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Topic: Addy needs your help! (Non-native English and bilinguals especially!)
Subject: A study in fultility? Quebec and Bill 101
A bit of a digression, but cdn_flirt started to go there 
Canada has two official languages, and we make such a big deal of it that most non-Canadians think we all speak both. (I had a Russian friend think she had to learn French in order to get her citizenship...she was relieved when I told her that it wasn't true, but then I tried to tell her that Inuit language skills were required )
In reality, there may be pockets of francophones throughout Canada (particularly the north), but most French speakers are in Quebec and New Brunswick. Quebec has been actively been trying to preserve French by pretty much outlawing English, but my Quebec colleagues use English for pretty much everything. There are French words for most technical terms, but the English ones get used in conversation. Anything written for public consumption, however, must be in French or the publisher faces hefty fines. Maybe Quebec would have been less French by now if they hadn't taken such measures, but I heard just as much French in New Brunswick last summer. My grandmother, in fact, didn't speak much English (despite having to learn it in school) until she met a cute dairy farmer from Ontario during WW2
It's probably not a serious enough source for a university paper, but I really enjoyed The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson. It traces the evolution of English and its spread throughout the world. Part of the reason English has so many different words for the same thing is because it "borrows" words from other languages.
Posted on 2008-03-12 at 21:47:48.
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Topic: In Memoriam [Recruitment]
Subject: Memorial
The Briant household isn't getting much D&D accomplished these days, what with our new level 0 human to feed, diaper, bathe and cuddle.
Perhaps we'll share gaming stories with our kids over a big bowl of Cheetohs and endless cans of Mountain Dew
Posted on 2008-03-06 at 22:14:57.
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Topic: Voyages of Rocinante - Serenity/Firefly RPG
Subject: Ditch digging in a kimono
When the captain didn’t immediately agree with her assessment, Willow wasn’t offended. Sung liked to ruminate awhile if he had the chance, and it was sometimes best to simply plant a seed and let it grow. When he turned to Fenris and asked about the schoolmarm, Willow could have smacked herself with her fan for being dense.
“Honestly Cap’n most of what I know of her is maybe gossip and rumors she's JW's fiancée make no mistake but he travels off world a lot, and there’s talk that she's got a wandering eye. But trustworthy….” Fenris paused before continuing.
“No I think we need to do as Miss Willow says and not trust her too far. Sorry I can’t help ya more Cap’n but I never got close enough to her know her that well.”
“But I like gossip and rumours, Mr. Wolf!” Willow interjected playfully, though her meaning was serious. “Is Brigit from here or somewhere else? Has she always been JW’s woman, or did she work her way up the food chain? Details, my dear, details!”
Posted on 2008-03-06 at 13:38:05.
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Topic: Voyages of the Rocinante - Firefly RPG QnA
Subject: Hurt You Badly?
No way...have no intention of being a single mom  I'll settle for gentle reminders (nagging)
As to money, I'd imagine that there's a certain amount of discretion afforded to the financial transactions of Companions. Not untraceable, per se, but not immediately accessible to every low level Alliance snoop. Since Willow's relationship with the Comapnion Guild is still cordial, perhaps she wasn't required to move her account (all the better to ensure she didn't accept new clients?)
Let me know.
Posted on 2008-03-06 at 13:22:02.
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Topic: Where I've been
Subject: Our Condolences
The passing of a beloved elder is always hard on us. Our heritage, our shared past, our roots are in their memories, and once they are gone, we only have our own wisdom to guide us.
I was lucky to have known all of my grandparents, and my grandmother is still with us. We count ourselves fortunate to have her watching over a fourth generation of babies.
Celebrate your grandfather's life, and accept a virtual hug from the Briants.
PS> I was just re-reading your post and your comment about not knowing about your grandfather's acheivements reminded me how much I didn't know about my own grandparents. That generation lived through some horrendous times, made great personal sacrifices for family and country, and very rarely spoke about it, just quietly getting it done. Contrast that to today where the minutae of life is endlessly blogged.... wow.
Posted on 2008-03-05 at 17:46:58.
Edited on 2008-03-05 at 17:51:35 by Vanadia
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Topic: Question for the Canadians
Subject: Another clarification
Someone asked if someone would be denied care because of their age. The answer, for the most part, is no, but in the case of transplants, there is criteria to determine where you would be on the wait list. That has nothing to do with the government and more to do with the association that administers the organ donation and transplant program. Organs are in short supply, so they go to those with the greatest chance of transplant success.
I am not a medical professional, so I am no expert, but my mom was a registered nurse and a nursing home administator for many years. Due to some circumstances in our family, we've seen the inside of hospitals and long term care facilities more than we'd like.
Posted on 2008-03-04 at 13:52:03.
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Topic: Question for the Canadians
Subject: Critical difference
You have insurance through your employer or you've bought into a plan for individuals. Here, everyone has basic medical coverage for most procedures (cosmetic procedures and electivesurgery typically excluded), regardless of age or employment status.
Employers do offer extended benefits (paying the difference between a ward bed and a private room in the hospital, for example) and dental coverage, which is not part of our health care programs.
I guess you really have to ask yourself, do you feel responsible for the working poor and the less fortunate of your country? Do you want to be sure they get the basic right of health care? Do you want the assurance that should you suddenly find yourself unemployed, you can still see a doctor? (I think this is why it gets labelled as a "socialist" program, which is not the dirty word the US politicians would have you believe )
In another thread, I griped about Canadian taxes, but I don't begrudge the money going to the health care system. It's got some problems, but for the most part, it works.
Posted on 2008-03-04 at 13:36:30.
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Topic: Question for the Canadians
Subject: Clarification...
You do make appointments, as long as you are seeing a family doctor or specialist. If you're going to a clinic, though, you wait. No matter which, you don't get presented with a bill at the end
Another pro: People do go for regular checkups, vaccinations and tests because they are "free", so problems are prevented or detected early. This is critical for early childhood development and the long term management for diseases such as diabetes.
The big con: A shrinking tax base is shouldering the medical costs of an ageing population, and treatments are getting more expensive, not less. Long term health care (i.e, homes for the aged) will be the next crisis.
Posted on 2008-03-03 at 21:37:59.
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Topic: GiGi's Triumphant Return Celebrated Across All 'Verses
Subject: Get some rest
If you don't have your health, nothing else matters...we'll be here when you are ready!
Posted on 2008-03-03 at 12:27:01.
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Topic: A Literary Review Thread
Subject: Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay
I was a little disappointed, as it didn't sweep me up as much as his previous works (especially Tigana or the Lions of Al-Rassan), but still very satisfying.
It's the story of a young teen vacationing in Provence, when he gets swept up in a story that has its beginnings in ancient times.
Posted on 2008-02-26 at 21:10:19.
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Topic: Voyages of Rocinante - Serenity/Firefly RPG
Subject: A wee bit abrupt, no?
Willow recognized the look on the young boy near the door as the hunger that puberty awoke and only love could assuage. She wasn’t offended by his open appraisal, rather, it was refreshingly honest, and oh so achingly young. Being contracted for a client’s first time was always so sweet, and ever so rewarding….
Wyatt introduced the crew and the teacher gave him an assessing look, one a Companion would use, but be better at hiding. She’d either had some training (not getting as far as Willow had) or she traded horses. Out here in the middle of nowhere, Willow mused, it could be both.
“….have to talk to these gentlemen, so that will be all for today. Off now to do your chores and mind your parents,” Brigit said, and Willow noted that she herself was excluded from the conversation. Well, she’d set herself up as ornamentation, so ornamental she’d be, all the better to concentrate without carrying her end of the conversation.
As the kids drifted out, gathering books and toys and the assorted detritus of childhood, the teen boy paused to give Willow his best smoldering look (she figured he practiced in the mirror at night.) Willow kept her expression demure, but slowly dipped one eyelid in a wink, lashes brushing her cheek like a dancer’s fan, and turned away before the boy’s expression could make her giggle. She knew she’d be resident in someone’s dreams for the next few nights at least.
The woman went on to discuss, charmingly, the containers, and tried to charm information out of Fenris…which, of course, he wouldn’t have. The captain intervened and explained, rather abruptly, that he wanted to be paid and leave, causing Willow to sigh a little behind her fan. As much as she’d tried to guide Sung into understanding that you couldn’t just stampede to close the deal without a little foreplay, he just wasn’t willing to invest the time and effort.
Brigit was more gracious than could be expected, noting that she’d have to arrange for a bank transfer and would send Bailey over for the cartons. With that, Sung took his leave, elbow out for Willow to take daintily.
Walking back to the ship, Willow leaned her head close to Sung’s, as if to snuggle. “That one’s more than she appears to be,” Willow murmured, her expression soft for any watchers,” and less, too. Best make sure we get full payment before a single container leaves the ship, Captain-San.”
Posted on 2008-02-26 at 21:05:39.
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Topic: A Cold Day in Hell
Subject: Getting ready to haul goth butt
This was why Charlie would never get much more of an honorary rank. Well, maybe the occasional cyber misdemeanor and her habit of alienating the chain of command were the real barriers to success, but when it came to managing people, Charlie preferred computers. Faced with a decision on personnel, she’d debate both sides endlessly.
Yes, the base soldiers were tired and more than a little twitchy. Yes, they were confused about some details, and being strangers, unknown values to add to the group equation. Getting shot by your own team member? Null that!
On the other hand, they WERE soldiers, not yeti or deathbots, so probably on the right side of things. They also knew the base better than the team would, and could save a lot of time.
Nuts, Charlie, the looey’s decided and you don’t argue well. It always becomes a fight, and then you get mad, and change stuff in their military record, then feel bad for days! Leave it alone, chicka!
Charlie spit out the fingernail bit she’d chewed off while thinking and set her pack down in the “base camp”. She pulled out the sleeping gear and other non-essentials and made sure that her laptop and ESOD were immediately at hand. Securing her pack and ammo clips, the CWO approached the two soldiers after Inga completed her assessment.
“At ease, dudes. I’ll be playing Bill Nye the Science Guy once we hit the lab, so I need any skinny you can give me. What was Giles up to, here?”
Posted on 2008-02-25 at 19:03:51.
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Topic: Curse of the Tax Season
Subject: Won't touch US politics!
As an outsider, I figure I don't have the right to comment. On the matter of taxes, I just received my T4 slip, which is what your Canadian employer sends you so you can file a return. My income tax is 27% of my income, plus I have mandatory contributions to Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan. Oh, and let's not forget 13% sales tax on anything I buy, property tax on the house, and gas prices that are more tax than anything else. Oh, and if I were to work in the US too much (some of you know how much I travel), I'd end up paying US income tax, too!
I guess I am grateful that I get to keep any of it 
Posted on 2008-02-25 at 13:27:17.
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Topic: Continuing Where We Last Left Off Q&A
Subject: Woot - most of us are back!
Glad to see the posts!
question to the DM: we are in a combat round? Since the last DM post, I've recovered from being stunned, drunk a potion, heard from Char about the invisible mages and been grabbed by Kilgim. I'm guessing that I don't have time in the round to do anything? Please let me know.
Posted on 2008-02-21 at 12:43:26.
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Topic: Continuing Where We Last Left Off Q&A
Subject: LOL at Raven's post
Dapple's being manhandled (or is that dwarf-handled?) Gotta work out how she's going to react to that!
A psychopathic teen boy is not a love interest the dwarf would go for, I'd think
Posted on 2008-02-18 at 15:48:45.
Edited on 2008-02-18 at 15:50:08 by Vanadia
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Topic: Voyages of the Rocinante - Firefly RPG QnA
Subject: A bit of drama
...he means his absence....
Posted on 2008-02-18 at 04:10:07.
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Topic: The Guiding Light
Subject: Decision
A bladesinger’s skill was not solely within their mastery of the blade, rather their defensive capabilities in battle allowed them to wear mere leather against more heavily armoured foes. To succeed at this, a megilindar learned to read the most subtle cues of body language, anticipating blows and stances almost before the opponent had committed to them.
Common was still difficult at times for En’Aranthea , but faces, head positions and arms were a conversation she understood readily. Varuna and Vallendara wavered in self doubt, which could cripple them in a crisis. The bladesinger had to lead them firmly, bolstering their confidence with her own.
“We should get moving, Varuna,” she began crisply, rearranging her sword and pack for another trek in the bog. “We do not want to be away too long with our night assault before us. We’ll give ourselves two hours to search for the sla’kar, and two hours for our return. (Note to DM – intention is to return to camp before dusk, but will shorten the times if we are later in the day already) Tal’Anor, Vallendara, work on refining our plan for the attack, working in where and when Vallendara may use her magic, and when she and Varuna must retreat away from melee. I have no wish to blunder into a spell meant for the pirates. “
When Varuna signals his readiness, the bladesinger heads out of camp, making widening half circles away from their position in the bog (avoiding the pirates’ positions).
Posted on 2008-02-17 at 13:44:40.
Edited on 2008-02-18 at 04:12:42 by Vanadia
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Topic: The Guiding Light Q&A
Subject: Hmmm this is why it's hard to be a leader, I guess
I am trying hard to not assign myself all the tasks, and leaving everyone behind, but Varuna and Ena were the ones to speak with the sla'kar before. Promise me you won't think of me as a glory hound, folks?
Posted on 2008-02-17 at 13:22:43.
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Topic: A Cold Day in Hell Q&A
Subject: And if we are splitting up...
I am not going with Scooby and Shaggy! They always find the monsters!
Posted on 2008-02-14 at 17:16:36.
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Topic: Happy Valentine's Day!!
Subject: Same for my baby sister
She wanted Valentine's day but it was booked solid. They were married on the 7th, so celebrated Vday on their honeymoon. They just celebrated their 10th anniversary, and my other sister just got engaged last weekend.
So it's official...the Parent girls are all taken 
Posted on 2008-02-14 at 17:04:51.
Edited on 2008-02-14 at 17:05:21 by Vanadia
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Topic: A Cold Day in Hell Q&A
Subject: me
I figured I'd be going rather than staying, and won't be on point...
And yes, good luck, Tann. Going back to school is one of my dreams, but can't find anything compatible with my travel. Oh, well, my mom got her master's in her fifties, so I guess I have time yet
Posted on 2008-02-14 at 16:56:44.
Edited on 2008-02-14 at 17:15:39 by Vanadia
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Topic: Happy Valentine's Day!!
Subject: Love the V-Day!
Alacrity and I had our first date on Valentine's Day, and several years later, he proposed on Valentine's Day, at the same restaurant.
The restaurant is long gone, but Al and I are stronger than ever. 
Posted on 2008-02-14 at 16:52:59.
Edited on 2008-02-14 at 17:00:45 by Vanadia
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Topic: A Cold Day in Hell
Subject: Response to Kernan
Charlie nodded an introduction to the tired soldiers and gave her best “smiling at strangers” smile. Maybe in their world without Rangers, she wasn’t so odd. Or perhaps they weren’t “so by the book they ate it” as Kane and she wouldn’t have problems with them.
Kernan requested a huddle and the CWO stepped aside to be out of easy hearing range. She listened closely to the LT’s summary, but one corner of her mouth slid up into a playful smirk at the “computer brain” reference.
“Naw, boss, I’m all original factory issue parts, like you. Ordinary wetware, no implants…that I know about,” she concluded, eyes widening at the thought. “I knew sleeping was a mistake - who the heck knows what them spooks will do while you sleep? “
“In any case,” she continued, blinking back to the here and now,” those soldiers may be loco, but this ain’t near normal, boss. The yetis were bad enough, but that robo-death guard wasn’t made by any super-power I know of, and I’ve snuck into the secrets of most that count. I’d be a little loco if faced with that all by my lonesome.”
“Quantum physics is the study of extremely small particles, and the ordinary rules of physics just don’t apply at that scale. It’s all organized chaos, and that’s what we have here, but without the organization. Best get me to the lab and I’ll see what I see. Hacks are an art, you really can’t plan too much ahead.”
Posted on 2008-02-13 at 14:01:45.
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Topic: A Cold Day in Hell Q&A
Subject: Will post later this am
Have to drive V to school...we just got another foot of snow and it's too slippery for her to walk.
Posted on 2008-02-13 at 12:02:58.
Edited on 2008-02-13 at 12:03:22 by Vanadia
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Topic: yet another movie thread...
Subject: lol
*hugs Ginafae back* I'm the fastest one hand typist around!
Posted on 2008-02-12 at 21:01:59.
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