Friday, August 12, 2011

Emergency Plans

4 comments
What does one do when one realizes one is becoming dim? Not that I've ever fancied myself as being Mensa-class, but the frequency of my English slurring is honestly quite alarming. Written, it appears I've lost the ability to communicate properly as well. I'm pretty sure all this is caused by the fact that I haven't read anything challenging in a long time, and 90% of my daily thoughts are concentrated on Arashi, domestic chores, Arashi, how horrible the traffic on the way to the office is, and Arashi. So basically, Self-Centered Question of the Week is, 'OMG, my endangered brain cells are dying at a faster rate, whatdoIdo?'

Do me a favor and please don't answer that.

Did you know? that in German/Deutsch nouns are capitalized? [Every single noun, yes.] And Did you know? that each Noun has a gender? So das Auto is neuter, der CD Player is male, and die Nummer is female. I'd like to curse my poor imagination, but alas, even doing so won't provide this post some excitement, so here's some Mark Twain for you.

An Excerpt from The Awful German Language by Mark Twain
Every noun has a gender, and there is no sense or system in the distribution; so the gender of each must be learned separately and by heart. There is no other way... In German, a young lady has no sex, while a turnip has. Think what overwrought reverence that shows for the turnip, and what callous disrespect for the girl. See how it looks in print--I translate this from a conversation in one of the best of the German Sunday-school books:

'Gretchen. Wilhelm, where is the turnip?'
'Wilhelm. She has gone to the kitchen.'
'Gretchen. Where is the accomplished and beautiful English maiden?'
'Wilhelm. It has gone to the opera.'

Repetitive questions regarding my future are all worth it, when I'm granted laughtrips like this. Wishing you a great day/night/drama-moment-in-your-customized-universe-with-insert-favorite-artist-here and hoping you learn something to interest you in the next few moments.