15:07 27/06/2015
Tunis - Eight Britons, one Belgian and one German have been
identified among the 38 people killed by an Islamist gunman at a
Tunisian beach resort, the health ministry said on Saturday.
"Ten
bodies have been identified out of 38 - eight Britons, a Belgian and a
German," said senior ministry official Naoufel Somrani.
Another 39 people were wounded including British, German and Belgian nationals.
The
ministry said more time was needed to identify the other victims
because most of them were in beachwear at the time of the attack and
were not carrying identification.
The Islamic State jihadist group
claimed responsibility for the attack on Friday by an assailant who
pulled a gun from inside a beach umbrella and opened fire on crowds of
tourists on the beach and by a hotel pool in the popular Mediterranean
resort of Port el Kantaoui.
Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid
said early Saturday that most of the dead were British but that they
also included Germans, Belgians and French.
Saturday, 27 June 2015
British tour operators send planes to evacuate tourists from Tunisia
15:07 27/06/2015
London - British tour operators Thomson and First Choice sent 10 planes to evacuate tourists from Tunisia on Saturday after 39 people including at least five Britons were killed in the resort of Sousse in an attack claimed by Islamic State.
The British government said it expected the number of British casualties to rise after the attack on Friday at the Imperial Marhaba hotel in Sousse, 140km south of the capital Tunis. Other casualties included German and Belgian tourists.
"I expect it [the number of British casualties] to increase," British Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, told the BBC. "Most of the people were British and there were a large number of British caught up in the shooting."
A gunman disguised as a tourist opened fire on tourists as they lounged on the beach at the hotel, with a rifle he had hidden in an umbrella.
Terror attack
Thomson and First Choice said several of the people killed and injured were their customers and that they were working closely with the local authorities to confirm the exact details of casualties.
The tour operators said 10 Thomson Airways flights had gone to Tunisia to repatriate all of the companies' customers from Port El Kantaoui and Sousse, a total of approximately 2 500 people.
British Prime Minister David Cameron was due to chair a meeting of senior ministers on Saturday to discuss the response to the attack in Tunisia.
"I'll be chairing a COBRA meeting of senior ministers and officials shortly to continue discussing our response to the Tunisia terror attack," Cameron said on his Twitter account, referring to a meeting room where high-level security meetings take place.
The Foreign Office confirmed late on Friday that five Britons were among the dead but the British death toll was expected to rise. Tunisia is a popular holiday destination for British tourists.
The tour operators said they would be cancelling all Thomson and First Choice holidays to Tunisia for the next week, and that amendments could be made to bookings on holidays to Tunisia until July 24 with extra flights to Cape Verde, Rhodes and Gran Canaria offered as alternatives.
London - British tour operators Thomson and First Choice sent 10 planes to evacuate tourists from Tunisia on Saturday after 39 people including at least five Britons were killed in the resort of Sousse in an attack claimed by Islamic State.
The British government said it expected the number of British casualties to rise after the attack on Friday at the Imperial Marhaba hotel in Sousse, 140km south of the capital Tunis. Other casualties included German and Belgian tourists.
"I expect it [the number of British casualties] to increase," British Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, told the BBC. "Most of the people were British and there were a large number of British caught up in the shooting."
A gunman disguised as a tourist opened fire on tourists as they lounged on the beach at the hotel, with a rifle he had hidden in an umbrella.
Terror attack
Thomson and First Choice said several of the people killed and injured were their customers and that they were working closely with the local authorities to confirm the exact details of casualties.
The tour operators said 10 Thomson Airways flights had gone to Tunisia to repatriate all of the companies' customers from Port El Kantaoui and Sousse, a total of approximately 2 500 people.
British Prime Minister David Cameron was due to chair a meeting of senior ministers on Saturday to discuss the response to the attack in Tunisia.
"I'll be chairing a COBRA meeting of senior ministers and officials shortly to continue discussing our response to the Tunisia terror attack," Cameron said on his Twitter account, referring to a meeting room where high-level security meetings take place.
The Foreign Office confirmed late on Friday that five Britons were among the dead but the British death toll was expected to rise. Tunisia is a popular holiday destination for British tourists.
The tour operators said they would be cancelling all Thomson and First Choice holidays to Tunisia for the next week, and that amendments could be made to bookings on holidays to Tunisia until July 24 with extra flights to Cape Verde, Rhodes and Gran Canaria offered as alternatives.
The difference between Buhari and other politicians
09:48 26/06/2015
The difference between president Muhammdu Buhari and the other Nigerian politicians is his no-going-back policy. Before and after his election to become President of Nigeria PMB to most Nigerians is known by his "do what is right policy."
This to some corrupt-minded people have been so skeptical that things might come to change. His overwhelming victories in 28th march presidential election was a mixed effort made of the good, the bad and the ugly of all human endeavors. For the good ones, PMB would remain their friend forever, because to them, let every Nigerian be treated equally and without fear or favor.
And for the bad ones, he was supported in order to be free from being probe. These group of people has began to think another option since there is no any sentimentality of falling comrades. And the ugly ones are still the ones doing every worst to ridicule his reputation. But we all forgotten is the real PMB who does his work without minding whose ox is gored.
The difference between president Muhammdu Buhari and the other Nigerian politicians is his no-going-back policy. Before and after his election to become President of Nigeria PMB to most Nigerians is known by his "do what is right policy."
This to some corrupt-minded people have been so skeptical that things might come to change. His overwhelming victories in 28th march presidential election was a mixed effort made of the good, the bad and the ugly of all human endeavors. For the good ones, PMB would remain their friend forever, because to them, let every Nigerian be treated equally and without fear or favor.
And for the bad ones, he was supported in order to be free from being probe. These group of people has began to think another option since there is no any sentimentality of falling comrades. And the ugly ones are still the ones doing every worst to ridicule his reputation. But we all forgotten is the real PMB who does his work without minding whose ox is gored.
Corruption and terrorism in Nigeria
20:48 25/06/2015
Lagos - As every problem must definitely have a solution, Nigeria’s dual menace also doesn’t defy one. The government must first be sincere and willing to tackle this dual menace.
Then they should be ready to dedicate immense effort and time in ensuring that their visions become laudable reality. Critical pragmatic steps have to be taken, if this battle would be won.
The government must as a matter of urgency go to the root of this security challenge we now face on a daily basis. The government should as a matter of urgency overhaul our security system.
Moreover, the truth must be told we lack the sophisticated weaponry to suppress this insurgence. The government should endeavor to serve its true function; guarantee the security of lives and properties. All hands must be on deck; the government, non-governmental organizations, religious leaders and off course you and I.
There is dare need for the eradication of bribery, favoritism, nepotism and sectionalism; if free movement, peace and prosperity is to be achieved. Selfishness among individuals and government agencies which eventually yields corruption and marginalization and consequently terrorism should be discarded.
We must also employ a bottom-top approach, in tackling this ill. We must cure the cause and not only the symptoms. The known evils of inequality, poverty, and unemployment are viable seeds that have given birth to the big juicy evil fruits of corruption alongside terrorism. After all an idle hand is the devils workshop.
Joblessness leads to idleness and idleness leads to vices. This has to be addressed through well thought out and targeted programs of investment in education, healthcare, skills development and training.
Education must be a right not a privilege, as no country can expect to develop when it disenfranchises its intelligent poor. There is no direction left than the cancellation of negative principles and the cultivation of positive principles from now onward. The solution lies in volition for positive change at all levels.
The nuclear family has to develop positive values for the extended. The country must also develop a culture of relative openness, in contrast to the current bureaucratic climate of insecurity.
Merit system should be adopted in employment and distribution of natural resources. Any society that rewards bad behavior creates a moral hazard that may consume it. Nigerians need to absolutely cultivate the habit of security consciousness and rapidly report any equivocal security situation to the appropriate authority immediately. The challenge of quality leadership has to be combated also.
The leadership has to also look inward and project forward ways in which we can overcome this surmountable challenge. It should be a case of visionary leadership by example.
A wholesome leadership should attract fulfillment for the majority. A fulfilled polity provides no room for corruption or insecurity. Our leaders should not only be sensitive to the plight of the people they should also be proactive.
To create an atmosphere of mutual understanding; tolerance and positivity are values worth embracing, political rivalry which breeds bad blood and despotic infiltrations from despicable and questionable individuals cum cabals should be vehemently effaced. With this, the toll which these epidemics i.e. corruption and terrorism have, cannot successfully thrive in our beloved nation.
Just as Felix Adler puts it; “where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt”. It’s time to solve the problem from within and the solutions would definitely evolve on the outside. The time is now, the time is here.
The chaff has to be separated from the wheat. All perceived bad eggs in our society need be eradicated. When we come together with a strong will, definite sense of purpose, dedication and absolute altruism in tackling these dual menaces; I believe the sky would never be our limit but our starting point.
I have believed in Nigeria in the past, I believe in her collective effort now and her great future. When all these are effectively implemented, only then can we live the words of our anthem; and truly live in a “nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.”
Lagos - As every problem must definitely have a solution, Nigeria’s dual menace also doesn’t defy one. The government must first be sincere and willing to tackle this dual menace.
Then they should be ready to dedicate immense effort and time in ensuring that their visions become laudable reality. Critical pragmatic steps have to be taken, if this battle would be won.
The government must as a matter of urgency go to the root of this security challenge we now face on a daily basis. The government should as a matter of urgency overhaul our security system.
Moreover, the truth must be told we lack the sophisticated weaponry to suppress this insurgence. The government should endeavor to serve its true function; guarantee the security of lives and properties. All hands must be on deck; the government, non-governmental organizations, religious leaders and off course you and I.
There is dare need for the eradication of bribery, favoritism, nepotism and sectionalism; if free movement, peace and prosperity is to be achieved. Selfishness among individuals and government agencies which eventually yields corruption and marginalization and consequently terrorism should be discarded.
We must also employ a bottom-top approach, in tackling this ill. We must cure the cause and not only the symptoms. The known evils of inequality, poverty, and unemployment are viable seeds that have given birth to the big juicy evil fruits of corruption alongside terrorism. After all an idle hand is the devils workshop.
Joblessness leads to idleness and idleness leads to vices. This has to be addressed through well thought out and targeted programs of investment in education, healthcare, skills development and training.
Education must be a right not a privilege, as no country can expect to develop when it disenfranchises its intelligent poor. There is no direction left than the cancellation of negative principles and the cultivation of positive principles from now onward. The solution lies in volition for positive change at all levels.
The nuclear family has to develop positive values for the extended. The country must also develop a culture of relative openness, in contrast to the current bureaucratic climate of insecurity.
Merit system should be adopted in employment and distribution of natural resources. Any society that rewards bad behavior creates a moral hazard that may consume it. Nigerians need to absolutely cultivate the habit of security consciousness and rapidly report any equivocal security situation to the appropriate authority immediately. The challenge of quality leadership has to be combated also.
The leadership has to also look inward and project forward ways in which we can overcome this surmountable challenge. It should be a case of visionary leadership by example.
A wholesome leadership should attract fulfillment for the majority. A fulfilled polity provides no room for corruption or insecurity. Our leaders should not only be sensitive to the plight of the people they should also be proactive.
To create an atmosphere of mutual understanding; tolerance and positivity are values worth embracing, political rivalry which breeds bad blood and despotic infiltrations from despicable and questionable individuals cum cabals should be vehemently effaced. With this, the toll which these epidemics i.e. corruption and terrorism have, cannot successfully thrive in our beloved nation.
Just as Felix Adler puts it; “where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt”. It’s time to solve the problem from within and the solutions would definitely evolve on the outside. The time is now, the time is here.
The chaff has to be separated from the wheat. All perceived bad eggs in our society need be eradicated. When we come together with a strong will, definite sense of purpose, dedication and absolute altruism in tackling these dual menaces; I believe the sky would never be our limit but our starting point.
I have believed in Nigeria in the past, I believe in her collective effort now and her great future. When all these are effectively implemented, only then can we live the words of our anthem; and truly live in a “nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.”
5 basic (but super effective) ways to improve your skin
Marisa Crous
12:22 25/06/2015
Problem skin? No idea why? You might be getting the basics wrong.
Of course we all want glowing complexions like Noni Gasa and Beyoncé. But great skin is anything but easy to obtain. It kind of depends on whether or not you’ve won the genetic lottery it seems.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to ensure your chances of skin success.
1. Make sure you know your skin type
Knowing your skin type
is essential. Is it oily, combination, dry or normal?
• Normal skin: usually subtle and smooth (you are blessed if you have this ‘easy’ skin type)
• Combination skin: usually oily in the t-zone and normal in other areas of the face
• Dry skin: will show slight flaking and redness in places – it needs lots of moisturiser
• Oily skin: usually larger pores and a bit of a shine – especially in the t-zone
Image: Instagram
2. Invest in the right products for your skin type
Once you’ve figured out your skin type, be sure to use a cleanser and moisturiser that suit your skin type and its needs.
If you have very delicate, dry skin, try a creamy cleanser that won’t further dry out your skin. According to Glamour, salicylic acid cleansers and scrubs are again better for oily skin with larger pores.
In case of adult acne, be sure to consult your dermatologist for advice.
3. Remove make-up properly
No matter how tired you are at night, remove that make-up pronto! There is nothing worse than sleeping with your make-up on, it clogs the pores (blackheads!) and can even lead to skin allergies and rashes.
If you are really too lazy to remove make-up properly, i.e. make-up remover, cleanser, toner, moisturiser; at least use a wet wipe and follow with some night cream.
4. Sunscreen
Be sure to apply sunscreen daily. Many people find that it clogs their pores and leads to an increase in pimples; if this is the case, use a day cream with a built-in sun block as this is usually much lighter on your skin.
Make sure it’s higher than SPF 30.
5. Hydrate, eat healthily, exercise and sleep
Yes, this is kind of a given, but it’s perhaps the most important point.
You are what you eat, sleep and do. To improve the quality of your skin, be sure to drink lots of water, follow a balanced diet, do regular exercise to sweat out all those toxins and open up the pores; and sleep enough to avoid dull skin.
12:22 25/06/2015
Problem skin? No idea why? You might be getting the basics wrong.
Of course we all want glowing complexions like Noni Gasa and Beyoncé. But great skin is anything but easy to obtain. It kind of depends on whether or not you’ve won the genetic lottery it seems.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to ensure your chances of skin success.
1. Make sure you know your skin type
Knowing your skin type
is essential. Is it oily, combination, dry or normal?
• Normal skin: usually subtle and smooth (you are blessed if you have this ‘easy’ skin type)
• Combination skin: usually oily in the t-zone and normal in other areas of the face
• Dry skin: will show slight flaking and redness in places – it needs lots of moisturiser
• Oily skin: usually larger pores and a bit of a shine – especially in the t-zone
Image: Instagram
2. Invest in the right products for your skin type
Once you’ve figured out your skin type, be sure to use a cleanser and moisturiser that suit your skin type and its needs.
If you have very delicate, dry skin, try a creamy cleanser that won’t further dry out your skin. According to Glamour, salicylic acid cleansers and scrubs are again better for oily skin with larger pores.
In case of adult acne, be sure to consult your dermatologist for advice.
3. Remove make-up properly
No matter how tired you are at night, remove that make-up pronto! There is nothing worse than sleeping with your make-up on, it clogs the pores (blackheads!) and can even lead to skin allergies and rashes.
If you are really too lazy to remove make-up properly, i.e. make-up remover, cleanser, toner, moisturiser; at least use a wet wipe and follow with some night cream.
4. Sunscreen
Be sure to apply sunscreen daily. Many people find that it clogs their pores and leads to an increase in pimples; if this is the case, use a day cream with a built-in sun block as this is usually much lighter on your skin.
Make sure it’s higher than SPF 30.
5. Hydrate, eat healthily, exercise and sleep
Yes, this is kind of a given, but it’s perhaps the most important point.
You are what you eat, sleep and do. To improve the quality of your skin, be sure to drink lots of water, follow a balanced diet, do regular exercise to sweat out all those toxins and open up the pores; and sleep enough to avoid dull skin.
The real dangers of smoking cannabis
10:38 25/06/2015
The possession and use of cannabis is illegal in Nigeria, but despite this it is still one of the commonest illicit drugs abused in the country. Its use can lead to multiple health and psychiatric complications.
“Although cannabis is viewed as an innocent herb by many, there is increasing concern about adverse health consequences,” says Dr Lize Weich, senior psychiatrist and lecturer at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Many users become dependent on cannabis, it is estimated that about one in nine cannabis users will become dependent, while those who start using it in their teens have a one in six chance to become dependent. It is also linked to other medical complications, including heart attacks (one study found a nearly five-fold increased risk for this in the hour after use), as well as arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and strokes.
Smoking is the most common route of delivery of cannabis, so it is not surprising that lung problems, like chest infections, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are common among cannabis users.
Cannabis smoke also contains carcinogens (cancer causing agents) similar to that found in tobacco smoke and that may predispose an individual to lung cancer.
Cannabis use impairs driving ability and users are at a higher risk of car accidents.
Its use in pregnancy has been linked with neuro-behavioural problems in children.
“Furthermore, cannabis intoxication can lead to multiple psychiatric complications, like panic, anxiety, depression or psychotic symptoms,” Weich explains. Heavy cannabis use has been linked to reduced pro-social goal-directed behaviour (when individuals select actions based on their predicted consequences), apathy and diminished drive, referred to by some as the “amotivational syndrome”.
Long-term cannabis use can also affect memory and the ability to process information.
The developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of cannabis use. “It is the most common illicit drug used by this group and has been linked with poor educational attainment, dropping out of school, later unemployment and lower life satisfaction and even with a decline in IQ,” says Weich.
Adolescent onset cannabis use has also been linked to various psychiatric problems in this age group, including an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and an increased risk of developing – a brain disorder which affects the way a person behaves, thinks and sees the world.
Although the cannabis plant contains in excess of 400 compounds, the most potent agent is delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC acts by activating the endocannabinoid receptor system, a delicate system that modulates the balance in other neurotransmitter systems, thereby ensuring optimal functioning of multiple biological functions including learning, memory, stress, appetite, movement and pain perception.
There is some potential medicinal benefit
Weich emphasizes that although there are some early studies that suggest potential medicinal benefit from cannabis use, including relief of neuropathic pain, increasing appetite and treating glaucoma, there is not yet sufficient evidence to support its efficacy and rule out harms and human trials in this regard is still largely lacking.
She says there is concern about the popular belief that cannabis is “medicinal” and thus “harmless and safe”, especially among children and adolescents. Studies have shown that this vulnerable population’s risk of use is influenced by how safely they perceive a drug to be.
“It is clear that legalising cannabis for medicinal use is an important topic that needs careful consideration. Much more research is required to establish efficacy along with a clear public message highlighting risks, especially among the youth,” says Weich.
The possession and use of cannabis is illegal in Nigeria, but despite this it is still one of the commonest illicit drugs abused in the country. Its use can lead to multiple health and psychiatric complications.
“Although cannabis is viewed as an innocent herb by many, there is increasing concern about adverse health consequences,” says Dr Lize Weich, senior psychiatrist and lecturer at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Many users become dependent on cannabis, it is estimated that about one in nine cannabis users will become dependent, while those who start using it in their teens have a one in six chance to become dependent. It is also linked to other medical complications, including heart attacks (one study found a nearly five-fold increased risk for this in the hour after use), as well as arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and strokes.
Smoking is the most common route of delivery of cannabis, so it is not surprising that lung problems, like chest infections, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are common among cannabis users.
Cannabis smoke also contains carcinogens (cancer causing agents) similar to that found in tobacco smoke and that may predispose an individual to lung cancer.
Cannabis use impairs driving ability and users are at a higher risk of car accidents.
Its use in pregnancy has been linked with neuro-behavioural problems in children.
“Furthermore, cannabis intoxication can lead to multiple psychiatric complications, like panic, anxiety, depression or psychotic symptoms,” Weich explains. Heavy cannabis use has been linked to reduced pro-social goal-directed behaviour (when individuals select actions based on their predicted consequences), apathy and diminished drive, referred to by some as the “amotivational syndrome”.
Long-term cannabis use can also affect memory and the ability to process information.
The developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of cannabis use. “It is the most common illicit drug used by this group and has been linked with poor educational attainment, dropping out of school, later unemployment and lower life satisfaction and even with a decline in IQ,” says Weich.
Adolescent onset cannabis use has also been linked to various psychiatric problems in this age group, including an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and an increased risk of developing – a brain disorder which affects the way a person behaves, thinks and sees the world.
Although the cannabis plant contains in excess of 400 compounds, the most potent agent is delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC acts by activating the endocannabinoid receptor system, a delicate system that modulates the balance in other neurotransmitter systems, thereby ensuring optimal functioning of multiple biological functions including learning, memory, stress, appetite, movement and pain perception.
There is some potential medicinal benefit
Weich emphasizes that although there are some early studies that suggest potential medicinal benefit from cannabis use, including relief of neuropathic pain, increasing appetite and treating glaucoma, there is not yet sufficient evidence to support its efficacy and rule out harms and human trials in this regard is still largely lacking.
She says there is concern about the popular belief that cannabis is “medicinal” and thus “harmless and safe”, especially among children and adolescents. Studies have shown that this vulnerable population’s risk of use is influenced by how safely they perceive a drug to be.
“It is clear that legalising cannabis for medicinal use is an important topic that needs careful consideration. Much more research is required to establish efficacy along with a clear public message highlighting risks, especially among the youth,” says Weich.
Never tell a woman she looks "fine"
Lili
13:24 25/06/2015
You know when people use the word “literally” when they mean “figuratively” and then you get all snooty and tell them they literally don’t know what literally means?
Well the joke’s on you, ma’am.
Since the incorrect usage of “literally” was so widespread, The Oxford English Dictionary officially changed the meaning of literally to include both definitions. In 2011 already. So while literally still means in a literal sense as in: “Advanced Ebola symptoms include literally bleeding from the eyes” it also officially means in a figurative sense as in: “The last Game of Thrones episode literally made my eyes bleed.”
So literally can literally mean figuratively these days.
While this might be an acrid pill to swallow for the staunch upholders of English grammar, I actually think it’s pretty cool. Languages evolve through time and usage and the only languages that do not change are the dead ones. Besides, there are many other words that we use daily that didn’t originally mean what they mean in today’s usage.
“Awesome” is a great example. It used to mean inspiring awe or terror. A natural disaster or a god would be awesome. Not a night out with friends, or getting to leave work early on a Friday.
“Amazing” is another one. It’s supposed to mean "to cause great wonder or astonishment". Yet, no one will blink an eye, or more pertinently, ask you what happened if you tell them you had an amazing chicken salad for lunch.
This is all good and well if everyone knows the new meanings and uses the words in the same way of course. Which brings me to my point this week…
These days I’m a big believer in building human relationships, mending rifts between the sexes and striving for harmony in general. Which is why I want to make a public service announcement right here in black on white:
“FINE” IS NOT A COMPLIMENT. AND YOU SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO USE IT AS SUCH.
It is all very well that the word originally meant satisfactory or pleasing, but any woman can tell you that saying “Fine” in response to “How do I look?” is a deeply and incredibly stupid thing to do.
No one wants to look fine. Unless it’s with a long “I”. As in “damn, girl, you fiiiiiiiiiiiiine”.
There are literally dozens of other adjectives you can use that can denote a wide, nuanced variety of positivity in your response.
Fine is not one of them.
And while I’m at it, when you ask her how she is, hours later after the dragon fire has died down, and she says “I’m fine”, that’s probably not meant positively either.
13:24 25/06/2015
You know when people use the word “literally” when they mean “figuratively” and then you get all snooty and tell them they literally don’t know what literally means?
Well the joke’s on you, ma’am.
Since the incorrect usage of “literally” was so widespread, The Oxford English Dictionary officially changed the meaning of literally to include both definitions. In 2011 already. So while literally still means in a literal sense as in: “Advanced Ebola symptoms include literally bleeding from the eyes” it also officially means in a figurative sense as in: “The last Game of Thrones episode literally made my eyes bleed.”
So literally can literally mean figuratively these days.
While this might be an acrid pill to swallow for the staunch upholders of English grammar, I actually think it’s pretty cool. Languages evolve through time and usage and the only languages that do not change are the dead ones. Besides, there are many other words that we use daily that didn’t originally mean what they mean in today’s usage.
“Awesome” is a great example. It used to mean inspiring awe or terror. A natural disaster or a god would be awesome. Not a night out with friends, or getting to leave work early on a Friday.
“Amazing” is another one. It’s supposed to mean "to cause great wonder or astonishment". Yet, no one will blink an eye, or more pertinently, ask you what happened if you tell them you had an amazing chicken salad for lunch.
This is all good and well if everyone knows the new meanings and uses the words in the same way of course. Which brings me to my point this week…
These days I’m a big believer in building human relationships, mending rifts between the sexes and striving for harmony in general. Which is why I want to make a public service announcement right here in black on white:
“FINE” IS NOT A COMPLIMENT. AND YOU SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO USE IT AS SUCH.
It is all very well that the word originally meant satisfactory or pleasing, but any woman can tell you that saying “Fine” in response to “How do I look?” is a deeply and incredibly stupid thing to do.
No one wants to look fine. Unless it’s with a long “I”. As in “damn, girl, you fiiiiiiiiiiiiine”.
There are literally dozens of other adjectives you can use that can denote a wide, nuanced variety of positivity in your response.
Fine is not one of them.
And while I’m at it, when you ask her how she is, hours later after the dragon fire has died down, and she says “I’m fine”, that’s probably not meant positively either.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)