Jan Freeman
@janfreeman.bsky.social
Mostly retired editor/writer/Boston Globe language columnist; author of centenary edition of Ambrose Bierce's "Write It Right" (Walker, 2009), whose subtitle is too long for this space. Not the Massachusetts poet who shares my name.
Reposted by Jan Freeman
Folks who won't be fooled by politicized official economic statistics:
- The Fed
- The bond market
- The stock market
- Foreign investors
Folks who will be flying blind in the absence of reliable econ data:
- All of the above
- Small biz
- Big biz
- Voters
- The Fed
- The bond market
- The stock market
- Foreign investors
Folks who will be flying blind in the absence of reliable econ data:
- All of the above
- Small biz
- Big biz
- Voters
August 1, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Folks who won't be fooled by politicized official economic statistics:
- The Fed
- The bond market
- The stock market
- Foreign investors
Folks who will be flying blind in the absence of reliable econ data:
- All of the above
- Small biz
- Big biz
- Voters
- The Fed
- The bond market
- The stock market
- Foreign investors
Folks who will be flying blind in the absence of reliable econ data:
- All of the above
- Small biz
- Big biz
- Voters
Watching "Outrageous," about the Mitfords and Mosley, and the characters have uttered (versions of) "Want to come with?" 4 times in 3 episodes. Seriously doubt the Mitfords and their set ever used that locution, but willing to hear otherwise from Brits & linguists. (Does BrE do it even today?)
June 29, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Watching "Outrageous," about the Mitfords and Mosley, and the characters have uttered (versions of) "Want to come with?" 4 times in 3 episodes. Seriously doubt the Mitfords and their set ever used that locution, but willing to hear otherwise from Brits & linguists. (Does BrE do it even today?)
I hope we are all enjoying Justin Wolfers, one of my favorite economists (I know a few), who for some reason is allowed to say true things on TV. Watch him use the word "lying" three times about government debt claims.
A bet is a tax on bulldust, and I'm here to tax dishonest policy advice.
I'm willing to bet my family's sexy blue minivan against whatever it is that the CEA chair drives that he's wrong, and there's not a chance in hell that Trump will cut the national debt by even a penny.
I'm willing to bet my family's sexy blue minivan against whatever it is that the CEA chair drives that he's wrong, and there's not a chance in hell that Trump will cut the national debt by even a penny.
June 29, 2025 at 7:15 PM
I hope we are all enjoying Justin Wolfers, one of my favorite economists (I know a few), who for some reason is allowed to say true things on TV. Watch him use the word "lying" three times about government debt claims.
The OED's subscription notice tells me: "If you'd not want to renew it you can untick the 'Auto renew' option." Would love comment from BrE speakers — the cites I've found use "you'd not" to mean "you hadn't" or "you didn't," neither of which fits here. @lynneguist.bsky.social
June 9, 2025 at 6:07 PM
The OED's subscription notice tells me: "If you'd not want to renew it you can untick the 'Auto renew' option." Would love comment from BrE speakers — the cites I've found use "you'd not" to mean "you hadn't" or "you didn't," neither of which fits here. @lynneguist.bsky.social
Reposted by Jan Freeman
Trump is channeling King Cnut without the slightest grasp of the point the Danish monarch was trying to make.
💔 for my children: “The Trump administration has dismissed the hundreds of scientists and experts who had been compiling the federal government’s flagship report on how global warming is affecting the country.” www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/c...
National Climate Assessment Authors Are Dismissed by Trump Administration
The Trump administration told researchers it was “releasing” them from their roles. It puts the future of the assessment, which is required by Congress, in doubt.
www.nytimes.com
April 28, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Trump is channeling King Cnut without the slightest grasp of the point the Danish monarch was trying to make.
Last night's sunset illuminating the trees (and still-stormy skies) to the east. Wow.
April 16, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Last night's sunset illuminating the trees (and still-stormy skies) to the east. Wow.
Reposted by Jan Freeman
In 2025, I might launch a consulting service wherein people tell me their grammar peeves and I remind them that the world is on fire and Trump is about to be sworn in as president again so no one cares that they hate hearing “irregardless” once or twice a year.
January 1, 2025 at 9:05 PM
In 2025, I might launch a consulting service wherein people tell me their grammar peeves and I remind them that the world is on fire and Trump is about to be sworn in as president again so no one cares that they hate hearing “irregardless” once or twice a year.
A month ago, this foggy morning view would have been depressing. But now I can see the pink of the maple buds getting ready to pop, which changes everything.
(OK, not everything. But it helps.)
(OK, not everything. But it helps.)
March 31, 2025 at 7:04 PM
A month ago, this foggy morning view would have been depressing. But now I can see the pink of the maple buds getting ready to pop, which changes everything.
(OK, not everything. But it helps.)
(OK, not everything. But it helps.)
Witch hazel isn't the most adorable spring bloom, but it's so enthusiastic! And most important, I can enjoy ours through the window, without braving wind or mud.
March 19, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Witch hazel isn't the most adorable spring bloom, but it's so enthusiastic! And most important, I can enjoy ours through the window, without braving wind or mud.
Google AI elbowing aside actual sources to contradict the info that's in its own calendar (and everyone else's):
March 17, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Google AI elbowing aside actual sources to contradict the info that's in its own calendar (and everyone else's):
This should have run yesterday, National Grammar Day, but better (a little) late than never.
March 5, 2025 at 7:50 PM
This should have run yesterday, National Grammar Day, but better (a little) late than never.
Just learned that LifeStance, private equity owner of my therapist's group, wants a $70 penalty because I called to reschedule an appt. only 47 hours and 47 minutes in advance, not a full 48 hours. Mass. health care is already in crisis thanks to owners who bled Steward dry. When will we learn?
January 30, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Just learned that LifeStance, private equity owner of my therapist's group, wants a $70 penalty because I called to reschedule an appt. only 47 hours and 47 minutes in advance, not a full 48 hours. Mass. health care is already in crisis thanks to owners who bled Steward dry. When will we learn?
This is what I need to see first thing every day, just to keep my spirits up.
January 27, 2025 at 6:38 PM
This is what I need to see first thing every day, just to keep my spirits up.
Wow, an actual earthquake here in Boston! Takes me (way) back to my Southern California years…
January 27, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Wow, an actual earthquake here in Boston! Takes me (way) back to my Southern California years…
A rare sight: Once upon a time, there was skating every winter on this little bit of the Charles River (and on longer sections of the river, too, according to local lore). But in the 20 years we've lived in the neighborhood, the number of skateable days has steadily dwindled.
January 12, 2025 at 9:59 PM
A rare sight: Once upon a time, there was skating every winter on this little bit of the Charles River (and on longer sections of the river, too, according to local lore). But in the 20 years we've lived in the neighborhood, the number of skateable days has steadily dwindled.
Aiming this at @fritinancy.bsky.social because her word mavenry includes fashion mavenry, but would welcome all answers: What is the point of drop(ped) shoulders, i.e. sleeves with the shoulder seam placed several inches down the arm? Does it save money, and if so how (vs., say, raglan sleeves)?
January 3, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Aiming this at @fritinancy.bsky.social because her word mavenry includes fashion mavenry, but would welcome all answers: What is the point of drop(ped) shoulders, i.e. sleeves with the shoulder seam placed several inches down the arm? Does it save money, and if so how (vs., say, raglan sleeves)?
From today's comics, a good prompt for an editorial New Year's resolution: Don't fall for the notion that you have to use "fewer" (instead of "less") any time you spot a number in the neighborhood. It depends on what the number is doing there, and "10 items or less" is perfectly good English.
January 1, 2025 at 8:35 PM
From today's comics, a good prompt for an editorial New Year's resolution: Don't fall for the notion that you have to use "fewer" (instead of "less") any time you spot a number in the neighborhood. It depends on what the number is doing there, and "10 items or less" is perfectly good English.
Out shopping the other day, I was greeted for the first time (and second, and third) with "Welcome in!" I asked a saleswoman how long she'd been using it, and she said maybe 10 years. Apparently it's in pockets all over the US, & sometimes employer mandated. A blend of "welcome" and "come in"?
Why Did Everyone Suddenly Start Saying "Welcome In"?
The phrase took over the hospitality industry seemingly overnight, but no one seems to know where it originated.
www.eater.com
December 24, 2024 at 4:56 PM
Out shopping the other day, I was greeted for the first time (and second, and third) with "Welcome in!" I asked a saleswoman how long she'd been using it, and she said maybe 10 years. Apparently it's in pockets all over the US, & sometimes employer mandated. A blend of "welcome" and "come in"?
"Covering about two-thirds of the ring makes an asymmetrical wreath look modern, not unfinished."
🤨
🤨
December 20, 2024 at 7:17 PM
"Covering about two-thirds of the ring makes an asymmetrical wreath look modern, not unfinished."
🤨
🤨
Halfway through "Black Doves" and not minding the implausibility at all, but … I have some language quibbles. There's Sam's signature "I'll endeavor to try," which I guess is supposed to be subtle and witty, but it just makes me wonder if the writers know what "endeavor" means. (1/2)
December 16, 2024 at 8:16 PM
Halfway through "Black Doves" and not minding the implausibility at all, but … I have some language quibbles. There's Sam's signature "I'll endeavor to try," which I guess is supposed to be subtle and witty, but it just makes me wonder if the writers know what "endeavor" means. (1/2)
A letter to today's Globe Magazine refers to a woman who "betray[ed] those who friended her" — that is, her friends. Is anyone hearing this usage in spoken English? Are people now using the verb "friend" to mean "befriend" even when the relationship is IRL, not online?
December 16, 2024 at 3:05 AM
A letter to today's Globe Magazine refers to a woman who "betray[ed] those who friended her" — that is, her friends. Is anyone hearing this usage in spoken English? Are people now using the verb "friend" to mean "befriend" even when the relationship is IRL, not online?
I was on a chat about a return and the rep said it the item wasn't really eligible but he could do it as a GWG. I said "what's a GWG?" and he said, Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to abbreviate that, etc. But (as many of you know), it just means "goodwill gesture," so I wonder, why the repeat apologies?
December 15, 2024 at 8:11 PM
I was on a chat about a return and the rep said it the item wasn't really eligible but he could do it as a GWG. I said "what's a GWG?" and he said, Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to abbreviate that, etc. But (as many of you know), it just means "goodwill gesture," so I wonder, why the repeat apologies?
Reposted by Jan Freeman
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
The bell is out of network,
And you did not get prior authorization.
But your call is very important to us,
So please hold for an automated survey.
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
The bell is out of network,
And you did not get prior authorization.
But your call is very important to us,
So please hold for an automated survey.
Some responses I have seen to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson are horrid.
You have to have some empathy when a fellow human being is murdered.
You have to have some empathy when a fellow human being is murdered.
December 5, 2024 at 2:14 AM
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
The bell is out of network,
And you did not get prior authorization.
But your call is very important to us,
So please hold for an automated survey.
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
The bell is out of network,
And you did not get prior authorization.
But your call is very important to us,
So please hold for an automated survey.
Reposted by Jan Freeman
I glanced back at the prison that I’d finally escaped from. What thrilled me most was knowing that I’d ended my sentence with a preposition.
December 5, 2024 at 11:06 AM
I glanced back at the prison that I’d finally escaped from. What thrilled me most was knowing that I’d ended my sentence with a preposition.
Reposted by Jan Freeman
