OPRAH WINFREY b.1954

American talk show host and philanthropist

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

The next post here will be on Friday 3rd January.

The new blog POETRY AND PROSE - MY CHOICE begins that day -

http://poetryandprose-mychoice.blogspot.com

-o0o-

VERN McLELLAN

What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.

NEW - beginning on Friday 3rd January

POETRY AND PROSE - MY CHOICE

http://poetryandprose-mychoice.blogspot.com

-o0o-

ALBERT EINSTEIN 1879-1955

German-born theoretical physicist

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

-o0o-

NEW - beginning Friday 3rd January

POETRY AND PROSE - MY CHOICE

http://poetryandprose-mychoice.blogspot.com

ANON

Don't cry because it's over.

Smile because it happened.

-o0o-

WALTER SCOTT 1771-1832

Heap on the wood! The wind is chill;

But let it whistle as it will,

We'll keep our Christmas merry still .

The next post here will be on Friday 27th December

-o0o-

SHIRLEY TEMPLE b.1928

American film and TV actress, and former US ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.

-o0o-

JOHN BETJEMAN 1906-84

British poet,writer and broadcaster

Think of what our nation stands for,

Books from Boots' and country lanes,

Free speech, free passes, class distinction,

Democracy and proper drains.

-o0o-

PUBLILIUS SYRUS 1st century BC

Syrian poet and writer

He who gives quickly gives the poor man twice as much.

-o0o-

Ethiopian Proverb

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

-o0o-

AGATHA CHRISTIE 1890-1976

British writer of crime novels

I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a good thing.

-o0o-

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW 1856-1950

Irish playwright, co-founder of the London School of Economics

Do not do unto others as you would they should do to you. Their tastes my not be the same.

-o0o-

ARISTOTLE 384BC - 322BC

Greek philosopher

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.

-o0o-

AMANDA McBROOM b.1947

American singer, songwriter and actress

It's the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance,

It's the dream afraid of waking that never takes a chance,

It's the one who won't be taken who cannot seem to give, 

And the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live.

-o0o-

T.S. ELIOT 1888-1965

American-born British poet and essayist

To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing, to contemplate the beautiful thing; that is enough for one man's life.

-o0o-

HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON 1840-1921

British poet and essayist

Time goes, you say! Ah no!

Alas, time stays.We go!

-o0o-

JANE AUSTEN 1775-1817

English novelist

To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.

-o0o-

LANGSTON HUGHES 1902-67

American poet, social activist and novelist

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.

-o0o-

CICERO 106 BC - 43 BC

Roman philosopher, politician and orator

The mind is the true self, not the person that can be pointed to with the finger,

-o0o-

ANN LANDERS

"Ann Landers" was the pen name of an advice columnist in the Chicago Sun-Times

Be able to stick with a job until it is finished. Be able to bear an injustice without having to get even. Be able to carry money without spending it. Be able to do your duty without being supervised.

-o0o-

OSCAR WILDE 1854-1900

Irish writer and poet

Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.

-o0o-

ERICA JONG b.1942

American author and teacher

Take your life in your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing; no one else is to blame.

-o0o-

BERTRAND RUSSELL 1872-1970

British philosopher, historian and social critic

No rules, however wise, are a substitute for affection and tact.

-o0o-

ANITA BOOKNER b.1928

British novelist and art historian

Good women always think it is their fault when someone else is being offensive. Bad women never take the blame for anything.

-o0o-

LAO-TZU

6th century BC Chinese philosopher

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.

-o0o-

THEODORE ROOSEVELT 1858-1919

26th president of the USA

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

-o0o-

ANDREA BOCELLI b.1958

Italian singer-songwriter

All that counts in life is intention

-o0o-

AUDREY HEPBURN 1929-93

British actress and humanitarian

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others,

For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness,

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.

-o0o-

ANON

Write the bad things that are done to you in sand, but write the good things that happen to you on a piece of marble. 

-o0o-

THOMAS EDISON 1847-1931

American inventor and businessman

If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally 

astound ourselves.

-o0o-

MARGARET THATCHER 1925-2013

British politician, Prime Minister 1979-90

If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.

-o0o-

BENJAMIN DISRAELI 1804-81

British politician, writer and aristocrat who twice served as Prime Minister

Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.

-o0o-

CHRISTOPHER MORLEY 1890-1957

American journalist, novelist, essayist and poet.

Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ALBERT CAMUS 1913-60

French Nobel Prize winning author, journalist and philosopher

All great deeds and all great thoughts have a ridiculous beginning.

-o0o-

ISADORA DUNCAN 1877-1927

American-born dancer who, from the age of 22,  lived in Western Europe and Russia

The finest inheritance you can give to a child is to allow it to make its own way, completely on its own feet.

-o0o-

SEBASTIAN COE CH KBE b.1956

British politician and former field and track athlete

If you lived in Sheffield and were called Sebastian, you had to learn to run fast at a very early age.

-o0o-

JOHN SCHNATTER b.1961

American businessman

Concentrate on what you do well, and do it better than anyone else.

-o0o-

ANNA FREUD 1895-1982

Born in Vienna, she followed her father Sigmund Freud in the development of psychoanalysis

I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.

o-o-o-o--o-o-o-o-o-o-

OPRAH WINFREY b.1954

American media proprietor and talk show host

Follow your instincts. That's where true wisdom manifests itself.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.60

forgetfulness = OBLIVESCENCE

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

THOMAS CARLYLE 1795-1881

Scottish philosopher and satirical writer

Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.59

shaped like a barrel = SALPIFORM

PRINCE CHARLES b.1948

Most architects think by the inch, talk by the yard and should be kicked by the foot.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.58
horse-drawn carriage with folding top = LANDAU

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANON

Always use tasteful words. You may have to eat them.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.56

 instrument for measuring rainfall = UDOMETER

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

BILL COSBY b.1937

American comedian, author, actor and TV producer

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.55

an obsession with France or the French = GALLOMANIA

ERICA JONG b.1942

American author and teacher

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT -  No.54
universal; affecting the majority of people in a region = PANDEMIC

JOHN'S QUIET CORNER 

has been updated today

http://john-quietcorner.blogspot.com

L.M. MONTGOMERY 1874-1942

Canadian author, best known for "Anne of Green Gables"

Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.53
to fantasize over something = FANTASTICATE

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o- 

WILLIAM BLAKE 1757-1827

English poet and painter

I was angry with my friend;

I told my wrath, my wrath did end.

I was angry with my foe;

I told it not, my wrath did grow.

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.52

to fluctuate in opinion = VACILLATE
 

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 1564-1616

English poet and playwright

Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot 

That it do singe yourself

[from Henry VIII]

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.51

fear of foreigners = XENOPHOBIA

KATHERINE MANSFIELD 1888-1923

New Zealand-born British writer of short fiction

Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it is good only for wallowing in. 

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.50

to criticize beyond sphere of one's knowledge = ULTRACREPIDATE

ROBERT GREEN INGERSOLL 1833-99

American Civil War veteran, lawyer and political leader

Happiness is the only good. The place to be happy is here. The time to be happy is now. The way to be happy is to help make others so. 

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.49

a book of customs, traditions and principles = CONSUETUDINARY

SOPHOCLES 497/6-406/5 BC

Ancient Greek writer of tragedies

Kindness will always attract kindness

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.48

state of contentment = EUPATHY

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANON

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. 

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT No.47

someone who unduly assumes air of superior wisdom = WISEACRE

 

The new series of JOHN'S QUIET CORNER begins today

http://john-quietcorner.blogspot.com

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

JEAN-PAUL SARTRE 1905-80

French philosopher, playwright, novelist and political activist

Everything has been figured out, except how to live.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.46

a group of hired applauders or sycophants = CLAQUE
 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANAIS NIN 1903-77

American author

The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery. 

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.45

fear of work = ERGOPHOBIA
 

The second series of JOHN'S QUIET CORNER begins on Friday - http://john-quietcorner.blogspot.com

MAYA ANGELOU b.1928

American author and poet

The main thing in one's own private world is to try to laugh as much as you cry.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.44

boat-shaped = SCAPHOID

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

SAMUEL JOHNSON 1709-84

English writer, poet and essayist

There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.43

a wine bottle with a capacity four times larger than an ordinary bottle. = JEROBOAM

BLOG NEWS:  A new series of "John's Quiet Corner" which ran from May 2009 until May 2011 begins on 8th November and will be updated every Friday. The address is http://john-quietcorner.blogspot.com

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

JIMI HENDRIX 1942-70

American musician, singer and songwriter

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.42

the study of religious feasts = HEORTOLOGY
 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

DORIS LESSING b.1919

British novelist, poet, playwright and short story writer

Think wrongly, if you please, but in all cases think for yourself. 

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.41

The dimple in the cheek when one smiles = GELASIN  

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

VOLTAIRE 1694-1778

French Enlightenment writer, historian and philosopher

The only problem with common sense is that it is not very common.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.40

instrument for writing two lines of text at once = DIPLOGRAPH

FRANZ SCHUBERT 1797-1828

Austrian classical composer

Let us take men as they are, not as they ought to be. 

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.39

bassoon player = FAGOTTIST

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT 1832-88

American novelist, author of "Little Women."

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.38

a photograph of clouds = NEPHOGRAM
 

ANON

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.37

fear of mice = MURIPHOBIA

 -o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

THOMAS A. EDISON 1847-1931

American inventor and businessman

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.36

 a grotesque face on a wall or on a door-knocker = MASCARON

C.S. LEWIS 1898-1963

Novelist and poet, author of "The Chronicles of Narnia"

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.35

     the study of butterflies and moths = LEPIDOPTEROLOGY
 

JACQUELINE ONASSIS 1929-94

the widow of USA President John F. Kennedy

Our dreams and goals are never completely realised. They are always there before our eyes, but always just slightly out of our reach. And so, as we strive to fulfil our vision, we must make the most of every living moment.

 THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.34

     sleep-walking = NOCTAMBULATION
 

 

MARK TWAIN 1835-1910

American author and humourist

 Old habits can't be thrown out the upstairs window. They have to be coaxed down the stairs, one step at a time.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.33

     collecting beer bottle labels = LABEORPHILY
 

SAMUEL JOHNSON 1709-84

English poet and essayist

Almost every man wastes part of his life in attempts to display qualities which he does not possess, and to gain applause which he cannot keep.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.32

knowledge of plants = PHYTOSOPHY

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW 1856-1950

Irish playwright and co-founder of the London School of Economics

The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.31

Someone who keeps entering competitions in newspapers etc. = COMPER

the new blog IN THE CHOCOLATE BOX STYLE has been updated today

http://inthechocolateboxstyle.blogspot.com

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE 1820-1910

British social reformer and founder of modern nursing

No man, not even a doctor, ever gives any other definition of what a nurse should be than this - "devoted and obedient." This definition would do just as well for a porter. It might even do for a horse.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.30

Someone who loves dogs = CYNOPHILIST

GAUTAMA BUDDHA c.563 BC-c.483 BC

Through zeal knowledge is gotten; through lack of zeal knowledge is lost.

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.29

a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings  = PORTMANTEAU e.g. smog, motel, brunch

Have you visited the new blog IN THE CHOCOLATE BOX STYLE yet?

http://inthechocolateboxstyle.blogspot.com

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT 1884-1962

The First Lady of the USA 1933-45 

A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

 -o0o- 

 

 THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.28

The doctrine that self-denial of the body permits spiritual enlightenment =  ASCETICISM

The new blog is now online - IN THE CHOCOLATE BOX STYLE

http://inthechocolateboxstyle.blogspot.com

ANON

Discretion is being able to raise your eyebrow instead of your voice.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.27

 one who writes epic poetry = EPOPOEIST

NEW - starting today - NEW

IN THE CHOCOLATE BOX STYLE

The term, usually derogatory, describes idealistic, sentimental paintings. Artists like Renoir were often derided for producing such works. The genre was particularly loved by the Victorians and my selection will appeal to many today.

http://inthechocolateboxstyle.blogspot.com

ALBERT EINSTEIN 1879-1955

German-born theoretical physicist who developed the general theory of relativity

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.26

abnormal fear of failure = KAKORRHAPHIOPHOBIA

WALT DISNEY 1901-66

American animator, producer and director

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.25

knowledge of palm-reading = CHIROSOPHY
 

NANCY ASTOR 1879-1964

Viscountess Astor, the first woman Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons

Real education should educate us out of self into something far finer - into a selflessness which links us with all humanity.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.24

a confused sound of voices = BABELDOM
 

FRANCIS of ASSISSI 1182-1226

Italian Catholic friar and preacher

Remember, we learn nothing by speaking.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.23

a word having the same derivation or form as another = ISONYM

 

MARIE BEYNON RAY 1919-????

American author and columnist

Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.22

gossipy or flighty person = FLIBBERTIGIBBET

RON WILD

Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child. 

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.21

a verse or poem of eight lines = OCTASTICH
 

AESOP c.620-564 BC

Ancient Greek story-teller

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.20
A fingerprint - DACTYLOGRAM

BILL COSBY b.1937

American actor, author and television producer

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone.

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.19

Someone who studies crop circles - CEREOLOGIST

HELEN KELLER 1880-1968

American deafblind author and political activist

No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted island, or opened a new heaven in the human spirit.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.18
To kiss warmly - DEOSCULAT

Danish Proverb

A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.

-o0o- 

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.17

the study of snakes - OPHIOLOGY

C.S. LEWIS 1898-1963

Belfast-born novelist, poet, academic and Christian apologist 

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.16
To wet or moisten - IMBRUE
 

IVAN PANIN 1855-1942

Russian-born American numerologist. 

For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.15

To interlock, like the fingers of clasped hands - INTERDIGITATE

MARIE CURIE 1867-1934

French-Polish physicist and chemist

We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained. 

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - No.14

Fear of thunder and lightning = BRONTOPHOBIA

RICHARD PRYOR 1940-2005

American comedian and actor

Two things people throughout history have had in common are hatred and humour. I am proud that I have been able to use humour to lessen people's hatred.

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT  No.13
fear of certain places or situations - TOPOPHOBIA

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI 1830-94

English poet

Better by far that you should forget and smile, than that you should remember and be sad.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT - NO.12

    one who wastes his energy on trifles = QUIDDLE

RANDY PAUSCH 1960-2008

American professor of computer science

We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT No.11

   humorous theory that inanimate objects display spiteful behaviour towards humans - RESISTENTIALISM

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

BERTRAND RUSSELL 1872-1970

British philosopher, mathematician, historian and social critic

No rules however wise, are a substitute for affection and tact.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT No. 10

a newborn child - A NEONATE

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANN BRASHARES b.1967

American writer of young adult fiction

Maybe the truth is, there's a little bit of a loser in all of us. Being happy isn't having everything in your life perfect. Maybe it's about stringing together all the little things.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT  No.9

speaking learnedly, e.g. an expert on a particular subject  - DOCTILOQUENT
 

  -o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

 

WINSTON CHURCHILL 1874-1965

Prime Minister of Britain 1940-45 and 1951-55

If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.

-o0o-

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT No.8

an obsolete, out-of-fashion belief or theory = WASM

 

SARAH BERNHARDT 1844-1923

French stage and early film actress

One should hate very little, because it's extremely fatiguing. One should despise much, forgive often, and never forget. Pardon does not bring with it forgetfulness; at least not for me.

THERE'S A WORD FOR IT  No.7

a small group of people, e.g. a discussion or literary group = CENACLE

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-