Wiki-do, wiki-don’t
I don’t shop at Walmart. I will pass dozens of McDonalds, Chili’s, and Olive Gardens to find a hole-in-the-wall where the owner is also the chef. I pay way more money and drive a whole lot further to shop at Tuttle’s instead of Hannaford.
Yet, Sean and I once got into an argument on the street after he suggested that I was a hypocrite. You see, despite of all my indignant social conviction, I have never driven an american car, only two Subarus (first Scott, then Liberace) and the Honda I drive now (Howard). In the fight I pointed out that in one case I pay more money for a superior product and/or experience that is ALSO supporting a local establishment (’local’ here can be US, NH, or Dover). In my opinion, US cars are not as reliable as those I drove, especially in the snow, and to choose them simply because they were American-made was short-sighted and irresponsible. (No one ever accused me of lacking conviction or emphasis.)
My devotion to social software and online tools is well-documented, and I was excited to add the Wiktionary engine to my browser. It’s hard for me to admit, but I just had to look up the word resourcefulness (or is it resourcefullness?) I was disappointed that the incorrect spelling didn’t suggest any kind of alternative and even the correct spelling produced a list and not an answer.
So, despite all my enthusiasm and loyalty, Wiktionary goes the way of so many Fords and Chevys… and I righteously return to my old standby.
October 15th, 2006 at 5:47 pm
Webster.com is a good option, but have you thought about just using Google? define:’word or phrase’ does wonders.
Personally, I use the American Oxford dashboard widget for OS X for offline dictionary use, and then swap to Google when it’s not in there.
October 16th, 2006 at 9:38 am
Yeah, sometimes I use Google, but prefer the Webster’s interface. From the Firefox search bar, both options are easy. I like the idea of a widget, though, I might have to look into that.
October 17th, 2006 at 10:00 pm
Regarding “american made” cars: Most of them are now made in Canada or Mexico, often from Japanese materials. Many “foreign” cars are actually manufactured in the good ol’ US of A. Every few years I see a good article debunking the ‘american made’ myth. For instance: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2005-08-02-midwest-cars-usat_x.htm.
signed, a fellow Subaru driver (two foresters!)
October 24th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
A relative of mine worked for Chrysler, travelling all over the world to set up factories as they outsourced everything. Most of the family drove Chrysler products, until my generation; I have driven Volvos, Toyotas, and Hondas, my cousins drive Nissans, VWs, and Subarus. We now have Toyota plant just up the road, which makes “Buying American” a little easier than it used to be.
August 26th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Thats a great post on the honda. Thanks!