:: January 25, 2005
This may only be interesting to other language dorks, and if you're a true language dork and not a poser like myself, you probably already know about it: Language Log, a group weblog about language and linguistics. The contributors include celebrity linguists, former professors, and former student-colleagues who are now far more successful than I am. They're all great and entertaining writers. OK, forget what I said about "only interesting to language dorks," because the weblog covers pop culture aplenty, for instance stupid Starbucks' cup size nomenclature, Hook 'em Horns sign: satanic?, and Prince Harry's costume should not be taken as an indirect speech act that indicates approval of the Nazi regime. ::
:: August 19, 2003
"When it comes to broadcasting your philosophy of life, political opinions, or just a joke for the day, there's no better way than on a T-shirt."
Ah, so true. So true. I saw this article today and just pissed and shat all over myself with hilarity. Hey, someone needs to tell Netscape that people have to work over here and not shit and piss themselves over the insanely truthful and funny but endearing t-shirt lines! O.K.?! My mom called and she wants a box! Look what you did! You Netscape GUYS are the LIMIT! ::
:: August 9, 2003
Words That Sound Dirty But Aren't, via lots of places. Don't forget all the fun we had with Linguistics Terms That Sound Dirty But Aren't. ::
:: June 17, 2003
This is a real scan from a real beginning Irish language textbook. Well, I drew in the little squiggly lines to enhance the scene, but the implications of childhood alcoholism are 100% original. See the whole conversation (with translation) here. Ho ho! Those crazy Irish. They're all drunks! ::
:: March 24, 2003
The planets of our solar system in dozens of languages. (Via Incoming Signals) ::
:: March 14, 2003
NYT Magazine article on stuttering, focusing on a cruel experiment done on orphans in 1939. ::
:: April 10, 2002
They Thought You'd Say This is a collection of ridiculous sentences found in actual foreign language phrasebooks. (Via Kelegraph) ::
:: June 1, 2001
OK, no, this would be the most fucked-up press release I have ever gotten in my whole career.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MaidAids¨ Speak Housekeeper's Language
OLNEY, MD -- Homeowners frustrated with not being able to communicate to their foreign-language speaking domestic help now have a handy way to get the job done. A new company based in Olney, Maryland, has produced sticky notes that are checklists pre-printed with Spanish directions (and sub titled with English) for common household chores. Called MaidAids¨, these pre-printed notes contain instructions for the housekeeper for each day's work.
Frustrated by not being able to speak the language, MaidAids co-founder Shayna Heller turned to a Spanish translator to jot down some of the chores she wanted her housekeeper to do. "My housekeeper kept nodding her head 'yes' when I would ask her to do something, but things still weren't getting done," Heller said. "I realized that she didn't understand what I wanted her to do because she really didn't speak English, but was just being polite."
In researching the common phrases, Heller and her two co-founders, Barbara Moller- a Spanish-language translator, and Mike Weiner, a local entrepreneur, hit upon the idea of pre-printing notes that would instruct the housekeeper to do common, and not so common, tasks for the day. Moller added, "Leaving a MaidAid checklist in a prominent place makes sure that your wishes are known to your help. MaidAids are a way to bridge the language barrier easily."
Weiner remarked, "With MaidAids, you get an inexpensive way to get your housekeeper working for you, rather than doing what she or he thinks needs to be done."
MaidAids are available for ordering online at www.MaidAids.com or toll free at 877-879-5810.
NOTE TO EDITOR: We will be happy to send you a free sample of MaidAids upon request. Please email your mailing information to mweiner@maidaids.com. ::
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