Today, of course, is the real Columbus Day.

I don't think there is a Las Vegas line, but you have to guess both versions are living on borrowed time in terms of enjoying any sort of holiday status.

But while we're on the subject, here's one of my favorite copy-editing stories.

A Spokane freelance editor was going over an online book manuscript a few years ago. She was understandably surprised when she came across a reference to the famous Christopher Columbus vessels, the Nina, the Pinto and the Santa Maria.

I thought that was amusing and briefly alluded to it in The Slice. And sure enough, some woman sent me a scolding email noting that the middle ship was actually the Pinta.

I cannot recall my reply. But I suspect it was kinder than she deserved.

http://ed101.bu.ed

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