Today’s word was recommended by my mother. The word is
kerfuffle. She saw it in an editorial piece in the paper this weekend and also heard it on the radio.

A kerfuffle is a commotion or a fuss. It is a noun that comes from the Gaelic cur meaning bend or twist and fuffle is an Gaelic onomatopoeia- a word that sounds like its meaning, a mess. Kurfuffle can also be spelled curfuffle, kerfuffle, gefuffle.

I also have a follow up on a podcast from last week. The word was venal and it was used to describe the city of Chicago’s decision to prevent people from taking pictures of a public work of art. Since that podcast I was contacted by Julian of www.herecomespod.org.uk [Julian seems to have taken the site down –Scott, Sunday, February 1, 2009] Julian is photographer and let me know Chicago’s finest may very well be enforcing a law that doesn’t exist. In general you can take a photo of anything you want as long as you are in a public place. Private property holder can prevent you from taking pictures on their property but not of their property. You can download a short guide to photographer’s rights at krages.com/phoright.htm

A note to my fellow podcasters: Julian’s site www.herecomespod.org.uk is podcast review site where you can review other podcasts and get your own reviewed too. I had mine reviewed last week and it was very helpful.   [Julian appear to no longer be maintaining the site. –Scott, Sunday, February 1, 2009]