QUOTE OF THE DAY
What is a cynic? A man who know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
- Oscar Wilde
From Lady Windermere’s Fan {1892}, Act III
LANGUAGE CORNER
Today’s topic is palindromes. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a palindrome as “a word, verse, or sentence or a number that reads the same backward or forward.” According to Merriam-Webster, its first known use was circa 1629.
One of the most famous palindromes was purportedly uttered by Napoleon Bonaparte. It was in reference to his first sighting of the island of Elba where he was exiled in 1814. - Able was I ere I saw Elba. Another popular palindrome is Madam, in Eden I’m Adam. Here is a short list of even more palindromes.
Rats eat no evil star.
Panic in a Titanic, I nap.
Otto made Ned a motto.
Warsaw was raw.
Was it a car or a cat I saw?
We’ll let Dad tell Lew.
The number 1881 is a palindrome.
The words “level” and “racecar” and “kayak” are palindromes.
If you can’t get enough palindromes, you really should check out this website. It is an online journal called The Palindromist. It describes itself as “the world’s greatest palindrome magazine” and “A Journal For People Who WRITE – and read – Palindromes.” Click on the link below to view it.
http://www.realchange.org/pal/
Baseball
The Toronto Blue Jays parted ways with three players today. Edwin Encarnacion was claimed off waivers today by the Oakland Athletics. That means the Jays will have a new third baseman next spring. Although Encarnacion slugged 21 home runs this season, he made quite a few defensive errors. I was often critical of his play, but I have to say that his performance improved after he was sent down to the minors. However, I do not think he was ever the third baseman that the Jays need to compete in the American League East.
Relief pitcher Brian Tallett and backup outfielder Dewayne Wise both opted for free agency instead of a demotion to the Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas.
Congratulations to Jose Bautista for winning a Silver Slugger award. He can add that to growing collection. He also won the Hank Aaron Award as the top slugger in the American League. Will he win American League Most Valuable Player honours? We’ll find out on November 23rd. In the meantime, all I can say is Jose for MVP.
- Joanne
