It is a bit sad to have to justify the need for proper writing by labeling it a sickness… I’m pleased that Siri does a good job at helping write well.

OK, so I’m a bit of a grammar Nazi. I can’t stand it when I make mistakes, and I don’t like sending texts or e-mails with obvious errors, even to friends. Crazy, right?

It is not crazy, I feel the same way although we may no longer be in charge of the asylum. Don’t get me started on how I feel about texting abbreviations.

I didn’t want to punch him in the: but I did

Sometimes I do want to punch people in the colon.

I’m glad that’s the case. I may have detected it in your tone, but my overriding anger over the ever-increasing bastardisation of English in written communication got the better of me.

And I’m not even a native English speaker! (first started studying it in my teens…)

Well, against the three of us, that Police better come packing some serious heat, otherwise, they stand little chance!

Ah, I see… Just when I thought I was something special; turns out, us foreigners all tend to be a bit more mathematical about the architecture of the language when it is foreign to us.

…increasing bastardisation…in written communication… And I’m not even a native <insert language> speaker!

You’re not alone; I feel the same way, about my native English or the other languages I’ve picked up over the years.

Melissa: I simply loved the understated eloquence of your ‘:’ example.

One thing I have also noticed over the years; learning other languages (and well) tends to sharpen your mother tongue skill as well.

In any case, I agree with you about the downhill slide of the language. It’s evolving, sure, but not in a way I particularly like.

This is not a repeat from :

1969
1950
1920
1878
1601

Just a random list of years as an example that language evolves and the older generation whines about how the younger ones speak.

As to foriegn languages and English grammar. I learned a lot about proper use from my high school Spanish teacher. Maybe he was just more passionate about it than Miss Sauerpuss who taught English.

Anyway, these days I approach word smithing as an art and very much enjoy the process.

“Colon Punching” - is that the new euphemism for what gay men do ?

Colon Punching” - is that the new euphemism for what gay men do ?

No, brawling in the city at the east end of the Panama Canal. Well technically it is the west end even though it is on the eastern side.

Does anyone know of a way to “enter” to the next line? Say your dictating a grocery list in a note.

Does anyone know of a way to “enter” to the next line? Say your dictating a grocery list in a note.

Dictate your words and when ready for a new line say “new line”

If you say “new paragraph” it will add a blank line between list items, or paragraph.

Thank you so much Lee!!

Thank you so much Lee!!

Your welcome Denise.

“Speaking” of Siri has anyone else been butt dialing her? I usually keep my iPhone in a belt pouch and when just after getting into my truck I would often hear “What can I help you with?” I found that I was bumping the iPhone against the seatbelt buckle which was activating Siri. I turned my iPhone 180º so that the face was against my body.