Bathrooms—are you serious?

flickr powerbooktrance

Bathrooms?  Are you serious? What a topic for a blog post.  I know many people get their inspiration there but as a topic.

That’s right, the blog as gone to the bathroom. Why? I am not sure. Maybe it is because my granddaughter is now going to the potty all the time and wearing “big girl” panties instead of diapers.  (Her transition was fast, and a relief to her mom since granddaughter #2 is due at the end of the summer.)

There are so many labels for the bathroom.  I already mentioned potty.  One of the most popular in restaurants is restroom.  Rest?  Hmmm. I do know that at some large companies they women’s’ restroom has a lounge area with chairs and maybe a couch.  (Don’t ask how I know.) 

 The other thing, or one of them, that made me think of bathrooms was a sign posted on the unisex bathroom at the Northern Colorado Writers’ office/meeting room in Fort Collins. The decorative sign lists some common words for the facility.  They include bathroom, lavatory, head, latrine, loo, washroom, water closet, necessary room, power room and toilet. I think they forgot privy.

Male or female — you name it

flickr ladyamada

Names can be confusing. Overall, the English language is full of quirks and unisex names are part of this system.  I don’t know how it works in other languages, but the same first name (maybe spelled differently) can apply to both males and females in our country.

 When I was growing up, the husband of the family next door was named Carroll. At the time, most of us had only heard of the female “ Carol” version of the name. Also, not too common are men named Gayle like the feminine name Gail.

Let’s play the name game

Shirley, Shirley bo Birley Bonana fanna fo Firley
Fee fy mo Mirley, Shirley!

Lincoln!
Lincoln, Lincoln bo Bincoln Bonana fanna fo Fincoln
Fee fy mo Mincoln, Lincoln!

Come on everybody!
I say now let’s play a game
From the song, The Name Game sung by Shirley Ellis. (1964)

Names is the topic today–first names.  This topic is on my mind because my wife and I are about to become grandparents for the second time in August.  As with granddaughter #1 (Grace), we know this one is female too.  Also, as with #1, we will not know her name until she is born.

Somewhat unique– I don’t think so

flickr back_garage

Somewhat unique? Hmm.  Seems like a term that could have been covered in my redundancy post or my oxymoron post.  This term bugs me, and I saw it again recently. 

I admit it, I still read newspapers. Since I freelance for at least one, that is probably a good thing.

In the local paper a couple of day ago, a reporter was telling about an upcoming photo exhibit. For whatever reason, the (professional writer) scribe said the event was “somewhat unique.”

Noooo! 

By the way, in a prior post I ranted about a couple of reporters who used roll and role incorrectly too.

An event is UNIQUE.  No adjectives needed. It isn’t uniquely unique, quite unique or even mostly unique.  

This is like being “slightly” pregnant.  It is an all or nothing proposition. (No pun intended)  

Closer to home for me is the term slight heart attack.  I have heard it said that a slight heart attack is one that happens to someone else.
Ok, I feel better.  More next week and until I take a break as I get my body worked on.

Bias or prejudice–which are you?

Cute AND smart!

Bias or prejudice—a fine line

The English language is full of subtle differences in words. One has to be careful when speaking and writing to use the right one.

 Bias and prejudice are two words that fall into this category. 

Bias (with a root meaning at an angle) means a preference or inclination.  This is especially true if it is one that inhibits impartial judgment.                                                                                          

Bias usually takes the form of partiality or favoritism.  One can be bias toward a perspective, ideology or perspective.