misinterpreting bad punctuation since 2005
A few months ago I had the delightful experience of a recorded conversation with Kyle and Emily from the language podcast Butter No Parsnips. It was initially a bonus episode for their patreon feed, but it has been UNLOCKED for everyone today! Want to hear about the internet of the Y2K era and more about quotation marks and what people think they are for? Well have I got the episode for you.…
We made it to Friday! In my house, this means my 3 year old will be singing a classic Rebecca Black jam that I mostly don't regret exposing her to. This picture from Fred seems a bit on the nose, but if you want to tell people you're a bar for sad alcoholics who am I to stand in your way. Tom sent me this label from a guitar that was, it seems, inspired by a John Lennon impersonator Now that I…
Hello, it's Thursday! Sarah sent me this one, which has me all in my feelings about the illusion of privacy. "Thank You" This next one is from Mike and has me wondering exactly what kind of "service" they are offering. Stacey sent me this one. Look for the "green button" that isn't a green button. Probably not the one with all the arrows? Am I overthinking this? One button always tells the truth…
First picture for today is this one from Brooks. There's some kind of a winking situation going on, but I don't know who it is for. Maybe you can actually get away with a $51 purchase? Next one is from Todd. I mean, if you really think about it, what even are food categories anyway. All signs are arbitrary. Steve sent me this next one. I guess they wanted to say terrible stinks but decided it…
It's Tuesday, apparently. What even are days anymore? Anyway, here's some toilet seat cover packaging that I think is telling me to flush myself down the toilet? But not seriously, which is a relief. Thanks for sending it Matt. Nathan sent me this truck which seems to be a bit of a tease. Riley sent me this one. If they mean it about pretend Peru, I'm wondering if I can do it while social…
Ok another day another post with a few mystifying quotation marks. The first one was sent by Drew. Not sure how to "let them know" but I know one thing, the manager is not the one who will be taking care of it. This one is even more of a blast from the past than most, it was taken in Las Vegas in 1980. I mean, if you can have a simulated steak house, I feel like Vegas is the place it would be.…
Ok, absolutely no promises about the long term, but I feel like people wouldn't mind something silly to look at. Remember when the internet was mostly ridiculous stuff instead of terrible news that makes me feel despondent? Here's some pictures of signs with a questionable use of quotation marks. People emailed them to me in 2014. Let's go! A store offering marginally stale flowers, sent by…
I started a new thing where I relay my husband's strong opinions about consumer products. It's called Justin's Opinions . So far there are posts about coffee-making, baby transporting, and miscellaneous kitchen items. It's meant to be entertaining but also a place to look for people considering a purchase or thinking about how to make better coffee or what to put on a baby registry. Maybe you'll…
(thanks to Jared for the above image) I guess I need to come to terms with the reality that I no longer update this blog. This has happened for a few reasons: 1) I took on more responsibility and got busier in other parts of my life, including my (ahem) "real" job and more volunteer responsibility at my church. 2) the value of ads-per-traffic seems to be dropping and has for some time, as well as…
Submitter Jeroen explains,"The photo was taken in Cusco, Peru during local election time. Aparently Mr. Santiago wants to become mayor and (then will) also be 'your friend'."
I promise I will get back to the funny punctuation pics soon, but I wanted to congratulate my friend Branden Johnson on the publication of his first novel, Heaven's Forgotten today. I've read part of it already and I can tell you that the writing is compelling and fast-paced and the characters are intriguing. If you're looking for a good work of speculative fiction, I recommend it.
I assume this is some kind of spy code? Thanks Emma.
This rope is clearly decorative. Thanks Joel.
I mean, I guess they are still, like, fermented? Maybe not, maybe it's just a pool of milk. Thanks Jake.
So wait, is "the attorney" his fight name, or is he actually an attorney? Thanks Andy.
I found the nutra-sweet, guys. Thanks Melissa.
I don't know if you should encourage people to trick their friends like this. Thanks Ben.
Maybe these folks are pointing out that our notion of authenticity itself is culturally constructed? Thanks Rick.
This sounds like my kind of holiday, but maybe the quotation marks mean the opposite of that? Thanks Kathleen.
I guess there's no such thing as a free pisco tasting. Thanks Justin.
This is all part of a complicated code, clearly. Thanks Matt.
Does this mean, like, metaphorical dogs? Like somebody's ex-boyfriend? Thanks wavking.
I assume this means they want you miming blasting a trumpet right outside, right? Thanks Jennifer.
Actually.... it's cool cats. Thanks Kimberly.
I mean, obviously you need to use an assumed name to do inspections. Duh. Thanks Michelle.