Loosely Speaking

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

I blame the 'educators'

and the tolerance in this country for dumbing-down basic education. I heard a so-called journalist today, speaking of adding an 'asterick.' And neither journalists nor writers of screenplays have the basic understanding of when to use I/we, vs me/us; amateur writers always give themselves away with their improper use of commas, quotes and exclamation points. https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RD8Gv0H-vPoDc&v=8Gv0H-vPoDc Sign in to see full entry.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Dog Days

It seems to happen every year around now, that posting and reading decline here in Blogitland, with just the few anchor-folk who are never far off, who still post often--but maybe a few times a week rather than every day. I know when I get hot, or when summer activities come on busy, I have less inspiration for writing, and less time for it. I suppose that's how it is for many of us. I read, but the flow of comment and response is just plain sluggish. Even when there are things I want to share,... Sign in to see full entry.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

The sin of helping

You are so patronizing! Who is and how do we know? What does it even mean? I think I finally have it figured out: When one offers help on the assumption that someone else needs it... that's patronizing. Especially, if the assumption is made on so unconsciously, that the one offering assistance is not even aware that they have judged the other as incapable, inadequate, ignorant... possibly even stupid. Many of us who are helpers by nature are so surprised when our offer of aide is answered by a... Sign in to see full entry.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The most common dog in America

http://www.esquire.com/features/american-dog-0814 If you have opinions about pit-bull terriers, this article is worth the time to read it. Adnohr will surely find no surprises in it, and Naut is bound to appreciate it, too. It gave me more to consider, to revise my own opinion. Sign in to see full entry.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Another one for the doggie--especially the black ones!

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2014/06/black_dog_syndrome_are_people_racist_against_black_pets.html My daughter Marika sent this link. I personally like my black dog. Sign in to see full entry.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Guns and Highways

Americans love freedom. A century ago we were translating our love of freedom to the freedom to go where we would, when we would, as fast as we would. Sometimes chickens got run over, less often children who also played in the road. Dirt roads and cars going as fast as 20 even 30 miles an hour raised a lot of dust. Eventually, when those new-fangled horseless carriages really got up to speed, someone with a brain said, "Enough! Communities have a right to protect themselves from folks with no... Sign in to see full entry.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Here's a treat from our Kabu's native waters...

Well, not to suggest she is a whale... but Migaloo is. http://migaloo.com.au/ In any case, they are both rare and precious! Sign in to see full entry.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Elder-shine

On a website I visited for some other article, I gave in to prurient interest and clicked on the slide show of Celebrities Who Have Not Aged Well. Surely, this was put together by some young beauty who figures he/she will last through the ages unchanged. Many of the photos, not surprisingly, were vastly unfair comparisons between glamour shots of the individuals in their shiny youth, and 'candid' paparazzi shots without makeup, coiffure or pose. Some images were of the aged glamour beside the... Sign in to see full entry.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

My Little Bronies

I sigh... This is another of the fads of youth that many of us elders are mystified by, even appalled and dismayed. If, by chance, you have not heard of this, it is all around the contemporary remake of one of those dreadfully cutesy cartoon shows of the 70s. This remake has spawned a legion of fans of a particular type: young adult men who call themselves, Bronies. A pack of Charlie's friends, and Charlie himself delight in this show, and he has tried to persuade me of its great virtues. I... Sign in to see full entry.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

They think they're so clever!

As of today, if you are on Google, Google can take your words and image to puff it's advertising, unless you opt out. Right. here is a link to take you to where you can do just that: http://gizmodo.com/googles-going-to-start-sticking-your-face-and-name-in-1443861985/1462317340 Be sure to go via the link in the text to where you can un-check the little box. Also hit save Then wait for the next pop up that wants you to think again... click continue which takes you back to the first bit... be sure... Sign in to see full entry.

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