Pet peeves

[Lorali82]

Monique's food thread reminded me of something:

Food items that make the All Natural Coloring claim, and then you read the ingredients to find they've used pumpkin concentrate to color your mango sorbet or beet juice to color your strawberry something-or-other. Ewww. Although I suppose that's better than the crushed up beetle shells they usually use in red food dyes.

Along these same lines, the use of dried up apple bits in my peach oatmeal.

 

[bluebell]

I'm in agreement with Monique here. It may be a short ride, but it's a wild fruity one. And I find its juiciness properties are enhanced when I let it sit on my dashboard on a sunny day for several hours.

Meh. O-kay, I guess...
<silently roots for the BubbleYum>

I cannot believe the number of times the word "juicy" not in conjunction with the word "ass" has appeared in the last several posts.

I concur. We are a dazzlingly diverse (but not always in the dirty way) group of conversationalists.

Monique's food thread reminded me of something:

<snipperdoodle of the icky>

M'kay. Wow. I, uh, really don't feel good at all.
And I can say without a doubt that my sick will be all natural. No beetle shells included.

 

[trysail]

The Perpetuation of Error


The following private message exchange occurred between myself and someone who's identity I won't disclose. Thus far, there has been neither a retraction of the asserted attribution nor a correction. This is a prime example of the way inaccuracies spread and are perpetuated.

It is not my intention to point a finger at anyone in particular. I have taken pains to preserve the anonymity of the other party. In an academic setting, the attribution would have to be either defended by citation or withdrawn.

I would, in fact, love to know who the author of the original quote is. Unfortunately, I now face a risk of subliminally associating the quote with the wrong author.

_________________________________

"If you're not a liberal before you're thirty, you don't have a heart. If you're not a conservative after you're thirty, you don't have a brain."
-Author Unknown

The author to this isn't unknown. It's Winston Churchill, Britain's Prime Minister during World War II.

__x__-
I'd very much appreciate a citation that attributes this to Churchill. I am unable to locate same in either "Bartlett's" or on-line. Churchill is already justifiably famous as a wordsmith; I would not like to go through the remainder of my life giving him credit for this gem if it is not deserved.

With respect,
Trysail

I don't have Bartlett's, but everytime I have heard that quote, I have heard it attributed to him. I've never heard it attributed to anyone else.

 

[Ekserb]

How is this a pet peeve? Because you can't find the author of a particular quote?

 

[monique1971]

Trysail, I can see why you're annoyed, but isn't the world a better place for not having to observe academic standards of proof all the time? If I had to cite sources for every assertion I make in ordinary conversation, I'd never be able to communicate at all. Speaking as someone who does an enormous amount of rigorously-sourced argumentive writing -- that shit takes time.

 

[Ekserb]

A fairly attractive woman started yet another thread that is now half-filled with comments like: "Your husband is very lucky!"

How the do they know? Maybe she's the world's biggest cunt. Looking good doesn't automatically make you a great person (as any one of a hundred Lit members would say about me). I mean, she may be a nice girl, but there is NO WAY to see that in a photo. Or even a hundred photos.

(I'll take your incredulity for a drive and stop short.) "Listen, you cocksucker, I take the time to get to know someone before I really know what they're like on the inside." Yeah. Okay. Is that why there are so many posts on the very first page of the thread I mentioned that accredit her husband with uncanny luck after viewing only a handful of images and no other posts from the woman? Please. I know what I'm saying.

As evidence I submit the thousands of Hollywood starlets that are routinely married and divorced within six months. Each and every one of them makes someone's top ten list of the most beautiful women in the world, and yet somewhere, some guy has totally had enough of her bullshit.

 

[Lorali82]

As evidence I submit the thousands of Hollywood starlets that are routinely married and divorced within six months. Each and every one of them makes someone's top ten list of the most beautiful women in the world, and yet somewhere, some guy has totally had enough of her bullshit.

Or, as is likely in many cases, she's had enough of the guy's bullshit and decides she can do better.

 

[Ekserb]

Or, as is likely in many cases, she's had enough of the guy's bullshit and decides she can do better.

That, too, but you rarely see any threads filled with women gushing over a man's naked pics and proclaiming how lucky his wife must be until after he's spent a few pages buttering their asses with equally shallow enthusiasm.

 

[yogiforlife]

re

Pet Peeve, friends who like to boast about having sex with their significant others when you yourself are currently single.

 

[trysail]

Collective "wisdom"

Just saw Borat for the first time.
(The reasons for that are many. I know I'm like, a year late.)

What the fuck?!

I want those two hours back, dammit. I could have knitted quilts for senile people or fed stray dogs instead.
Jeez.

I was searching for inspiration and re-read this little gem submitted by our friend, bluebell. It's always so nice and refreshing to see someone call a "spade a spade." I don't trust the taste or judgment of film critics. I do, on the other hand, trust bluebell's critical faculties; she has saved me from the slim possibility that I'll waste two hour's time watching this drek as a television re-run; she has eliminated the possibility that I'll waste $7.00 renting it.

So, here's my peeve: I'm sure you're aware that whole books and (god forbid) Ph.D. theses have been devoted to the specious theory that there is, somehow, "wisdom" in crowds. Popular books proclaim that one must adapt to cultural trends. When boiled down to its essence, the conclusion reached by the prodigious thinkers proposing this preposterous line of reasoning(?) is that, when one witnesses a herd of lemmings rushing over a cliff edge, one should join the crowd.

They, apparently, really believe we're all stooooooooopid out here.

It's a fair bet that I'll never make the grade in the groves of the academy.

 

[Ekserb]

I was searching for inspiration and re-read this little gem submitted by our friend, bluebell. It's always so nice and refreshing to see someone call a "spade a spade." I don't trust the taste or judgment of film critics. I do, on the other hand, trust bluebell's critical faculties; she has saved me from the slim possibility that I'll waste two hour's time watching this drek as a television re-run; she has eliminated the possibility that I'll waste $7.00 renting it.

Wait a goddamned second. You're saying that you won't take the word of someone who makes a living reviewing movies, but you will trust completely the single review of someone from this forum based on ... what? ... the idea that she somehow agrees with you on a handful of other, completely unrelated topics?

I'm not knocking Bluebell's review about the movie (I made up my mind long ago that it wasn't a movie I cared to see, and that was after my own brother told me it was hilarious). I enjoy the idea that she hated a movie that I would probably also dislike if I decided to see it. But I call bullshit on your assertion that you are now avoiding the movie based solely on her review.

And the idea that you will buck the trend and not see a movie or read a book, not despite the fact that millions of other people like it, but because of it, is simply ludicrous.

Your post makes me think you're the kind of person that would throw his nose up at the thought of listening to Bach or Mozart because you think they're overrated, and instead you prefer something less well-known and wholly un-listenable just to be different. There's a reason the masters are masters, and a reason that some books only sell a hundred copies.

 

[Ekserb]

Smokers

I recently found out that someone on this site - someone I really thought was cool and had nearly everything going for her - smokes.

When are people going to realize that smoking doesn't make you look cool? It doesn't make you hip. It only makes you disgusting. You smell like shit and you look like an ass with that stupid little stick between your fingers.

I will never understand how anyone can start that filthy habit to begin with. Are there people out there who take a drag on a cigarette for the first time and think it doesn't burn their throat and lungs?

Plus, I have to believe that the number of smokers who write off non-smokers as un-dateable is a lot lower than the number of non-smokers who consider smoking a deal-breaker. In other words, by smoking you are limiting your potential mates to only those who will put up with your vile habit. (Or those enablers who don't care enough to stop you from doing what will eventually kill you slowly and painfully, so long as you get to do it together.)

 

[Lorali82]

I recently found out that someone on this site - someone I really thought was cool and had nearly everything going for her - smokes.

When are people going to realize that smoking doesn't make you look cool? It doesn't make you hip. It only makes you disgusting. You smell like shit and you look like an ass with that stupid little stick between your fingers.

I will never understand how anyone can start that filthy habit to begin with. Are there people out there who take a drag on a cigarette for the first time and think it doesn't burn their throat and lungs?

Plus, I have to believe that the number of smokers who write off non-smokers as un-dateable is a lot lower than the number of non-smokers who consider smoking a deal-breaker. In other words, by smoking you are limiting your potential mates to only those who will put up with your vile habit. (Or those enablers who don't care enough to stop you from doing what will eventually kill you slowly and painfully, so long as you get to do it together.)

I suppose I should probably try and defend myself.

But all I can come up with is a promise to never force you to smell me.

 

[trysail]

Oh, my! Someone's a bit preachy and evangelical today.


"I smoke cigars when I am relaxed and happy."

​

-H.L. Mencken​

 

[Ekserb]

I suppose I should probably try and defend myself.

But all I can come up with is a promise to never force you to smell me.

I'm just so ... disappointed.

 

[MrHotnspicey]

Spicey quit smoking 4 years ago. I feel fortunate that I enjoy the smell of a cigarette smoke . I now feel like I can smoke for free, by just taking a deep breath. Sorry Ekserb, what ever happened to live and let live and the thought of each to their own. Lorali, I will gladly smell you anytime Sweet Heart.
Kissses to ya Babe.
Spicey

 

[Ekserb]

Sorry Ekserb, what ever happened to live and let live and the thought of each to their own.

Your right to swing your fists ends at my nose.

Maybe I like the smell of benzene. That doesn't mean I should have the right to open a fifty gallon barrel of poison while I'm sitting down to dinner at your favorite restaurant. People should have the right to enjoy themselves, but not at the expense of other people's happiness.

I happen to think that Lorali's habit makes her way less appealing to me. Maybe it makes her more appealing to you. Fine. Maybe those dry cleaning bills and lower car resale value are your thing. Fine. Maybe the disgusting stench of stale smoke on her breath gives you wood. Fine.

I didn't say she couldn't smoke. I just happen to think the smoking is a turn-off, and smoking in general is a pet peeve.

(And maybe you haven't read through the rest of this thread, but you'd better clean up your grammar if you're going to wage any kind of debate in here.)

 

[Lorali82]

I'm just so ... disappointed.

I'm sure you'll get over it. I know I have.

 

[Lorali82]

Spicey quit smoking 4 years ago. I feel fortunate that I enjoy the smell of a cigarette smoke . I now feel like I can smoke for free, by just taking a deep breath. Sorry Ekserb, what ever happened to live and let live and the thought of each to their own. Lorali, I will gladly smell you anytime Sweet Heart.
Kissses to ya Babe.
Spicey

Thanks, Spicey. You are a stronger person than I am. Admittedly, the scent of second hand smoke has lured me back into my habit on more than one occasion.

This, paired with the taste of cigarettes on another's lips and breath and I'm a goner.

 

[MrHotnspicey]

Ekserb, I have read through this thread, for some time now. On the live and let live note. Let me express a pet peeve. When upon entering a restaurant, non smokers take first available. End up in the smoking section, then sit there complaining about the smoke. My belief is smokers obviously don't belong in the non smoking section and non smokers don't belong in the smoking section. In other words, NO First available allowed. I firmly believe that if more of the
smokers were a minority they would be treated much better. Life is full of choices and to smoke or not to is a choice.

 

[MrHotnspicey]

Lorali, The fantasy of your kiss and the taste of a cigarette on your lips, is enough to tempt me into lighting one up just for you Babe.

 

[MrHotnspicey]

Damn, Damn, Damn, Lorali, That has to be the sexxiest AV posted on lit. Well, it is for me anyway. Ekserb, are you sure you couldn't stand a little ole cigarette smoke. lmao. You Go Girl!!!
Spicey hugggzzzzz the nakie Lorali, cigarette smoke and all.

 

[bluebell]

I think I'll go read some Proust. I feel stupid.

 

[trysail]

Matthew Myers says.........


In about twenty years, a lot of well-exercised, non-smoking former yuppies are going to start to die and they're all going to be sitting there trying to figure out why.


EAT HEALTHY,
EXERCISE,
DON'T SMOKE........

DIE ANYWAY.

 

[Vandren]

So, here's my peeve: I'm sure you're aware that whole books and (god forbid) Ph.D. theses have been devoted to the specious theory that there is, somehow, "wisdom" in crowds. Popular books proclaim that one must adapt to cultural trends. When boiled down to its essence, the conclusion reached by the prodigious thinkers proposing this preposterous line of reasoning(?) is that, when one witnesses a herd of lemmings rushing over a cliff edge, one should join the crowd.

Corollary Peeve:

People who only read a surface interpretation of a text and therefore make false assumptions as to meaning/conclusions.

As a response to the quoted case: What many of the individuals writing these books (myself included) are doing is either overtly or covertly applying C.G. Jung's concept of the collective unconscious. Unfortunately it is easy to mistake the collective unconscious - that which is inherently shared by all people and cultures on a subconscious level - and the collective consciousness - that which is responsible for fads and religious fundies. Based on my own work in literature and history, I'll add that nearly every "classic" author to date - Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, Ovid, Homer, Spenser, Webster - was at one time popular among the masses and ridiculed by those who felt they had "taste."

The problem, typically, is determining what is actually tapping the collective unconscious and what is merely tapping the collective conscious. For modern examples, Star Wars (for film) and LotR (for books) have clearly tapped the collective unconscious. Borat (for movie) and the Left Behind series (for books) have clearly tapped the collective conscious. The fact that nearly every culture in the world has a virtually identical flood myth is a sign of the collective unconscious, or "'wisdom' in crowds," while the popularity of rhinestone studded cell phones because a Hilton sister has one is a sign of the collective conscious.

The collective unconscious is what nearly all academics mean when they talk about the "'wisdom' of crowds." The collective conscious is why they try to avoid taking on popular movies and books, or so they claim. Some of us are trying to break the assumption that popular necessarily means collective conscious/fad. One of many reasons I work largely with popular fantasy and sci-fi authors on an academic level.
_______________________________________________________

For academic standards citations (based on the peeve before this), see:

Jung, C.G. Four Archetypes
Sugg, Richard P. ed. Jungian Literary Criticism
Cohen, Jeremy Jerome Monster Theory: Reading Culture
Campbell, Joseph The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Le Guin, Ursula K. Language of the Night, especially the speech "Talking About Writing"

Those are a good start on collective conscious/unconscious and its application.