possessive apostrophe his origin 2016-10-2500 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 55: Going Nuclear, Part 3This week we conclude our discussion on the topic of nuclear war in the arts. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/55-nuclear-3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Nuclear Texts & Contexts Nuclear Holocausts: Atomic War in Fiction, by Paul Brians Vladimir Gakov and Paul Brians: Nuclear-War Themes in Soviet Science Fiction, An Annotated Bibliography 2016-10-1900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 54: Going Nuclear, Part 2This week we continue our discussion on the topic of nuclear war in the arts. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/54-nuclear-2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Nuclear Holocausts: Atomic War in Fiction, by Paul Brians Newsletter: Nuclear Texts & Contexts Nuke Pop (popular culture images of nuclear war) Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and the Dystopian Tradition Vladimir Gakov and Paul Brians: Nuclear-War Themes in Soviet Science Fiction, An Annotated Bibliography 2016-10-1200 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 53: Going Nuclear, Part 1This week we talk about a word used in the first Clinton/Trump debate that triggered a lot of response for Paul Brians: nuclear. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/nuclear-1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Merriam-Webster tracks election words on their site The New York Times: Jonathan Mahler watches the debate in silence Muscular Christianity Nuclear Holocausts: Atomic War in Fiction, by Paul Brians 2016-10-0500 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 52: Totally CoolLast week Paul Brians gave us the history and variety of uses for the word hot. This week it’s cool’s turn. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/52-cool.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Gwendolyn Brooks discusses and reads “The Pool Players, Seven at the Golden Shovel” 2016-09-2800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 51: Le Podcast HotWe start this week with a rundown of Prince Charles’ recent comment about Twitter as a mortal threat, then bid farewell to summer with a discussion of the word hot. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/51-hot.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Ann Miller sings “Too Darn Hot” by Cole Porter Julie Andrews sings “Le Jazz Hot” from Victor/Victoria Ella Fitzgerald sings “Too Darn Hot” 2016-09-2100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 50: Commonly Confused Words, the PC EditionThis week we take on more words and phrases that are commonly confused. This time we discuss the correct way to use ethnic and religious terms. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/50-confused-4.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Commonly confused expressions AramcoWorld subscription services Edward Said, Orientalism Paul’s photo from the top of the Musée du monde Arabe: 2016-09-0700 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 49: More Commonly Confused WordsThis week we talk about commonly confused words, also previously discussed in episodes 39 and 45. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/49-confused-3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Commonly confused expressions 2016-08-3100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 48: Swell (and other Fabulous Words)This week on the podcast we discuss words of enthusiasm like “huge,”“terrific,” and “fantastic,” including their history and sometimes-surprising shifts in meaning, in spite of what the Oxford English Dictionary might say about them. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/48-swell.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: ABC report on Trump’s hands Tom Terrific Paul Brians’ post on “brilliant” “Thou Swell” performed by June Allyson Ella Fitzgerald sings “’S Wonderful” Judy Garland & Fred Astaire: “We’re a Couple of Swells” “You’re the Top” (with pictures!) 2016-08-2300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 40: A History of American Comics (Part 1)This week we take a break from English usage points and talk about one of Paul’s great interests, the comic strips of American newspapers. We discuss the early history. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/40-readingTheComics-1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: PhD Comics—A professor writes his e-mail IDW Publishing Fantagraphics Yellow journalism Toonerville Trolley cartoon John Alden Carpenter’s “Krazy Kat” ballet music 2016-06-2800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 39: Words Often ConfusedIs Paul reticent about attempting to ride his unicycle in public, or is he hesitant to do that? You’ll find the answer right away when you hit the Play button this week, but keep listening to hear about other commonly confused terms. We’ll be covering more such expressions in future podcasts. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/39-WordsOftenConfused.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 On Stitcher Links: Commonly confused expressions Tarzan wears a Common Errors in English Usage t-shirt 2016-06-2100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 35: Political Language and Literature (Part 2)This week we continue our conversation at the crossroads of politics and literary criticism. It turns out there is some vocabulary worth knowing in this area, including cosmopolitanism, interrogation, formalism, and several others. This all relates to the Common Errors in English Usage Web site, too, in interesting ways. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/35-PoliticalLanguageAndLiterature-2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: Paul Brians’ notes on Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses (PDF) Paul Brians’ book on South Asian Literature in English Paul Brians’ Retirement Speech (“Teaching, Politics, and Me”) 2016-05-2400 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 34: Political Language and Literature (Part 1)This week we continue talking about the language of politics—this time focusing on how it is used to discuss literature. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/34-PoliticalLanguageAndLiterature-1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: Paul Brians’ Retirement Speech (“Teaching, Politics, and Me”) Misconceptions, Confusions, and Conflicts Concerning Socialism, Communism, and Capitalism Introduction to 19th-Century Socialism Study Guide for The Communist Manifesto Paul Brians’ Nuclear Holocausts: Atomic War in Fiction Text of Germinal, by Emile Zola Text of Under Western Eyes, by Joseph Conrad 2016-05-1800 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 33: The Language of the Election SeasonThis week we talk with Paul Brians about the language of elections, including politicians’ propensity to use “we” when they really mean “I.” Paul also explains how Bernie Sanders, a socialist, has taken advantage of the way conservatives in the U.S. have used language for the past several years. Other topics include a couple of misused terms from Common Errors in English Usage and the way the media cover political campaigns. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/33-ElectionTerms.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: UPDATE: Someone has asked Trump about Puerto Rico after all ...2016-05-1100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 31: The Everything of “Theory”This week we discuss the meaning of the word “theory,” which was recently reported on by Carl Zimmer in The New York Times. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/31-theory.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: In Science, It’s Never ‘Just a Theory’ A Week of Misconceptions Paul Brians’ entry on the word theory 2016-04-2700 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 30: Eggcorns! (with special guest Geoffrey Pullum)This week we discuss a kind of error known as an eggcorn. The term was coined by Geoffrey Pullum, who explains. After that, Paul Brians runs down some examples from Common Errors in English Usage. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/30-eggcorns.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: The Eggcorn Database Egg corns: folk etymology, malapropism, mondegreen, ??? Far from the Madding Gerund (and other dispatches from Language Log) Browse other books by Geoffrey Pullum Some examples from Common Errors in English Usage “So wrong, it’s right,” by Jan Freema...2016-04-1900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 27: When Is a Rose Not a Rose?This week we feature something very lovely indeed: Paul Brians delivers a lecture on the history of the rose in art. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/27-WhenIsARoseNotARose.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: There Is No Rose of Such Virtue Mediaeval Song, by James J. Wilhelm David Camden’s translation of Florus Thomas Parnell’s translation of “The Vigil of Venus” Fragonard’s The Sacrifice of the Rose Sting’s interpretation of “Come away, come, sweet love” John McCormack: “Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes” 2016-03-3000 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 26: The English Language and Its Non-Errors (Part 3)This week we conclude our discussion of non-errors. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/26-NonErrors-3.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: Paul Brians’ page of non-errors The AP changes its mind about “hopefully” Grammar Girl analyzes “Think Different” Bonus (Paul’s “spitting image”): 2016-03-2300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 25: The English Language and Its Non-Errors (Part 2)This week we continue our discussion of non-errors. http://wmjasco.com/podcasts/25-NonErrors-2.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: Paul Brians’ page of non-errors 2016-03-1600 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 23: We Could Be AntiheroesIs there a difference between an antihero and a villain? How about a hero and a protagonist? This week Paul Brians explains these literary terms and talks about Dostoyevsky’s Underground Man. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/23-antihero.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: hero/protagonist (from Common Errors in English Usage) heroin/heroine (from Common Errors in English Usage) Study Guide for Dostoyevsky: Notes from Underground Can Dostoevsky Still Kick You in the Gut? Full text: Notes from the Underground Full text: Invisible Man, by Ra...2016-03-0100 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 19: Talking Star WarsThis week Paul Brians shows off more of his sci-fi film knowledge with his discussion of Star Wars movies, Buck Rogers, and Flash Gordon. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/19-starWars.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: How Did Han Solo Make the Kessel Run in 12 Parsecs? “Light-year” entry on the Common Errors in English Usage Web site 2016-02-0300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 18: Totally BustedThis week we talk about a word that has seemingly gained a lot of currency: busted. Listen to Paul Brians discuss the history of this word and its many uses. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/18-bust.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: “Busted” by Ben Zimmer The Beau Hunks Play the Original Little Rascals Music NYC’s homeless skeptical of programs intended to help them Buster Brown Bust (the magazine) 2016-01-2700 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 15: A History of Common Errors in English Usage (Part 1)It feels like a millennium ago, but in fact it was merely last millennium, in 1997, that Paul Brians started his Common Errors in English Usage Web site. In the next two weeks we will be talking about the origins of the site. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/15-History-Part1.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Link: Common Errors in English Usage, the site 2016-01-0500 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 14: Style Changes for the New YearHappy New Year! There are style changes for the Washington Post, and Paul Brians offers his own perspective. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/14-NewYearChanges.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: The Post drops the ‘mike’ — and the hyphen in ‘e-mail’ by Bill Walsh mic/mike email/e-mail Internet/intranet World Wide Web company names with apostrophes they/their (singular) collective plural 2015-12-2900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 12: The Magi(c) of ChristmasIn the spirit of the Christmas season, Paul Brians calls on his background as a scholar of the Bible and discusses some of the important language in the story of Christmas. Do you know the religious tradition of the Magi? The difference between miracle and magic? Listen to find out. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/12-magicOfChristmas.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: Opening music (Paul Brians’ favorite recording of “We Three Kings”) “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry Zoroastrianism (Zarathustrianism) Google search: The Slaughter of the Innocents Google sea...2015-12-1600 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 11: Steam—Not for Punks OnlyThis week Paul Brians discusses how the word steam has persisted well past the steam age. It’s a family podcast, so things don’t get too steamy! https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/11-steam.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: “We Haven’t Run Out of Steam Yet,” by Paul Brians Photographs Bainbridge Island from the Virginia V steamer, by Paul Brians The City of Lost Children The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (graphic novel) Le Voyage Extraordinaire, Tome 1 (on Amazon UK) Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel 2015-12-0900 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 10: Commas (Inspired by Mary Norris)This week we discuss the introduction to Mary Norris’s book, Between You and Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen. From there we talk about peculiarities of commas in The New Yorker, basic guidelines for comma usage, and everyone’s favorite: The Oxford Comma. https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/10-Commas-InspiredByMaryNorris.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Links: “Learning to Love the House Style,” by Mary Norris Paul Brians’ entry on commas The Oxford Comma Dr. Howard 2015-12-0200 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 9: Talking Turkey (and Many Other Place Names, Too!)Happy Thanksgiving! This week we discuss place name oddities. Paul Brians begins with his blog post, “Let’s Talk Turkey.” https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/09-placenames.mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Download mp3 Order Common Errors in English Usage before the end of the year and get $4 off the cover price when you enter the coupon code FIFTEEN: http://tinyurl.com/commonerrorsbook. Expires December 31, 2015. 2015-11-2400 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 6: A Visit from Mr. GradgrindThis week we get a visit from Paul Brians’ alter-ego, Mr. Gradgrind, who answers our rhetorical questions with his unique fact-based approach! https://wmjasco.com/podcasts/06-gradgrind.mp3 Download mp3 Subscribe on iTunes LINK: Mr. Gradgrind’s Literal Answers to Rhetorical Questions 2015-11-0300 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 5: Moons and Moods of the Blue KindOn rare occasion you may perhaps wonder where the expression “Once in a Blue Moon” comes from. This week Paul Brians discusses the true origin. http://wmjasco.com/podcasts/05-blue-moon.mp3 Download mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Links: Moody Blues, by Paul Brians The Eggcorn Database Why Did People Once Think the Moon was Made Out of Cheese? (from Today I Found Out) 2015-10-2700 min

The Common Errors in English Usage PodcastEpisode 4: SynonymsChoosing the right word is more than a matter of looking up synonyms. In this episode Paul Brians talks about word choice, with a smattering of etymology and linguistic discussion of “snow words” thrown in. http://wmjasco.com/podcasts/04-synonyms.mp3 Download mp3 Subscribe on iTunes Links: Sapir-Whorf hypothesis “Eskimo Words for Snow”: A Case Study in the Genesis and Decay of an Anthropological Example, by Laura Martin (also see Bad science reporting again: the Eskimos are back, by Geoffrey K. Pullum). 2015-10-2100 min