Oh, this makes me so, so sad.
As a human being in the 21st century, I hate that the most influential nation of our time, and a great democracy, is under leadership that is daily putting more and more distance between themselves and the moral high-ground.
As a Brit, I hate that my own country is probably going to be following that disasterous lead sometime very soon, unless a LOT of care is taken.
And as a Christian, I hate that the "Christian" right seems unable to comprehend the simple meaning of "Turn the other cheek", to understand that the point of being 'the good guy' is having to BE the good guy, NOT getting to use any means neccessary to beat the opposition, to realise that God ISN'T on their side regardless of their actions. As someone once said (I can't remember who, or the exact wording): "God isn't on YOUR side. He never has been, never will be. Maybe, if you work hard at it, pay attention and keep your eyes very wide open, especially when they're turned inwards, once in a while you'll get to be on his. Maybe."
So in conclusion, sadness. And sympathy for all you sane individuals on the other side of the pond. I hope things turn around somehow.
Sorry, guys, posted my 2 cents before Teresa put a lid on breastfeeding vs. defecation. Please ignore.
With regard to the issue of the breast-feeding/ going to the toilet comparison, I've got to say that I see a genuine qualitative difference. Our disgust response to faeces is a response that developed for a good reason: because not staying clear of faeces is, obviously, in a bad idea in purely health terms. Breast milk, however, is not a health risk. (Some people may argue the opposite, in fact. I'll not get into that.) Therefore a disgust response is inappropriate, and may be making people feel as though the breastfeeding itself is being criticised as "disgusting" on non-hygiene grounds.
But I agree with everyone saying its worth all sides saying calm!
I got Captain Bess Flint, Pirate Ursula the Parrotless and (worryingly) Musket Max.
Favourite pirate quote: Aaaarrrrr! Many's the night I've dreamed of cheese... toasted, mostly.
Unfortunately, no one here seems likely to talk like a pirate at all. Which is a pity, even though it WOULD be endorsing robbery, extortion and terrorism in bygone ages. Bygone ages can look after themselves.
Hi there people!
(I am a long-term lurker responding to the lure of Madeline's mention of Old Norse and Gaelic).
I hope this isn't too off-topic.
Madeline: I would say that you would fairly safe putting in as much Gaelic and Old Norse influence into your story as you are tempted to. Firstly, it will probably add more depth to the concept, and authenticity to the tone. Secondly, it will undoubtedly make the story popular with adults who are interested in those languages and cultures, as I am. (I'm currently an undergraduate reading Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic, which is a very cool degree.)
But probably most importantly, a children's story is the best place to "get away" with influences from other languages and cultures. I mean, children and young people are learning all the time, with a much higher rate of vocabulary-increase than the majority of adults, so its a lot easier for them to feel comfortable with the unfamiliar. So if you want to use Old Norse and Gaelic, I don't really see any problem with adding as much as you feel suits the story and the characters.
On a more on-topic note: it is not always wise to criticise advice just for being elementary. Most elementary advice tends to have plenty of people failing to follow it, and these may possibly be the same people who would happily spend good writing or pleasure-reading time reading a book telling them how to write.
| Year | Number of comments posted |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2005 | 2 |
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