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Forum User Yearbook 2021

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  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 7:20 AM

PM Railfan
I cant even pronounce that "on-a-mat-oh-poet-locally" word.

It's not particularly harder than 'oneiromantic' or 'paean' -  although there is a clear PEE in 'onomatopoeia' at least with a 'Mid-Atlantic' accent like mine.

And i challenge that it is even a word! Matter of fact im wondering if we were just insulted?

One of the joys of English is that it can adopt wonderful words from many languages when it discovers they express something a more 'native' word doesn't express concisely, like 'gemutlichkeit' or 'zeitgeist'.  On the other hand, one of the horrors of English is that ... much like the slavish devotion of the English people for so long to titular nobility and its pretensions, so beautifully if perhaps snobbishly skewered in one of the Bond books ... this devolves into the use of long or arcane words to impress or confuse rather than aid a precise or more perfect understanding.  Not for nothing has 'eschew sesquipedalian obfuscation' joined the ranks of adages like 'never use a preposition to end a sentence with' or 'the passive voice should never be used' -- although purposely overcomplicating language is not formally a solecism (neither is just misspelling words) perhaps it should be considered just as much an error of expression... and as strenuously (another magnificent specimen!) avoided.

One example that sticks in my memory as well as my craw: Dinesh D'Souza, in the days he tried a bit too hard to 'make his bones' as an intellectual, uncorked the word 'thrasonical' in one of his essays -- as I recall pairing it with something alliterated, which only made it worse.  This is right up there with 'nattering nabobs of negativity' in phony use of the language to cow or impress rather than communicate.

(Of course if you want excitement over words only a dictionary would give you, look no further than the actual study of English grammatical tropes, where  words like 'asyndeton' or 'synecdoche' take their carefully ill-pronounceable (yes, there is a Greek-derived technical equivalent for that; I don't use it) place in the pantheon of proofs of 'formal erudition'... and no, synecdoche is not where Alco locomotives came from.)

I like the 2nd part of Dr. Waynes answer. I cant hepp it, i types like i talk. Fitting revenge for making me sit through 12 years of the same ole english class when i coulda been learning something of more value!

Of course, that can go too far -- I couldn't stand reading Joel Chandler Harris or Finley Peter Dunne as a child, just as I hated books printed in frakturschrift.  

[/quote]If it werent for accents, Huck Finn would be just another Boy Scouts tech manual.[/quote]Of course, along with the dialect comes the use of the vernacular (look! Another splendid one! And useful in co text, too!) which contains One Of Those Certain Words that many find inexcusable even in Well Recognized As Literature sources.

I would note with amusement that a delightful thing Victorian writers would do was, when they came to something salacious or alarming that had to be discussed, to say it in Latin or Attic Greek, on the premise that a man educated enough to read it would be a 'man of the world' enough not to be shocked by it -- a charming conceit in retrospect. It is a sorry thing in any language when the euphemisms for 'taboo words' themselves start to require euphemisms -- 'handicapped' being one that comes strongly to mind.

Farfignugin!

This is an interesting use of dialect, and a funny one if you still chuckle at the idea that Americans would swallow poor Dieter Zetsch as a contemporary Zora Arkus-Duntov.  The sad thing being that 'Fahrvergnugen' is a delightful idea... once you appreciate what it actually means, and that just like 'gemutlichkeit' there is no one word for the idea in English, perhaps ominously because there is no one idea of the same in much of the collective American consciousness... but I digress.  This is a railroad forum, and Fahrvergnugen has very different sense on the railroad.

Of course if you've read this far you'll realize this is not serious.  But I doubt many people will, and that's their better sense.

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 1,034 posts
Posted by PM Railfan on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 3:01 AM

I cant even pronounce that "on-a-mat-oh-poet-locally" word. And i challenge that it is even a word! Matter of fact im wondering if we were just insulted? LaughLaugh

I like the 2nd part of Dr. Waynes answer. I cant hepp it, i types like i talk. Fitting revenge for making me sit through 12 years of the same ole english class when i coulda been learning something of more value!

If it werent for accents, Huck Finn would be just another Boy Scouts tech manual.

 

Farfignugin!

PMR

 

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, January 18, 2021 8:07 AM

doctorwayne
Kevin, I admire your tenacity in assembling those avatars - very well-presented.

Thank you. It began easy, but as more were added, getting them the tile together became frustrating sometimes, but I always seemed to find something to fill an odd space.

Wolf359
How long did it take to put it all together?

I worked on it for about 4 or 5 months. Only worked on it kind of hard the last few weeks.

Harrison
Thanks for compiling this Kevin! (and thanks for making sure I was on there, even though I haven't been very active lately.) 

There was no way you were being left off.

NorthBrit
Kevin.   Thanks for including me   as I am a new member.

Thank you for being here. You add a lot to our conversations.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Monday, January 18, 2021 7:56 AM

maxman
ROBERT PETRICK
Ever use 'onomatopoetically' on this forum?

And he might have gotten it, too, if you'd spelled it correctly... Wink
  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Monday, January 18, 2021 3:34 AM

All these big words  etc..    Ejjycayshun  isa wunnerful  fing.

 

Kevin.   Thanks for including me   as I am a new member.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,250 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Monday, January 18, 2021 1:20 AM

rrinker
Mst pepl cn read ths and not evn notice misng letrs.

Wot!!!!
Test by Bear, on Flickr
 
While I've only carried out an informal study, I find that it’s people who have some form of mild dyslexia that get this right first time.   
Cheers, the Bear.Smile    

 

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Sunday, January 17, 2021 6:52 PM

 Missing letters - people probably unconsciously skip over, the human brain can fill in a lot of "missing' information and you don;t even realize it. Only if you stopa nd concentrate do you see there are letters missing - first read through, you probably don't even realize it. 

Mst pepl cn read ths and not evn notice misng letrs.

                                           --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Sunday, January 17, 2021 5:09 PM

ROBERT PETRICK
Ever use 'onomatopoetically' on this forum?

As best I can recall, no.  The root word, onomatopoeia is in both of the dictionaries that are at-hand, and both also show onomatopoeic, but only one shows onomatopoetic. I'd guess that the addition of the "-ally" makes it an adverb.

I prefer the less-common æsthetic instead of esthetic, and likewise for encyclopædia but only because my computer allows it.

I some cases, I like to write in dialect, eliding letters or adding them, in order to create the effect of an accent.  I think that more people skip over it than make an attempt to sound it out, though. 

I also like speaking with an accent, which annoys some people, amuses others, and, lately, offends some, too. 
If I were offended by accents, I'd lose a lot of friends.

Wayne

 

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: Northern NY (Think Upstate but even more)
  • 1,306 posts
Posted by Harrison on Saturday, January 16, 2021 6:17 PM

Wow, that looks like it was a lot of work. Thanks for compiling this Kevin! (and thanks for making sure I was on there, even though I haven't been very active lately.) 

Harrison

Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.

Modeling the D&H in 1978.

Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"

My YouTube

  • Member since
    December 2014
  • 443 posts
Posted by Wolf359 on Saturday, January 16, 2021 2:18 PM

That's an interesting project. How long did it take to put it all together?

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,877 posts
Posted by maxman on Saturday, January 16, 2021 12:14 PM

ROBERT PETRICK
Ever use 'onomatopoetically' on this forum?

Didn't use it here, but once used the word "perspicasity" in an attempt to get an employee a bonus.

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,500 posts
Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Saturday, January 16, 2021 11:58 AM

doctorwayne
ROBERT PETRICK
How about 'Highest Average Number of Just About Completely Unnecessary Words Per Post'?

I dunno, Robert, but I've been criticised/nominated for that one by a couple of Forum regulars. 
I've found that the more verbose I become, the less likely they are to read whatever I happen to be rambling on about, and that lessens the complaints.  A surfeit of photos has a similar effect on some Members, too.

Wayne

Hey Doc-

That's a good technique to limit complaints. Using the word 'verbose' is fairly common, but getting 'surfeit' in there is mildly impressive. Ever use 'onomatopoetically' on this forum? I have.  Whistling

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Saturday, January 16, 2021 11:45 AM

ROBERT PETRICK
How about 'Highest Average Number of Just About Completely Unnecessary Words Per Post'?

I dunno, Robert, but I've been criticised/nominated for that one by a couple of Forum regulars. 
I've found that the more verbose I become, the less likely they are to read whatever I happen to be rambling on about, and that lessens the complaints.  A surfeit of photos has a similar effect on some Members, too. Smile, Wink & Grin

Kevin, I admire your tenacity in assembling those avatars - very well-presented. Bow

Wayne

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, January 16, 2021 10:01 AM

Southgate 2
I didn't realize how many faces, names, or avitars you become familiar with until you see them all in one place like this.

I was not aware either. I thought there were only about 20-25 active members until I started putting it all together. It turns out there were hundreds of names I recognized.

I am glad we are a large and active group.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, January 14, 2021 9:45 AM

ROBERT PETRICK
How about 'Highest Average Number of Just About Completely Unnecessary Words Per Post'?

You would never even be considered for that one. There are some masters of that art among us.

Laugh

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,500 posts
Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Thursday, January 14, 2021 9:31 AM

SeeYou190

Early on with the project I had sections I listed people under, but decided against it. No need for high-school style popularity contests on the forums. 

For example, the Kalmbach staff was listed under Faculty, and Dr. Wayne, Ed, & Garry were Most Popular, and a few other goofy things.

Uh-oh . . . I shudder to think what category I would have fallen into.

Do you have 'Most Bombastic'?

How about 'Highest Average Number of Just About Completely Unnecessary Words Per Post'?

Big Smile Big Smile

Robert 

 

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, January 14, 2021 8:51 AM

SD70Dude
I'm surprised to see that you got me on the first try, since I rarely come over here

Recognizability was a big part of it... and your awesome herald that you use for an avatar cemented it. You were 100% in the first time I saw it.

Thank you for the kind words. The effort was actually a lot of fun.

ctyclsscs
Can't wait for the yearbook pages with the football team, chess club and marching band.

rrinker
Don't forget the AV Club and of course the Railroad Club! 100% participation in the latter.

Earl on with the project I had sections I listed people under, but decided against it. No need for high-school style popularity contests on the forums. 

For example, the Kalmbach staff was listed under Faculty, and Dr. Wayne, Ed, & Garry were Most Popular, and a few other goofy things.

In the end, I decided a simple list was best, but the weebles still all ended up at the bottom.

josephbw
I'm humbled Kevin, you have me listed twice. Now I won't be able to wear my favorite hat

Thank you for pointing that out. While correcting it I also noticed I had MRRDAD listed twice, and right next to himself! How did that happen?

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: Ohio
  • 231 posts
Posted by josephbw on Thursday, January 14, 2021 8:37 AM

I'm humbled Kevin, you have me listed twice. Now I won't be able to wear my favorite hat.Big Smile

Joe

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Thursday, January 14, 2021 7:52 AM

 Don't forget the AV Club and of course the Railroad Club! 100% participation in the latter.

                                --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    June 2002
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 470 posts
Posted by ctyclsscs on Thursday, January 14, 2021 7:23 AM

Can't wait for the yearbook pages with the football team, chess club and marching band. 

Jim

  • Member since
    December 2017
  • From: I've been everywhere, man
  • 4,269 posts
Posted by SD70Dude on Thursday, January 14, 2021 12:45 AM

I'm surprised to see that you got me on the first try, since I rarely come over here and am far more active on the 1:1 forums.  

Great job, this must have taken a lot of time and effort!

Greetings from Alberta

-an Articulate Malcontent

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 8:24 PM

HO60s
Didn't see my avatar but I seldom post. 

Thank you for your kind words.

You are there! Go down to Captain Brigg, then go over to the right. You are next to the red KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN herald of Flying Crow.

Colorado Ray
 Must have taken quite a bit of effort

Thank you. I worked on it for about four months.

In the last couple of weeks I decided to post it since it was a new year. Then I started mining for users. I think 50% of the avatars were added in that last two week period.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2013
  • 427 posts
Posted by Colorado Ray on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 8:24 PM

Very cool idea.  Must have taken quite a bit of effort - and it was worth it!  Thanks!

 

Ray

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • 64 posts
Posted by HO60s on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 7:56 PM

Didn't see my avatar but I seldom post.  I enjoy what others have to offer and all the photos.  My garage layout is over 20 years old, was built to run trains for grandchildren who are all adults now.  90% complete scenery and no more room for buildings or rr equipment.  Just running trains.  This is a cool idea, great job putting it together.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 5:51 PM

thomas81z
mid to late march we are supposed to have a new hobby shop in cape coral fla

I heard about this. Somewhere on Pine Island Road is what the rumor is.

The Hobby Hound, and Orcs & Wizards were both previously on Pine Island Road, I hope this new hobby shop does better.

Victory Models & Trains reopened, but they are in a new location almost to the beach, and that is too far. From my house I could be at Gulf Coast Model Railroading in Sarasota faster than I can get to Fort Myers Beach.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 5:45 PM

MARTIN STATION
Kevin, I got left out. I know that I don't have that many post but now that I'm retired maybe I can respond more.

Hi Ralph,

As I was assembling the yearbook mosaic, probably about two months ago, I decided to stop adding "weebles", the generic avatars.

I remember seeing your name a couple of times, and you did meet my criteria I was using to add forum members, but I already had several rows of weeble avatars, so I was not adding any more of them.

Your user name and avatar will be included in the master for the future versions.

Thank you for responding.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 5:39 PM

dredgeboater
I would like my avatar to be included in this yearbook

Your user name and avatar have been added to the master for the yearbook.

Thank you for responding, and I am looking forward to hearing more from you.

Take care.

trwroute
Neat idea, but there is no place for me to write "Have a great summer!"

I never collected very many signatures in my high school yearbooks anyway. I guess that slipped my mined.

Laugh

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 5:32 PM

PM. is calling my behaviour 'scandalous'.   I am innocent. Smile

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: CAPE CORAL FLA
  • 511 posts
Posted by thomas81z on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 5:19 PM

im on firefox and  i cant upload avatar pic or anything infact i cant send kevin a message lol

mid to late march we are supposed to have a new hobby shop in cape coral fla . will keep you updated as i know

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 1,034 posts
Posted by PM Railfan on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 5:02 PM

Quoting "NorthBrit"

"PM Railfan

Be a wild idea to change it to a globe map with everyones logo affixed where they live.

Douglas

I already know where I live!   PirateLaughLaugh "

David

End quote


LaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaugh


Quoting="CapnCrunch"


"NorthBrit

PM Railfan Be a wild idea to change it to a globe map with everyones logo affixed where they live.  Douglas   I already know where I live PirateLaughLaugh!

David


Touche David.  Mrs. Crunch almost spit out her morning coffee when I shared it with her. Wink"

End quote


Capt, you of all peoples should know capt crunch and coffee dont go together. Your sposed to use milk.


Come along with me Mrs. Crunch, I will get ya a good cup of coffee over at the Diner. You shouldnt have to witness such....  'scandelous'....  behavior by these two. 

LaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaugh

 

Cheers!
salguoD

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