Monday, August 25, 2014

Ouabache

Earlier this month we went to Ouabache State Park.  Many, nay most of our cohorts insist upon and persist in pronouncing the name "Oh-botch-ee," which of course, is incorrect.  I am about to give up, though, for no matter how many times I say the name correctly, or point out the error of their ways, they keep it up.

It is pronounced "Wah-bash," just as you would say if it were written "Wabash."  Guess my friends are Francophobes, or something.

You do know that Ouagadougou is the capital of Berkina Faso.
What? You didn’t know there was a country called Berkina Faso?

(Why did I insert that in this post?  1) Because Ouagadougou is also of French derivation and the "Oua" is pronounced as it is in Ouabache; and 2) For your edification.  You have learned a geography fact of which you were unaware, haven't you?)

Ouagadougou is pronounced, roughly, "Wah ga da ga."


Thursday, August 21, 2014

We All Have a Condition

The recall notice from GM says, "Your vehicle has a condition in which the transmission cable may fracture.  When the fracture occurs,. . ."  followed by possible dire outcomes.

Now the thing that got my attention was that the letter says, "When. . .".  It does not say "if."  Seems to be a strong element of certainty there, right?  Then they tell me "PARTS ARE NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.  When parts become available. . ."

No certainty there, is there?  The parts will, at some unspecified and uncertain time magically "become available"?

Image result for 2007 g6 gtI have another recall letter regarding an entirely different issue on the same vehicle, same story.  I received it two months ago.  Haven't heard anything further on that one, either.

Just for smiles, imagine, if you will, all the millions of vehicles which have "a condition" encountering the "when" simultaneously all over this land.

Monday, August 18, 2014

All Thumbs

Just saw the Pure Talk commercial in which the mother takes away kid's cell phone, has him hold out his hands, and breaks his thumbs off.  And I guffawed.

Never better solution have I seen to the endemic problem of our society.  The opposable thumb brought us our civilization; it has now destroyed it.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Noise, anyway.

We used to have hymnals, an organist and a pianist.  The congregation sang in four-part harmony.
Now we have overhead projectors, words, no music on screen; guitarists, drummer.  The congregation sings in 200-part disharmony.


"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

Saturday, August 9, 2014