Hello Readers,
Sorry I have been absent from the blog, but classes are back in session. Oh, yes, and my ears assaulted!
Last Friday evening in San Francisco, the major assault occurred. As four of us were walking about eight blocks, we endured the case of the Valley Girl. A young lady and her companion were walking right behind us and by the time we had walked one block, I thought I would absolutely go stark mad. She used "like" between every word even when it did not make sense. She also used um, uh, and yeahhhh, often! I honestly could not tell you about the speaking pattern of the young man as she never let him speak. She just rambled aimlessly saying nothing coherent. This was due to the uses of gutteral utterances and "like" throughout her sentences. Hum, sentences, there were really never any sentences. Oh, I must not forget the "me" coming before anyone else. Obviously, the whole conversation was about her, first and foremost. I asked the rest of my party whether I should give her the blog URL. They all agreed that she probably would not have been able to navigate to the site.
Sad note. What else can I say in this rant?
Take care! Let's hope for a better day!
Uber Professor.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Back to the Campus World
Hello People,
That is kind of silly, but am tired and just had to be off the wall. Only people can actually read! Duh!
Anyway (notice no s at the end), tonight I am going to delve into at. Where is it at? Where am I at? Are you getting the gist of where I am going? I certainly hope so.
Why is it that people have to both say and write sentences ending with at? As a child, my parents were very careful about how we spoke and wrote. As I was raised in a bilingual household, English/German, my parents and grandparents wanted to make sure we spoke properly and wrote properly whenever we were out in public or were corresponding. This was a great lesson as we learned the different etiquettes required. This difference is sorely missing in our society where we are confronted with academic, business, casual, email, text, social, and social network writing. When we speak, the same is demanded. As a society we need to automatically know the differences and what is expected of each diverse situation.
Now back to at! It is not always wrong to end a sentence with a preposition, but at takes the cake. Here is a way my mother used to help us stop using at, at the end of a sentence. If we said it, she would answer the question, but not with the answer we wanted. She would say "Between the a and the t." We would then properly state the question or if a statement, rephrase it. Then we were rewarded with a smile and an answer or continued conversation.
Perhaps we should start having more fun with our words and how we administer corrections.
Just more food for thought. I would like to leave you with your thinking critically about how you switch between different communication styles.
Have a lovely evening,
Uber Professor
That is kind of silly, but am tired and just had to be off the wall. Only people can actually read! Duh!
Anyway (notice no s at the end), tonight I am going to delve into at. Where is it at? Where am I at? Are you getting the gist of where I am going? I certainly hope so.
Why is it that people have to both say and write sentences ending with at? As a child, my parents were very careful about how we spoke and wrote. As I was raised in a bilingual household, English/German, my parents and grandparents wanted to make sure we spoke properly and wrote properly whenever we were out in public or were corresponding. This was a great lesson as we learned the different etiquettes required. This difference is sorely missing in our society where we are confronted with academic, business, casual, email, text, social, and social network writing. When we speak, the same is demanded. As a society we need to automatically know the differences and what is expected of each diverse situation.
Now back to at! It is not always wrong to end a sentence with a preposition, but at takes the cake. Here is a way my mother used to help us stop using at, at the end of a sentence. If we said it, she would answer the question, but not with the answer we wanted. She would say "Between the a and the t." We would then properly state the question or if a statement, rephrase it. Then we were rewarded with a smile and an answer or continued conversation.
Perhaps we should start having more fun with our words and how we administer corrections.
Just more food for thought. I would like to leave you with your thinking critically about how you switch between different communication styles.
Have a lovely evening,
Uber Professor
Friday, August 13, 2010
Typo!
Happy Day Readers,
In today's world of social networking, emails, texts, and short notes left for friends, family, and delivery persons typos have become a constant occurance. Alas, I am at fault along with everyone. We start failing to edit and pay attention to the world surrounding us.
Now for the fun, at least for those who care. There is a new book addressing this typo curse titled The Great Typo Hunt: Two Friends Changing the World, One Correction at a Time, written by Jeff Deck and Benjamin Herson. They start out the book with the definition of orthography from the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. There are three definitions - 1. The art or study of correct spelling according to established usage. 2. The aspect of language study concerned with letters and their sequences in words. 3. A method of representing a language or the sounds of the language by written symbols; spelling.
Sections of the book deal with many regions of our nation. The book also ends with a Field Guide to Typo Avoidance. The authors were fined $3,000 for "vandalizing" (correcting) a sign and ran into different people who would allow corrections or not allow the corrections to be made.
One of the first encounters was "The breezy summer afternoon beckoned to me, so I ambled outside. Maybe I'd seek out a hot dog in Davis Square. But fate intervened between me and that dog. Halfway to my destination, a large white and red object--appalling to my sensitive eye--froze me in my tracks! NO TRESSPASSING (it shows a sign)." And needless to say, it escalates from there.
For those of us who see all of these little typos and misuses of the written language, this book is truly enjoyable. I have to say "Woot! Woot!" Yes, I have taken that word out of the gaming world.
A must read.
Have a happy and typo free day,
Uber Professor
In today's world of social networking, emails, texts, and short notes left for friends, family, and delivery persons typos have become a constant occurance. Alas, I am at fault along with everyone. We start failing to edit and pay attention to the world surrounding us.
Now for the fun, at least for those who care. There is a new book addressing this typo curse titled The Great Typo Hunt: Two Friends Changing the World, One Correction at a Time, written by Jeff Deck and Benjamin Herson. They start out the book with the definition of orthography from the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. There are three definitions - 1. The art or study of correct spelling according to established usage. 2. The aspect of language study concerned with letters and their sequences in words. 3. A method of representing a language or the sounds of the language by written symbols; spelling.
Sections of the book deal with many regions of our nation. The book also ends with a Field Guide to Typo Avoidance. The authors were fined $3,000 for "vandalizing" (correcting) a sign and ran into different people who would allow corrections or not allow the corrections to be made.
One of the first encounters was "The breezy summer afternoon beckoned to me, so I ambled outside. Maybe I'd seek out a hot dog in Davis Square. But fate intervened between me and that dog. Halfway to my destination, a large white and red object--appalling to my sensitive eye--froze me in my tracks! NO TRESSPASSING (it shows a sign)." And needless to say, it escalates from there.
For those of us who see all of these little typos and misuses of the written language, this book is truly enjoyable. I have to say "Woot! Woot!" Yes, I have taken that word out of the gaming world.
A must read.
Have a happy and typo free day,
Uber Professor
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
*%#(@@)&^^#!@! :)
Good Day!
I cannot believe I just put that as a title. My topic today is profanity. First of all, I believe it has become too common place within casual conversation and on social networking sites.
Offended, yes I am, and I don't believe it is just my age. It is not about the shock value. It is about laziness.
We have become a lazy society, unable to use a wide variety of vocabulary, so we resort to vulgar words to use. Yes, not only are they profane words, but vulgar words. I would like to refer to them as potty words. They need to be flushed!
A challlenge to all of my readers is: Think before you speak or write. What words would better describe what you want to say, to vent the anger, hurt, happiness, or to shock?
Are you up for this challenge? I certainly hope so. It is interesting when my family travels out of the country. Other cultures feel they should use vulgar language in order to sound "American." The use of profanity and slang making someone sound more American is totally pathetic. What does that say about our culture? Not much. As we drop lower in educational standards and college graduates in world standings, I think we need to up the ante. We need to extend and enrich our spoken and written vocabulary.
Enough ranting on this topic. Hope it gave you some food for thought!
Blessings and Cleaner Language to you all,
Uber Professor
I cannot believe I just put that as a title. My topic today is profanity. First of all, I believe it has become too common place within casual conversation and on social networking sites.
Offended, yes I am, and I don't believe it is just my age. It is not about the shock value. It is about laziness.
We have become a lazy society, unable to use a wide variety of vocabulary, so we resort to vulgar words to use. Yes, not only are they profane words, but vulgar words. I would like to refer to them as potty words. They need to be flushed!
A challlenge to all of my readers is: Think before you speak or write. What words would better describe what you want to say, to vent the anger, hurt, happiness, or to shock?
Are you up for this challenge? I certainly hope so. It is interesting when my family travels out of the country. Other cultures feel they should use vulgar language in order to sound "American." The use of profanity and slang making someone sound more American is totally pathetic. What does that say about our culture? Not much. As we drop lower in educational standards and college graduates in world standings, I think we need to up the ante. We need to extend and enrich our spoken and written vocabulary.
Enough ranting on this topic. Hope it gave you some food for thought!
Blessings and Cleaner Language to you all,
Uber Professor
Monday, August 9, 2010
Any Way You Look At It
Hi Everyone!
Yes! I am looking at any way. Or better yet, anyway. And why am I bothered by this? I am so sick and tired of hearing people use "anyways" in speech and written communication. Are people more educated than I think and actually saying anywise, and I am just not hearing clearly? Anywise is a word dating back to the13th century meaning in any case.
an·y·way /ˈɛniˌweɪ/ Show Spelled[en-ee-wey] Show IPA
–adverb
1. in any case; anyhow; nonetheless; regardless: Whether you like it or not, I'm going anyway.
2. (used to continue or resume the thread of a story or account): Anyway, we finally found a plumber who could come right over.
Origin:
1150–1200; ME ani wei. See any, way
Usage note:
The adverb anyway is spelled as one word: It was snowing hard, but we drove to the play anyway. The two-word phrase any way means “in any manner”: Finish the job any way you choose. If the words “in the” can be substituted for “any,” the two-word phrase is called for: Finish the job in the way you choose. If the substitution cannot be made, the spelling is anyway.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
There you have it from Random House. It does not say to use "anyways." Please do not use anyways. It is inappropriate!!
Anyway you look at it, have a wonderful day!
Uber Professor
Yes! I am looking at any way. Or better yet, anyway. And why am I bothered by this? I am so sick and tired of hearing people use "anyways" in speech and written communication. Are people more educated than I think and actually saying anywise, and I am just not hearing clearly? Anywise is a word dating back to the13th century meaning in any case.
an·y·way /ˈɛniˌweɪ/ Show Spelled[en-ee-wey] Show IPA
–adverb
1. in any case; anyhow; nonetheless; regardless: Whether you like it or not, I'm going anyway.
2. (used to continue or resume the thread of a story or account): Anyway, we finally found a plumber who could come right over.
Origin:
1150–1200; ME ani wei. See any, way
Usage note:
The adverb anyway is spelled as one word: It was snowing hard, but we drove to the play anyway. The two-word phrase any way means “in any manner”: Finish the job any way you choose. If the words “in the” can be substituted for “any,” the two-word phrase is called for: Finish the job in the way you choose. If the substitution cannot be made, the spelling is anyway.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
There you have it from Random House. It does not say to use "anyways." Please do not use anyways. It is inappropriate!!
Anyway you look at it, have a wonderful day!
Uber Professor
Thursday, August 5, 2010
A Walk Down Another Path - A Book Review
Hello Everyone,
Today I am getting off the English track and posting a book review for a really good book that has just been released. It is Neil Howe's Millennials in the Workplace. It begins as a simple primer on Generations, then goes into my favorite generation, Millennials. I have such a passion for this generation and how they will lead us in the future.
In the constant bombardment of media views and the cottage industry of generational information, much conducted by dabblers in the information, comes a new book by Neil Howe titled Millennials in the Workplace: Human Resource Strategies For a New Generation. This page turner is of the consistency of his previous books co-authored with William Strauss. Experts in the field of generational studies, these men set the standards for explanations and naming of the generations as we know them today.
Howe’s newest contribution is filled with the latest information from current research. Inserted graphs, charts, surveys, and articles/blogs, Howe with the help of Reena Nadler gives 243 pages of worthwhile, must read information. The updates dispel some of the previous notions about Millennials. An example has been given that the average Millennial will have between 9-11 different careers. Howe writes that they want the security of a company that will afford them change within the structure and is close to home. In other words, Millennials want to work for one company with different opportunities for the employees within.
Extremely important is the growing trend with Millennials in wanting to attend colleges/universities/trade schools that are close to home. They are comfortable with their parents and are planning to be close to parents as the aging processes continue. They are planners, savers, careful investors, and community service oriented. They are comfortable with big government. Millennials are searching for life-work blending, including their parents and social networking in the workplace.
Although on the cover the following is added under the title “Implications for Educators, Employers, and Policy makers,” as an educator in higher education, I was left wanting. The information was good but not great or enlightening. It is relevant as it is updated up to the point of the printing.
Bottom line, this is a very good book for anyone to read, but it is best for businesses and their human resources departments. Please write a book with more depth for Public Policy makers, and a book directed toward the new wave of instruction for K-12 educators and higher education/trade schools.
No one person will be disappointed in reading Howe’s Millennials in the Workplace. This book is full of pertinent information throughout. It is a quick and easy read. There is a little something for everyone! This book is an excellent connection to Howe and Strauss’ The Fourth Turning.
For more about LifeCourse Associates go to http://www.lifecourse.com/. Every book they have to offer is worth reading. The blog gives pertinent information. Below you see my well-read copy. Notes galore!
Have a wonderful read,
Uber Professor
Today I am getting off the English track and posting a book review for a really good book that has just been released. It is Neil Howe's Millennials in the Workplace. It begins as a simple primer on Generations, then goes into my favorite generation, Millennials. I have such a passion for this generation and how they will lead us in the future.
In the constant bombardment of media views and the cottage industry of generational information, much conducted by dabblers in the information, comes a new book by Neil Howe titled Millennials in the Workplace: Human Resource Strategies For a New Generation. This page turner is of the consistency of his previous books co-authored with William Strauss. Experts in the field of generational studies, these men set the standards for explanations and naming of the generations as we know them today.
Howe’s newest contribution is filled with the latest information from current research. Inserted graphs, charts, surveys, and articles/blogs, Howe with the help of Reena Nadler gives 243 pages of worthwhile, must read information. The updates dispel some of the previous notions about Millennials. An example has been given that the average Millennial will have between 9-11 different careers. Howe writes that they want the security of a company that will afford them change within the structure and is close to home. In other words, Millennials want to work for one company with different opportunities for the employees within.
Extremely important is the growing trend with Millennials in wanting to attend colleges/universities/trade schools that are close to home. They are comfortable with their parents and are planning to be close to parents as the aging processes continue. They are planners, savers, careful investors, and community service oriented. They are comfortable with big government. Millennials are searching for life-work blending, including their parents and social networking in the workplace.
Although on the cover the following is added under the title “Implications for Educators, Employers, and Policy makers,” as an educator in higher education, I was left wanting. The information was good but not great or enlightening. It is relevant as it is updated up to the point of the printing.
Bottom line, this is a very good book for anyone to read, but it is best for businesses and their human resources departments. Please write a book with more depth for Public Policy makers, and a book directed toward the new wave of instruction for K-12 educators and higher education/trade schools.
No one person will be disappointed in reading Howe’s Millennials in the Workplace. This book is full of pertinent information throughout. It is a quick and easy read. There is a little something for everyone! This book is an excellent connection to Howe and Strauss’ The Fourth Turning.
For more about LifeCourse Associates go to http://www.lifecourse.com/. Every book they have to offer is worth reading. The blog gives pertinent information. Below you see my well-read copy. Notes galore!
Uber Professor
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
You is as You does...
Good Day to All of You!
A crazy title today and I hope you will understand as you read this post. You is a simple word. It can be loving, kind, yet accusing. Coupled with a verb it becomes confusing when it comes to spelling. A growing concern is the inability to distinguish the difference between the proper usage of your and you're. Simple, but yet a soft skill that needs to be rectified.
Your is possessive. It belongs to you. It is your possession.
You're is a contraction for you are. To remember this, simply think of "your" self of being more productive in tapping the apostrophe instead of spacing and typing an a. You are taking the a out of are but you need to denote that in some way, thus putting the apostrophe. It is simpler to type. Remember though that you're is more casual in writing than you are. Contractions do not belong in formal writing. In emails and posts they are fine.
Remember: your - possessive, you're - you are.
Have a lovely day and may you be thankful for the small blessings,
Uber Professor
A crazy title today and I hope you will understand as you read this post. You is a simple word. It can be loving, kind, yet accusing. Coupled with a verb it becomes confusing when it comes to spelling. A growing concern is the inability to distinguish the difference between the proper usage of your and you're. Simple, but yet a soft skill that needs to be rectified.
Your is possessive. It belongs to you. It is your possession.
You're is a contraction for you are. To remember this, simply think of "your" self of being more productive in tapping the apostrophe instead of spacing and typing an a. You are taking the a out of are but you need to denote that in some way, thus putting the apostrophe. It is simpler to type. Remember though that you're is more casual in writing than you are. Contractions do not belong in formal writing. In emails and posts they are fine.
Remember: your - possessive, you're - you are.
Have a lovely day and may you be thankful for the small blessings,
Uber Professor
Monday, August 2, 2010
Proper Nouns and Pronouns - TOGETHER!!!
Good Day to All of You,
Listening to the news. What a disappointment. Our use of the English language has become so disjointed and convoluted. Case in point are the sentences our broadcasters use. Ex. Eric Blah, he reports. Our reporter Jane Booboo, she found. Why does a pronoun have to be used in conjunction with the proper name? Use one or the other but never together. Proper nouns name the person. Pronouns simply replace the proper nouns. They are not to be used next to each other as the use is redundant.
Now to the Word of the Day - troglodyte - 1. someone who is brutish, reactionary, or primitive. 2. a cave dweller. 3. an animal that lives underground. (Get these delivered to your email on a M-F basis through Wordsmith.org.)
I am back from a working vacation researching for American Literature. I will be posting daily.
Blessings to all of you,
Uber Professor
Listening to the news. What a disappointment. Our use of the English language has become so disjointed and convoluted. Case in point are the sentences our broadcasters use. Ex. Eric Blah, he reports. Our reporter Jane Booboo, she found. Why does a pronoun have to be used in conjunction with the proper name? Use one or the other but never together. Proper nouns name the person. Pronouns simply replace the proper nouns. They are not to be used next to each other as the use is redundant.
Now to the Word of the Day - troglodyte - 1. someone who is brutish, reactionary, or primitive. 2. a cave dweller. 3. an animal that lives underground. (Get these delivered to your email on a M-F basis through Wordsmith.org.)
I am back from a working vacation researching for American Literature. I will be posting daily.
Blessings to all of you,
Uber Professor
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