Jazmee27 
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"What is normal?"
I was wondering that one myself :)
Reply #481. Nov 01 10, 8:42 PM
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Jazmee27
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I don't speak any languages-apparently, the public school system deemed any foreign language above me!
Reply #482. Nov 01 10, 8:44 PM
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Blackdresss
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Okay, I'm here and ready to take up a lot of room!
I do think there is "British humour" and "American humor," and most of the time, I really don't "get" British humour, but that's okay. It's still fascinating, and as long as most of the people are laughing, it's doing its job, right?
For example! I do not "get" the Monty Python style of humor. At all. Only recently, in the last year, I attempted to watch all of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," and I have to admit, once I settled into it, it was pretty hilarious. Different. Oh dear lord, was it ever differnt. But funny!
I didn't "get" Craig Ferguson, at all, when I first started watching him on The Late, Late Show, He's SO manic! But after awhile (and why did I continue to watch? That's the million dollar question) he started to grow on me, and now I just love him. And when he brings on a Scottish guest, they get to riffing and I can't understand a word they say, but they're just so happy about it all, it makes me laugh along with them.
Sian, you may call me Elle, if you wish, since that's my real name and it's easier to write out than Blackdresss with all those s's. And yes, I am 100% girl. Not only will I answer all your American questions from a female standpoint, I actually like and understand women! I also love my country, so ask away and I'll do my best. I understand being American, too. I voted today, for goodness sake!
When I play any KO game, I always go to my opponent's profile and check them out, especially their expert wins. If you look at my hobbies, you won't find "guns" or "hunting" there, but it doesn't mean I am opposed to either. Au contraire. I know, or think I know, most Brits don't understand our gun laws, but as long as we do, I really think that's probably all that matters. And hunting? That's just good, lean meat, be it venison or fowl. Or fish, since you left out fishing as an American hobby. If I told you all of what is in my freezer right now, you probably wouldn't believe me. But if I had you as a dinner guest, and didn't tell you what I was preparing, I'll bet you would love it and want the recipe.
I assume when I am trying to communicate online that unless tone or inflection is intentionally added (exclamation points, italics, capital letters, the lol tossed out here and there, smiley or frownies or winkies) that there IS no inflection. Since you truly do have to work in here to add inflection, I try not to take anything that is "typed" out of context. And you can always ask, right? RJ is very good, I think, about clarifying anything he says in his blog that may be misunderstood. He is also very good about asking if he doesn't understand something someone else types in his blog. And he is so gracious about letting us use his blog as our sounding board!
So ask away, Sian, and don't worry about offending anyone. Just ask. Just as there are no "stupid questions," there are no "stupid posts" if you are genuinely just trying to figure something out that you don't understand.
One more thing. (And Jazz, you are such a diplomat!) Personally, I don't think British humour is as black or subtle as you think it is. Most of the time, to me, it seems more "zany." I don't see American humor as particularly "in your face," either. I think we are much more subtle and dry. Not black humor, mind you, but dry. If you blink, you might miss it.
So unless RJ objects, bring on the questions and we can all leap in! RJ, here comes all that conversation you were hoping for! (I hope!)
And if RJ does object, since this is his blog, you can either ask me privately, or I'll bite the bullet (that's a quaint old possibly colloquial expression) and start my own blog. I really hesitate to do that, though. I like this blog!
Reply #483. Nov 01 10, 11:04 PM
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Blackdresss
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Whoa... I knew I had a lot to say, but I didn't think it would be that much. I'm sorry! I'm wordy. I like words. Words are information, and information is power.
RJ, if I took up too much room, feel free to delete that last post, if you have that option. I got a little carried away, but I had a lot to say, so I threw it all into one post. Mea culpa.
Reply #484. Nov 01 10, 11:08 PM
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Jazmee27
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We who love words have no option but to use them :)
Reply #485. Nov 02 10, 4:43 AM
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_Morpheus_
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This is great. We can question, learn, and provide answers in a non threatening way. Each respectful, if not always concurring with the others right to their opinions.
If we actively listen and thoughtfully respond, I think everything will work out fine. So dialog away guys and gals. |
Reply #486. Nov 02 10, 8:47 AM
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_Morpheus_
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"What is normal?"
-----------------Jazz
You mean other than the dictionary answer? I don't know and as I said earlier, I was just making a funny with their team requirement for entry. It really has nothing to do with anything. I'm sure it was used as a "come on" to elicit more swimming Pilchards. Many teams use this same approach, not being normal seems to have wide appeal. Besides, nailing down normal would be like trying to catch smoke. |
Reply #487. Nov 02 10, 8:58 AM
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Jazmee27
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Besides, nailing down normal would be like trying to catch smoke.---RJ
I think one would have a better chance of catching smoke!
Reply #488. Nov 02 10, 9:17 AM
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| simontheodore
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Hey RJ -- took a quick gander at this. Re: Cultural differences, here are some tips should you visit the UK:
Traveling in the UK - Advice for Americans
The Brits have peculiar words for many things. Money is referred to as "goolies" in slang, so you should for instance say "I'd love to come to the pub but I haven't got any goolies." "Quid" is the modern word for what was once called a "shilling"-the equivalent of seventeen cents American. Underpants are called "wellies" and friends are called "tossers." If you are fond of someone, you should tell him he is a "great tosser"-he will be touched.
The English are a notoriously demonstrative, tactile people, and if you want to fit in you should hold hands with your acquaintances and tossers when you walk down the street. Public nuzzling and licking are also encouraged, but only between people of the same sex.
Habits
Ever since their Tory government wholeheartedly embraced full union with Europe, the Brits have been attempting to adopt certain continental customs, such as the large midday meal followed by a two or three hour siesta, which they call a "wank." As this is still a fairly new practice in Britain, it is not uncommon for people to oversleep (alarm clocks, alas, do not work there due to the magnetic pull from Greenwich). If you are late for supper, simply apologize and explain that you were having a wank-everyone will understand and forgive you.
Universities
University archives and manuscript collections are still governed by quaint medieval rules retained out of respect for tradition; hence patrons are expected to bring to the reading rooms their own ink-pots and a small knife for sharpening their pens. Observing these customs will signal the librarians that you are "in the know"-one of the inner circle, as it were, for the rules are unwritten and not posted anywhere in the library. Likewise, it is customary to kiss the librarian on both cheeks when he brings a manuscript you've requested, a practice dating back to the reign of Henry VI.
One of the most delighful ways to spend an afternoon in Oxford or Cambridge is gliding gently down the river in one of their flat- bottomed boats, which you propel using a long pole. This is known as "cottaging." Many of the boats (called "yer-i-nals") are privately owned by the colleges, but there are some places that rent them to the public by the hour. Just tell a professor or policeman that you are interested in doing some cottaging and would like to know where the public yerinals are. The poles must be treated with vegetable oil to protect them from the water, so it's a good idea to buy a can of Crisco and have it on you when you ask directions to the yerinals. That way people will know you are an experienced cottager.
Food
British cuisine enjoys a well deserved reputation as the most sublime gastronomic pleasure available to man. Thanks to today's robust dollar, the American traveller can easily afford to dine out several times a week (rest assured that a British meal is worth interrupting your afternoon wank for). Few foreigners are aware that there are several grades of meat in the UK. The best cuts of meat, like the best bottles of gin, bear Her Majesty's seal, called the British Stamp of Excellence (BSE). When you go to a fine restaurant, tell your waiter you want BSE beef and won't settle for anything less. If he balks at your request, custom dictates that you jerk your head imperiously back and forth while rolling your eyes to show him who is boss. Once the waiter realizes you are a person of discriminating taste, he may offer to let you peruse the restaurant's list of exquisite British wines. If he doesn't, you should order one anyway. The best wine grapes grow on the steep, chalky hillsides of Yorkshire and East Anglia-try an Ely '84 or Ripon '88 for a rare treat indeed. When the bill for your meal comes it will show a suggested amount. Pay whatever you think is fair, unless you plan to dine there again, in which case you should simply walk out; the restaurant host will understand that he should run a tab for you.
Transportation
Public taxis are subsidized by the Her Majesty's Government. A taxi ride in London costs two pounds, no matter how far you travel. If a taxi driver tries to overcharge you, you should yell "I think not, you charlatan!", then grab the nearest bobby and have the driver arrested. It is rarely necessary to take a taxi, though, since bus drivers are required to make detours at patrons' requests. Just board any bus, pay your fare of thruppence (the heavy gold-colored coins are "pence"), and state your destination clearly to the driver, e.g.: "Please take me to the British Library." A driver will frequently try to have a bit of harmless fun by pretending he doesn't go to your requested destination. Ignore him, as he is only teasing the American tourist (little does he know you're not so ignorant!).
Speaking of the British Library, you should know that it has recently moved to a new location at Kew. Kew is a small fishing village in Wales. It can be reached by taking the train to Cardiff; once there, ask any local about the complimentary shuttle bus to Kew. Don't forget that buses are called "prams" in England, and trains are called "bumbershoots"-it's a little confusing at first. Motorcycles are called "lorries" and the hospital, for reasons unknown, is called the "off-license". It's also very important to know that a "doctor" only means a PhD in England, not a physician. If you want a physician, you must ask for an "MP" (which stands for "master physician").
For those travelling on a shoestring budget, the London Tube may be the most economical way to get about, especially if you are a woman. Chivalry is alive and well in Britain, and ladies still travel for free on the Tube. Simply take some tokens from the baskets at the base of the escalators or on the platforms; you will find one near any of the state-sponsored Tube musicians. Once on the platform, though, beware! Approaching trains sometimes disturb the large Gappe bats that roost in the tunnels. The Gappes were smuggled into London in the early 19th century by French saboteurs and have proved impossible to exterminate. The announcement "Mind the Gappe!" is a signal that you should grab your hair and look towards the ceiling. Very few people have ever been killed by Gappes, though, and they are considered only a minor drawback to an otherwise excellent means of transportation. (If you have difficulty locating the Tube station, merely follow the sign that say "Subway" and ask one of the full-time attendants where you can catch the bumbershoot.)
One final note: for preferential treatment when you arrive at Heathrow airport, announce that you are a member of Shin Fane (an international Jewish peace organization-the "shin" stands for "shalom"). As savvy travellers know, this little white lie will assure you priority treatment as you make your way through customs; otherwise you could waste all day in line. You might, in fact, want to ask a customs agent to put a Shin Fane stamp in your passport, as it will expedite things on your return trip.
Reply #489. Nov 02 10, 10:40 AM
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_Morpheus_
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One final note: for preferential treatment when you arrive at Heathrow airport, announce that you are a member of Shin Fane (an international Jewish peace organization-the "shin" stands for "shalom").
---------------------
Wow Simon, are you a travel agent or just an astute world traveler. In any case, I was wondering why being a Shin Fane would get you preferential treatment at Heathrow? I was going to announce I was from the great state of Texas but I guess that wouldn't cut me any slack with authorities? *Now be nice. I'm just jiving y'all* |
Reply #490. Nov 02 10, 10:59 AM
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sian19
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Right. perhaps its better if I tried to explain our laws and you explain yours and then ask questions.
You mentiond fishing Elle. You need a fishing licence as landowners usually own the fishing rights when the river goes through their land. We have some of the best fishing rivers in the country, e.g. the Teifi and Towy. It is a thriving holiday industry, with many farmers letting out accomodation etc.
As children we used to go tickling trout. although it is illegal.
Reply #491. Nov 02 10, 3:02 PM
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sian19
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Hunting. not much going on there since hunting with dogs was banned. e.g. foxhunting, hare-couring, stag hunting. This was because often the animal would be torn apart by the hounds before the huntsman arrived to dispatch it with a shotgun.
Oscar Wilde called it "The unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable".
I am a farmers daughter, now the point of arguement here is that unlike fishing, this was not hunting for meat on the table. except perhaps for the stag. it was done for pleasure note the word "Blood-SPORT".
I eat meat, we kill our own chickens, the lads around here will go hunting rabbits on a weekend for the table. But please kill cleanly, I cannot abide needless cruelty.
Reply #492. Nov 02 10, 3:17 PM
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sian19
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Shotgun Laws. You must have a shotgun certificate supplied by the Police force in order to own a shotgun. No one will a criminal record will be allowed a certificate. All shotguns have to be kept in a locked gun cabinet. The Gun cabinet must be screwed securely to the wall, the screws located inside the back of the cabinet, so that no one can access them without the keys. Two lock wth two different keys. Cartridges must be locked away safely in a seperate location.
No one except the certificate holder can use the shotgun. If any other members of the family wish to use it, they must apply for a licence to do so.
Buying and selling shotguns. It is against the law to sell a shotgun to someone who hasnt got a licence. All transactions must have the relevant documents with Reg. no and make etc of the shotgun filled in, signed and handed in to the police. the police will check that all is in order and sign the documents. A police Officer may make spot checks at your home to mke sure that you abide by the rules.
Reply #493. Nov 02 10, 3:31 PM
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sian19
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I know nothing about the rules on the other types of guns. I think that they are VERY strict.
I have never seen one, and dont know anyone who has one.
Reply #494. Nov 02 10, 3:34 PM
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sian19
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Oh, I forgot to mention. One of our old quaint laws. I dont think it has been taken off the statute books. Its to do with the Sunday Acts. same as when the pubs and shops couldnt open on Sunday.
You cannot shoot on Sunday, except when hunting vermin, e.g. crows, ravens and rats. Rabbits are not considered vermin.
Reply #495. Nov 02 10, 3:40 PM
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sian19
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If you like Elle, I can give you our laws on self-defence since you are mistaken in believing that you can take a potato-peeler out in your handbag. A big no-no.
Reply #496. Nov 02 10, 3:51 PM
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sian19
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I know nothing about that Dippo. I can only say what I know about shotgun Licences. My dad has one and they checked to see if he had a criminal record before issuing it.
You cannot even shoot on your own land without a licence.
Perhaps no checks were made there, in error.
Reply #498. Nov 02 10, 5:13 PM
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sian19
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I have just read what was said in the newspapers. It seems to be up to the forces' discretion about whether they consider a person to be fit and trusted with a licence. Do different forces across the country have their own policies regarding the issue of licences ?
Reply #499. Nov 02 10, 5:21 PM
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sian19
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Dippo, the man had a suspended sentence for theft. It says in the paper that if the sentence hadnt been suspended, his licence probably wuld have been revoked.
If his sentence had been suspended, perhaps the police didnt think his crime was serious enough to warrant any action ?
Reply #500. Nov 02 10, 5:29 PM
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