There’s the holiday season.

Americans in particular really seem to have a habit of celebrating everything with sugary foods. We have cake on our birthdays, pies on Thanksgiving, candy on Halloween… and then there’s the holiday season. In America, we may as well call it the sugar eating season given all the sweets we eat during this time. Today was the last day of school which meant cookies, candy, and cake just about everywhere you look. We had a small party in one of our classes, and I was one of the only ones to bring something salty. Why exactly is it that we eat so much sweets during this time anyways? It certainly isn’t because it’s good for us, nor is it because we can’t get ahold of it any other time of the year. Perhaps it’s because we have always related sweets to happiness and celebration. For as long as humans have existed, we have valued sugar; for the early hunter-gatherer peoples, it was a valued nutrition which helped in their survival. But these days, we live easier lives and really don’t need this nutrient so much – especially in massive amounts that we consume during the holidays.

Life on earth is a merely a fraction of what lies ahead in eternity.

Who says you have to kill other people and go to war? Who says we have to buy all the shit we buy just to keep an self righteous failed economy going based on a greedy stock market?! Why go to war? They can’t arrest the whole world for refusing to fight! So what if we end up in jail, we made a decision to stand for humanity. Terrorist believe they’ll be martyrs for killing… I believe the exact opposite, we’ll be martyrs for NOT killing! Life on earth is a merely a fraction of what lies ahead in eternity. I am the 99%! “I” make YOU! But what happens if we, as consumers and people who have a damn name and not some military tag come together as one??? Change… Haven’t we suffered enough as a human race? Are we not dogged enough as it is? Wake the hell up people! This is our time! Time to take OUR planet back! Time to renew! Time to vote with OUR dollars! Or better yet, bankrupt the economy and pull our useless money out of the banks. How many times must we watch our neighbors get kicked out onto the street? How many faces must we see cry into the cameras at an occupy movement about how their parents lost their home? We have a CHOICE! We choose who’s in power. We spank the corrupt. All you have to do is choose. To all, I would be a mad man if I pissed off the right people… Let me say first, I would never hurt another human despite my emotional states. I’m quite sure many others have spoke out, and were made to be a monster… I have tons of theories, 911, school shootings and such. Could you fathom the idea this all may be deliberate? Just to conjure up more freedom robbing laws? I don’t know, but I don’t put nothing past sociopaths whom love control. All you people who are for gun control? If my theory is right? You just walked into the trap. People, use your f&cking brain and wake up… Others can wipe your mind like a computer and program your ass to commit atrocities. But oh, f$cken no… You listen to the media… You suck it down like lemonade on a hot summer day… Want change? Quit being a bunch of p%ssies and make it happen!

Literally

English usage snobs all over the internet shudder when they hear the word “literally” used to mean its opposite. For example, somebody who claims to have been “literally scared to death” actually means that he was figuratively scared to death. If he had been literally scared to death, he wouldn’t be around to tell us about his fate. Search Google for the simple word “literally” and you’ll find no shortage of sites correcting the misuse. Some fun treatments include that of The Oatmeal (beware, it’s a little off-color) and xkcd. Etymologically, the word “literal” has to do primarily with understanding the sense of the actual words used in a text rather than any allegorical or metaphorical significance associated with them. In the earliest cited uses of “literal,” it pertains to the letters themselves. As I sat down to write a little piece describing the good and proper use of “literally,” I was surprised to find that even among some usage gurus, its incorrect use has begun to become accepted (if reluctantly). The OED gives the following definition of “literal” (definition 6.b.): Used in figurative or hyperbolic expressions to add emphasis or as an intensifier: veritable, real; complete, absolute, utter. There’s a cross-reference over to our adverb (this sense elevated to 1.c.): colloq. Used to indicate that some (freq. conventional) metaphorical or hyperbolical expression is to be taken in the strongest admissible sense: ‘virtually, as good as’; (also) ‘completely, utterly, absolutely’. Of course, the OED does here acknowledge that although this usage is now very common, it’s generally considered irregular because it reverses the original sense of the word. Nevertheless, the venerable dictionary has accepted the usage. After consulting the regular dictionary, I turned to another sort of dictionary, Brian A. Garner’s Garner’s Modern American Usage, expecting him to fold his arms and reject the word. He says: When literally is used figuratively — to mean “emphatically,” “metaphorically,” or the like — the word is stretched paper-thin (but not literally). He goes on to cite a few examples and then concludes as follows: Although [an edition of Webster's dictionary] acknowledged that literally coud be used to mean “in effect, virtually,” it didn’t record the complete reversal in sense that led literally to mean “metaphorically” or “figuratively.” This reversal appears to have been first recognized in the early 1970s. So although he’s a little skeptical about the usage, even Garner doesn’t write it off as actually being rejected. In fact, on his five-point language change index[*] that ranges from “rejected” to “fully accepted,” this use of “literally” scores a 3 (“widespread but…”). In other words, it’s in the language and generally accepted even among the well-educated but may net you looks of disapproval from roving grammarians. Garner does go on to label the use a “slipshod extension,” which he defines as the mistaken stretching of a word due to a misunderstanding of its original sense. He even gets in a little dig by quoting H.W. Fowler, who characterized the mistake as happening “when some accident gives currency among the uneducated to words of learned origin.” Garner may have had to accept the usage, but not without some protest. It’s tempting to blame the whippersnappers who have little regard for our language for slipshod extensions, but this one happens to be much older than I had imagined, with several citations going back through the 19th century and even back to 1769 with this lovely figure: He is a fortunate man to be introduced to such a party of fine women at his arrival; it is literally to feed among the lilies. My knee-jerk reaction remains to sneer at mis(?)use of “literally.” It’s one of those things I’ve sneered at for long enough that it’s a hard habit to break. But language changes, and this change seems inevitable. I suppose I’ll toss my hands in the air along with Garner. I don’t see the usage creeping into my own speech or writing, however. I think you can say figurative things much more evocatively without adding an intensifier like “literally.” In any case, you can substitute “practically” and retain sense along with the intensifier (although I suppose the intensifier here works through understatement, which is strange to contemplate). If you’re of a poetic turn of mind, you might substitute something lovely and meaningful instead. * Lest you think Garner is a dour old Puritanical type, consider that in his entry on the language change index, he provides not only more descriptive definitions but also eleven other analogous scales. For example, his 1 – 5 scale is roughly equivalent to the school grades F through A. The golf analogy goes from a quadruple bogey to par. My favorite by far is the etiquette analogy, which starts low with audible farting, then progresses through audible belching, overloud talking, and having your elbows on the table until we land on “refined” as the number five option. (back)

Fashion Topics about the Big Day Wedding Dress

in history, when a bride would wear lace at her wedding, this demonstrated the wealth of the loved ones and prosperity. It might tell everybody that you originated from a wealthy family members and which you can afford to have married in a lace wedding dress. Factors have modified considering that then, and that's not what persons think about after they attend a wedding. Now you see a lot more lace on the dining room table or within the property, however, you don't view it denoting wealth. Lace V-Neck Wedding Dressess are nonetheless around even though. They're quite well-liked within the wedding dress world. However, you may see lace not only because the complete dress but little odds and ends of lace all through the bride's attire on her huge day. As an illustration, in her own veil, as an sash about her waist, certainly the ball more than lace search, or even just lace getting placed on the skirt or leading of the dress. any time you are looking for your ideal wedding gown does not get something which you won't enjoy. Should you do not desire to get a lengthy dress with a cathedral train, then don't. Do what you would like to do because as it pertains to the crunch, this day shall be all about you. Believe me, there are actually some brief wedding dresses that are that are awesome, you might appear a bit harder. Several of the reasons why brides may possibly pick a brief wedding gown over a lengthy and classic dress is when the wedding is far more informal, on a beach, at a court house, a summer/spring wedding, or maybe when the bride just desires to be various! Satin- If you examine the fabric satin, you see the shinny surface and also the glowing impact which is attractive. Most of the time, the wedding dresses might be embellished my adding lace, beads, or gems to generate a dress have more glam. Satin dresses really are a quite cost-free and flowing type of fabric that lead to an attractive, romantic look. Silk -It could be the most luxurious fabrics manufactured. This fabric is extremely breathable and versatile. It is also really flowing and no cost to stroll in. As a result of the smooth surface it's, it clings and fits a body of the bride that may be a beautiful appear to a romantic wedding. Organza- This really is on the list of stiffer fabrics that you just will come across once you go wedding dress buying. Because of the stiffness of this fabric, you might probably discover it in the dresses which have a fuller skirt or quite a few layers. You'll also obtain this fabric having a light lace overlay on it also. Lace usually adds an additional touch to a glowing fabric. Brocade- This kind of fabric could make a dress appear from regular to contemporary and also fashionable. Generally soft brocade is employed for wedding gowns to make them appear far more formal and elegant. Some of these dresses will possess a pattern inside them by utilizing threads woven into them. Also, you might see these stylish dresses in royal weddings that indicate status. Chiffon- This final kind of fabric is 1 that falls along your body and hangs perfectly by your body shape. It is a light fabric where you'll be able to see by way of 1 layer that is the reason why at times you will see a number of layers on the dress. These are also occasionally embellished to include more effect on your best wedding gown. Article Source: ?http://www.bridaldressesshop.co.uk

Discover the Fantastic plus Size Wedding Dress Online for less

When on the lookout for a wedding dress these two concerns would be the most prevalent facing full figured brides. Always try to remember that you should shop to get a full figured wedding gown that fits your character and flatters your curves, at the same time as being suitable for your wedding and reception venues. On the other hand, do not despair! Today there is an amazing choice of cost-effective wedding gowns readily available that have shape, color, style and flair. You could very first begin with a number of the more substantial retail chains, as they are far most likely to have dresses you could attempt on. It is possible to also look at division outlets, designers and our online shops who focus on Plus Size Wedding Dresses Should you be taking into consideration acquiring the wedding dress by way of a bridal store then it is best to make certain the retailer has been around small business a substantial some time and that its reputation is sound. It's a plus if the storeowner continues to be around to get a long time. Ask about and check out many stores prior to producing any selection.   Even so, today there is also a terrific range of wedding gowns you'll be able to obtain on the web. Quite a few wedding gown manufacturers have turned to the Online thereby allowing the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids to look for that 'just right' wedding day 'look' and 'feel'. One on the most significant pieces of attire, apart from your very own wedding gown, is the bridesmaids' dresses. They can be direct reflection on yourself and in the event the bridesmaids look inappropriate everyone will wonder why you chose such unappealing dresses. Certainly, the mother on the bride is important and she desires to look fabulous also. So, mother from the bride suits and dresses are actually readily available on the web. Actually, it can be pretty stressful whenever you try to co-ordinate mom on the bride dress using the other outfits being worn at the time so it really is recommended you look into each of the numerous styles and colors now available on the net. When on-line, you'll be able to click on an outfit you prefer and enlarge it to get a greater view. Some internet websites also possess the capacity for permitting you to view a front, side and back views. There are also tips on how you can measure yourself and, ordering an advantage size wedding dress is extremely quick. Certainly, not just about every bride is able to afford a pricey Trumpet Wedding Dresses?as a result of a low spending budget or other economic constraints. This doesn't imply that they can't still look fabulous as there is a growing quantity of premium quality, but somewhat cheap wedding gowns offered on-line.

How To Far Away From Glum

It's sometimes necessary to take steps that may seem to be rather strange. You might start, as an example, by making a list of all the great things that you have in your life. Such a list might include absolutely everything, from loved ones to ice cream that can currently be found within your freezer at home!

As I said, this may seem like a rather odd thing to do. So why is it something that you would even consider? The answer is that you should look to avoid the danger of assuming that all is going wrong in life. It may well be the case that improvements can be made, but it's unlikely that things are as bad as they first appear.

Once you start making the list, you'll discover that it's hard to stop a smile from forming on your lips. You'll consider great things in life and many of the reasons why you actually enjoy the daily routine. You'll certainly see that there's a lot to be happy about. This is a list that you should keep safe too.

You might, for instance, want to pin it on a message board. Alternatively, it could be attached to your fridge. Ideally, you'll want to place it somewhere that it can be seen every single day. Every time you look at the list, you'll be reminded of the fantastic elements of your life.

Escape From A Cycle Of Negativity

It's sometimes all too easy to feel like life isn't going as well as it should be. Minor niggles can develop into more significant issues, causing you to spend more time thinking about what's going wrong. The truth is, however, that you might feel better if you take a more positive attitude.

This could, of course, be said to be easy in theory. But the reality may be substantially different, causing you to question whether you can achieve the happiness that you seek. It's not a simple process to escape from a cycle of negativity and this is something that may concern you. How can you make the changes that are necessary in order to allow you to think in a different way?

Business and financial negotiating

Negotiating can serve as an effective mechanism for reducing costs and helping to improve cash flow almost immediately. For small businesses who do not want to engage in negotiations or do not have the negotiating skills to do so, outside help should be considered to fill this critical gap. The typical small business owner simply does not have the luxury of choosing from a long list of alternative business solutions to solve current economic and financial problems impacting them. They need real time solutions, and business negotiating is up to that task if given the chance.

It is certainly true that each business has a set of unique problems. This is one of the most critical factors to explain why each small business owner must assume responsibility for solving their own challenges rather than waiting for the outcome of an election or some other external event to resolve anything.  is a strategic solution that is available to all small businesses on a real-time basis. It is a here-and-now answer to a variety of business problems.

Negotiating strategies

Negotiating strategies can play an important role for small businesses seeking to dig their way out of a deep hole caused by a perfect storm of declining sales, increasing costs and decreasing commercial loans from banks. The ability to use financial negotiations to their advantage has been underused by small business owners for a variety of reasons. But the lack of alternative business solutions to address pressing problems has elevated the value of negotiating to a level not previously seen.

Business finance complications being experienced by small companies continue to be a problem for the entire economy. While banks have received an inordinate amount of government financial support to help banking institutions recover from an economic crisis that many would argue was caused by them, small businesses and individuals have been largely left to fend for themselves. A prudent use of effective negotiation is a key tool that each small business owner can use to help their company survive the difficult challenges still facing them.

Get To Print Brochures

The third step before you get to print brochures is to have a template. The template and the fold type are some of the most important parts to consider before printing a brochure. The template will be used for the proper positioning of the words, pictures, and everything that is printed on your brochure, while the fold gives the presentation. The template would depend on whatever type of fold you want for your brochure. Once you finalize the fold and the template of your brochure, it is time to personalize and match the template with your product. Fill in the necessary areas, especially if you choose to have the Tri fold or the Roll fold type of brochure with 4 or more panels.

When everything is all set, find the appropriate paper that will be used for the brochure. There are different kinds of paper that can be used for brochures. Glossy (a.k.a. shiny paper) is one of them. There are two kinds of glossy paper that you can choose from: the thicker one, similar to what printing companies use in magazine covers, and, the thin one, which is commonly used in magazine pages. Several light, non-glossy kinds can also be used, and these usually come out cheaper compared to glossy ones.

create a tag line

Next,  that suits the main feature, or the best quality, of a service that the product or the establishment offers. Choose a catch phrase that would make it stand out, in order to grab the people’s attention. Here is an example of how you can catch their attention: Let us say, you are selling a new model of a cellular phone that has a waterproof feature. Catch phrases that say “Call Me Underwater” and “Be Poseidon” are good ideas. Keep in mind that there are also some brochures that need to be more professional, while some may require a more mature content. These brochures are the ones that involve business, real-estate, hotel services, and the likes.

creating a brochure

In creating a brochure, you have to know its basic parts so you can come up with a cost-effective, successful tool for advertising. There are a lot of types of brochures that you can choose from. There are different sizes, colors, and even textures. Price range also differs, depending on the size of the brochure, the paper used, and so on. The brochure’s folds also play an important role on its appearance and overall impact.
The first step in making a brochure is to identify and understand your target market. When you already know your target market, it is easier to find appropriate colors and words to use, before you start to print brochures. Children usually favor the ones that are easy-to-read with lots of pictures, while adults would prefer those that are straightforward and informative ones. The usage of striking images and color tones can liven up the brochure, no matter what age group you are targeting.

Proving Statements

You will plant something with your lead and answer that on your closing line. The lead will help the client decide if they want to read the ad further. That means your ad is a success if its recipient get to the closing line part.

And that is the pressure that lies on the proving statements. Your clients have gone that far. But they still have the option to put the ad down if they find it full of crap. So do not fall on this trap. Let your proving statements prove that you have good products. Let it make a mark and leave a positive impression enough for the client to read all through the closing line.

Proving Statements
It is given that your clients are holding your ad. That means that they are not really expecting that you will say anything bad about your own business. You won’t use offset printing for your materials if you will only ruin them by your words.http://chinaprinting-image.com/

I'm Sorry

I'm sorry to everyone I've ever offended by making fun of their terrible grammar or spelling.  Why? .

Did you read it?  Are you done laughing?  Okay, well, although I agree that the letter is hilarious, the outcome of the note--in case you missed it, that would be toilets installed on India's trains--is monumental...at least to people with tiny bladders.  Anyone?  Anyone else out there?  I can't be the only one.

So again, I'm sorry.  Apparently you can get your point across without a good grasp of how to use words.

Note: This doesn't mean I'm going to stop making fun of people's terrible grammar or spelling.  Only when they're writing about toilets.

A part of my heart that's been dead for five years

Okay, so maybe I didn't actually use any of those words except the first one in my resignation, but trust me, the sentiment got across.  People keep asking me how I feel, and to be honest, it feels the same.  I should feel terrified (because I don't have another job lined up), excited (because the future is unknown), and relieved (because I've been wanting to do this for a long time).  But so far I just feel like I'm still going to work each day and still have a steady paycheck for the next two-ish weeks.  So, normal.

Deep down, though, where all of my secret thoughts are stored--to only be released when I write, because otherwise the words just don't come--I'm ecstatic.  A part of my heart that's been dead for five years, or at the very least in hibernation, is stirring.  It's about to come alive (or wake up...I really should have stuck to one metaphor) and it is terrifying and exciting and relieving. 

For the next few days, when I think about what I've accomplished, well, I don't even have to think.  I quit, yo.  These three little words are huge.

Sweet Words

I'm not a designer, nor can I think of a situation in my past, present, or near future when I would need to create Lorem Ipsum for anything.  So maybe I should be a bit ashamed to admit that I just spent five minutes generating dessert-related nonsense filler text using Cupcake Ipsum.  But I'm not.  Because Jelly lollipop ice cream cheesecake chocolate.  And Croissant candy canes caramels chocolate bar croissant cookie gummi bears. 

And also, I discovered a dessert I didn't know existed: faworki.  So it was totally worth my tim

Safe Word

For a construction site?  Sure.  For life?  No way.  Safety=safety.  That's it.

I could have remained at my job and been incredibly safe.  Now that I have no job, I'm terrified and unsure and feel anything but safe.  But I still think it was the right decision.  While it definitely could end up being the stupidest thing I've ever done, it could also end up being the best.  Had I stayed, I know for a fact it would not have been the best thing I've ever done.  So for me, risk=possibility.  And that's the most beautiful word I can think of right now.

Spelling Wrong Words

When I was younger, I couldn't spell the word privilege to save my life.  For whatever reason, I just couldn't learn the order of the letters.  I had to look it up every single time.  Finally, one day I decided to learn it, for once and for all, and I did.  It was simple, once I actually tried.

There's an epidemic of the privilege situation going on, and it spans the globe.  Working at a publishing company, I read a lot of proposals and descriptions of books claiming they were indispensable.  But they were actually indispensible.  The first few times I thought nothing of it, because I wasn't sure how to spell that word.  But then when I saw it written the other (right) way, I figured it was just another American/British English spelling difference.  So I looked it up, only to find that -ible doesn't even exist.

Since that revelation, I've come across the word countless times, and there was always a 60/40 split, wrong to right.  So now I'm just stumped.  Is this all a big conspiracy to get me to think I'm spelling the word correctly but really I'm wrong?  Or are entire countries unaware of the word's proper spelling?  Honestly I'm not sure which it is.

special instructions for a "Tall Exit."

On a recent flight, the annoying teenage girl in front of me was looking at the safety information card that can be found in the seat pocket in front of you.  I glanced at it and saw what I thought were special instructions for a "Tall Exit."  At once amused and outraged, I pulled out my own card and looked at it again.  Then I snapped a picture of it, thinking, Wow, so now tall people can't even escape from a plane the normal way?

That's why I love the written word.  You can read something over and over again and it may not be until the third time that you finally get it.  When it's written down, you have time to mull it over to make sure you're understanding the message, which you don't always have a chance to do with spoken conversations.  That's also why I never liked text messages.  There's still plenty of opportunity for misunderstanding, but the immediacy encourages you not to think about things first.  Then of course you have the results of the miscommunication right there in front of you to read over again.  And again.

Why You Can Not Find What You Need

Sometimes I wonder if, by immediately discounting anyone who misspells obvious words, I'm missing out on something.  For example, what if this is actually the best apartment in the city?

Then I think, Do I really want to rent from someone who can't even get such a small thing right?

(The answer is no, in case there was any doubt.)

Grammatically Incorrect Words

In years past, I may have delighted in today's holiday, smug in the knowledge that even if I sometimes break grammar rules, I almost always know them.  I may have felt a little sad for the future, acknowledging that writing the possessive its with the apostrophe is becoming so common that it may soon become acceptable (I mean, I hope it doesn't, but you never know).

But this year I've decided not to gloat about the fact that I understand when to use "your" and "you're."  I've decided not to write about funny grammatical errors other have made.  Instead, I'm celebrating by remembering that, while fairly important (at least to me), proper grammar isn't everything.

Tomorrow, I will go back to making fun of people who can't distinguish between a comma and a period.  Today, I will just wish you a happy National Grammar Day.

I like our langue

You always read about people who've taken a creative, bold, and usually seemingly silly approach to getting hired and ultimately reaching their goals, and you think, Well, sure, it worked for this guy/gal, but that's the exception.  I don't really feel like an exception.  (Maybe you don't think exactly that because you don't use the word "gal," but you get the idea.)

But these days, these acts of "nonconformity," if you want to call them that, are actually so abundant that they've almost become the norm.  So why haven't I done something like it yet?  Why haven't I written a letter like this one (that, in 1934, probably was a little more unique)?

I guess it's because I feel like these ploys are gimmicky, and I shouldn't have to stoop so low as to stand out based on my tactic.  I should be successful based purely on my talent. 

Of course, there's the argument that people who come up with these tactics are obviously creative and talented.  And then also the one about who cares how you were discovered, because in the end the important thing is that you were

Up and more, That's all

My nephew is taking his time learning to speak, so he doesn't say too much yet, though he has his own versions of lots of words--like "help," and "apple," and "birthday," which don't sound anything like the actual words and therefore can only be interpreted by his family.  But for months, he's been saying 2 things very clearly.  He says "up" out loud, and he knows how to say "more" in sign language.

Up and more.  That's all.  It doesn't seem like much, but my nephew has taught me that these words have so many shades of meaning.  You want to be closer to something, or see something?  Up.  You want to keep eating, or you want to see something funny again?  More. You want to gain the perspective of those around you?  Up.  You don't want to leave the people you're with?  More.  You just want to be held?  Up.  You just want to be loved?

Perfect Day Publishing

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of Amazon opinions, I think you have to be at least a little impressed by a certain small press that abstains from using the retail giant.

I had never heard of Perfect Day Publishing until I read about one of its products, Love is Not Constantly Wondering If You Are Making the Biggest Mistake of Your Life, in a Slate article. From the description, I knew immediately I would buy the book.  What I didn't know was that I would get a personalized email letting me know my order would be delayed because they needed to print more books.  I also didn't know I'd get another personalized email explaining how they had to hand-weigh the packages in the shipment so they might have made a mistake on the postage to the tune of -20 cents.  I didn't know when the book arrived, my address would be hand-written, or that I would also receive a stapled copy of A Field Guide to the Aliens of Star Trek: The Next Generation, written by a 7th grader.

Murakami

I've never read anything by Murakami before, so I don't know if the sprawling, sometimes tedious narrative including minor characters that seem to contribute very little to the plot, repetitiveness indicating a lack of confidence in readers' attention, or fixation on breasts are trademarks of this author's style. I do know that as a writer, a reader, and a lover of parallel universes, these complaints weren't enough to ruin the story for me.  If you're any of the three, I'd suggest you give the book a try.

But what was most interesting to me as I read the book was the ever apparent truth that it was a translation.  Every time I reached a passage that didn't flow properly or a sentence that didn't quite make sense, I questioned whether it was Murakami's writing that made it so or simply a lack of proper English equivalent.  Most fascinating to me was the use of, "I wonder."  Used repeatedly as a kind of substitute (I assume) for "Hmm," or "I don't know," the phrase really grew on me by the end of the 900+ pages. When a character said something another character didn't understand or couldn't answer, he didn't shrug it off with, "I don't know."  He left it open for future discussion with, "I wonder."  I'm sure it's a result of the translator choosing the words closest to the actual Japanese expression, but I found myself asking whether our real life plots might go further if we switched to that phrase in our own conversations.  I wonder

Chinese Have 4 Distinct Tones

In taking Chinese lessons, it's becomming very clear to me that I have a limited range to my voice. In English, what this means is that I am able to say sarcastic things and people have no idea whether I'm serious.  In Chinese, this means I can't pronounce the words correctly.

To properly speak Chinese, you need to clearly distinguish between the different tones (there are 4 distinct tones) in order to convey the word you're trying to say.  If you use the wrong tone, you could be saying something else completely.

This truth is causing me trouble because I don't have a natural rise and fall to my voice.  But it also makes me really curious about sarcasm in Chinese.  Do they have it?  Since the tone of voice is typically what marks it, it would seem that it's impossible to use it in a tonal language.

If that's the case, then people must be so much more sincere.  They must not be able to say, "I'm fine," in a flat tone when they really don't mean it.  They must be more honest with each other.

Then again, there are probably ways to bend the truth in every language.

Formulaic Words For English

There was a trending hashtag today on Twitter for notebook. As someone who once wrote something that got published in the NYTimes, I found it especially hilarious.

My suggested title for my essay, "Winnie the Pooh and Baggage, Too," was clearly not right for that publication, but the title it was actually published under, "Fuzzy, Purple and Full of Thorns," didn't seem right for the essay (not that I'm complaining, considering I was ecstatic to have a piece in the newspaper at all.  They could have called it "Not Worth Your Time to Read" and I still wouldn't have complained).

What's so interesting to me about the hashtag and its popularity is that, while the exercise poked fun at the obvious stylistic pattern of the headlines, it was at the same time a nod of appreciation. That the New York Times has a style so recognizable can only be a good thing.  It calls to mind what they say about the media: there's no such thing as bad publicity. Writing style may be the same way.

I'm not suggesting some writing styles aren't subjectively (and even possibly objectively) better than others. I am, however, noticing that authors with a very distinct style tend to be more popular.  Whether you want to praise a writing style or disparage it, you are still talking about it.  It's an idea that these days, for better or for worse, seems to be even more crucial for writers to consider.  I'm not necessarily alluding to a certain book with a neutral color in its title, but if I am, I'm still giving it extra attention, so its author must be doing something right.