Writing for the Public

A comma goes

·      between items in a series.

·      after introductory material.

·      around words interrupting the flow of thought.

·      between complete thoughts (independent clauses) joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, for, nor, but, so yet).

·      before direct quotation.

·      with everyday material (dates, numbers, openings and closings of letters, addresses, direct address)

As a physician I often hear from patients who have read about a new medication and want me to write a prescription. To them I must sound like a stick in the mud. Unless their medication is not working however I’m generally reluctant to change. They assume that newer drugs are better I assume the old ones are fine.

                                                            –“Are Old Drugs Better than New?,” Sanjay Gupta

To those who aren’t with the program California Breath Clinics which treat halitosis will send a gentle email from an anonymous complainer letting the offenders know that their breath needs freshening.

                                                            –“A Breath of Fresh Air,” Lisa McLaughlin

When we last visited The Matrix computers had taken over the planet and imprisoned the human race in a computer-generated “reality.” Keanu Reeves played Neo a hacker turned superhero recruited to save his fellow man and the movie ended with him literally taking flight. [. . .] The movies won’t come out until 2003 but the hype has already begun.

                                                            –“The Matrix Reloads,” Jess Cagle

Lifetime bills itself as Television for Women but some critics have dubbed it as Television for victims. [. . . ] “Women escape by empathizing and feeling they are empathized with” says Black.

                                                            –“What Women Watch,” Michele Orecklin

Writing jokes and creating droll characters takes ambition ingenuity and energy and after decades of devotion to this voracious muse a fellow can get pooped. [. . .] Woody Allen’s obsession is just a job he’s confecting comedy not from inspiration but from habit.

                                                            –“Deconstructing Woody,” Richard Corliss

She won five Grammy’s including album of the year and sold 12 million records but ever since she has been cruising on fame’s darker side. First she was sued by members of her band who demanded Miseducation production credits. Then she disappeared from the spotlight sparking rumors that had her fighting with her former band members in the Fugees becoming an Evangelical Christian or dealing with serious marital problems.

                                                            –“Unplugged and Unglued,” Josh Tyrangiel