Anonymous wrote:oooh!! I can solve this one! Have you ever heard a German say the word "Berlin" in English? The German accent makes it sound like they pronounce it in CT. Settled by Germans who named it, said it in English, with an accent. It became the place name pronounced that way.

Huh. But wait - what do you mean "say...'Berlin' in English?" They say it differently when they're speaking German?

Anonymous wrote:

TheManWithAUsername wrote:Are there sites taking bets that the world with end, as has been done before? That's my second-favorite scheme ever.

Okay, I'll bite - what's your favorite?

Thank God - I didn't know how long I'd have to wait.

Pick a stock and a get addresses of people with money. Split the people into two groups, A and B.

To Group A: "Stock X is going up; you should buy."
To Group B: "Stock X is going down; you should short it."

If X goes up, forget about Group B, and vice-versa. Take the remaining group, split it into two subgroups, and repeat the process with a new stock.

Repeat this as many times as you like. Afterwards, send a letter to the remaining group: "I've now sent you several of my investment picks, and I've been right every time. Why aren't you investing with me yet?"

My understanding is that it's been illegal for some time.

Are there sites taking bets that the world with end, as has been done before? That's my second-favorite scheme ever.

Anonymous wrote:Also, is "or else" acceptable in any other context than a threat?

"Or else," followed by something, isn't wrong (anymore?), but I think it's always redundant.

"Shaddup, or I'll give you somethin' to cry about!"
"Shaddup, or else I'll give you somethin' to cry about!"

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend whose email signature says "Love and Live Strong".

That's annoyingly meaningless. You want to tell me to laugh, fine, but don't give me incomprehensible instructions.

And it's phrased so as to indicate that it's so spiritual, it transcends grammar.

Anonymous wrote:OMG, the grammar police are men??

Not me. I only jumped in once someone phrased it as a question. You're safe to err.

Anonymous wrote:10:06 Sorry NP but yes, you can use an apostrophe to make a letter, number or abbreviation plural. It is easier on the eyes.

Don't apologize - there's no shame in your mistake. ( :

Cite? I didn't dig too much, but this appears to summarize from various sources: http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=499296

It notes that the NYT is exceptional in using the apostrophe in every case. At least one source appears to distinguish between the plural of a single letter or number and the plural of an acronym. Another distinguishes between abbreviations with periods and those without.

Here's a super-scientific online poll: http://www.usingenglish.com/poll/poll.php

It appears that "the" rule is in flux and/or debate. Re what's easier on the eyes, I think "IRA's" and "1930's" are confusing and ugly. Likewise, but less so, for 9's and B's.

"A" is a special case because of the word "as." To me, that doesn't make it an exception to the rule, but just an exception to the statement, "The rule prevents confusion."

Anonymous wrote:Have we already addresses "well" versus "good"? As in: He did good on the test. Aaaaghhhh.

"I felt badly" actually bothers me more. Like some others noted already, it's a mistake of trying too hard, not of simple ignorance. You can feel good and you can feel well, but you're probably not so incompetent as to feel badly.

Hang in there, Baby - this is the first day of the rest of your life.

Anonymous wrote:Good grief. What decade are you living in?

You deny that there's still some stigma related to divorce? Or do you just not want it to be so?

Anonymous wrote:11:42 Wrong. Both are accepted usage.

NP. Is that new? My seventh grade math teacher would penalize anyone who used "and."

Anonymous wrote:It makes me irrationally happy to see the "10 Items or Fewer" sign at my local grocery store

Heh – I’m the same way. It gives me a kind of warm feeling to hear “fewer.”

Anonymous wrote:You can't feel nauseous. Something nauseous makes you feel nauseated.

Unfortunately, that battle has been lost. I think every dictionary now lists the new meaning. I’m still holding out hope for “disinterested.”

Anonymous wrote:I detest the way everyone mispronounces L'Enfant Plaza and Grosvenor Station!

And Judishuary Square, where the Nucular Regulatory Commission is sometimes in litigation?

I’m bummed about “begs the question.” I can’t remember the last time I heard it used correctly, and incorrect usages have become very popular in the media lately. I don’t think it will survive another 5 years.

Anonymous wrote:What if you drop it in the loo? We have a let it mellow household, so I'm thinking toss it.

Urine's pretty clean, I think. I can't comment on the taste.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

TheManWithAUsername wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Awesome. Another dad here. Can you tell me where I can find some organic vegan glue? I don't want DC brushing with animal products or absorbing toxins.

I prefer to buy mine locally when I can, but no one stays in business for long (sigh). There are a few excellent suppliers in California, but I don't want that Japanese radiation!

Geez, that's all we need around here-a couple of SAHDs with too much time on their hands. You sanctidaddies make me want to barf!

No doubt TheManWithAUserName is the OP.

WTF? I finally put my money where my mouth has been about the anonymity problem, going to the trouble of setting up an ID, and I get accused of sock puppetry?

Wow - this thread took a surprising turn. It's like a House episode. This may be the most educational thread I've read here.