The misuse of the word "Literally" kills me. Literally.

Twice on talk radio yesterday I heard the host misuse the word literally incorrectly. And it [literally] twists my insides up the way the use of irregardless [literally] kills my sister when she hears it's use (even though it is a real word).

In case you are not aware, "literally" does not mean that the metaphor to follow is a literary bit of prose. According to Common errors in English,

It should be used to distinguish between a figurative and a literal meaning of
a phrase. It should not be used as a synonym for "actually" or "really."

I have found that almost every use of the word is the exact opposite of it's literal meaning, literally.

Thankfully, I don't have to make eradicationtion of this misuse of language the goal of this blog. Someone has beaten me to it. Literally, A Web log has done an excellent job of collecting samples of use with commentary.

I'm going to literally add it to my news feeds.

(Wait, that wasn't witty or smart. Nuts.)

Something different tonight. Something orange.

Today's drawing

Some meetings require me to be very involved.

Give me data before hand; give me opposing views in the room or on the phone; let's make some decisions. Recap a status report that I could have read at my desk . . . . you get today's picture.

SUCCESSES THIS WEEK IN IRAQ (12-18 AUGUST 2005)

The mainstream press doesn't cover the good things that are being accomplished by our troops in Iraq; I don't think that it fits the message that they want to get out.

The fact is that our soldiers are doing good work every day. Work that needs to be done and work that won't get done if we pull out any earlier than necessary.

So in case you didn't know it, HQ United States Central Command puts out a news release weekly. This weeks lists the construction of schools, hospitals, and courthouses. It lists public work projects. It covers the increasing activity on the Iraqi Army soldiers stepping up to the plate.

If you want to read previous releases, you can do so here.

This I Believe on NPR

"Beginning in 1951, radio pioneer Edward R. Murrow asked Americans from all walks of life to write essays about their most fundamental and closely held beliefs. Half a century later, NPR, Atlantic Public Media and This I Believe, Inc. are partnering to recreate 'This I Believe' on the air and online."

I recomposed my "Today is a Good Day" essay for this series put on by NPR. I perused some of the other submissions and it's good to know that there are people out there that believe in things. That's what makes America great.

I wish that the StoryCorps booth was traveling to Houston. It's neat to see inside other's people's family. I'd like to imagine that the rest of the interview, the part that doesn't make it on the air, is just as poignant to the families involved. I'd like to interview my family about our past. Maybe that's a new project for me in my 33rd year.

It's my birthday!

Thirty-three years ago today, Deborah Klenke had a baby boy, yours truly. And the people rejoiced.

We didn't have much time to celebrate because we took Sarah to Denton, TX (just north of Dallas) to start her sophomore year at University of North Texas.


Move in went well. The dorms are nice. The menu had lots of vegetarian options and there were lots of activities for the next week or so.

After talking to a bunch of students, parents, and other people helping other people move in, this may be a great fit for Sarah. I hope so, I want her to happy and successful.

Susan says that we may celebrate my birthday in a few weeks. I am kinda ok with it but it sure would be nice to have some crazy birthday surprise today. Last year my father had his wedding on my birthday and today we moved in Sarah. It's a conspiracy I tell you!

In any case, today was a good day.