Discussion Groups / English Usage / June 2008

http://geocities.com/shittyernie/
This is a moron who dares compare himself to Dr Folkman

Hello, everyone,
I've asked a question in http://groups.google.com/group/alt.usage.english/browse_thread/thread/042ed8e186
e63e18#
about what's the difference between "As it was written in haste, the
book has many mistakes." and "As the book was written in haste, it has

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/03/health/research/03sarc.html
Aspasia

From a contribution to another group: "This will be like tilting at windows.
An uphill, (probably losing) battle."
Alan Jones

What does it mean "get the log out of your eye before you pick out the
stick in my own"?

Heard a new one today, somebody on radio used "porthole" where context
suggested he meant "portal". Anyone else noticed this one? It could be
very hard to hear the difference but this guy was heavy on the
aspirate.

Having written an important letter, I listened to the music for a
while.
I listened to the music for a while, having written an important
letter.

I found the following (from the UK) surprising.
From The Times
May 20, 2008
'Big Brother' database for phones and e-mails

How do you call the tools sometimes provided in restaurants for
cracking a lobster's shell (or used by their cooks/waiters)?
They look like nutcrackers or pliers.
Thanks.

Hi,everyone,
May I ask if the commas are alternative in the following sentences? I
searched my grammar books but still don't have a clue. Would you
please help with this? Thank you for your help!

I was down the local tavern yesterday evening when the southwest monsoon
broke. After an hour or two I asked one of the staff how the weather was
looking outside. He shook his head and said: "Not good, sir. It was full
rain but now super rain."

Can we get through this Vale of Tears without ever being
transported in an ambulance at some time?
I have been just once when I had diptheria  and was
rushed to an Isolation Hospital called Ladywell.

You take a piece of bread and cut out a circle. You fry the bread, with
an egg in the middle, resulting in.... what?
(I ask because I just found out that my husband's family has a name for
this dish that is Just Plain Wrong to me, and am curious if anyone else

And if not, where is it on my Mac (English) keyboard?

Hello,everyone
One of my grammar says "participle phrase" can't be placed after
personal pronoun. Is that really true? For example:
He, being ill, could not attend the meeting.