Originally Posted by Sharkba1t (Post 14918022)

It's never the dogs - only the owners.

Originally Posted by Sharkba1t (Post 14917997)

and that annoys you? :lux:

Originally Posted by chateauferret (Post 14915268)

I know it appears in various dictionaries. Dictionaries are not manuals of good usage. The answer though is right there in the definition: "Used when the subject of the verb is 'they' used as a singular pronoun". The presence of a word in a dictionary does not imply that a particular usage of it is good, or that there even exists a good usage for it. It merely means that people use it with the meaning given. "Transportation" appears in dictionaries too but it is a horrible word that 90% of the time is used when "transport" will do fine.

"They" can't be used as a singular pronoun because it only agrees with plural nouns. People do use it but it feels to me so ugly, so contrived, so jarring as to make my teeth jangle. It's come about as a result of people not understanding their own language's grammar properly (partly because in English grammatical gender and natural gender usually coincide, although they do not always) and if it becomes part of the normal grammar, as it probably will, this and similar changes will in particular have the effect of making the language - a worldwide lingua franca, of course - harder to learn and use, not easier.

The sentence given as an example is ungrammatical. Fowler proscribes the usage and so does the Complete Plain Words (2014 edition). A singular "themself" was in use from 1400 down to about 1570 but this was considered the real plural version at the time and used to refer to plural nouns.

Originally Posted by Coastal Palace (Post 14917490)

A mate of mine didn't have very nice parents so left home when he was 16.
He rented a flat above an Indian restaurant and instead of cooking for himself, he used to have dinner at this restaurant every night after work.
He loved spicy hot food so had a phaal every night.
In the end, the manager told the waiters not to serve him as they feared for his stomach lining.
He still eats this crap to this day though.

Originally Posted by Olympian2 (Post 14919130)

The opening post on this thread has always slightly bugged me, albeit it doesn't annoy me per se.

The OP refers to 'Going to a petrol station which is disguised as a supermarket'. I think they mean 'Going to a supermarket which is disguised as a petrol station'.......

Originally Posted by Isle of Wight (Post 14919137)

Having something pointed out that you hadnt noticed, that will now irritate you everytime you see it.

Originally Posted by dannyb1 (Post 14919146)

The little bastard plastic ring with wheels in the microwave that aids the glass turning round.

Why the hell can it not be seated in a track? as mine doesn't sit flush in the middle always too far over.

Originally Posted by Stellavista (Post 14918014)

Happens everywhere. London streets littered with little black bags. If you're lucky, the considerate ones leave the gift in your bin. Too many f*cking dogs and Dickhead dog owners.

And while I'm at it, what is it with dog and cat owners referring to themselves as mummy or daddy? That's just weird.

Originally Posted by Leopald Stotch (Post 14919153)

A couple of months ago I was having my evening jog around Selsdon Woods. It was overcast, windy and started to rain, and as such the paths amongst the trees were much darker than on the average July day. At one point I noticed a bat heading in my direction. Having an illogical fear of anything small that flutters furiously (I was attacked by a psychotic Budgie on several occasions as a child) I performed my finest 'run the f*ck away' only to be concerned by it following me. Eventually as the wind died down the bat hit the floor and didn't move. Feeling courageous, I decided to venture over to see it, only to be confronted by an empty black dog poo bag that someone had tied a knot in the middle, giving the appearance of a small body and 2 wings. And yes, I did feel a complete tit!

Originally Posted by Leopald Stotch (Post 14919153)

A couple of months ago I was having my evening jog around Selsdon Woods. It was overcast, windy and started to rain, and as such the paths amongst the trees were much darker than on the average July day. At one point I noticed a bat heading in my direction. Having an illogical fear of anything small that flutters furiously (I was attacked by a psychotic Budgie on several occasions as a child) I performed my finest 'run the f*ck away' only to be concerned by it following me. Eventually as the wind died down the bat hit the floor and didn't move. Feeling courageous, I decided to venture over to see it, only to be confronted by an empty black dog poo bag that someone had tied a knot in the middle, giving the appearance of a small body and 2 wings. And yes, I did feel a complete tit!

Originally Posted by Prince Phillip (Post 14919322)

Putting their dog shit bags in public bins intended for crisp packets, coke cans and the like really isn’t as magnanimous a gesture as the dog owners like to think it is, either.

Originally Posted by Prince Phillip (Post 14919322)

Putting their dog shit bags in public bins intended for crisp packets, coke cans and the like really isn’t as magnanimous a gesture as the dog owners like to think it is, either.

Originally Posted by simplex (Post 14919595)

That the Reinheitsgebot isn't enforced throughout the EU...

Originally Posted by simplex (Post 14919595)

That the Reinheitsgebot isn't enforced throughout the EU...

Originally Posted by cranesparkeagle (Post 14919637)

Had 2 standoffs with female drivers who boneheadedly today attempted to force me to retreat between parked cars as ther was no way to pass. on each occasion they joined along roads after I was occupying the space and where they could easily have made room to pass. Why are people so bloody selfish

Originally Posted by Slimbloke'H' (Post 14919635)

Trolls bumping threads for a reaction...

Originally Posted by chrisophiex (Post 14919888)

Now they are doing a funny little grunt after slurping. That’s even more annoying because I know it’s coming after the slurp.

Originally Posted by Dave McGregor (Post 14919970)

People who clap when their plane lands!

Originally Posted by Dave McGregor (Post 14919970)

People who clap when their plane lands!

Originally Posted by Sick Bucket (Post 14920016)

I find that kind of endearing, The Spanish used to do it a lot, I'm sure it must be because they're not used to flying, so for them its a big deal landing safely.

:lux::lux::lux:

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14920025)

People who clap when a film in a cinema ends. The director and cast can’t hear you lads.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14920025)

People who clap when a film in a cinema ends. The director and cast can’t hear you lads.

Originally Posted by chrisophiex (Post 14920112)

I don’t mind that. It’s just emotion in a group setup.

Next you’ll be saying people who clap and shout for their team when watching football on TV :)

Originally Posted by ulysses (Post 14920257)

People who bite the cutlery when eating.

Originally Posted by Stellavista (Post 14920285)

Why the F**k do lawyers always have to mention that they're lawyers? Like vegans. F*cking dull.

Originally Posted by Stellavista (Post 14920285)

Why the F**k do lawyers always have to mention that they're lawyers? Like vegans. F*cking dull.

Originally Posted by Stellavista (Post 14920285)

Why the F**k do lawyers always have to mention that they're lawyers? Like vegans. F*cking dull.

Originally Posted by Dave McGregor (Post 14919970)

People who clap when their plane lands!

Originally Posted by GorBlimey (Post 14920337)

Ever been on a plane with a load of nuns landing in Ireland?


No clapping but I've never seen so many Rosary Beads and Signs of the Cross! :D

Originally Posted by Andy in Rome (Post 14920483)

Once caught a cheap charter flight into Rome - I was the only non-devout Irish Catholic person on board: it must have been a party on their way to see the Pope.

Weather wasn't the best, so it was a bumpy approach into Ciampino - which is renowned for its cross-winds anyway.

First and only time I've been on a plane where everyone except me was reciting - aloud - "Hail Mary, full of grace..." as we came in to land...

Originally Posted by little al (Post 14920464)

Greta Thunberg. Go to school you twat. I like the sunshine.

Originally Posted by Dave McGregor (Post 14919970)

People who clap when their plane lands!

Originally Posted by Bintang (Post 14920488)

Hope this is a joke.

Originally Posted by Bintang (Post 14920488)

Hope this is a joke.

Originally Posted by thefox (Post 14920485)

How did Mullery react ?

Originally Posted by Bintang (Post 14920488)

Hope this is a joke.

Originally Posted by Bintang (Post 14920488)

Hope this is a joke.

Originally Posted by little al (Post 14920578)

Nope, preaching to the wrong people, she should sail to China and see how she gets on there.

Originally Posted by Coastal Palace (Post 14917077)

Very attractive, no doubt, but about as interesting as Ben Shepherd.

Originally Posted by little al (Post 14920578)

Nope, preaching to the wrong people, she should sail to China and see how she gets on there.

Originally Posted by Bintang (Post 14920487)

Was on a flight to Jeddah. The pilot said "if you look out to the left you can see Mecca". Cue everyone rushing to the windows for a look shouting Allah Akbar and the plane tilting to the left.

Originally Posted by strawberry mivi (Post 14920754)

I thought Muhammed was a prophet, not God?

God is everywhere, not just in Mecca.

IMHO

Originally Posted by rhiannapaul (Post 14920688)

Climate change protest is Brazil's goverment bothered? I agree with the sentiment but is it preaching to the converted. I put my milk carton into a green box does Asia or south America?

Originally Posted by rhiannapaul (Post 14920688)

Climate change protest is Brazil's goverment bothered? I agree with the sentiment but is it preaching to the converted. I put my milk carton into a green box does Asia or south America?

Originally Posted by rhiannapaul (Post 14920688)

Climate change protest is Brazil's goverment bothered? I agree with the sentiment but is it preaching to the converted. I put my milk carton into a green box does Asia or south America?

Originally Posted by PalaceForever (Post 14920793)

Yeah, I really don't think we're the 'converted'.

I have friends who seem to be aware of what climate change is, but they live their life without a second thought regarding it (it's just not something that seems to enter their mind when deciding on something like whether to drive 1 mile down the road to the shops, or whether to just walk). Then you have those with their head in the sand...

I think the protests today are pretty useful for pressuring governments and corporations into thinking a bit more carefully about their decisions, which is a good start.

Originally Posted by little al (Post 14920578)

Nope, preaching to the wrong people, she should sail to China and see how she gets on there.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14920799)

Anyone seriously converted and invested in reducing climate change would seriously reduce their meat and dairy intake (particularly anything that comes from a cow). As things stand though, I think most people haven’t.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14920879)

You know what produces 24% of greenhouse gas emissions? Deforestation. 70% of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is for cattle ranching. This happens worldwide, forests cleared for meat and dairy production. Obviously there’s a high production of methane too, a greenhouse gas. At the end of the day, any big change to fossil fuel emissions from corporations will come from the government. The best thing a normal person can do to reduce their carbon footprint is to reduce their meat and dairy intake, or even better, go vegan. Veg just takes up far less space, and obviously doesn’t produce methane.

I don’t expect single mums working two jobs to do this. But if you’d middle class or better, there’s no excuse not to.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14920819)

Cadbury secret Santa ads and Christmas themed chocolate in the co op. It’s ******* September.

Originally Posted by Hpalace (Post 14920597)

I thought you said you don't recycle? Perhaps, just perhaps, you have not been converted?

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14920879)

You know what produces 24% of greenhouse gas emissions? Deforestation. 70% of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is for cattle ranching. This happens worldwide, forests cleared for meat and dairy production. Obviously there’s a high production of methane too, a greenhouse gas. At the end of the day, any big change to fossil fuel emissions from corporations will come from the government. The best thing a normal person can do to reduce their carbon footprint is to reduce their meat and dairy intake, or even better, go vegan. Veg just takes up far less space, and obviously doesn’t produce methane.

I don’t expect single mums working two jobs to do this. But if you’d middle class or better, there’s no excuse not to.

Originally Posted by thefox (Post 14921027)

Do you remember when greenies were praising the use of vegetable and palm oils for bio-oils instead of petrol ? Look what happened, the deforestation to produce it they are now campaigning against. The same will happen for soy etc production.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14920879)

Veg just takes up far less space, and obviously doesn’t produce methane.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14920819)

Cadbury secret Santa ads and Christmas themed chocolate in the co op. It’s ******* September.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14921038)

Yeah, soy is problematic, requires lots of water I believe, but it’s still far better for the environment than meat. No one is claiming that veganism is perfect, it’s just the best option we have at the moment.

Originally Posted by wedgetail (Post 14921138)

Burning fossil fuels is the cause of global warming.

Originally Posted by Blind_Eagle (Post 14921084)

Plants do produce methane.

Originally Posted by davech (Post 14921087)

Before you know it they will be playing Chris De Burgh...

Originally Posted by little al (Post 14921123)

Sod being a vegan.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14921160)

Doesn’t matter what time of year it is, it’s never appropriate to play Chris De Burgh.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14921164)

Don’t even need to go full vegan, although obviously it’s ideal. Just eating less meat and dairy would make you better than most of the population, who already eat too much of it anyway.

Originally Posted by Yoda (Post 14921174)

Give it time....there’s actually quite a lot of evidence now that well managed grasslands munched by livestock are better for the environment than an arable crop can be. Think of those dustballs where they’ve stripped the soil of nutrients growing a crop too intensely. At least the cows give back some nutrients to the soil via fertiliser.

Many experts are saying it’s more important to manage the land sustainably and not be over intensive (be it dairy farming or arable), rather than it being a simple conclusion that dairy is bad and that therefore arable is good.

Originally Posted by Yoda (Post 14921174)

Give it time....there’s actually quite a lot of evidence now that well managed grasslands munched by livestock are better for the environment than an arable crop can be. Think of those dustballs where they’ve stripped the soil of nutrients growing a crop too intensely. At least the cows give back some nutrients to the soil via fertiliser.

Many experts are saying it’s more important to manage the land sustainably and not be over intensive (be it dairy farming or arable), rather than it being a simple conclusion that dairy is bad and that therefore arable is good.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14921164)

Don’t even need to go full vegan, although obviously it’s ideal. Just eating less meat and dairy would make you better than most of the population, who already eat too much of it anyway.

Originally Posted by little al (Post 14921197)

I double up on meat to counteract the vegans.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14921159)

Didn’t know that. Don’t think it comes anywhere close to balancing the emissions between meat and plants though.

Originally Posted by CP-RJW (Post 14920819)

Cadbury secret Santa ads and Christmas themed chocolate in the co op. It’s ******* September.