Funny how a teacher's comment can stick with you through the years. One of my professors chided me for writing "ex cathedra," by which I assumed he meant reading my words was like having a tube shoved up into his bladder. (Not to be confused with speaking from one's "rectory," which entails a different orifice.) Turns out it's pronounced "cath-ee-dra," not "cath-a-der-a." And it means "to speak as if from the pulpit, or with authority." I guess students aren't supposed to do that.
But I must say, Dr. Michael Lofaro, I'm guilty as charged. Can't help myself. Though not a pompous guy, I'm most often a painfully serious one. Or at least I am when I'm not infuriating people with my sarcasm. But overall, I'm grateful for your constructive criticism, if only because it neatly explains why people so seldom comment on (or maybe read?) my blog entries. 8^)
And, of course, it occurs to me that "Ex Cathedra" would have made a good blog name, not that I'm tired of Cipherdom. Just as unsurprisingly, someone got there first.
Posted by Vernam at April 9, 2004 06:57 AM | TrackBackThe VC I knew often saw praise when criticism was intended. BTW, has VC read the Da Vinci Code? I would like his take on it.
Posted by: Olam at April 14, 2004 09:31 PMJim: QED
Giovanna: Thx for stopping by. I agree that allegations of pomposity sting twice as much when hurled by an English professor. If it was irony he wanted, he would have loved me in high school!
Olam: This isn't the first time -- though hopefully the last -- you compared me to O'Reilly, which cuts far deeper than any professor's criticism. Your praise for Franken is no balm, unless it leads you to repent. ;^)
Posted by: VC at April 13, 2004 02:53 PMVC, I believe Bill O'Reilly also communicates Ex Cathedra so you're in good company. BTW, I've been listening to Franken's new show and I must say it's not bad ... enough humor to keep me interested.
Posted by: The O'lam Factor at April 12, 2004 06:23 PMI'm sorry I took your potential blog name! A strange thing that your teacher disapproved, though, they usually love snappy comments.
Posted by: Giovanna at April 10, 2004 06:54 PMWhatever you say, Mr. Know-It-All. :-)
Posted by: Jim at April 9, 2004 10:11 PM