PRETTY MUCH: "Absolutely"

TERMS / JARGON THAT SHOULD CARRY TERRIBLE PENALTIES IF USED:

• ABSOLUTELY
• folks
• at the end of the day
• pretty much
• fabulous
• whatever
• cool (died in the 60's)
  
• ums and aahs (CBC Radio Hosts are getting worse)
  

Today, keep your ears open and simply listen to how many times those around you use the word: "absolutely". Even on CBC Radio? Pitty!

After a while it will drive you crazy. Expecially when you know that "pretty much" of the time it is used in the wrong context and utilized by mere habit of trying to fit in and be cool.

Do you know who makes them keep on saying to jargon words and terms? Advertisers. Yes, those business people whose job it is to make sure you pay attention to their ads on TV and radio...How is the best way, by making funny ads and using popular "junk" words and phrases that are ever-so-popular.

Am a right?

"Pretty much" or "Absolutely" you dare say? (do not forget to count em today)

It was not that long ago that the masses were using the jargon phrase for almost everything: pretty much. But after a while that began to sound somewhat whimpish and now the worn-out trend is to use the term "absolutely" for everything under the sun, moon, and stars.

Oh yes, "folks" (another one I can do without), do not forget that one that us used by ALL EXPERTS ALIVE: "...at the end of the day...". Give us a break PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! We believe you are intelligent; so, please stop advertising the fact by trying to sound "pretty much" or "absolutely" like the last expert before you.

"The firm, a branch of staffing agency Robert Half International Inc., recently polled 250 advertising and marketing executives about phrases that might have seemed clever back in the day, but are stale and annoying now." Globe and Mail

Here are some of the things "they" say to avoid:
“Paradigm shift,” grates on the executives' nerves, as does “critical mass.”

When words and phrases become overused, “they can lose their impact and appear clichéd,” said Dave Willmer, executive director of The Creative Group.

“Direct, concrete statements typically are the most powerful and persuasive. When professionals find their communications laden with buzzwords, they should consider how they might convey their thoughts more clearly,”

So, please, do us all a favour and LOSE THE JARGON and don't be cool LOL...Oh, and yes, I almost forgot one: FABULOUS. Please, please, please, lose that one. It sounds "like", well know you, pretty much absolutely horrible. [cartoon credit]

Rhetorical War With a Trucker

Here is another "LETTER TO THE EDITOR" in the Sarnia Observer newspaper. I had to follow-up on the comments made and comments omitted by the Trucker:

Take our highways back from truckers
Editorial - Tuesday, January 09, 2007 Updated @ 4:12:47 PM

Sir: Re: Letter to the editor from Inwood trucker Roger Bahro ("Report bad drivers when you see them," The Observer, Dec. 23, 2006), replying to my letter of Dec. 15, 2006 ("Regulate the speed of transport trucks")

As Roger points out, "The State of Michigan has changed their speed limit for trucks from 55 mph to 60 mph." Roger failed to mention that speed is 10 miles-per-hour less than auto traffic who can legally travel at 70 mph.

This keeps the truckers well below the speed of other vehicles and in the righthand lane. This is a much safer method of moving traffic on heavily travelled highways. It also keeps the truckers from cutting out and cutting off other vehicles and blocking the passing lanes, especially on hills.

Sarnia-Lambton MPP Caroline Di Cocco responded to my initial letter of complaint concerning speeding truckers:

"Dear Gregory West:

Thank you for taking time to provide your perspective on the issue of transport truck speeds. Yes, I travel regularly on the 401 and 402. And, yes, I too note the speed of trucks. The advice you provide is valuable and I will take the liberty to speak to the Minster of Transportation regarding your e-mail.

Your views and comments are appreciated.

Sincerely,

Caroline"

Maybe, someday, we will get back our highways from the truckers and have an enjoyable ride from Sarnia to Toronto and not have to endure the nightmarish journey facing one today.

Gregory West

RE: "Regulate Truck Speed on Ontario Highways"

Editor's Note: TOPIC: Trucks drive too fast and hog the passing lanes!

This is an ongoing issue/blog and a "Letter-to-the-Editor" in the Sarnia, Observer newspaper. Just in, an email from our Provincial MP who says she will personally speak with the Minister of Transport.

Caroline Di Cocco
MPP-CO

Dear Gregory West,

Thank you for taking time to provide your perspective on the issue of
transport truck speeds. Yes I travel regularly on the 401 and 402. And
yes I too note the speed of trucks. The advice you provide is valuable
and I will take the liberty to speak to the Minster of Transportation
regarding your email.

Your views and comments are appreciated.

Sincerely,
Caroline

BLOG LINKS:

Truckers too fast and dangerous.

Legislate truckers is the only way for safe highways.

NEWSPAPER LINK:

Sarnia Observer

So, sit back and watch the show. Does the "little guy" win for safer highways, or do the "big boys" dominate our elected officials? Safety first, I hope.