Comments on: Crockett: JFK did not misspeak

By: Ed H

Ed H — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:34:15 +0000

One of the most widespread riddles in the world:

Q. What do you call a person who speaks three languages?
A. Trilingual.

Q. What do you call a person who speaks two languages?
A. Bilingual.

Q. What do you call a person who speaks only one language?
A. American.

By: Bill Bestpitch

Bill Bestpitch — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:21:06 +0000

Missed this thread due to being out of town over the holiday. Being somewhat fluent in English and knowing a little German, I'm always surprised at the gyrations self-proclaimed experts go through trying to explain this mistake. The simple English equivalent is the difference between saying, "I am a Danish," or "I am Danish."

By: The Professor

The Professor — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:45:32 +0000

You're fine, Pammala. Some people will argue if you say the sky is blue.

By: Sandi Saunders

Sandi Saunders — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:55:53 +0000

Perhaps "so" is an adequate response and not seen as "snarky" in some realms, I will grant you that. But I was asking you the question to better understand IF that was what you meant and to offer you the opportunity to explain why it was not "snarky". That I "always jump to the wrong conclusion" is your opinion and not, in my experience the correct one. No, your reply was indeed expected and therefore not "a freekin crime", simply a confirmation. Yes, I freely admit there is much I do not tolerate.

By: Ed H

Ed H — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:33:16 +0000

I haven't heard the one about the "overload button".

There was a spectacular mishap with Jimmy Carter in Warsaw. In his opening speech, he said something to the effect, "When I left the United States to come here, it was with the hope of helping the Polish people achieve their desires for the future...."

His interpreter put it in Polish as: "When I deserted the United States... their sexual lusts for the future...."

The Polish president and prime minister were caught on camera turning their eyes sideways to look at each other, deadpan. Later, Carter was seen talking to the interpreter who was described as "frozen in fear". A commentator remarked "The Poles are telling American jokes tonight."

By: Ed H

Ed H — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:24:28 +0000

How does someone else doing the same thing you do -- stating their opinion -- make them "intolerant"?

By: pammala

pammala — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:00:18 +0000

it wasnt meant as SNARKY, sandi, why do you always jump to the wrong conclusion...all I said was I wasnt interested in the article and so stated my opinion...'so'...is that a freekin crime now my god you are the intolerant one..and yes, ,I did not think it was that big a deal but rather an honest mistake, SO?"??

By: Kristen

Kristen — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:33:22 +0000

I think Kennedy spoke in Berlin in 1962 or thereabouts. In the almost 40 years since then, the "I am a jelly donut" business has been more than adequately covered.

By: Ed S.

Ed S. — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:47:45 +0000

How long ago did that happen? If we wanted to nitpick over language, why not the humorous incident where Sec'y of State Clinton handed the Russians the "overload" button.

It's not like we had lunch with the Pope then called him the "dog's bollocks".

By: Kristen

Kristen — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:19:08 +0000

I think I first heard the "I am a jelly donut" comment when I was about 5. Many years ago. I couldn't tell if the Zweifels thought they were breaking new ground or not.