Cliché challenge

Want to make sure you're using the latest clichés in your writing? Or, keeping them out? Here you'll find "how various clichés of the media and the establishment are faring based on the number of references on Google over the past 3 months." It includes color code showing which clichés are growing and which are fading.

Topping the list with a bullet is "Empire, imperialism, or imperial" at 14,900,000 examples found. "Strategic planning" is on its way down (no shit). I'm glad to see that "fuck" is holding steady at 7th on the list, with 9,130,000. (Link found in Katherine A. Powers' column in last Sunday's Globe.)

And the "Cliché News" gives the following update:

Partner with us is up 1,2 million since our last check

Conspiracy theory (theories) up over 600,000

New world order is up 400,000

Smoking gun is up 200,000

Edgy is down 350,000

In place of clichés, why not try a unique word? At Open Brackets, the Bantu word mbuki-mvuki which means "take off your clothes and dance" might be useful in certain contexts. But one of my favorite words there (of course, because it's Spanish) was in the comments: enchilarse, "to describe that unpleasant state when you have eaten too much chile and your eyes and nose are running and you desperately want something cool to drink to quench the fire."

7:32:44 PM      trackback [] 

Opinions you should read

If you're looking for some humor to lighten the sour mood these days, be sure to check out Tom Burka's spins on the news at Opinions You Should Have. Today's headlines:

New Iraqi Government To Be Chosen In Special Season of "Survivor," Says Prez:  "The Government" To Join Reality TV Lineup Until June 30

 

Soldier On Leave Takes Picture Of Bush Falling Off Bike:  Proves Digital Cameras "Terrible Threat" To Nation, Says Rumsfeld

5:25:19 PM      trackback [] 

Driving home

I’ve just left my writers group dinner and I turn up onto the highway. It’s 10 pm. The weather front overhanging the area has the effect of trapping in the light from the city and suburbs. The low clouds rolling just above are clearly visible, orchid-tinted against the foreboding cobalt-gray behind them. Violet flashes sporadically ring the skies. The rain has stopped for now. I am listening to Gustavo Cerati on my car stereo:

…sospechar de un resabio de luz

si hay esplendor seré un dragón de fuego azul…

The tempestuous weather does not mirror my state of being, suffused with the evening’s conviviality and creative sharing. Earlier in the day I met with potential new clients who may have work for me through the summer. And I have some leftover good feelings from the weekend. I am calm.

Moving west out on the turnpike it gets darker and I drive into a heavy downpour. So much lightning it becomes a backdrop for flashes of dark in between. A few bright flashes very near with quick-after thunder. Windshield wipers at max. Driving slower, probably not enough. I’m losing my calm. Wistful sadness from the song seeps in. (I have been replaying it.)

…un reemplazo de mí no podrá hermosearte más

pero igual me mata no saber

dónde estás, ni que hacer

hoy marqué tu número tan solo para oír tu voz…

The rain and lightning let up some but I hit the corrugated carpet of grooved asphalt with its attending orange-and-white striped barrels. This goes on and on. My old car feels like it’s running on rims, adding rumbling bass to the staccato on my windshield. Have to turn up the volume. (A new song.)

Por aquello que encontré en tus ojos…

Finally, finally off the highway, and a few miles to home.

10:29:24 AM      trackback []