Parker Brothers published “Hidden Titles”; as usual, there’s no date.  It contains thirty cards, “representing many different geographical titles in pictures.”  I like its flamboyant lettering and deft charcoal sketches. (Posted by Doug Skinner)

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2-D glasses “Symmetry” and “cemetery” are fitting homonyms: what is more moribund than the mirrored bilateral? Coin new words; otherwise, you’re just cooking with leftovers. a single signal The best way to be offensive is to be strongly defensive. I cannot recall my christening; I suppose I wasn’t listening. bad bon bons: mauvais mauvais With […]

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“Cheery Families” was published by Thomas de la Rue & Co, in London.  There were thirteen families in the deck; all headed by contented tradesmen like Mr. Butt.  I suspect brewers would be barred from a children’s game nowadays. (Posted by Doug Skinner.  Thanks to Angela Alverson.)

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Observation is obfuscation. The umbrella protects rain from humans. musk scum a broadcaster’s pleonasm: “constitutional rights according to the Constitution” Birds of a feather fight together. cartons of cartoons A drawing is less successful the more it resembles its subject; fiction the more it resembles fact. white noise from a wet nose To gauge the […]

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We have here an old, isolated card; I don’t know to what game it once belonged. (Posted by Doug Skinner)

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Wooden nickels serve many functions in our society: souvenirs, coupons, business cards, promotional items.  The graphic design is usually based on some stylization of a nickel.  For some reason, the older Indian or buffalo nickel is preferred.  I offer here a variety of designs, including a dime and “dickel.”  The “round tuit” is meant to […]

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a smelling aid: a device you clamp on your nose to amplify odors a spontaneous portmanteau word from a newscaster: “Buffany” (for Buffalo and Albany) heresy / hearsay Can’t we just yell at each other without disagreeing? the 88 keys of the piano: one for each constellation sellphone Amour and toujours, love and above: the […]

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The recent neologism “locavore,” meaning “one who eats local food,” has caused some confusion.  Its spelling is not yet standardized; one often sees the variant “locovore.”  Those wishing to use the word are paralyzed by indecision, unsure what to put for that fourth letter. To solve this problem, I propose that “locovore” be treated as […]

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“Reformed Lesson Cards” were distributed in Sunday Schools.  Each card carried a picture and Bible verse; and, on the back, a brief sermon and quiz.  After twelve lessons, there was a review card.  The above card was handed out on June 27, 1897.  And here is Lesson XII, from the week before. (Posted by Doug […]

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Some anti-depressants carry warnings that they may increase suicidal tendencies. food-doofus What part of “what part of” don’t you understand? Joan of Arc’s story arc newscaster slip: “chiefs of stash” for “chiefs of staff” Are deists monarchists? If you give a man a fish, you can feed him for a day. If you give a […]

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