The Egypsy Speaks

The Summer(s) of GaGa

2011-05-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

What a year it's been!
I like to call it The Summer of GaGa that began last year and hasn't lost steam yet! I can't help it I love her outfits. That's what I would have been wearing in high school if they had been around then. The closest to her style back then I guess would be Bob Mackie designing for Cher. Ah, well.
In any case aside from the meat get up (what a waste of dinners!) I think she's decked out better than Madonna could ever be. And I'm a sucker for a hook. No, not meat hook, get over it already. I'm talking "no matter how much you hate it, that song chorus sticks in your mind forever" hook--probably like the one that drove Schumann mad --and 20 years from now, you'll be singing along with your car (radio? CD? MP3? Direct plug-in from the station to your brain?) audio as if you've loved the song forever--trust me it will happen! Think BeeGees...
Then there was my constant haranguing you on Twitter over 30 Seconds To Mars' version of Bad Romance which has to be one of the best covers I've heard in...well at least a decade or two...(listen I owned my first record at two and a half-no damned joke) and then there's The Pretty himself singing it which doesn't hurt the suggestive lyric re-write either! Hey, they had their own more than risque' video "Hurricane"--Talk about a Baaad Romance!
But without a doubt, without a doubt my lovelies, my absolute favorite bit of entertainment was when one wonderful soul sent me the YouTube video of The Wood Spider (check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRfoSlH4QcI ) which will give me endless hours of pleasure for mostly likely the rest of my life. I'm a ~~simpleton~~ simple person.
I crapped out on seeing movies this year. Just wasn't interested for some reason...like busy with my own projects...and the premises just sounded better than what the trailers showed.
I think this last year was also the year I first heard of and watched the cult film "Spider Baby" a real creepy crawlie of a movie...hmm Wood Spider, Spider Baby...maybe it should have been The Summer of Spiders...eek, never been a fan.
Oh, I could go on and on but I'm sure I've lost your short attention span by now and I'm close to losing mine so it's a safe bet to end it here.
Perhaps I'll introduce a poll or two or some other fun little app for you. Perhaps not.
In any case, I'll be back again never fear. I've tried to quit this blog since 2005 and haven't been able to give it up yet. That's because I can bitch and rant and rave on any number of unimportant subjects and laugh at you as I do it!
Hey, it keeps me off the streets. (Oh, yeah, like I could make money from that...)

The Egypsy Has Spoken.

Future Imperfect Book Two:Miraculous Deception

2010-06-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

Book Two Future Imperfect: Miraculous Deception (to the left, to the left!) is available now via Desert Breeze Publishing, Amazon.com & barnesandnoble.com! If you liked Book One: Crucifying Angel this is the next in the series and picks up where CA leaves off. Here's a little teaser for ya!

Gavin and Nick sat in Charlie's office, silent, shamefaced, bruised and most definitely

hostile. The chief of police paced back and forth around his desk, beyond angry.

"Look at you -- both of you. You're like a couple of bruised up kindergarteners. I don't

know what to say. I have never -- never -- had two detectives fighting each other like two drunks

outside a bar. What the hell is the matter with you?"

Neither man answered.

"Nick?" Charlie waited.

"It's this asshole. He moves into Payce house and immediately starts boinking Amy

Strand from Channel Eight."

Gavin opened his mouth to respond but never got the chance.

"You brought the press into this?" Charlie stared at Gavin, round-eyed.

"Well, not in so many words..." Gavin pressed two fingers against his black eye. "It was

just, sort of... bad judgment. Besides that, nothing ha--"

"Bad judgment? I'll tell you what bad judgment is, McAllister. Bad judgment was the

damned day I hired you."

Gavin said nothing. What could he say?

"That's putting it mildly,' Nick snorted. "Payce--"

"Whoa." Charlie held up an open palm. "I don't want to know what weird triangle you

three have going here, though it's a safe bet Payce has no idea what's going on--"

"She doesn't," Gavin said in a tired voice. His eye began to ache.

"You made damn sure of that you British fu--"

"Nick!" Charlie said. "Enough already. Now, because of the scarcity of budget and

personnel, I am not going to suspend you both or fire you -- which I should -- I am going to let

you both off, each with a written warning." Charlie sat down behind his desk. "You two are

going to have to work this out or I will fire you both and I'll make damn sure you won't be able to

get a job as a security guard in a parking lot. Do you understand me?"

"We're still partners?" Nick deflated a little. Gavin understood the feeling.

"Yes. I can't think of a better punishment for the both of you. You can work it out or

resign. That's your choice now boys. You are dismissed. Get out of my office." Charlie ignored

them swiveling his chair around to gaze out his window at the rapidly rotting city of Las Vegas.

*****

Now, if you liked that, guess what!?! Yes, it's another book! Only this time I co-authored it with my sister, Loni Emmert and it's a mystery as opposed to a thriller! I'll be posting an excerpt from that the first chance I get !
In the mean time babies, feel free to up my self esteem by leaving a comment.
The Egypsy Has Spoken!

It's Been A While...

2010-04-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I've visited my little blog here--yes, I know I'm so lax in keeping it up but I really and truly have an excuse this time. It's called getting books published and it takes a hell of a long time both in terms of writing the novel and promoting it shamelessly. I know also that I should utilize this blog more but life just gets in the way on occasion. That being said, I thank my three, yes, count 'em three (3) followers for hanging in there (if you're doggedly still around)! And if you ARE around (or undead, I'll find out about that too--come on you know where that line came from) and are interested in writing or my opinion, http://www.sellingbooks.com/p-i-barrington-author-interview is the link for my latest interview, out today!
I don't keep this blog as a strictly writing blog, mainly because I look at this one as the one fun writing project where I can be...well, me, in all my bitchy glory. Hey, everyone needs an outlet and this is mine.
Right now I feel like a truant English student, ignoring my deadlines and promo opps to wreak havoc upon this little blog and just ramble away with no important writing or other tips and essays for you. I have to admit that my brain does feel a little jello-ish right now what with all this freedom from work. And yes, writing is work. It's just as much work as a factory worker (hmm...there's an interesting thought...a writing factory...I feel an idea coming on...) or a short order cook or a truck driver or an office worker. The only difference is your boss isn't standing right over you...unless you count your Editor emailing you every five minutes...I made that up...they only email every fifteen minutes. Wait a minute! How did I digress back into writing again?!
No, damn it, no! I'm going to have fun now. Come on, fun, come on. I know you're hiding around here someplace.
Music is my fun. I love it. I love everything about it. I'm debating whether to actually begin reviewing or recommending artists here or put them on my official website. Or double post them. We'll see.
Hey, I just noticed something. On my earlier post, I placed a banner for 30 Seconds to Mars announcing their Las Vegas show tonight. Eerie how I have an obsession for pyramids and they have an obsessive love for triads...kinda spooky. Well though, I also have an obsession with squares and lines, and even, (gasp again!) plaid. Once I bought plaid bed sheets and plaid PJs. And then I wonder why people (including my family members) think I'm a strange woman. It has something to do with linear thought I guess. That's what I tell myself...every day, every single day...
Because I'm having so much stolen fun, I feel generous. I'm going to be nice to 30STM and post their next show banner if I can get it right. A sort of pay it forward concept I guess.

In any case, that's my musical good deed for the day or week or month, who knows when I'll be back--and what I'll be thinking about in linear terms? Pop in every once in a while and leave a comment. How else I am going to remember to come back?
You can even give me your opinion and we can argue about it! I'm good at that. Reeeeeaallly good at it. So, if you dare...

The Egypsy Has Spoken.

In keeping with the location of my book series, Future Imperfect...

2010-04-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

...which is set in (gasp!) Las Vegas, I thought I'd post this. If you're in Sin City, check them out...did the best live cover of a song I've heard in ages with Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. Yes, my friends sometimes less IS more!
Later babies!
The Egypsy Has Spoken.

"And so this is Christmas..."

2009-12-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

Yeah, you may recognize that line from John Lennon's Christmas song not only if you're old enough like me, but also because they play it like crazy on the radio during the Christmas Holiday season. It's also one of those classics that I could listen to over and over and over again. Why? Because of the end of that one line that completes it: "And so this is Christmas and what have you done?"
That one line without fail triggers reflection on my part on just what I have or have not done during the year that is quickly fading into the past.
I've managed to do a lot this year, including having incredible luck with one book published and three more for the upcoming year as well as incessant promotion and publicity for them (read=interviews, interviews, interviews, and book reviews).
On my various Yahoo Groups (OK, I promised AlleyPat I'd mention hers--WritingandPublishing--) authors look at this time as an opportunity to set goals for the coming year. I rarely do this myself--being of Gypsy descent and being of Gypsy descent and working in Hollywood, I am doubly superstitious about talking about projects before completion but I must confess here that I do love reading all the wonderful resolutions of other authors which are invariably creative and practical (and useful in giving me ideas as to what to shoot for in 2010)!
Some are simple: finishing that unpublished book; polishing a completed manuscript and submitting it; and a few who, bless their little hearts I know exactly what they go through, just want to be brave enough to let someone read their work! Babies, its taken me over 40 years to be able to get to and past that point, I so feel for ya'!
Others get a bit more detailed: getting more writing work whether editing, article writing, launching magazines--something to which I could never aspire--or merely learning enough tech to set up a new website as I plan.
Some people never make resolutions for the simple reason they always break them. Some people make them and are successful at each one on their list. And then there are those who manage to keep at least one regardless of its scope and importance in their lives.
To all those brave souls who do not fear posting their plans, I salute you. I also thank you for listing things I should be doing but can't dredge them from my protesting brain--you give me that little bit of impetus that hopefully will push me over the top in getting things done!
Plus, it's just so much fun sharing in others' hopes and dreams and realizing that most of theirs are mine as well.
So, here's to 2010, babies!
To quote John,
"Let's hope its a good one..."

The Egypsy has spoken.

Audio Assault

2009-12-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Alright, for the two actual followers I have--yes you must put up with another promo for Crucifying Angel, Book One of the Future Imperfect series (Hey I worked in entertainment in promotion whaddya' expect?) but this time its an actual audio assault on ya'! Click on the following link to hear my first online radio interview where you can hear my 'big sexy radio voice'! It was great fun and I hope you like it as much as I did doing it!
Check it out @:
www.blogtalkradio.com/Whats-Hot-In-Romance Search P.I. Barrington/December 14, 2009

Thanks little ones!
Loves ya'!

The Egypsy has spoken.

P.I. Barrington's 10(+) Quick Questions with Dave

2009-12-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

Alright Already! I know I've driven you all absolutely mad with my incessant promos for the book, but that's just too bad my little ones! You're going to have to suck it up and deal with yet another one!
Actually, before I begin, I will create a new website after the first of the year so be on the lookout for that. It should be bigger in scope and deal with much more than just writing. More on that development later!
In any case, here's yet another interview with the caveat that since my ADD was acting up at this time, of course I had to answer ALL the questions!

P.I. Barrington's
10(+) Quick Questions with Dave

1) How did you first become interested in writing?

It wasn't something I wanted to do. In fact I pretty much ran the other way. I wanted to work in music, in the entertainment industry and put all of my drive into that. I did work in the industry, in radio and record labels and the epitome of my entertainment career was meeting Paul and Linda McCartney and having a little private chat with them. Once I left the industry my family kept nagging to write something, anything. I still refused, but about three or four years ago, picked it up again just to see if I still had it.

2) How long have you been actively writing?

I was a newspaper reporter a million years ago so journalism is my actual background—didn't really like the deadlines though. Of course now I've had about twenty deadlines in a month, lol! Fiction, as I said, actively about three years.

3) Do you currently write as a profession?

Yes. I'm extremely lucky that I am able to concentrate on it full time. I consider myself a fiction writer first.

4) If so, what titles have you put out and where can we find them?

Crucifying Angel, Book 1 of the Future Imperfect series is out now; in fact it was released November 1, 2009. Miraculous Deception, Book Two is underway. You can find Crucifying Angel at Amazon.com and of course through my publisher, DesertBreezePublishing.com. There's also a free downloadable cook book compiled from our roster of authors and their novels. My novel and all others at DBP are in e-book format at this time.

5) Who is your inspiration?

My religion, my family. My family supports basically anything I try.

6) Whose writing style does your work most resemble?

I think maybe Stephen King. When I was a kid, I tried different styles but nothing really clicked to the point I was both comfortable and prolific. When I first picked up Carrie in the 1970's I just got it. I understood the style immediately.

7) Do you write on a schedule?

Not really. I try to get some in during the morning when everybody else is asleep or at work. I usually hit my writing stride between 4 and 10 pm.

8) Do you write in one particular place?

Yes, I have a brand new desk in the corner of my living room!9) Do you write from home?
Yes, almost always, unless I'm making notes for plots, dialogue, etc.

10) Do you prefer to work in a quiet environment?

I prefer white noise in the background. Generally, the TV is on in the background. But I'm ADD so I get into deep focus on whatever I'm doing. My family will ask me questions, or make a comment and I just look up at them blindly, not seeing them or comprehending anything they say, lol!

11) Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type of music do you listen to and why?

No. When I listen to music, I listen to music. I concentrate on that. Lots of people do listen to it while writing but it distracts me unfortunately. As I said, the television is on in the background as white noise for me.

12) Are you an avid reader?

I used to be. I was voracious and I never read in only one genre'. That limits your learning. I've read everything from Shakespeare to Tom Clancy to MAD Magazine (I've said this before but MAD is still my favorite.) I don't read anymore really, I've hit my style and don't want to absorb anything else that might influence it. It sounds snobby but I don't mean it that way. And I really don't have time to devote to actually reading an entire book.

13) Who are your favorite Authors?

There are so many. Colleen McCullough of course, James Michener, oldies like Taylor Caldwell and Mika Waltari, Stephen King—yes and no—I love his style but hate his subject matter—too depressing in the long run. As far as sci-fi and fantasy, Mary Stewart, Evangeline Walton's Mabinogyon series, Tolkien goes without saying. While I don't write in the genre' I adore historical NON-romance/NON-fantasy/sci-fi fiction. I'm a secret ancient history buff.

14) What is your goal in writing?

I want my readers to love my books, just as I've loved my favorite authors. I want them to be at least entertained if not moved a bit. There are books that I remember maybe one line or paragraph or chapter but it stays with me forever. I'd be honored if only one reader remembers a line from one of my books.

15) Would you rather write a book that sells millions of copies, but have it be "Celebrity Fluff" - or write an award winning novel that no one reads? And why does it matter?

You know, I often offend people with this answer but I've worked with some real biggies in the entertainment industry and I know for a fact that commercial success DOES NOT always equal bad work. Sting sells millions upon millions of CDs and yet his work as a musician is legitimate. I don't think anyone has ever accused him of being a sell-out or a bad musician.
Tom Clancy is a great writer as is McCullough and they've sold millions of books and had movies spawn from them. Stephen King is the best example of commercial success and great writing that exists. Writers worship him and still don't call him a sell-out. So, I can't choose. To me, sometimes people who shun major success are taking themselves too seriously to their own detriment.

16) Who was your first character? And how do you feel about that creation now?

The first character I even remember is still from the first writing contest I ever wrote for in grammar school. I had to write first person POV as the American flag. I won.

17) Do you write in the first person POV and why?

I have written in first person and I think I do it fairly well. I've studied everything, every POV that exists. I have at least two stories on the back burner in FPPOV. I'll do it if I'm writing a story where the first person is the narrator who is telling the story from an observer's point of view. I also do it when the FPPOV is the main character's point of view too and they're telling their own story.

18) Do you write in the third person POVand why?

Most of the time, my editors prefer it and the majority of all books are in third person. I don't mind it at all and Crucifying Angel/Future Imperfect is third person POV from the POV of almost all the characters in the series. I can move easily in and out of POVs but again, that's because I've read everything in every genre.

19) Should a sentence EVER start with 'but' or 'and'?

You know rules are made to be broken but first you have to comprehend the rules. You really have to know when and how (!) to break them with those two words. Yeah, in some cases I think its okay—just don't do it every other sentence!

20) If you couldn't ever write again, what would you be doing?

Art-painting, music in any of its facets, history studies-I'd love to go on an archeology dig in the Middle East.

21) Have you ever worked with an agent? And how was the experience?

Not yet.

22) Have you ever worked with a professional Editor or Editorial Service? Was it worth the money?

No, since I was a newspaper reporter I can and do try to self edit most of the time before I submit to my editors.

23) Have you used "Writing Software"? What do you think about such computer aided programs?

Oh, God. There was a huge discussion on this very subject on one of my Yahoo Groups. I have tried and tried and tried to use software and it just doesn't work for me personally. It's just not set up the way I'd like and most of the time the basic story's in my head anyway and I let work itself out. I wish I could advise a software designer on what I'd like to see in a program!

24) How long did it take to write your first book?

Let's see. From the time my editor commissioned me to write Crucifying Angel (no kidding!) to finishing the final edits—it took about six months minus the two missing months when my mother got deathly ill and I had to stop writing to take care of her full time. So, total, about four and a half months.

25) How many drafts do you make of a book before it is finalized? And how much
of a change is there between the first draft and the finished product?

I don't make drafts really. I have one main document and add to it as I go along. So many people participate in NanoWrimo in November and they'll do one giant unedited draft and then go back and perfect it. I can't do that, it doesn't work for me, for the way I write. I have to do it correctly the first time or I'll go off on tangents that are too divergent from the original story and I'll end up with a different story than I want. Also, I am an insane perfectionist when I go into deep focus. I live those stories.

26) Have you ever competed in the National Novel Writing Month event? What do think about such events?

See above!

27) How do you feel about Writers Groups or organizations?

I think they're okay as long as you're actually getting something out of them. I belong to at least one but it's difficult sometimes to participate even though I'm not that far away.

28) Do you belong to any writer's organizations?

Yes, as of now, I belong to Sisters in Crime, Los Angeles Chapter. I'm planning on joining the Romance Writers of America in the New Year.29) What is the longest amount of time you have spent writing in one sitting?
Maybe 10 hours. Due to the work schedules of my family I can't go all day and all night though I'd love to if I could. Also, I find that getting enough sleep/rest allows a story to percolate in my head.30) Do you use outlines or flowcharts to help you map out your plots?
That's another thing I've tried unsuccessfully. I ended up with index cards indecipherable and out of order and half of them lost. I've written out flow charts that I designed myself and half the time I forget to use them. When I write, I'm "in the moment" to quote the acting community.

On the Hunt

2009-12-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

Alright. I've Twittered you promising a fun way to win prizes via the Desert Breeze Publishing Scavenger Hunt! Now, if you have already been participating in the hunt, you'll find the question posted about my book, Crucifying Angel by Michelle Sutton on her blog at http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com! If you've visited Desert Breeze Publishing or read the book you'll know from Crucifying Angel's blurb that it takes place in...Las Vegas Nevada!
The next question for you is: What are the names of the hero and heroine in Barri Bryan's contemporary romance entitled Search For Paradise? If you're a determined hunter you can find the answer at http://barribryan.com/blog/ Good luck--there are terrific prizes for you!

I do have one question of my own for you aside from the Hunt however. I'd love to know if you, my little reader babies, read only one genre' (romance, historical, sci-fi, etc.) and why or why not (if you read more than one genre)?
Let the opinions fly!

The Egypsy Has Spoken.

Crucifying Angel, Book One of the Future Imperfect series

2009-10-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, Yes, Yes, I know. I haven't been here in ages, but hey, I had a good reason! And there it is!

Crucifying Angel, Book One of the Future Imperfect series, my very first novel, will be available through Desert Breeze Publishing November 1, 2009 in ebook form!

Consider this a sneak preview...

"In the desolate remains of Las Vegas, Detective Payce Halligan and her new partner Gavin McAllister must stop a serial killer who may be hiding an even greater evil."

I like to call it a 'near future' crime thriller...stay tuned for more info...

The Egypsy Has Spoken

Finito!

2009-08-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

At last! Finally I feel justified enough to actually blog about writing. I mean, beyond the simple subjects I tackle such as where I get character names. Why this new joie de vivre, you ask? Plain and simple: I finished my first novel! I know, I can hardly believe it myself! Even as I write, Crucifying Angel (Book 1 in the Future Imperfect series, Desert Breeze Publishing, November, 2009-plug plug plug!) is being fed into the editing bay of my publisher where it will emerge (most certainly) in need of revision. Hey, I can deal with revision. It's the getting it done and having it make sense that's the difficult part for me.
And once again, I celebrate the power of the subsconscious and its creativity. Somehow, some way, the plot always works itself out, despite me, and ends tie themselves up in surprising but logical ways. And many times they push new story lines all the way into the next book in the series.
Now, I don't consider myself a great writer or qualified enough to be giving advice or instruction on the art and craft of writing. I simply do what feels right, sounds right, and have to admit that most of it has been pilfered from years of reading both classics and contemporaries, and whatever my tiny mind learned and retained back when I first discovered reading and writing in first grade. My mind is still tiny by the way.
Stephen King described it as "seeing the hole in the page where the story is..." (my tiny mind can't recall, isn't that from "The Shining"?) and I realized that while I don't see an actual hole in my blank page, I definitely do see the story playing out in front of me including dialogue.
I presume that most of you who write do so as well. If you don't I would LOVE to know how you do perceive writing! No, seriously. Do you also "see" the story playing out like a movie or is there some other device that sparks your keys into tapping fire? Do you see through the eyes of your characters only or is it a combination of watching them and seeing their literal POV?
Well, I "see" finishing a book doesn't make me any better a blogger, unfortunately. I have no learned wisdom to impart, no magical words or images or anything else that might spark up your imagination. I must now come to the sad realization that my subconscious is of absolutely NO USE regarding blogging.
And while I'm not cracking open any Moet & Chandon or Dom Perignon, I am happy just to announce that I managed to complete a novel and get it scheduled for publication!
I'll save the Mimosas for the first million copies, LOL!
Okay, you're excused. Class dismissed. Next week, we'll watch a film.
The Egypsy Has Spoken.

Anyone remember Rolfing!?!

2009-04-02T12:06:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I got blasted back all the way to the end of the 1970's! My sister decided to pamper my dog by rolling her hands over the pup's belly from side to side. Naturally my doggie began grinning (literally) in joy.
Suddenly an image popped into my head. She was 'rolfing' my dog! Am I the only one who remembers that mini-craze? It sits in the attic of my mind along with all those other laughable self-help theories and practices conjured up by any and every looney expert of those days in between hippiedom and yuppiedom!
"Rolfing" was a type of rolling massage. Primal Screaming was literally that. And perhaps they helped--for a while. Me? I basically never went into any of that "therapy" and those who did never jibed with my personality. While I like relaxation I go usually for the more practical. And generally, though not intentional, cheaper methods. Like doing my own nails. Like doing my own pedicure. Like watching nature videos. Like listening to music. That's the type of therapy I dig. Like re-organizing my room, the pantry, my houseplants, listening to music with the rainfall outside my open window. Like gardening. I really dig that, lol!
But I'm just curious. Anybody out there remember Rolfing?
How do you remember it? Laughable or legitimate?
Love to hear from ya'!
The Egypsy Has Spoken.

A New Feature-Book Reviews!

2009-03-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm initiating a new feature on The Egypsy Speaks! It will be a book review spotlight! As time and opportunity allow, I will be reviewing various books in various genre's! Coming up immediately is my very first online review!

Changing subjects

2009-03-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and darlings!
I have decided to change the direction of this particular to include more writing related subjects (however, I do reserve the right to veer off once in a while!) in the hope it will be not only more interesting, but helpful as well!
This blog will talk more about writing and all its ups, downs, twists, turns and sometimes achievements! I will also be including book reviews, writing essays, and anything I can think of (or you can think of) that might help everyone who is a writer or aspires to be. Hopefully, it'll be funny and most of all, interesting!
I hope you'll like it and visit often.
The Egypsy Has Spoken.

"Clobbered" and other non-phrases

2009-02-16T14:50:00.000-08:00

I bid you welcome. For those of you who have been monitoring vampyres for the last six decades or so, that should be an appropriate greeting.

Speaking of undead things, I was thinking a few days ago how we rarely use certain phrases these days. Oh sure, I'll be exposing my age, but the difference between the common phrasing that I was taught and what is used today is in some ways surprising as well as sentimental.

And of course, let's not forget the humorous side of it all.

Put your little (or big) thinking caps on (okay, right there is an ancient phrase!) and try to remember the last time you heard someone actually say these phrases:

"In conclusion..." Mostly used by orators/speakers either in a school of some sort or a stiff congregation of captive listeners.

"To summarize..." See above.

"Swizzzle" Used to describe imbibing an alcoholic drink, a coffee or other plastic drink stirrer, and I believe a variation of it used to name of a candy: "Swizzle Sticks"?

"Clobbered" I actually heard someone use this term on an old rerun of Cops this week. Once I got though laughing hysterically, I realized I had not heard this word in very possibly thirty years. Definition: Beaten up or 'clobbered', sometimes with a club or stick or even fisticuffs.

"Guzzled/Guzzling" Generally used to describe gulping beer or other beverage. Most commonly used by environmental bloggers to describe low mileage per gallon of gas-powered vehicles (SUV, Trucks, large luxury sedans=Cadillacs, Lincolns, etc.,), i.e. "gas guzzlers."

"Swine/Swineherds" Okay, this may not have been used since Medieval times but you should ALL know this one. If you're under 21, you may have vague recollections of hearing an adult use this, perhaps in reading to you from an old, dog-eared, dusty printed book (yeah, I know, what's that?"). Definition and usage: several different uses-Swine means pigs and hogs. Swinherd, someone who herds swine. Also, an antiquated phrase: "Oh the swine!" used in ancient (for our puposes) times to express dismay over being injured (not physically) or cheated in some manner.

"Manner" as opposed to "Manor", means "way" or "style".

"Manner of speaking" According The Free Dictionary: a phrase sometimes used in place of describing something unpleasant to follow. "I was, in a manner of speaking, close to death." Just look it up.

"Manor" Oh come on. This means a manor house of the local 'Laird" or Lord over serfs in the Dark Ages in Britain.

"Hullabaloo" A commotion (commotion being an excited noise-- usually made by people--over something). Also the name of a 1960's television dance show. Cheap rendition of "American Bandstand."

Okay, I give up at this point. I've got a project that desperately needs re-writes and editing and I cannot procrastinate any more. If you have any phrases, words, idioms, etc., I'd love to read them. You can post them in the comments section!

Thanks for your time,

The Egypsy has Spoken.