Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Language Defects. Chewbacca Mask,

I am really, really tired of people, particularly on the air, who um and ah constantly or use "you know" to death or maybe "like". A lot of the ums and ahs are because they haven't arranged their thoughts clearly before they started to speak. Most of these people have no conception of their bad speech habits, but to inflict it over the air waves is a crime, in my opinion. There are very few young people around who can hold a conversation without using the word "like" constantly. I once asked a friend's daughter to try and speak without using it. She was unable to converse at all. Then, of course there are all the grammatical errors around. There are constant reminders on Facebook by "The Grammar Police"  but it doesn't seem to improve anything. I have no objection to contractions, but when people say such things as "could of" when they mean "could have" I begin to steam. I am even seeing this kind of thing in prose a lot too. What is happening to the English Language? Doesn't anyone teach it properly any more? What happened to all the editors and proof readers who should catch this kind of thing? Doesn't anyone care? I am not even including swearing.

Have any of you seen the video of the woman who bought herself a Chewbacca face mask? It is
apparently holding the record for the most viewed clip on Facebook. They have even had the woman on TV, Good Morning America interviewed her this morning (Monday). Personally, I think it is a dreadful video and don't find anything remotely funny about it. The raucous laughter reminds me of fair grounds of old. However, that's just me. Thousands appear to find it hilarious. I was thinking maybe I should include it; I decided not to do so but to at least to show a picture of Chewbacca. I wouldn't want to inflict the video on anyone. If you really want to listen to it, I have no doubt one can find it on YouTube.

This is one of my very favourite asparagus recipes. Not only is it delicious, but it freezes well.

Asparagus Pesto Toasts

1 lb trimmed green asparagus
1 cup toasted walnut halves (I used pecans)
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Freshly ground pepper

1. Cook asparagus until just tender. Refresh in cold water, then drain and dry well. Place asparagus, walnuts, garlic and salt in food  processor. Process until blended.

2. With motor running, gradually add olive oil, then add cheese and pepper. Blend together and check seasoning. Place in a covered bowl.

3. It shows the recipe served on crunchy toasted French or Italian bread with a curl or two of parmesan on top and some asparagus at the side.

4. We freeze this in ice cube trays, then wrap the cubes in pairs (separated by Saran wrap, and put in a bag in the freezer until we need them.

Source: Food and Drink

Have a great day
 

18 comments:

  1. Hi Jo - that asparagus recipe looks so good - I must get some more asparagus today ... Cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is good Hilary. I have used it for a starter many times and everyone has enjoyed it. Simple and delicious.

      Delete
  2. I think the video is dumb. Jimmy Fallon made fun of it last week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So do I Alex. I can't see what everyone is laughing about. Matt said there were three people in a car this morning (one her) all with wookie masks on.

      Delete
  3. I laughed so hard at that video that I had to bail before it was over because I couldn't breathe. Her laughter was so infectious!!! As for the poor spelling and grammar on Facebook, yes it really annoys me. This new 'could of', 'would of' trend is so annoying. One of my dearest friends is a 2nd grade teacher and she still uses 'your' when she means 'you are'. Ugh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well I guess you are not alone JoJo. Millions of people have been hitting it and they even had it on GMA again this morning. It's not just on Facebook I'm afraid, I have come across it in books and all kinds of printed materials. Pretty bad when a teacher doesn't even know the right way.

      Delete
  4. I have doctors who dictate with ums all throughout and these are doctors with years of experience.....

    betty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'd think they could switch off when they don't know what to say next Betty. I have also seen actors being interviewed who obviously cannot talk properly unless they have a script.

      Delete
  5. Saw the video on TV in Brussels and thought it was stupid. I have a dear friend was says 'Sairday' instead of Saturday and that is probably why I grind my teeth so much. BTW, I have been enjoying the asparagus season here too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's all over the internet and TV Denise drives me nuts.

      So glad you are getting your share of asparagus.

      Delete
  6. When I am nervous, I am the worse ummer. I have made a conscious effort to get rid of the habit. It's basically the brains way of stalling while it chooses words. But it is highly annoying to hear and even more annoying when you are guilty of it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True Liz. It becomes necessary to think about what you want to say before you say it and not to make a noise until you are ready to say something.

      Delete
  7. I have seen something about this video but didn't understand all the fuss. I will go check it out which is why she has had so many hits I guess. I know what you mean about the Um's and Uhh's and Like, you know's. I don't claim to be great in grammar but it is so sad to see how many people use this and think it is normal and fine when it is anything but.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right you are Birgit. English grammar was a good subject for me at school although I couldn't quote the rules much any more. But I do know how to speak the language "like she is spoke"!!!

      Delete
  8. Not sure about all the fuss either, but it is what it is. Silly, she's getting her 15 minutes of fame for it though. Speaking and writing correctly - I make all the mistakes. Best to keep your mouth shut and answer yes or no. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me neither Yolanda. It's mainly people who speak in public that I am thinking about, although it can drive me nuts when people talk to me using like all the time.

      Delete
  9. Thank you, Jo. I too, couldn't see why that clip was funny. As far as people's ability to speak these days goes... I shake my head all the time. Especially when I listen to my own kids who know better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nor me, but then above, JoJo laughed til she couldn't breathe!! It really is frustrating to listen to people like that isn't it Pinky?

      Delete