BIG FROG 104 » books

Oxford English Dictionary Adds More Tech and "Street" Words

Matt Herkimer — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:47:38 +0000

Never let it be said that the Oxford English Dictionary is resistant to change or behind the times. The February update edition is including a number of words that may heretofore have been understood only by "techies" and the "street smart" among us. Can you define "cruft"? "Dumbphone"? "Flexitarian"?

Words You (And I) Probably Mispronounce

Matt Herkimer — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:16:22 +0000

Being a radio personality I take great pains to e-nun-c-ate and correctly pronounce the words I use on the air. However there are occasions when despite my best efforts--I mispronounce a common word. Chances are you mispronounce a few too like, maybe, Dr. Seuss' name. Here, from the pages of MentalFloss.com, are some of the most commonly mispronounced words.

10 Obvious Celebrity Lookalikes From Young Adult Novel Covers

Amanda Ferris — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 23:05:40 +0000

Sometimes, it's all too easy for an illustrator or a cover artist who has hit a huge creative block to use a picture of a celebrity as their guide for young adult novels. Plus, the celebrity lookalikes will help sales too, especially if it's a popular actress such as

Books or E-Books? Our Changing Reading Habits

Matt Herkimer — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 17:05:00 +0000

It used to be that one way to kill time was to pick up a good book. Now it is becoming more and more likely that we will be picking up a good e-book device or tablet. A new Pew Internet Research Center study reported by NBC found that an increasing number of Americans are using e-books rather than paper books to do their reading. The numbers probably aren't surprising given the number of devices available.

What Your Christmas Gift Opening Style Says About You

Matt Herkimer — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:15:41 +0000

The excitement of Christmas morning leads to a number of different styles when it comes to opening those gifts. Elayne Kahn, author of "1001 More Ways You Reveal Your Personality" says your method of opening presents says a lot about who you are. Check out the different styles and see if you identify with any. You just might learn something about yourself.

"Proof of Heaven" Book Asks Readers For An Open Mind

Matt Herkimer — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:00:25 +0000

I'm the first to admit that my wife is the spiritual one in our family. While I try to keep an open mind with regards to matters of spirituality I tend to believe more strongly in things that I can taste, smell, touch, taste or hear. However, when my wife suggested I read a best-selling book called "Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeons Journey Into the Afterlife" I said, "OK, but don't think it will change the way I look at things". Did it?

New Words and Definitions Debut in the Dictionary

Matt Herkimer — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:03:03 +0000

If you are sitting in your "man cave" going over your "bucket list" while consuming a "craft beer" you may be at risk of becoming "obesogenic". If those highlighted words seem strange then maybe you should pick up the new edition of the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary. They are among the 25 new words and definitions added to the company's latest edition. Check out some of the other "newbies".

My Summer Reading List

Greg Splashin' McShea — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:10:32 +0000

The "Frog Days Of Summer" are here, and vacations are just around the corner. I don't know about you, but every year when we go away on vacation, I always bring plenty of books and magazines to read on the beach. We all have different tastes, so I don't expect that you will be reading what I am.

The Books That Shaped America

Matt Herkimer — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:45:43 +0000

We read books for all kinds of reasons. We learn from them, we are entertained by them or we simply read them to relax. The Library of Congress has released a list of books that have shaped America as determined by a poll of the general public. Here are the Top 5 courtesy of Huffington Post.

National Bathroom Reading Month

Matt Herkimer — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:30:42 +0000

June is a quite busy month. Among other things it is National Flag Month, National Dairy Month, National Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month and National Safety Month. Oh yes, let's not forget it is also National Bathroom Reading Month.

Ray Bradbury, Sci-Fi Author Dies

Greg Splashin' McShea — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:10:03 +0000

I love reading books, and my favorite author is Ray Bradbury. Many of our vacations during the "Frog Days Of Summer" include a paperback of short stories by Bradbury. Today, he died at the age of 91.

Best Children's Books Ever

Matt Herkimer — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:01 +0000

We all remember our favorite books from our childhood, the ones we read before turning mom or dad turned the light off or the ones they read to us. Scholastic Parent and Child magazine has come up with a list of the greatest kids book ever and topping the list is the E.B. White classic "Charlotte's Web". The list of the 100 Greatest Books For Kids is varied and probably open to debate. What are the top 10 you ask?

Jamey Johnson Book Due In September

Matt Herkimer — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:16:06 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a country music star traveling the country, meeting other stars and living your dream? Jamey Johnson is providing an insight with a new coffee table book ,"This Ride. In Color. And In Pictures". The book consists of several hundred pictures as well as stories, quotes and observations from Jamey and some of his well known friends. The book, due to be released in late September, is available for pre-order now.