# the dearth of knowledge that we are suffering from
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447
**Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports
**Created:** [May 23, 2010, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447 "2010-05-23T10:26:15Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 5
### Author:  [@Klaus\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaus_K)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/81 "2010-06-09T11:27:43Z")
I just can’t get enough of 'em.
Somewhat surreal thread though 😕
---
### Author:  [@alindallas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alindallas)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/82 "2010-06-09T11:33:36Z")
Hey Pallin, is this the first time you ever tried to tell an Englishman or an American how to speak correctly? Good grief!!! The only way to SPEAK English correctly is to memorize ( memorise, in London) every idiom and colloquialism for the region of the person to who(m) you are speaking. Otherwise you just sound like a foreigner. Sorry, dude, but it IS like that.
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### Author:  [@Klaus\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaus_K)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/83 "2010-06-09T11:41:12Z")
He/she (it?) responds to [this](http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/458936/the_war_between_breast_feeding_and.html) article on breast feeding.
I quote: “The composition of breast milk makes us human”.
Seems to be common theme: breast milk, kids, humanity and psychology.
More to this than meets the eye, methinks. :dubious:
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### Author:  [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/84 "2010-06-09T11:57:11Z")
> [@JJohanPallen](#):
>
> ```
> "Humane: you keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means".
>
> ```
>
> I am asserting that you are a liar.
So, what do **you** think the word “humane” means? You might want to check a dictionary or two before you answer.
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### Author:  [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/85 "2010-06-09T12:03:44Z")
It seems the English language isn’t the only thing he has interesting ideas about. He also doesn’t believe you can have [fractional percentages](http://uk.messages.finance.yahoo.com/Your_Money/threadview?m=mm&bn=UKF-Property&tid=47452&mid=47459&tof=8&rt=2&frt=2&off=1) of anything.
---
### Author:  [@JJohanPallen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JJohanPallen)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/86 "2010-06-09T13:13:19Z")
> [@Canadjun](#):
>
> It seems the English language isn’t the only thing he has interesting ideas about. He also doesn’t believe you can have [fractional percentages](http://uk.messages.finance.yahoo.com/Your_Money/threadview?m=mm&bn=UKF-Property&tid=47452&mid=47459&tof=8&rt=2&frt=2&off=1) of anything.
To Mr. Canadjun,
I am deducing from your comments that you have zero intention of engaging either my intellect or my humanity.
Is this deduction of mine about your intention accurate?.
Are you willing to replace your insults, your innuendo and your indictment with your money?.
Are you aware that I am engaged in an academic debate with Mr. Cecil Adams?.
J. Johan Pallen.
---
### Author:  [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/87 "2010-06-09T13:21:31Z")
> [@BestWifeEver](#):
>
> When I first glanced at the OP I thought it was a goofy grammar/computer program mash-up…kept looking for the ‘goto’ and ‘end’. 😛
>
> BTW, did anyone else get White Zombie’s _More Human Than Human_ stuck in their head while reading this thread?
White Zombie is the epitome of suck! :eek:☹
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### Author:  [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/88 "2010-06-09T13:27:55Z")
> [@Klaus\_K](#):
>
> **Title:** I love uncountable nouns
>
> **Post Body:** I just can’t get enough of 'em.
An _ **infinity** _ of _ **uncountable nouns!** _ Yaaaay! 😃
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### Author:  [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/89 "2010-06-09T13:34:40Z")
> [@JJohanPallen](#):
>
> …
> Are you aware that I am engaged in an academic debate with Mr. Cecil Adams?.
That might be your intent, but since The Perfect Master [AKA Cecil Adams] has not shown up in this thread, it would seem that you, in fact, are **not** engaged in an academic debate with **Him** (PBUH), but rather, with the rest of the rabble that worships at **His** feet. :rolleyes:
---
### Author:  [@JJohanPallen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JJohanPallen)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/90 "2010-06-09T13:36:38Z")
> [@Klaus\_K](#):
>
> He/she (it?) responds to [this](http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/458936/the_war_between_breast_feeding_and.html) article on breast feeding.
>
> I quote: “The composition of breast milk makes us human”.
>
> Seems to be common theme: breast milk, kids, humanity and psychology.
>
> More to this than meets the eye, methinks. :dubious:
To Mr. Klaus\_K,
I commend you on your having identified the theme of my scripts.
I am human. I am exhibiting a biological urge to protect my humanity.
This is all that there is to my scripts.
J. Johan Pallen.
---
### Author:  [@JJohanPallen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JJohanPallen)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/91 "2010-06-09T13:42:15Z")
> [@Canadjun](#):
>
> So, what do **you** think the word “humane” means? You might want to check a dictionary or two before you answer.
To Mr. Canadjun,
I believe that your advice is a wholesome piece of advice.
Why are you not taking it?.
I am deducing from your comments that you have zero intention of engaging either my intellect or my humanity.
Is this deduction of mine about your intention accurate?.
Are you willing to replace your insults, your innuendo and your indictment with your money?.
Are you aware that I am engaged in an academic debate with Mr. Cecil Adams?.
J. Johan Pallen.
---
### Author:  [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/92 "2010-06-09T14:05:50Z")
You are not engaged in an academic debate with Cecil Adams. He’s in all likelihood not even reading your posts. If you want to ask him a question, go back to the Straight Dope front page and click on “Ask the Master.” If he finds your question interesting, he might answer it. Continuing to post here will get you nowhere.
---
### Author:  [@JJohanPallen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JJohanPallen)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/93 "2010-06-09T14:14:50Z")
> [@Cheshire\_Human](#):
>
> That might be your intent, but since The Perfect Master [AKA Cecil Adams] has not shown up in this thread, it would seem that you, in fact, are **not** engaged in an academic debate with **Him** (PBUH), but rather, with the rest of the rabble that worships at **His** feet. :rolleyes:
To Mr. Cheshire Human,
I apologise for my having mistaken your place of worship for a forum for academic discussion (a venue for the exhibiting of humanity at).
I was not aware that religion was being practiced here at the “straight dope” web site.
I am aware of the value fairness.
If I am not willing to worship your master, I must abstain from doing my duty on your territory.
I am removing myself from the sphere of your master’s influence.
I wish you everything that you wish for.
J. Johan Pallen.
---
### Author:  [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/94 "2010-06-09T14:58:24Z")
If you do your duty on this territory, you had better clear it up afterwards!
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### Author:  [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/95 "2010-06-09T15:25:08Z")
> [@JJohanPallen](#):
>
> > [@Cheshire\_Human](#):
> >
> > That might be your intent, but since The Perfect Master [AKA Cecil Adams] has not shown up in this thread, it would seem that you, in fact, are **not** engaged in an academic debate with **Him** (PBUH), but rather, with the rest of the rabble that worships at **His** feet. :rolleyes:
>
> To Mr. Cheshire Human,
> I apologise for my having mistaken your place of worship for a forum for academic discussion (a venue for the exhibiting of humanity at).
> I was not aware that religion was being practiced here at the “straight dope” web site.
My very dear Mr Pallen
You won’t get very far with your studies of the English language unless you start recognising the use of:
(1) [Metaphor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor), and
(2) [Irony](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony)
(None of us have actually seen Cecil Adams’ feet, let alone got close enough to actually perform religious rituals in their near vicinity.)
---
### Author:  [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/96 "2010-06-09T15:47:56Z")
Piddle on Cecil. He is the mere Perfect Master. I, on the other hand, am the Pluperfect Master.
> [@](#):
>
> 1. more than perfect: He spoke the language with pluperfect precision.
If you want to duel, do so with someone of your strength. Pick your dictionary. (Current definitions only, of course. No obsolete or historical usages.)
We’ll start at ten paces, the traditional dueling distance. Then after each round we will approach a fractional percentage of the distance toward one another.
You may pick your second. I am allergic to anims so I would prefer that you stick to those who are humane. I will accept robotos, alienis, androods, and socko puppetus.
---
### Author:  [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/97 "2010-06-09T15:52:50Z")
> [@JJohanPallen](#):
>
> To Mr. Klaus\_K,
> I commend you on your having identified the theme of my scripts.
> I am human. I am **exhibiting a biological urge** to protect my humanity.
> This is all that there is to my scripts.
>
> J. Johan Pallen.
I would have guessed that it was a biological urge to suck tit. I could be wrong. 🙂
---
### Author:  [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/98 "2010-06-09T15:56:15Z")
> [@JJohanPallen](#):
>
> To Mr. Cheshire Human,
> I apologise for my having mistaken your place of worship for a forum for academic discussion…
That was a _ **joke** _, son. Stop biting my ankles! Grandma _ **knows** _ how to suck eggs! 😃
---
### Author:  [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/99 "2010-06-09T16:05:22Z")
> [@Giles](#):
>
> My very dear Mr Pallen
>
> You won’t get very far with your studies of the English language unless you start recognising the use of:
> (1) [Metaphor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor), and
> (2) [Irony](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony)
> (None of us have actually seen Cecil Adams’ feet, let alone got close enough to actually perform religious rituals in their near vicinity.)
WHAT! Was I doing “metaphore” and “irony”? I feel so “dirty”! _ **Perfect Master** _, come and wash me!
---
### Author:  [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2010, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dearth-of-knowledge-that-we-are-suffering-from/540447/100 "2010-06-09T16:59:07Z")
> [@JJohanPallen](#):
>
> To Mr. Canadjun,
> I believe that your advice is a wholesome piece of advice.
> Why are you not taking it?.
> I am deducing from your comments that you have zero intention of engaging either my intellect or my humanity.
> Is this deduction of mine about your intention accurate?.
>
> Are you willing to replace your insults, your innuendo and your indictment with your money?.
>
> Are you aware that I am engaged in an academic debate with Mr. Cecil Adams?.
How about answering the question? Repeating what I said before - So, what do \*\*you \*\*think the word “humane” means? You might want to check a dictionary or two before you answer.
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