April 6th, 2008 / Posted in Life, News | No Comments »
As evidence of continued weather-based strangeness comes this photo:
Last week, conversation in our office turned to “Spring has Sprung” related topics as the weather warmed up. Four days later, and we have a full-on blizzard. No doubt all traffic and public transport has come to a screeching halt as is the tradition in the UK. The news will be full of stories of poor unfortunates who have been delayed from reaching their destinations “by several hours” as the media reach a code-red level of slow-news hysteria, again a traditional British pursuit. Small stranded motorway communities will find a means of surviving on sweets and snacks purchased / looted from a distant service station…
Meanwhile, my own personal crisis has occurred - I have been watching the blanket build up in our back garden all morning until it reached the point of perfect consistency - no grass showing through etc. Suddenly this was disturbed by an inconsiderate neighbour from the upstairs flat trampling across the communal lawn and ruining the symmetry. This has set back neighbourly diplomatic relations some years.
So the following questions require answers, and I am sure we will be looking to the BBC to provide them: Will we survive? How many homes will be destroyed? And will Tom Jackson from Redhill make it to the shops before sundown?
March 30th, 2008 / Posted in Language | No Comments »
Have you noticed that some words in the English language can be used to describe both positives and negatives? Adjust the perspective a little, or change context, and the meaning of the word shifts accordingly. The word crazy is one such example. A quick glimpse at the dictionary entry for crazy reveals that there are not just two ways of using this word, but perhaps a dozen, and some of these are positive and some negative.
By way of a demonstration, let us choose a subject completely at random. Golf, for instance. An ancient, noble pursuit of Gentlemen, for sure. According to my dear wife, however, those showing a passion for, or interest in, golf are to put it bluntly, crazy. They have taken leave of their senses, and should be locked away post haste before they hurt someone (this does not include Tiger Woods, a wealthy, successful professional who demands our respect - definitely not crazy). This is the negative aspect, which I shall name CrazyBad.
On the other hand, little Bobby Bunker is one such budding golf enthusiast. So much so that he is oft described as “golf crazy”. Now this is a good thing. Golf is Bobby’s main passion in life, and during his spare time you can be sure to find him at the driving range. One day, Bobby will of course win The Open, which will definitely be a good thing, especially for his agent. This is CrazyGood.
This shows that the trick here is simply one of context. Depending on our stance, we understand certain words as either positive or negative. So, whether you are CrazyBad or CrazyGood when it comes to golf (or any other subject of your choosing), rest assured that we understand and sympathise. And for the rest of us there is always crazy golf.
Feeding time: