Word of the Moment: Ilk

ilk, n.

A type of people or things similar to those already referred to.

(of that ilk) Scottish, chiefly archaic of the place or estate of the same name: e.g. Sir Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk.

ORIGIN Old English ilca [same,] of Germanic origin; related to alike

USAGE In modern use, ilk is used in phrases such as: of his ilk, of that ilk , to mean ‘type’ or ‘sort.’ The use arose out of a misunderstanding of the earlier, Scottish use in the phrase of that ilk, where it means ‘of the same name or place.’ For this reason, some traditionalists regard the modern use as incorrect. It is, however, the only common current use and is now part of standard English.

Azkaban Now - Redux

In anticipation of the new Harry Potter book's release, the NYTimes has created an archive of their Potter-related articles. I greatly enjoyed reading this review of Prisoner of Azkaban (my favourite Potter episode). I love reviews that educate more than they describe:

Novels are best suited to focus attention on an individual, someone whose life seems genuinely novel, apart, unprecedented. But the needs of boys and girls are multiple and contradictory. While desiring heroic distinction, children also have to find their places in the herd. And novels that effectively celebrate tribal membership are rare. Harry Potter and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley are dedicated to the triumphs of Gryffindor House as much as they are to their individual academic efforts. The competition among the four Houses of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry is practice jousting for the more serious battles against Sirius Black and other agents of Lord Voldemort. The earliest athletic games kept warriors in fighting trim. It's all part of a good education, for boy warriors and girl warriors.

It's Not That Hard

Yet more proof that church and sensical thought are as far apart as church and state should be:

A high-ranking Roman Catholic clergyman says religious freedom is being threatened in Canada by same-sex marriage. Marc Cardinal Ouellet told a Senate committee that priests sometimes don't even feel comfortable preaching their church's morality for fear of being branded homophobes.

Here's a thought: STOP PREACHING HOMOPHOBIC DOCTRINE.

Geez! Get over yourselves! I, for one, think that this is an excellent example of religious freedom in action - the flock have recognised the social change that has taken place in this country, and that extends to recognising how antiquated and creaky their Catholic church is. If the Canadian priesthood is truly concerned, they should be pressuring "Maledict" Ratzinger to allow some flexibility in the dogma. Or are they more upset at being "branded" homophobes than being homophobes who fly under the radar?

Phrase of the Moment: Penny Dreadful

Found here:

A 'penny dreadful' was a term used in the 19th century for 'a novel of violent adventure or crime'

Phrase of the Moment: Bury the hatchet

Bury the hatchet,

To settle your differences with an adversary.

Originated with the American Indian tradition of burying the hatchets of the chiefs of tribes when they came to a peace agreement. Described by Sewell as early as 1680.