Lexiocograwhat?

Merriam Webster just came out with their list of words being added to the newest edition of their dictionaries. I like words a lot. I definitely enjoy learning new ones and I even sort of think thumbing through the dictionary is fun, so I'm always interested in what new words have "officially" made it into the American lexicon. Except this year number 3 is bikini wax. Bikini wax? Seriously? I want my new words to more accurately describe my emotions and actions, not salon procedures. Webster, this is the dictionary, not Glamour. You're not going to reach any hipper demographics by adding things like bikini wax or Wi-Fi. Plus, I can almost guarantee that there will never be an overlap in the pool of people who'd wonder what a bikini wax was and the pool who'd pick up a dictionary to find out. Meanwhile, why has it taken 150 years for words like otology and tide pool to make it in? After scouring written works for hours each day I guess these people know what the American public wants to read and learn about, but it's still disappointing that it's bikini waxing.


In other questionable news, David Stern announced plans to institute a dress code for NBA players, and since he tends to rule with an iron fist and the players' union isn't putting up a big fight, he might just get what he wants. Already Iverson and I think Glenn Robinson have said they won't comply. I could see the reasoning behind general guidelines for what players wear on the bench (dress warm ups probably make more sense than a suit), but what's going to change by dictating players' wardrobes before and after the game? The plan is all part of an initiative in the new CBA to increase players' professionalism that includes mandatory community appearances, being available to the media after games, etc... It all just seems like a bunch of really contrived measures to mold an image for the NBA and appeal to a certain demographic that probably isn't that likely to be a fan anyway. Players doing community service through force aren't going to impress anyone, and a lot of players are pretty generous as it is, as evidenced by something like Kenny Smith's Katrina benefit game. Requiring players to speak after games when they don't want to probably will just lead to more controversy, like Rasheed Wallace's "both teams played hard" display in the 2003 playoffs. And the brawl in Detroit would have happened whether or not Ron Artest showed up in a suit. Maybe the bigot in the bar watching the game will be a little less bitter at the 19 year old multimillionaire on the bench if he's wearing khakis and a button down and not rocking a throwback and a Jesus piece, but he's probably no more likely to drop $50 on a ticket. The only way the league's going to improve is through more exciting games, true superstars, and parity, which seems (hopefully) to be the direction in which things are moving.


Laguna update: I can't believe Kristen got off scot free after going after Jessica's crush. Meanwhile, as if Jessica behavior hasn't been embarrassing enough all season, think she's mortified watching herself go on about this guy and then, worst of all, having the caption under his name be "Jessica's crush"? And I'd really hope after LC watches this and sees Stephen only came after her b/c Kristen dumped him that she goes and punches him in the face.