Spellcheck

I am a member of the spellcheck generation. I was astonished to learn over the weekend that "border" like between countries and "boarder" like someone who lives in a boarding house are spelled differently. When my father was a kid, he dreamed of a machine that would make learning to spell obsolete. He didn't anticipate arguing with it over the spelling of his last name every day. Anteater? Attributer? Maltreated? Attracter? Attested?

I am amused by the suggestions for Carnap (Canape, Catnap) and Frege (Free, Forage, Fringe). I always wish Frege hadn't been a Nazi; I'd like it if we could be friends.

Disney Princes

In a group of girls (or are we women now?) my age, there are certain cultural phenomena that will get everyone talking. The Babysitters Club is one. Tonight we spent a good ten minutes arguing about whether Jo should have married Laurie (I say she's too good for him) and even more discussing who the hottest Disney princes are. Leaving aside my disturbing childhood crush on the parrot from Aladdin, I would suggest:

1. Shang (from Mulan): If there's anything hotter than a Chinese man, it's a Chinese man who's in love with (what he believes is) another Chinese man.

2. Aladdin (eponymous - one of my favorite words): Much more flair and personality than your average Disney hero

3. Robin Hood: Although his human hands creeped me out a little.

4. Flounder (The Little Mermaid)

(Actually I can't think of any others who do anything for me. Not John Smith, certainly.)

Okay, back to work.