I just finished reading the book 'Freakonomics'. When I get to the end of a book I enjoyed reading I always ask myself(Oprah would be so proud), what did I get out of it-how did this book enhance my life? Here's what I got out of it: In the 90s, a survey was taken on the names given to babies born in the state of California(because of Arnold-I can't say the word California anymore without using his accent). Apparently, if I remember correctly, my name(Angel) was the number one name given to daughters born to low-income, low educated parents and , sadly,would likely grow up to be low-income and low educated women. There was a whole chapter about names and the significance and popularity of them. That was the most interesting part of the book. There was also something in there about sumo wrestlers and teachers who cheat. I'm always the last to read a book because I get most of mine at the library.
I just checked out that book 'Words Words Words' by David Crystal. Can you guess what it's about? I'm only on the 11th page but so far it's really interesting. It sounds so nerdy which is why I like it so much.
Monday, February 19, 2007
On a more serious note
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12 comments:
I wonder what my name means? Destined to die with a houseful of cats maybe? ;-)
You are living proof that the name Angel can sometimes result in someone with a wicked sense of humour ;)
Let's hear it for the library!
I also read Freak. Very good...
My sister, who was born in 1950, was named "Debbie" because Debbie Reynolds was an up and coming star. I was named "Nicholas" after my grandfather. I wonder if there is some significance in a male being named for an ancestor and a female for a movie star?
Let me guess: Is you new book about words?
Laurie-I wish I had as many cats as you!
Hel-That's right-don't let the name fool ya!
Oh Madge-Luv the library!
Nick-Yup-wasn't that a dificult guess?
If the name Laurie means destined to die with a house full of cats, then the name Courtney means destined to die with a house full of cats, dogs, birds, fish, plants, ants and seamonkeys.
I read Freak, too. I loved it. Words Words Words sounds like a Dan book -- I'll have to mention it to him.
Seamonkeys? Really? What do they look like?
I once read a book called "What Not to Name Your Baby." My name, Susan, was described as "little and cute and bakes cookies." I was sooo disappointed. I would have preferred "sexy and brilliant, to say nothing of dropdead gorgeous and fabulously successful rock star who runs with wolves when she's not saving the world."
That must have been some other name, probably Angel.
Like Brine Shrimp. When I was little I always thought I was going to have a mini-tank with little alien lookin' things that would talk to me -- like on the package.
Heart-we should trade names! I'm little-I bake cookies!(not from scratch)
Courtney-I think I've seen those ads before-I want some seamonkeys just so I can say that I have them.
You make me feel so TALL. I'm 2" taller than you are, and I don't often have that pleasure.
Flip is 6'3 1/2", so we have a similar dynamic. It's wonderful to have somebody around who can reach things from high places when I don't feel like climbing.
And I do bake cookies sometimes. I just don't want to be defined by it.
Names. When I was a kid, all the girls were named Debbie, Lisa and Kathy. As I got older, it was Jennifer. Now they are Melissa and Amanda.
It seems to go in cycles.
It would be great if there was some right of passage when everyone chooses his or her own name. How we resonate with them changes over time.
Peace,
~Chani
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