The Edit

nancy drew

She was such a horrid girl whenever she would twirl her curl
but when she felt like being good she'd wear her jacket with a hood
Magnum

Oubliette, I have several of Pinker's books, such as The Language Instinct and Words and Rules, but had never heard of the one you mentioned. Thanks. I will get it immediately. I'm interested to see what he says about the grammar myths.

He sheds a lot of very clear light on how language works as well as how it doesn't through common mistakes in construction of sentences, paragraphs and longer forms.
Sounds interesting.

As it turns out, a lot of well-entrenched grammar rules are just wrong. If it makes sense it's good. A lot of what is left is simply a matter of style, particularly formal versus informal.
I've given a lot of thought to that, and I, myself, disagree with some rules.
Thanks again. I can't believe I didn't know about the new book.
Oubliette

Nancy: where is Edgar Allan Poe?
When Poe was alive he composed many short stories and poems. Since he died he's been very busy .... decomposing!
Oubliette

Magnum: I can't believe I didn't know about the new book.
It was only released last fall!
Oubliette

Magnum, here's a NY Times review:
Steven Pinker's The Sense of Style
Prefect

Mary had a little lamb
The butcher killed it dead
Now it follows her to school
Between to bit of bread.