Category Archives: language

A Spotlight on Rumors: Illuminating How Influence and Improvisation Shape Online Conversations

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary M. UW Professor Kate Starbird discussed her work in understanding online rumors, misinformation and disinformation. Rumors are an inherent human reaction to crisis events like natural disasters or political upheaval because they help us make sense of … Continue reading →

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One of many reasons English is so weird

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to MaryLou P/

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Rutgers Expert on Antifa Flees to Spain After Death Threats

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Mark Bray was teaching courses on anti-fascism. Turning Point USA accused him of belonging to antifa, which he denies. He left the country Thursday night. by Sharon Otterman in the NYT A Rutgers University expert on antifa fled the United States … Continue reading →

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Ken Jennings: Trivia and ‘Jeopardy!’ Could Save Our Republic

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Jim deMaine

By Ken Jennings, the host of “Jeopardy!” – in the NYT (thanks to Marilyn W.) When I first stepped behind the host lectern on the quiz show “Jeopardy!,” I was intimidated for two reasons. Most obviously, I had the hopeless task … Continue reading →

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Her heart went Hamma Hamma, and her teeth went Klickitat

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Who knew Washington names could cause such pun-ishment?

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Every river has its people

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Jim deMaine

If “every river has its people,” can The People restore their river? Thanks to Ed M. Davus Burge in Post Alley Of Native Americans and their world on Puget Sound, here ar the words of John, a Swinomish elder born … Continue reading →

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I Don’t Want to Live in a Monoculture, and Neither Do You

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: This is a thought provoking article about the failure of the DEI effort at the University of Michigan. Do we live in a monoculture, given the current political turmoil? Is part of the equation showing respect, kindness and … Continue reading →

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Today’s Teenagers Have Invented a Language That Captures the World Perfectly

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Jim deMaine

By Stephen Marche in the NYT. (Thanks to Put B.) Mr. Marche is the author, most recently, of “The Next Civil War.” My son just completed high school and when he leaves for college in the fall my life will change … Continue reading →

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