Nouns on a String? (Signs #20)
A sign on the back of the Port Authority bus terminal in New York City reads BUS TERMINAL REDEMPTION CENTER. I'm pretty sure you can't redeem a bus terminal at this center. Other than that, I have no idea.
You Could Look It Up
The last issue of Clear, Effective Communications listed a few of my "textbooks." This issue offers reference works: sites I visit frequently to look something up. Prefer print? So do I. But most reference books are out [...]
ATMs Made Here? (Signs #15)
I'm not particularly bothered by the lack of commas at the ends of the lines. I am bothered, as I'm sure you are, by the missing comma after "tea." (Unless this store sells tea ice cream. Which [...]
Thesaurus? Yes, No, Sometimes?
Do you use Microsoft Word’s thesaurus feature? If so, you’ve probably discovered its strengths (fortes, assets, métiers, gifts) and limitations (drawbacks, inadequacies, imperfections, weaknesses). They are basically the same as those of a print thesaurus. [...]
Microsoft Is a Terrible Editor
We interrupt the ongoing sign series to bring you this rant about Microsoft Word's grammar checker. I'll give you the bottom line first: Computer grammar checkers are not reliable. If you follow their advice, you're as likely [...]