Breathtaking aplomb

[clevermanka]

I want this soap dispenser. Like, NOW.


Sadly, I don't think it's actually available for purchase.

Last night I got called out on ontd_political for using a masculine pronoun as gender-neutral. The calling-out was perfectly appropriate in that environment. It's something I should probably stop doing, anyway. But I'm not sure how to tackle the issue of breaking a speech-pattern habit. I am a champ at incorporating different physical habits (eating issues, exercise, etc.), but I'm not sure how to go about changing the way I speak. Subliminal messages? Shock collar? Any suggestions?

Holy crap, the Salt Lake Tribune endorsed President Obama.

"In considering which candidate to endorse, The Salt Lake Tribune editorial board had hoped that Romney would exhibit the same talents for organization, pragmatic problem solving and inspired leadership that he displayed here more than a decade ago. Instead, we have watched him morph into a friend of the far right, then tack toward the center with breathtaking aplomb. Through a pair of presidential debates, Romney’s domestic agenda remains bereft of detail and worthy of mistrust.

Therefore, our endorsement must go to the incumbent, a competent leader who, against tough odds, has guided the country through catastrophe and set a course that, while rocky, is pointing toward a brighter day. The president has earned a second term. Romney, in whatever guise, does not deserve a first."

Whoa. I mean, that's Utah's golden boy they're dissing, there. That's...pretty big.

I got nearly everything done yesterday that I wanted. I still need to clean the sewing room and pull out the winter wardrobe. Those didn't get done because while we were out on errands, we found Iron Sky on Blu-Ray. Since mckitterick didn't get to see it in the theater, we watched it pretty much as soon as we got home. I did, however, cook up two pots of stuff to take to work, so I've got breakfasts and lunches covered for the week.

Now that KCRF is over, I need to start up with those Goal Posts again. I guess this week's goal will be developing some goals.

Comments

[kalimeg.livejournal.com]

Some writers have solved the neutrality problem by using "she" if a woman is speaking, and "he" if a man speaks. Liklwise, she when ADDRESSING a woman, he when addressing a man.

When I want to do it in writing, I use s/he as a replacement he-or-she, verbally I use "one" or "you" as in y'all, not you-personally.

Lots of strategies available :)

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Some writers have solved the neutrality problem by using "she" if a woman is speaking, and "he" if a man speaks. Liklwise, she when ADDRESSING a woman, he when addressing a man.

Hmmm. I don't think I like either of those since it reinforces women-use-or-hear-this-word and men-use-or-hear-this-word.

[kalimeg.livejournal.com]

At least it is subtle when one reads the result. I don't know if you have read any of Weber's Honor Harrington books, but it doesn't come off as either conspicuous or awkward.

[carmy-w.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. I had not realized that Weber switches off between the two....

I have read nearly every book in the Harrington 'verse, and I (for some reason) seem to see Weber using the feminine pronoun as a neutral. Maybe that's because it's a female main character, and he uses a TON of strong female roles....

Yay! Another reason to re-read all the books!

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

You know, there used to be wall-mounted soap graters everywhere when I was a kid. They operated with a small hand crank on the side. I wonder where they all went? It would be cool to find some military surplus warehouse with them!

I don't like the standing one, I can't imagine trying to hold onto a smooth round surface like that with wet hands.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it'd be like using a peppermill with greasy fingers. No, thank you.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

That grater would be a perfect 3d printer project.

[apocalypticbob.livejournal.com]

There is a printable version out there, oddly enough.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Cool! CR, this is exactly what I was talking about, how 3D printers will change the world.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Printing my own soap dispenser is a REALLY sad way to change the world...

[chronovore.livejournal.com]

I hope, between now and next month, Obama proves romnivorous.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Love it.

[carmy-w.livejournal.com]

LOL, YES!

[sherwood21.livejournal.com]

Oh, that article. BURN.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Isn't that something? WOW.

[alryssa.livejournal.com]

I don't know that I have any advice on speech pattern altering; I've just made a very active, conscious choice NOT to use certain words, especially misogynist and gendered slurs like 'bitch', and stop myself short if I catch myself doing it. Actually, thinking of alternative words that are more effective can help - it's more fun to say 'fucknugget' anyway. :P

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I think I'm more aware of words I use when I'm angry, because my head's in the game, you know? I'm not sure how to revise my general everyday speech, though...it's tricky.