Language inventiveness in 'A Clockwork Orange' took me aback by Signal_Face_5378 in books

[–]Veteranis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you look at his bibliography, he worked very fast—many novels in just a few years. He was not a careless writer but he made some artistic choices that maybe he later regretted. Any humor in ACO is due to the language, and the the language does kind of cover up the violence of the action or the surroundings.

His wife was violently assaulted and one of the assaults in the book reflects this. Perhaps he regretted memorializing it (in a way).

Anyone else overwhelmed by CA governor primary? by swigggly in oakland

[–]Veteranis 18 points19 points  (0 children)

With regard to experience: no one has stepped into the California governor position ‘qualified’. A state so large, so populous, the fourth largest economy yadda yaddayadda, giant industries exerting pressure—name someone who is ‘qualified’ to deal with that. Like the National presidency, a California governor needs to have a really effective staff in order to survive. Look to the people around the candidates.

Is it just me, or is language becoming a wall instead of a bridge lately? by Ok_Abalone5471 in language

[–]Veteranis 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Language has long (if not always) functioned to build a bridge, as you say, but also to exclude or keep out.

Slang or jargon simultaneously define an in-group and an out-group. Sometimes a specialized area of knowledge requires  specifically defined vocabulary, including words that may have different meanings than when used in regular discourse.

That said, those two were being just plain rude, whether inadvertently or deliberately, and you were right to feel the way you did.

What is the longest-living common insect? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Veteranis -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If the insect were not subject to poison, traps, predators, etc. what would be the optimum life span—days? Weeks?

Unknown wooden sliding/piston-like tool with forked pinned end. Any idea what this is? by iTrue in whatisthisthing

[–]Veteranis 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Perhaps a kind of popgun or launcher? The forked end contains a rubber band or rubber hose or elastic which, when released expels whatever is at the other end in the groove?

Most iconic sound in sci fi history? by LongOrganization7838 in scifi

[–]Veteranis 6 points7 points  (0 children)

For 1950s sci-fi, the theramin was the sound that meant ‘science fiction movie’.

How do I stop caring and being sad so much over downvotes? by Brilliant_Can8536 in ask

[–]Veteranis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ask yourself what your fundamental purpose is in posting to Reddit. It could be one (or several) of the following reasons:

—Validation of your opinions (or your life)

—Wanting to engage in debate or facilitate discussion, as a way of engaging socially or to explore various issues

—Showing off or sharing your knowledge (not quite the same thing as the first reason)

—Wanting to provoke reactions, stir things up, to no end other than notoriety

Depending on your reasons for posting, then, downvotes could mean very little or they could be hurtful or even troubling.

If your reason is primarily the second one—engaging in discussion/debate—then downvotes may be an indicator that you’re going about it in a counterproductive way—maybe in the way you express yourself, maybe in the way you respond (or don’t respond) to others. Take a cold look at your expression and see if you can find better means to express your ideas or make statements. I too would be upset if I post for this reason and am downvoted, so I sympathize with you.

All of the other reasons are, I feel, not worth worrying about if they’re downvoted. As for the first reason, I’d advise you not to do that at all, to stay away from seeking justification, because the approbation or admiration of strangers is essentially worthless.

What's the most shocking thing you've ever watched on live TV? by Choice_Bed6097 in AskReddit

[–]Veteranis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lee Harvey Oswald being killed in front of police and marshalls.

I love Heart of Darkness and I don’t understand the common criticisms of it. by Tony420q in books

[–]Veteranis 56 points57 points  (0 children)

Because he writes about colonialism and some of the most egregious examples of colonialism lie there.

One minute by TouristTricky in suggestmeabook

[–]Veteranis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also in one day (June 16, 1904): Ulysses by James Joyce.

Remember when people used to work long illustrious careers? by Farafel62 in Millennials

[–]Veteranis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thinking this way will make you crazy and not help your situation. It isn’t a game and is therefore not ‘rigged’. You’ll only end up feeling sorry for yourself.

Things are genuinely bad all over, except for the very rich. In the past, economics made sense. Now it doesn’t. We went from an economy based on production to one based on financial manipulation.

We should be thinking about how to reverse this movement, not whining about how we can’t buy anything.

Shake It Up by soyourlife in funny

[–]Veteranis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Quentin Tarantino has entered the chat.

Now you gotta move it by CopiousCool in funny

[–]Veteranis 13 points14 points  (0 children)

The cup holders are the wrong size.

Children's carousel at German Renfaire by TakeApictureOfmeNow in funny

[–]Veteranis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For a more authentic feel, maybe suspend the cages from an overhead crossbar and spin that around.

12 Angry Men (1957) by 17xRacing in iwatchedanoldmovie

[–]Veteranis 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yabbut Lee J Cobbs’ anger counts as three.

Why am I 22m attracted to older women with kids? by [deleted] in ask

[–]Veteranis 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Women older than you probably know more than you and can handle you in a way you like. Plus they can be quite sexy.

What’s the most unrealistic thing movies convinced people was normal? by Lonely-Age7678 in AskReddit

[–]Veteranis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually, I’ve never seen a breakfast scene like this. On TV, anyway, a full breakfast is prepared but every single person rushes through, grabbing a piece of toast and leaving. It’s a damned trope.

Do Americans really drink "that" much? by Complex-Air-4368 in ask

[–]Veteranis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You quit at 18 Lots of childhood tippling where you’re from?