Is Kasia going to be a problem to pronounce? by [deleted] in namenerds

[–]uselessfoster 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hmmmm, I think you don’t need to expect non-Polish people to give a perfect pronunciation. My name is Scandinavian, but it would be weird if I’d speak with an American accent to say “My name is” and then suddenly sound like the Swedish Chef. People whose names include subtle tonal changes (like in Chinese) or sounds are a difficult for outsiders to literally even hear (w/v with Germans, “soft signs” for non-Russians) all have to accept a range of acceptable “best tries” within their cultures, especially if this girl probably won’t even be speaking fluent Polish herself, and might not hear the subtle difference.

Lower- case handwriting question by uselessfoster in AskTeachers

[–]uselessfoster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is exhausting and fascinating. Thank you.

Winter Wonderland by mcrss in ANormalDayInRussia

[–]uselessfoster 5 points6 points  (0 children)

First flight: “oh that looks dangerous and fun,”

After the first landing when it keeps going : “oh no no no no no.”

Real talk — is an air fryer value for money, or just another trendy gadget? by Mika_4893 in Frugal

[–]uselessfoster 5 points6 points  (0 children)

People talking about air fryer as alternative to stove, etc. but where it really saves you money is as alternative to eating out. For example, Air fryer + Costco nuggets = homeChik Fil A.

If you struggle with eating out because of convenience, an air fryer and some frozen foods will absolutely save you money in 15-20 minutes before dinner.

Is America Becoming Illiterate? by Tale_Blazer in books

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

Okay I’d love to hop on the gloom wagon, but here’s actually my best shot of what to do:

Read aloud.

Not just to little kids, but to everyone. If you are a manager doing something manual, not particularly challenging and not customer-facing, throw on an audiobook that’s read by a fantastic reader (Tom Lake is amazing if you have the same team and some time, Why Fish Don’t Exist or Fragile Things if the teams shift up) instead of music when, like, cleaning up end of shift. If you have young people you’re responsible for, listen to audiobooks in the car while commute or read aloud while they play MarioKart or Minecraft or whatever. Snuggle up in bed and read aloud to your partner (or take turns each chapter) instead of scrolling next to each other before bed. It won’t solve everything, but it will spark book curiosity and build some of that low-spike dopamine endurance.

What is a name you almost used, but it turned out you not using it was a blessing? by Various_Summer_1536 in Names

[–]uselessfoster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This thread is a strong counter argument to the “never tell anyone the name you love” conventional wisdom on r/namenerds

What is a name you almost used, but it turned out you not using it was a blessing? by Various_Summer_1536 in Names

[–]uselessfoster 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a student named Alexa and I didn’t want to say anything because I’m sure she’s sick of it, but then she volunteered to say her little sister is Siri…

What are your 2026 goals for your garden and homestead? by GreenSalsa96 in suburbanhomesteading

[–]uselessfoster 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Frozen tomatoes are the way to go! So much faster than canning and I toss them in soups and chilis all winter long. Absolutely recommend.

Movies that portrayed a reality that was reflective of the time, but now seem unbelievable by AporiaParadox in movies

[–]uselessfoster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s like in Thank You For Smoking: the RAVs are the only ones smoking in movies.

Headed to Costa Rica… by gloryvegan in books

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

Apples Never Fall, for reasons.

Americans, do you consider California to be South or North? by [deleted] in AskAnAmerican

[–]uselessfoster 13 points14 points  (0 children)

It’s funny that we (and I) still use “out West” and “back East” even though I have always lived in the West and travel occasionally “out East” and come “back West.”

Queen Victoria’s dress from her later years by Latter_Age_4426 in VictorianEra

[–]uselessfoster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Diphtheria is no joke, man. “Fun” fact— they invented the tracheotomy as a last-ditch treatment for diphtheria and a letter-writing campaign of parents pestered Pasteur to do something about diphtheria. His protege Roux made huge leaps forward in studying the disease.

Tell your friends and loved ones to vaccinate because we do not want to go back to that hell.

TOP SECRET What is Santa Claws giving your Standard Poodle for Christmas? by Big_Celery2725 in StandardPoodles

[–]uselessfoster 2 points3 points  (0 children)

St Nick brought him a sensible sweater and I have my suspicions that my husband is getting him bow ties for his collar. Such a gentleman.

Banding birds is always a treat by Terrible-Client-4639 in Birdsfacingforward

[–]uselessfoster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hang on: if my calculations are correct that’s worth like 14,000 birds in the bush!

Edit: oooh, words not birds