Gelett Burgess. Rings a bell? This irrepressible early 20th century figure was at once a linguistic inventor, humorist, poet and creative powerhouse who today is... almost forgotten. Which is a shame, and which is why we celebrate the re-release after a long, long slumber of his classic Burgess Unabridged: A Classic Dictionary of Words You Have Always Needed. We spoke to lexicographer Paul Dickson, who wrote a new foreword to the book, about this remarkable man and his work.  Continue reading...

We all know the amount of information thrown at us is overwhelming: from over-flowing email inboxes stuffed with the latest industry reports and e-newsletters to that tottering "to read" pile sitting on our desks, we're deluged with stuff that we either need or want to read.  Continue reading...

You know the feeling. You really, really, really don't want to write. You're blocked. You've hit the wall. The words just won't come. You're bereft of inspiration. But your writing project needs to be finished (or started!) So what can you do? Well, I have an idea. Twenty of 'em, actually?  Continue reading...

Like a million wise uncles, blogs offer every kind of advice you can possibly imagine. Want to write better, think better, produce better, market better? Well then, check out these avuncular tidbits:

How to Write Research Papers that Rock!

10 Ways To Keep Your Memory Strong

9 Effective Ways to Get 200% More Work Done

Marketing an Experience

Guy Kawasaki is a legendary Silicon Valley venture capitalist who, as one of Apple's original employees, helped market the first McIntosh computer. So what does this computer guy have to do with language? Plenty. In his amazing blog, called How to Change the World, he talks about creativity, communication, marketing -- and yes, computers. There are lessons there for all of us communicators. And some great book recommendations. Here are a few:

The Myths of Innovation

Uncommon Genius: How Great Ideas Are Born

Mastering the Dynamics of Innovation

If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit

For the last year or so, I've been learning Dutch and trying to study for my commercial pilot's license. When I was at school, I had the time but not the enthusiasm. Now I have enthusiasm but no time. Surely, there are some neat tricks, technology and tactics I can use. This is what I've tried so far. If you have any other suggestions, PLEASE let me know!  Continue reading...