Two linguistic pet peeves

1) When people use two synonyms to describe something, separated by 'and', thinking it adds emphasis. This method is especially favored by guests on daytime talk or court shows, and eye-witnesses to any event covered on the local 5'oclock news.

EXAMPLE:
"Since the ATV accident, life for me has been very difficult and hard."

Less funny, but equally irritating to me:

2) When someone negates a part of an argument by saying that it's just "semantics." Semantics is the study of meaning in language. So basically, if you're saying "let's quit arguing semantics," to me it sounds like, "let's quit arguing about meaning." Wouldn't meaning be the only logical thing TO argue about? Why else would you argue?

If what you mean is that you think the current detail your opponent is focusing on is not important to the argument, say that.

If what you mean is, "we're just quibbling over the definition of this term," I'd say that agreeing on a definition of terms is a vital step in any argument if you're going to come to any conclusion at all.

I've been told I'm sensitive

I've been told I'm sensitive.

But I cry every time I see that scene-

the one with Angela and Rayanne (My So-Called Life) when Rayanne has just betrayed Angela by sleeping with Jordan Catalano and realized she has just thrown away the best friend she's ever had and Rayanne has just been cast as Emily in Our Town and Angela has to read the last scene of the play with her.

And Rayanne (as Emily) says, as Angela (as Mrs. Webb or some shit like that) listens,

"So all that was going on and we never noticed!...Oh earth, you're too wonderful for anyone to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life when they live it?-every, every minute?"

And the girl (Abysinnia, as if I didn't remember her name...but I digress) playing the stage manager replies,

"No. Saints and poets, maybe. They do some."

So that's the thing. Not to be corny, (but let's face it, I'm a Cancer and we get weepy at Hallmark movies and Humane Society commercials), but I want to realize life as we live it. Every, every minute.

So here this is. Let's see how it works out.

And yes, I love Our Town, but was introduced to its existence via The Wonder Years and My So-Called Life, resptecively. What can I say?

I had a TV in my room from the time I was 7.

Stay tuned.