Linkies :)

[conuly]

There is more to the eye than rods and cones — the discovery of a third photoreceptor is rewriting the visual rulebook.

Researchers aim to resurrect mammoth within 5 years. Of course, once they have, then what? What are they going to DO with the mammoth, put it in a zoo? Great for the mammoth, right?

Tampon shortage leads to bidding war. See, this is why you want to use a reusable product. I mean, unless you're silly enough to accidentally throw out your Divacup on the boat you're set - right?

A young woman who was kidnapped as an infant has found her family.

An article on winter recess policies.

Oh, and for your daily dose of depressing, the Alabama Governor is an ass.

Comments

[conuly]

I don't know, and rather assumed you meant the former. Do enlighten me! (Wait, I'll google it.)

http://www.mum.org/obger50s.htm

Is that correct?

[pne]

Yes, that's the etymology I know as well.

I found it interesting that this German-named brand would be popular in the US; usually things go from there to here rather than the other way around.

rather assumed you meant the former

*nods* Theoretically, my phrasing should be unambiguously the second meaning (since I explicitly asked "do you know" rather than "what is"), but pragmatics/discourse conventions mean that that construction is usually used in seeking-for-information contexts as well, rendering the wording ambiguous. Ah well *sigh*.

[conuly]

My mother has that same complaint with "can you" - it can mean "is it possible to do this" or "are you able to do this" or even "will you do this for me", and she says she invariably gets the wrong answer. When she means "it it possible" she gets "Of course I can, what do you think I am, stupid?" and when she means "are you capable of doing this" she gets "Why should I, I'm not your slave!" and she's given up using it at all for "will you do this" because people are just snippy all around.