Random Thoughts

[vdeane]

Given I'm Tom from Michigan I had to think back on what that reference meant.  Isn't that the guy who got booted from the forum over unsubstantiated claims of insider information about an I-73 study?

I was thinking more about the MTR posts saying "do us all a favor a f*** off".

[formulanone]

Why can't I highlight a section of text and have it all switch to upper case? Or even better, have the first letters of each word change?

You can do that in Excel.



That's a pretty simple solution if you just need to then paste it back in somewhere else.

I guess I've been capitalizing Can'T incorrectly all this time.

I've never understood how Quebec splitting from Canada would somehow raise their profile on the world stage.

I don't believe "raising their profile on the world stage" is the point.  More like giving the English language the Tom From Ohio treatment.

Given I'm Tom from Michigan I had to think back on what that reference meant.  Isn't that the guy who got booted from the forum over unsubstantiated claims of insider information about an I-73 study?

I thought he just tells everyone to eff-off without contributing anything of substance. But I could be wrong. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Molandfreak]

I've never understood how Quebec splitting from Canada would somehow raise their profile on the world stage.

I don't believe "raising their profile on the world stage" is the point.  More like giving the English language the Tom From Ohio treatment.

It's more about ensuring that the federal status of the French language isn't jeopardized under a future parliament. Before French gained equal status, Québec had issues with literacy and economic development with most high level positions requiring communication skills solely in English.

With the amount of op-eds and rhetoric demonizing the current situation as an economic handicap for the rest of the country, it isn't surprising that some folks are skeptical of the long-term status of French in Canada.

[Rothman]

Canada is still not independent. We still got a king of England.

Forgive me for not knowing more about the history of Canadian politics, but...

Between the Balfour Declaration of 1926 and the Statute of Westminster of 1931, the monarch's appointed representative in Canada—i.e., the Governor General—is only ever somebody who was already chosen by the Canadian Prime Minister, right?  To me, that sounds like Canada has been independent from the crown for almost 100 years by now.

But wait, who's the Monarch, again...?

[kphoger]

But wait, who's the Monarch, again...?

My point is that, even though the governor general is technically the monarch's representative, the monarch doesn't even decide who gets the job.  So what power, really, has the monarch even had since the 1930s?

[Max Rockatansky]

But wait, who's the Monarch, again...?

My point is that, even though the governor general is technically the monarch's representative, the monarch doesn't even decide who gets the job.  So what power, really, has the monarch even had since the 1930s?

Couldn't the monarch make the governor general go away?

[Scott5114]

Why can't I highlight a section of text and have it all switch to upper case? Or even better, have the first letters of each word change?

A competent text editor (like Kate) will allow you to do this.

If you're wondering why you can't do this in a browser, it's because browsers were never meant to be text editors. We just kind of shoehorned them into service whenever we decided we wanted to run everything off of somebody else's computers instead of our own.

[Rothman]

But wait, who's the Monarch, again...?

My point is that, even though the governor general is technically the monarch's representative, the monarch doesn't even decide who gets the job.  So what power, really, has the monarch even had since the 1930s?

Tell the Monarch he's no longer the Monarch and find out.

I've got a friend that I found out was a fierce Canadian monarchist.  Strangest conversation I've had when that revelation came out.

[kphoger]

Tell the Monarch he's no longer the Monarch and find out.

You mean the King of Canada, who is monarch according to the Canadian constitution, whose ministers in Canadian affairs are all Canadian, ...?

Theoretically, the Canadian constitution could simply be amended to remove themselves from under the Crown.  Realistically, of course, that would never happen because it would require the assent of all ten provinces and both houses of government.  But, theoretically, Canadians could simply tell the King, "You're no longer our monarch."  Shall we count the number of countries did exactly that under the reign of Elizabeth II?

[Rothman]

Tell the Monarch he's no longer the Monarch and find out.

You mean the King of Canada, who is monarch according to the Canadian constitution, whose ministers in Canadian affairs are all Canadian, ...?

Theoretically, the Canadian constitution could simply be amended to remove themselves from under the Crown.  Realistically, of course, that would never happen because it would require the assent of all ten provinces and both houses of government.  But, theoretically, Canadians could simply tell the King, "You're no longer our monarch."  Shall we count the number of countries did exactly that under the reign of Elizabeth II?

Let's see what happens when Canada does it.  And then, I will deem them independent.

[kphoger]

Let's see what happens when Canada does it.  And then, I will deem them independent.

Wow, I am now swayed by the ironclad logic of your argument.

[TheHighwayMan3561]

I've never understood how Quebec splitting from Canada would somehow raise their profile on the world stage.

I don't believe "raising their profile on the world stage" is the point.  More like giving the English language the Tom From Ohio treatment.

It's more about ensuring that the federal status of the French language isn't jeopardized under a future parliament. Before French gained equal status, Québec had issues with literacy and economic development with most high level positions requiring communication skills solely in English.

With the amount of op-eds and rhetoric demonizing the current situation as an economic handicap for the rest of the country, it isn't surprising that some folks are skeptical of the long-term status of French in Canada.

This is speculation but I wouldn't be surprised if the exponential increase in accessibility to American media has become another issue for the language that Quebec (nor Canada at the federal level for that matter) was not really prepared for or knows how to properly counter without heavy-handed censorship. I've heard anecdotes from other countries where some kids don't really understand or see value in keeping their own language that strongly anymore because of how anglicized life has become, which while Quebec is a different situation because it's a minority fighting the majority, it has caused some panic in certain circles globally.

[Molandfreak]

I've never understood how Quebec splitting from Canada would somehow raise their profile on the world stage.

I don't believe "raising their profile on the world stage" is the point.  More like giving the English language the Tom From Ohio treatment.

It's more about ensuring that the federal status of the French language isn't jeopardized under a future parliament. Before French gained equal status, Québec had issues with literacy and economic development with most high level positions requiring communication skills solely in English.

With the amount of op-eds and rhetoric demonizing the current situation as an economic handicap for the rest of the country, it isn't surprising that some folks are skeptical of the long-term status of French in Canada.

This is speculation but I wouldn't be surprised if the exponential increase in accessibility to American media has become another issue for the language that Quebec (nor Canada at the federal level for that matter) was not really prepared for or knows how to properly counter without heavy-handed censorship. I've heard anecdotes from other countries where some kids don't really understand or see value in keeping their own language that strongly anymore because of how anglicized life has become, which while Quebec is a different situation because it's a minority fighting the majority, it has caused some panic in certain circles globally.

For sure, and it doesn't help the situation that many Americans and even Anglophone Canadians see the presence of French as an unimportant afterthought due to high levels of English in areas that are common travel destinations.

I won't try to tell Liliana, Carl, or any other Québécois/e users what to think, but a question that I have which I haven't really seen addressed by Québec independence activists is if they care what happens to the French minorities elsewhere in Canada in a post-independence world. With an independent Québec, suddenly the case for terminating French services in Manitoba, the Maritimes, and western Métis communities becomes a lot stronger. "The Frenchies left us! They abandoned you, and we would never do that! Now why don't you just be good Canadian citizens and start speaking English in your daily lives?"

[JayhawkCO]

Turkmenistan is a massively misunderstood country.

[Rothman]

Turkmenistan is a massively misunderstood country.

Pfft.  Niyazov did his gaudy damage. The problem is we still think the country's the same. Having their leader called the equivalent of Supreme Super Bestest in the World and Universe doesn't help things (although the father - son thing is unique).

[kphoger]

Turkmenistan is a massively misunderstood country.

Good luck, buddy, hope you find your bags.

[JayhawkCO]

Turkmenistan is a massively misunderstood country.

Pfft.  Niyazov did his gaudy damage. The problem is we still think the country's the same. Having their leader called the equivalent of Supreme Super Bestest in the World and Universe doesn't help things (although the father - son thing is unique).

For sure he's nuts. But I thought the country would be "the North Korea of central Asia" and thought I'd have to have minders and be followed the whole time. I was free to wander the bazaars, go to restaurants, etc. A lot of the craziest Niyazov stuff on the internet isn't true (no doctors outside of Ashgabat, music only a certain bpm, etc.). I really enjoyed my time there.

Good luck, buddy, hope you find your bags.

Alas they've found it, but by the time they could try to thread the needle for getting it to me on the day I'm actually in one place, there would only be a couple days left of the vacation. I'm just having it sent home. I bought travel insurance, so will use the delayed baggage benefit to get the stuff I need.

[Rothman]

Turkmenistan is a massively misunderstood country.

Pfft.  Niyazov did his gaudy damage. The problem is we still think the country's the same. Having their leader called the equivalent of Supreme Super Bestest in the World and Universe doesn't help things (although the father - son thing is unique).

For sure he's nuts. But I thought the country would be "the North Korea of central Asia" and thought I'd have to have minders and be followed the whole time. I was free to wander the bazaars, go to restaurants, etc. A lot of the craziest Niyazov stuff on the internet isn't true (no doctors outside of Ashgabat, music only a certain bpm, etc.). I really enjoyed my time there.

Well, with those kind of expectations, I can see why you were surprised.  That said, I've never had thoae assumptions about travel to that country.

[JayhawkCO]

Turkmenistan is a massively misunderstood country.

Pfft.  Niyazov did his gaudy damage. The problem is we still think the country's the same. Having their leader called the equivalent of Supreme Super Bestest in the World and Universe doesn't help things (although the father - son thing is unique).

For sure he's nuts. But I thought the country would be "the North Korea of central Asia" and thought I'd have to have minders and be followed the whole time. I was free to wander the bazaars, go to restaurants, etc. A lot of the craziest Niyazov stuff on the internet isn't true (no doctors outside of Ashgabat, music only a certain bpm, etc.). I really enjoyed my time there.

Well, with those kind of expectations, I can see why you were surprised.  That said, I've never had thoae assumptions about travel to that country.

Others probably don't watch as many travel vlogs about unique places as I do. I think a lot of the people who have made videos about the country didn't actually talk to locals. Plus, you get more clicks if it's more sensationalized.

[Rothman]

Turkmenistan is a massively misunderstood country.

Pfft.  Niyazov did his gaudy damage. The problem is we still think the country's the same. Having their leader called the equivalent of Supreme Super Bestest in the World and Universe doesn't help things (although the father - son thing is unique).

For sure he's nuts. But I thought the country would be "the North Korea of central Asia" and thought I'd have to have minders and be followed the whole time. I was free to wander the bazaars, go to restaurants, etc. A lot of the craziest Niyazov stuff on the internet isn't true (no doctors outside of Ashgabat, music only a certain bpm, etc.). I really enjoyed my time there.

Well, with those kind of expectations, I can see why you were surprised.  That said, I've never had thoae assumptions about travel to that country.

Others probably don't watch as many travel vlogs about unique places as I do. I think a lot of the people who have made videos about the country didn't actually talk to locals. Plus, you get more clicks if it's more sensationalized.

I suppose others actually didn't study the country in college, like I did.

[JayhawkCO]

Turkmenistan is a massively misunderstood country.

Pfft.  Niyazov did his gaudy damage. The problem is we still think the country's the same. Having their leader called the equivalent of Supreme Super Bestest in the World and Universe doesn't help things (although the father - son thing is unique).

For sure he's nuts. But I thought the country would be "the North Korea of central Asia" and thought I'd have to have minders and be followed the whole time. I was free to wander the bazaars, go to restaurants, etc. A lot of the craziest Niyazov stuff on the internet isn't true (no doctors outside of Ashgabat, music only a certain bpm, etc.). I really enjoyed my time there.

Well, with those kind of expectations, I can see why you were surprised.  That said, I've never had thoae assumptions about travel to that country.

Others probably don't watch as many travel vlogs about unique places as I do. I think a lot of the people who have made videos about the country didn't actually talk to locals. Plus, you get more clicks if it's more sensationalized.

I suppose others actually didn't study the country in college, like I did.

Fair enough. But that was what, 40 years ago?  (I kid, I kid.)

I just wasn't aware that you still kept up on Turkmen current events. It's not like that's really a common thing for Americans.

[I-57/Route 66 Fan]

My 50th Post

[gonealookin]

When I want to sit at the bar I usually ask a person if the stool next to them is available.

At an airport bar it's a little different.  Many more people are alone, and I consider that a reasonable assumption.  So asking that doesn't seem necessary.

So today there was a woman sitting at the bar in PHX, with an empty stool to her left, but she was taking up part of the empty counter space with her laptop.  I debated asking the question but decided to just grab the chair.

She immediately asks for a to-go container for her food, and also asks for a cup for the rest of her drink (which she was denied because you can't take alcohol outside the bar area).

She left the rest of her drink, and after she boxed the food she says to me angrily, "Next time you're going to sit next to a lady at a bar, ask for permission first.". I didn't respond.  Then she said, "I'm leaving so now you have all the space you want!" and stomped away.  I said, 'Thank you."

Yes I could have asked the question, but it's a crowded airport bar without many seating choices.  I didn't think I needed to respect her alleged right to take up an extra space for her laptop.  If you need extra space, don't sit at the bar, wait for a table to open up.

I'm always one to hold the door for ladies, let them go ahead of me, etc., but that one was fortunate my only reaction was the "Thank you."

[kkt]

Why can't I highlight a section of text and have it all switch to upper case? Or even better, have the first letters of each word change?

Because you are not using EMACS.

[kkt]

But wait, who's the Monarch, again...?

My point is that, even though the governor general is technically the monarch's representative, the monarch doesn't even decide who gets the job.  So what power, really, has the monarch even had since the 1930s?

No hard power.  Soft power.  Weekly meetings with the Prime Minister in private, in which the monarch can ask questions and expect answers, caution, and advise.  (Who else has permanent access to the PM, regardless of which party they are from, potentially for decades at a time?)  The monarch can set an example in the charities they support.