Forum Topic Date Replies
Motivation What do you like most about your body? Feb 17 2009
12:48 (UTC)
23

I like my figure.  I'm sort of half way between a pear and an hourglass.  Even though I get down on my big ol' butt and thighs sometimes, I appreciate the fact that my figure makes it so that I don't gain weight as quickly in my face and stomach, and as a result I tend to look thinner than I am (until people look down, anyway).

The Lounge Need advice Jul 17 2007
04:05 (UTC)
2
Well, I've gone ahead and sent it out, because either way I think I made a bad first impression (this was the class's first assignment due).  I figure it couldn't hurt.
The Lounge Need advice Jul 17 2007
04:01 (UTC)
6
No, she was more likely frustrated by the fact that she had expressly stated when and how the assignment was to be turned in in a reminder she sent out.  Her response was very nippy and I don't know how much of that is due to how I expressed myself and how much of that is due to her having to restate herself.
The Lounge Need advice Jul 17 2007
03:57 (UTC)
8
Ugh, after reading it again I realize it definitely wasn't written clearly.
The Lounge Need advice Jul 17 2007
03:56 (UTC)
9
Well, here was the original message.  You judge for yourself if it's offensive.

Dear Professor,

I spoke to you after turning in my topic review today about turning in the review for the  video module after class, and that document is attached.  However, after re-reading the  description of the assignment, I'm not sure I understand why it would be counted as a late, since it states that the assignment should be submitted on or before the due date.  Was I supposed to have submitted it before today's class?  If that's the case, thanks in advance for clarifying this point so I can make sure to turn in assignments at the correct time in the future.

Sincerely,
The Lounge Need advice Jul 17 2007
03:40 (UTC)
11
No, that's not what offended her.  That's my attempt to smooth things over.
The Lounge in the real world, spelling counts. Jul 15 2007
22:53 (UTC)
1
"the other piece to consider is that english isn't the only language on the planet.  imagine trying to learn a second language (or third or fourth) that doesn't follow conventions." 

pgeorgian, I'm not quite sure I  understand what you're getting at with the above comment.  As for the idea that English would be more difficult if we didn't attempt to have rules, I'm sure that's true.  But, is there any reason that the rules the English language currently has are the best possible rules it could ever have?
The Lounge bathing suits?? Jul 15 2007
15:49 (UTC)
3
Something that's a solid color on the bottom with a pattern on the top.
The Lounge in the real world, spelling counts. Jul 15 2007
03:13 (UTC)
6
Alright, I retract my statement that English spelling is idiotic.  As a matter of fact, I find the history and evolution of words fascinating.  I just don't think that it is reasonable to require children to take on the entire history of the English language as they're learning to read and write.  I am not going to be a renegade teacher who lets my students throw writing conventions out the window of course, simply because spelling and punctuation are things that effect how people are perceived in the real world. 

But is that the way it should continue to be?  I believe that spelling shouldn't be a barrier to communication, by which I mean that language should be allowed to adapt to the form that allows the most people to take advantage of it. 

BTW, I don't know if this counts, but I  had always spelled the word "moustache" like so, but rarely see it spelled that way anymore.  Recent change?
The Lounge in the real world, spelling counts. Jul 14 2007
17:55 (UTC)
11
I'm not denying that that's true.  I'm just saying that English spelling is idiotic and it's no wonder that some people never quite master it.  So, if current trends in language result in more simpified spelling it will be better for everyone. 
The Lounge in the real world, spelling counts. Jul 14 2007
17:13 (UTC)
13
what does it have then, lie status?  I think it's pretty clear that simplified spellings are often used as an alternative to traditional ones, not only in commercial usage but also for infrastructure, recreation and other things.  Since the English language doesn't have a governing body, the only thing required to lend something legitimacy is widespread usage over a long period of time.  Plus, like I said, both spellings appear on dictionary.com.  Is that less legitimate than a paper dictionary?  That's debatable, but it's almost certainly more up to date.
The Lounge in the real world, spelling counts. Jul 14 2007
16:21 (UTC)
15
Oh no, Kathy, you found me out!  Give me your soul! HA HA HA HA HA!
The Lounge in the real world, spelling counts. Jul 13 2007
19:19 (UTC)
17
"that said, evolution is slow, and i wouldn't count on "thru" and "nite" earning word status anytime soon - certainly not before your students graduate."

Is that so?


http://www.nysthruway.gov/index.shtml

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8 MQKtH/b.786999/k.548/ThruHiking.htm

http://www.europevillage.com/micwolnitlig.htm l

The revolution has begun...

Seriously though, both spellings have dictionary.com entries.  As far as to, two and too, it's not like we don't have plenty of homonyms already.  The way we tell these apart is through context.  Let's say that all of a sudden we had only had the word tu.  Tu boys went tu the mall, and the grocery store tu.  I think most people could figure out which was which.  I am for the standardization of English, but I am not for archaic and arbitrary spelling.
The Lounge in the real world, spelling counts. Jul 13 2007
16:28 (UTC)
20
A few thoughts on the subject from a teacher in training...

  • The rising practice in teaching is something called process writing, where students go through five stages, revisiting each stage as needed before arriving at a final draft.  These stages are prewriting, writing, revising, editing and publishing.  The first three stages are purely focused on developing ideas.  It is not until the editing stage that all the little details of spelling, capitalization and punctuation are fine tuned.  I don't know how many kids have actually been taught using this method, but maybe they just don't see the point in focusing on the details in such an informal forum where what's really important is expressing ideas?
  • I do think that the English language is constantly changing, and if current language use results in simplified spelling, I'm all for that.  The fact is that for every spelling "rule" there are several exceptions, and the vast majority of English spellings are irregular.  Learning spelling is really an exercise in memorization.  If thru replaces through, and nite replaces night, isn't that more logical than holding on to those vestigial GH's?  Why the heck doesn't lose have two o's?  For that matter, why does "two" have a w?  Just because something has always been a certain way doesn't mean that is isn't time for a change.
The Lounge Proper Discipline for Kids Jul 11 2007
07:30 (UTC)
53
I know I'm jumping in late in the conversation, but this comment by frothbeast jumped out at me -

"He taught me to think of the consequences of my actions.  Face the consequences.  Pay for my mistakes.  Take responsibility for my actions.  Fear the dangers in life, they will hurt you!"

Facing the consequences of your actions and paying for your mistakes are important parts of life, but I don't really see how hitting accomplishes either of these things.  Being hit is not a natural consequence of most things that a child would be punished for.  As far as paying fo your mistakes, I also don't see how hitting corrects a problem.  For example, let's say that a child is throwing a ball and it goes through the neighbor's window.  The real life consequence is that it makes a loud noise, the neighbor gets mad, there's glass everywhere, etc.  In this situation a child can "pay" for their mistake by apoligizing, asking the neighbor what they can do to make things right, and then proceeding to help clean up or pay for the broken window at a level that the child is capable of.  I don't see how hitting is even necessary, nor can I think of a situation where it would be as long as a child was enabled to make amends instead of fearing punishment.

It sounds like you are very well adjusted and you love your father, but I still doubt that hitting is the best way to give children practice at solving problems as adults.
Pregnancy & Parenting Parenting Tips for Non-Spanking Parents Jul 11 2007
06:02 (UTC)
18
I'm not yet a parent, but I can speak to the effectiveness of treachery and deceit-- When my brother was about three and I was about seven, he hated taking baths, and he absolutely refused to wash if you did get him in the tub.  So one day, being the helpful older sister I was, I told him, "You know, you don't acutally have to wash when you're in the tub.  All you have to do is rub the soap all over your body so it gets all foamy and mom will think you washed."  He started doing it and was giggling the whole time at the thought of being so sneaky.  I made sure to mention that the best place to make foam was under the armpits.

robinsue, I had the exact opposite effect with my other brother (I think he was 7 at the time).  I pretended to throw a temper tantrum to show him how unreasonable he was being.  He felt like I was making fun of him and really fell apart.  Looking back on it, I don't think it was very respectful to him and I can understand his reaction.
The Lounge My snake has anorexia :( Jul 08 2007
05:03 (UTC)
3
well, she hasn't layed any eggs yet, so I won't count my snakelings before they're hatched ;) I'm not certain that she isn't going to lay duds either, but we did put an egg box in her cage.  Hopefully it isn't too late for her to lay them.  If they do somehow turn out to be fertile, I guess we'll see how the babies look, but probably give them to the pet store once they've started feeding.
The Lounge Help! Trying to get a clue about Video games Jul 06 2007
04:47 (UTC)
8
Another good thing about getting an older console is that the games are cheaper too, lots more used games available.  Gamecube is a good sytem, but Playstation 2 has a lot more games, including a TON of sports games.  How old is your son?
The Lounge My snake has anorexia :( Jul 06 2007
01:08 (UTC)
6
Okay, so according to the vet our snake is gravid!  For those who don't know, that's the snake version of pregnant.  This comes as a surprise to us, considering we've had her since December and she certainly hasn't had any gentlemen callers.  Which means either the vet is wrong, or she's been eggbound since we got her.  I guess that could explain the refusal to eat and the resulting weight loss.  We didn't get a chance to talk directly to the vet today, but we'll certainly have a lot of questions tomorrow when we go to pick her up...
The Lounge My snake has anorexia :( Jul 04 2007
22:11 (UTC)
7
She eats small rats, usually frozen thawed, but sometimes fresh killed.  She's probably 4-5 years old, and about 4 and a half feet long.  She lives in a 20 long with a heat pad on half of the underside.  Sometimes she's really active, but other times she doesn't come out of her hide box for days.
The Lounge My snake has anorexia :( Jul 04 2007
14:44 (UTC)
10
For a snake her size, once a month is typical, or even every two weeks.  Plus, she is visibly losing weight and was kind of weak when my husband picked her up yesterday.  Fortunately, our vet does specialize in reptiles, so with any luck he'll figure out what's wrong.
The Lounge zodiac signs Jul 04 2007
14:41 (UTC)
57
Sagittarius # 2!  My husband is an aquarius, but I'm not sure I believe in astrology.  I've read descriptions of Sagittarius that are right on and others that are completely off.
The Lounge To anyone who likes jazz... Jul 03 2007
20:29 (UTC)
lol, I actually can't stand Frank Sinatra mainly because I don't really like the big band sound.  I think it's the horns.  Actually, I can't think of much horn based music that I like, which might be part of the problem...hopelesssemantic, I might try out some guitar jazz, that sounds interesting.  And alizus, I can usually be persuaded to listen to the Girl From Ipenema.  It brings back memories of a parody my stepdad did--

"Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Ipenema goes walking, and when she passes, she passes, she does not see me.  She needs glasses maybe."
The Lounge To anyone who likes jazz... Jul 03 2007
16:00 (UTC)
8
I guess I'm just curious, because the people who like it get SO passionate about it.
Fitness Should I work out today? Jun 29 2007
20:18 (UTC)
1
yeah, I know it's good to rest, but I also was feeling kind of like I was on a roll.  I just needed you guys to talk some sense into me :)
Fitness Should I work out today? Jun 29 2007
15:54 (UTC)
4
Oh, well you've twisted my arm safina.  I guess if I have to take a break then I have to take a break ;)
Weight Loss This isn't right... Jun 29 2007
15:26 (UTC)
1
Each day, your body needs a certain amount energy.  This is measured in calories.  According to CC, your body uses 1700 calories each day if you do nothing at all.  Your deficit is the difference between the number of calories your body needs and what you eat.  If you only eat 1243, your body has to get the other 457 calories from your fat stores.  If you had a 457 calorie deficit each day for about 7 days, your body would have used up 3500 calories, causing you to lose a pound of fat.  You can also create a deficit by exercising to increase the amount of energy that your body needs. 

If you have a deficit of more than 3500, you will lose more than 1 pound.  For example, if you build up a deficit of 5250, you will lose a pound and a half for that time period.  If you have a deficit of 7000, you will lose two pounds.

On the other hand, if your body only needs 1700 and each day you eat 2157, over the course of seven days you will have consumed about 3500 more calories than your body needs, and you will gain one pound of fat.  If you eat 5250 more calories than your body needs, you will gain a pound and a half of fat.  If you eat 7000 more calories than your body needs, you will gain two pounds.
Fitness propotionate body Jun 29 2007
15:12 (UTC)
You probably want to avoid wearing your hair down in ways that cover a lot of your face.
Weight Loss This isn't right... Jun 29 2007
14:47 (UTC)
9
Your math looks alright.  Yeah, when you exercise you should have an 807 calorie deficit.  That means that each day your body is using 807 more calories than you're eating, so it takes those out of fat storage.  If you were to stick with that, you would lose about 1.614 pounds per week (that's 5649/3500). 
The Lounge Group projects: Does thinking others have bad ideas make you a bad person? Jun 29 2007
14:36 (UTC)
1
Starlight, it's not for a company, it's just for school.  We usually end up with good grades anyway, so it's almost not worth it to take too seriously. 
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