English Language & Usage: Multi-Layered Discourse Room

16:00

@KitFox that isn't the point. The claim was that when babies are first born they more strongly resemble the father in order to trigger his nurturing instincts. As time goes on their appearance changes to whatever it will end up being, favouring whichever side they favour, but it doesn't matter by then because the father will have already bonded with the child.

KitFox

Except that is an extremely dumb hypothesis. climbs up onto horse

aedia λ

@KitFox I'm not that tall!

KitFox

@aediaλ Hello!

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@KitFox if you say so. It isn't true anyway so don't get all worked up about it.

Robusto

All I can say is, my wife is Japanese and both my boys had strong Japanese characteristics (pronounced epicanthic fold, blue bottom, etc.), which subsided somewhat as they got older.

KitFox

16:02

But I was being all smug and superior!

pouts

aedia λ

@KitFox Hola! :)

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@Robusto blue bottom?

Robusto

@MrShinyandNew安宇 Japanese babies tend to have a blue spot on their butts at birth. It goes away in a couple of weeks.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@Robusto huh. interesting.

Robusto

Mongolian spot

A Mongolian spot, also known as "Mongolian blue spot", "congenital dermal melanocytosis", is a benign, flat, congenital birthmark with wavy borders and irregular shape, discovered on and named after Mongolians by Erwin Bälz. It is also extremely prevalent among East Asians, South-East Asians, South Asians, Polynesians, Native Americans, and East Africans. It normally disappears three to five years after birth and almost always by puberty. The most common color is blue, although they can be blue-gray, blue-black or even deep brown. Origin The Mongolian spot is a congenital developmental ...

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

16:06

@Robusto oh THAT... yeah, my son has that. and he isn't even a tiny bit Japanese.

Robusto

@MrShinyandNew安宇 Well, it's characteristically Asian.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@Robusto For my son it's more of a brown colour and more on his lower back than his bum. And we called them "mongolian spots", so I had no idea what you were talking about.

Robusto

The Japanese term is 尻が青い (shiri ga aoi, or "has a blue butt"), so I never knew it as Mongolian.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@Robusto I am pretty sure the Mongolians don't know it as Mongolian either :)

Robusto

Actually, I'm misremembering if I said it goes away in a couple of weeks. I think it went away in the first year or so for both boys. In any case it was temporary.

user19161

16:15

@Robusto Never heard of.

Gigili

16:26

What a yikes picture.

La la la la

I play monopoly, what about you?

Me too, me too.

Umm.

Ummm.

Done!

It's not in this page anymore!

user19161

@Gigili What are you talking about?

user19161

0

Q: Sentence differences

What is the difference between these sentences? Have you heard of the man in the moon? How could a man be in the moon? and Their house was on an island. Their house on an island was washed away.

idioms

user19161

NR

KitFox

16:43

L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore

2

Cerberus

@MrShinyandNew安宇 Hah, that'll teach them Apple boys...though I must say I won't be in the avant garde: I prefer an OS that already has lots of programs!

user19161

@KitFox Did you just write that yourself?

user19161

@Cerberus Debian or Ubuntu when installed already has lots of programs.

KitFox

►

Cerberus

I don't mean "when installed".

Installing programs is not a problem: but they have to exist!

user19161

16:48

Well, besides your AHK et al, there is no problem.

KitFox

My gf texts: "I need you, but in a very gentle way."

How's a girl supposed to take that?

Cerberus

Roughly?

She may have a heart ache.

KitFox

I think she's been talking to that guy again.

whines But I wanted to write this afternoon.

Cerberus

Allow her a half hour of whining, then go write?

KitFox

Maybe. If it is this guy, she'll need more time than that.

puts contacts back in

changes in office with door open

Gigili

17:02

@JasperLoy About Kit, I always talk about Kit.

KitFox

pleased

Cerberus

@KitFox Haha again.

By the way, if you support innovation, sign this petition:

defendinnovation.org

A petition by the Electronic Frontier Foundation to reform the American patent system.

Carlo_R.

Hello, I'm under attack from Martha? Why?

KitFox

Are you punning a lot?

Carlo_R.

Hello Kit, No I do not think

KitFox

17:15

Where is it?

Carlo_R.

Wait ...

@Carlo: Uh, so you're saying that Sting should have been satisfied with the incorrect answer on the other site (the natural consequence of your assertion that he should not have asked the question here), but then somehow it's OK for people to give answers to a question that shouldn't have been asked? Pardon me for saying so, but you're not making any sense. — Marthaª 15 mins ago

KitFox

AFK BBL

Carlo_R.

What does afk bbl mean?

Gigili

And for knowledge, bleib bei Laura.

Carlo_R.

Thank you @Gigili

Who is Laura?

Gigili

17:21

No problem. Ask a native speaker to make sure.

Carlo_R.

Ok, but I cannot defend myself from Martha's attack because I do not speak English. Please, help me!

user19161

@Carlo_R Is that an attack? That's just a pretty harmless comment!

user19161

@Carlo_R Away From Keyboard, Be Back Later.

user19161

@Gigili Let's not confuse him.

Carlo_R.

Hello Jasper @JasperLoy, it seems an attak!

user19161

17:26

@Carlo_R Well, the comments you made in the past were worse.

Gigili

@JasperLoy I'm not in the opposite mood.

user19161

@Gigili Who starred your "Good for you" in the Islam room?

Gigili

They seemed like a war, if this is an attack.

@JasperLoy You ask me? I can't star my own messages even though they are pretty wonderful.

4

user19161

@Gigili Did you star mine there?

Carlo_R.

@JasperLoy , probably I do not understand Martha's comments very well. Thank you for your support, sincerely.

AFK BBL

Gigili

17:30

@JasperLoy No, I expect you more.

user19161

@Carlo_R Don't worry too much about what others think. First, we cannot be sure what they are thinking when they write something. Second, all that matters is you try to be a good person.

user19161

@Gigili Then it is probably the same guy who starred both our messages. QED.

user19161

@mahnax Boo!

Mahnax

@JasperLoy Hi.

Gigili

@JasperLoy All those questions for a QED? You could have said it in the beginning.

user19161

17:32

@Mahnax Only two more days of school!

Mahnax

@JasperLoy What?

School is done, Jasper.

user19161

@Mahnax I mean for you.

user19161

@Mahnax OK.

user19161

I mean exams.

Mahnax

During exams, I don't go to school.

Well, OK.

I answered two questions recently!

I'm so proud of myself.

user19161

17:36

@Mahnax Oh, shh...

Mahnax

@Jasper Have you been utilizing your 20k privileges?

user19161

@Mahnax Yes, I cast some delete votes today on newly closed questions!

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@KitFox I have a big white teddy-bear ... or maybe it's a teddy-dog.... that sings that song. (haven't seen it in a while, it's in storage). It was a v-day gift from my wife one year. The last time we made it sing, the under-powered batteries made the result sound like some kind of deranged swamp monster who's a fan of crooners.

Cerberus

That sounds like me.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

a singing dog who sounds like a deranged swamp monster?

Cerberus

18:01

Yes.

That is, singing => deranged swamp monster is about accurate.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@Cerberus I see

cornbread ninja

18:31

bon jovi, everyone

Why is it that this question and all its answers have gone community wiki?

@JasperLoy yay!

Mahnax

@JasperLoy Oh, very good.

Matt Эллен

@cornbreadninja in the history it says:

> Post Made Community Wiki by Kosmonaut occurred Jan 9 '11 at 15:32

Gigili

Perhaps too many edits?

Matt Эллен

that was long ago, only Kosmonaut knows for sure

I guess these days such a question would be closed as not constructive

Gigili

Oh.

cornbread ninja

18:35

@MattЭллен pardon my ignorance, but does making the question Community Wiki turn all the answers so?

Matt Эллен

@cornbreadninja indeed it does

cornbread ninja

@MattЭллен neat. The More You Know.

Matt Эллен

an answerer can make their answer CW without affecting anyone else, but a CW question makes everything CW

cornbread ninja

nods @Matt

Matt Эллен

also, I don't think CW questions are an option any more, unless you're a mod

Gigili

18:37

What's the word for someone who punishes a lot?

Matt Эллен

a punisher?

cornbread ninja

Frank Castle?

Gigili

@MattЭллен But spell-checker doesn't accept it as a word?

Matt Эллен

@Gigili hmmm, mine does.

it's in the dictionary

you'll be fine if you use it

Gigili

Uhum, thanks.

KitFox

18:40

Holy f-cking hot.

Matt Эллен

why is USS Iowa getting up votes for his questions? I wonder if his account is related to HMS Tamar

@KitFox you can see me?

thanks!

KitFox

Um, yes.

You're welcome.

It's 95 degrees F here.

I've just been walking with my gf.

I have sweat my nuts off.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@KitFox TMI!

Matt Эллен

so it was so hot that a) you grew nuts and b) they fell off

that's some heat!

KitFox

Nah, I keep a pair of my husband's in my pocket.

His spares though.

Matt Эллен

18:42

lol

KitFox

I'm not one of those kind of wives.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

Nah, she had to grow them in order to earn the respect of her bosses

So I am starting to listen to Kimbra

KitFox

No! Listen to me!

Matt Эллен

@KitFox I see, so for just in case he needs them while you're out and he's left his at home...

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

well, I listen to you too, but I mean, musically

KitFox

18:43

@MattЭллен Right.

Or in case I need something for my tea.

Matt Эллен

LOL

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

dammit, you just reminded me of my friend's joke

Mahnax

chuckles, cries

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

"Suuurrre I know a Baggins. Tea Baggins" <- said EVERY TIME HE MADE A G*D* cup of tea

KitFox

Hahaha! I have that same friend!

Gigili

18:47

So you're the same person.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@Gigili almost

user19161

The time has come for me to take a break from this site. This will be my last message in this room for quite a while. The next time you see me in this room, I will be a different person and completely well. That day may never come, but I pray it will. I wish all of you love, peace and joy!

KitFox

Good luck @Jasper!

Matt Эллен

Hope you're back soon @Jasper hugs

Gigili

Eh, what?

KitFox

18:48

Jasper's gone to get better.

Gigili

That was my idea.

KitFox

He said he would leave once he got to 20K.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@JasperLoy Hope you find what you're looking for.

Mahnax

@JasperLoy Bye! Bonne chance.

Gigili

@JasperLoy Take care!

KitFox

18:52

So where did we leave off with Macy and Ada?

Wait, I've an idea. Anyone want to move over to The Overlook and talk?

Well, specifically about this story, I mean, or other related stuff.

Mahnax

Sure.

I'd go to The Overlook, the name is inviting enough.

Matt Эллен

hokhay

KitFox

The Overlook Hotel

General discussion for writing.stackexchange.com. Writing exer...

cornbread ninja

@JasperLoy noooooooooooo! Okay, if you must. sniff

Mitch

@Carlo_R reading the question and all the comments and answers, I think that Martha is not attacking -you- personally, but disagreeing with the specific things that you say. You might take that as a personal attack, but there is a big difference.

@JasperLoy you really need to respond to messages.

Robusto

19:09

@KitFox All play and no chat makes Jill a dull girl.

KitFox

Are you saying I should chat more?

Matt Эллен

all face and no head makes jack a mask

KitFox

Haha

You can come over and read my work-in-progress if you want @Robusto.

Gigili

19:23

Umm, what's the point? You could all talk here instead of moving to the other room!

Wait, what does illitrate mean?

KitFox

I'm trying to get more writing-related conversation going in the other room.

Gigili

I see.

KitFox

@Gigili I don't know. Illiterate maybe?

Matt Эллен

@Gigili unable to read or write

oh, google auto-corrected

Gigili

Yeah, that I looked up in the dictionary.

But in the movie, it says "you illitrate" and the person replies "I'm not illitrate, my parents were married".

KitFox

19:25

Oh, that's an old joke.

Gigili

Umm?

KitFox

A play on illegitimate.

Which means "bastard."

Gigili

Is it the same word?

KitFox

No, but they sort of sound alike.

Gigili

or ohne 'e'?

KitFox

19:26

And an illiterate person would probably confuse them.

illit'rate, probably contracted by dialect.

Gigili

So illit'rate vs. illiterate? Got it, thank you!

KitFox

No, no. Illit'rate = illiterate which is confused by ignorant people, who think you mean "illegitimate."

Gigili

Oh? But I'm pretty sure she say illiterate, subtitle agrees with me!

KitFox

19:41

She does say illiterate.

The person mistakes the meaning of illiterate.

It's a really old, stupid joke.

Gigili

Aww. Got it, got it.

Mitch

@Gigili also, saying 'illit'rate' instead of 'illiterate' is a way of marking in spelling that the pronunciation (dropping the 'e') is non-standard and therefore kinda country/backwoods/rural/uneducated and so consistent with misunderstanding the word as 'illegitimate' a fancy sounding word for 'bastard', which I never really understood because if anybody should have the negative connotation it should be the parents. Bu there's no word for that. Or Is there?

Gigili

@Mitch What an important point. Is there? You are the one who should answer the question.

Mitch

@Gigili Was there a question?

Oh..yes, there was. 'irresponsible'?

'impatient'?

'50% percent of parents nowadays' (in the US)

Gigili

I speak pineapple quite fluently!

@Mitch Is that the word? Such a nice an short word.

Very something?

Uncontrollable, maybe?

%$#*$#)@*#@ parents?

KitFox

19:54

Unmarried parents?

Mitch

@KitFox parents?

KitFox

No, thanks, I've had my fill.

Mitch

@cornbreadninja: sorry, I just didn't want to get into a long thing. What I meant was that "the wheel has become an eight" sounds funny not because it doesn't fit the situation but becuase you would more likely say "the wheel has become a figure eight" or "the wheel looks like a figure eight" (but "the wheel looks like a zero")

@cornbreadninja: nice on 'octagon'.

Gigili

I agree @Daniel.

Mitch

20:10

@Gigili Daniel is being much too obscure to really say one way or the other.

Gigili

3

Q: Should one say "for forever" or "forever"?

I've always wondered about this. When describing an exaggerated amount of time should one say "for forever" or "forever"? As in: I have been waiting for forever. or I have been waiting forever. The argument being that the word "forever" is in itself a period of time, or it isn't.

grammar american-english

It's for for forever, actually.

3* (+1), really?

$$

@Mitch I noticed. That's odd.

Mitch

Your LaTeX is showing.

I could understand a question like that from a NNS...

well, I understand the statement of the question, just not why someone would think of asking it. OK I can understand that too. Is this what RegDwight keeps away?

Gigili

NNS? Not Narrow System?

@Mitch You understand everything, that's impressive.

cornbread ninja

20:33

@Mitch I almost commented to the fact that one mostly often hears figure before eight more than any other numbers. What if figure skaters adhered to their title? ;)

@Gigili if I may be so bold, non-native speaker

Gigili

@cornbreadninja Oh? Why would @Mitch say such an obvious thing?

A native speaker doesn't know it's not for forever?

Even I know it!

cornbread ninja

@Gigili I'm finished speaking for @Mitch :D

@Gigili the things that native speakers don't know would surprise you. They might even make you weep for humanity.

Gigili

Haha. OK, OK.

@cornbreadninja I'm satisfied. So how Mitch claims that the OP is an NNS?

Oh, you don't speak for Mitch anymore. Got it!

Why did he say a NNS when it's an NNS?

@Mitch: Come here and explain! I'm so confused.

Matt Эллен

it's only an NNS if you pronounce the letters. It's a NNS if you pronouns the words (non-native speaker)

cornbread ninja

@Gigili ohhhh that's what you're asking! What @Matt said. :)

Gigili

20:43

@MattЭллен Ah OK. But I don't get it. How else you can read it other than en-en-es?

Matt Эллен

@Gigili non-native speaker

or pineapple

I think life would be easier if we got rid of an altogether and just learned to pronounce a differently in different contexts

Gigili

@MattЭллен Oh that's what you meant by that parentheses!

Matt Эллен

yup :)

Gigili

Easy life is not as challenging.

Matt Эллен

that's true

Mitch

20:52

@Gigili "National Natality Survey", where I got the stats on unmarried parents. it's now at National Maternal and Infant Health Survey

@cornbreadninja you spoke accurately for me. -Now- what am I thinking? No not that, the other thing.

cornbread ninja

@Mitch I hope that's pudding in my trousers?

sorry, Simpsons reference.

Mitch

@Gigili Obvious? (the figure 8 thing is not obvious) as to 'for forever', it's actually sounds to me like a native speaker mistake, thinking of 'forever' as an unanalyzable thing automatically, and thus a range unto itself, and so it must be 'for' that range, so 'for forever'. Sounds stupid though.

Oh When I say 'stupid' I mean 'I'm weeping for humanity so nothing personal about the OP.

cornbread ninja

@Mitch and then there's youtube.com/watch?v=YdfBv3Gg0jY

Mitch

@cornbreadninja OK this is what I was thinking...why does no one call it a 'figure 7', but just '7'. Did you get it right?

@cornbreadninja I was about to say that went over my head (having been deprived of Simpsons), but the image was too much.

cornbread ninja

@Mitch a thousand pardons! :\

Mitch

20:58

@Gigili I'm here. Explain what?

'a NNS'?

hold on..watching...

cornbread ninja

I must admit I grew up with the Michael Martin Murphy version.

Gigili

NNS sounds like a disease.

Mitch

@cornbreadninja um...

The Overlook Hotel

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English Language & Usage: Multi-Layer…