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Usenet Posted 23 years ago
Usage
Kick start
An expression frequently heard on TV current affairs programs is "kick start" as in "kick starting the Middle East peace process", and it always aggravates me as I think of kick starting being a motor biking term, referring to stamping on the starter lever on a motor bike or scooter, and it does not seem a very appropriate image.
What would seem better to me is to use the expression 'jump start', which I take to mean using jumper cables to attach the vehicle in question to the battery of another vehicle, thus drawing on an external source of power to get the initial spark ignited.
Alternatively, I would go for 'bump start' or possibly 'rolling start' which to me means pushing or towing the vehicle until sufficient momentum is obtained to rotate the engine, which then starts due to compression of the gases in the cylinders (I think).
However, it has occurred to me that perhaps my interpretation of the kick start metaphor is not shared by all others. Could "kick start" be an older term referring to kicking on a horse by kicking with the heels, thus analagous to "spurring on". If that is the case, those trying to kick start the Middle East roadmap to peace may soon find out that you can take a horse to water but not make it drink, and may in fact soon be flogging a deceased quadruped!
What does the list think?
What would seem better to me is to use the expression 'jump start', which I take to mean using jumper cables to attach the vehicle in question to the battery of another vehicle, thus drawing on an external source of power to get the initial spark ignited.
Alternatively, I would go for 'bump start' or possibly 'rolling start' which to me means pushing or towing the vehicle until sufficient momentum is obtained to rotate the engine, which then starts due to compression of the gases in the cylinders (I think).
However, it has occurred to me that perhaps my interpretation of the kick start metaphor is not shared by all others. Could "kick start" be an older term referring to kicking on a horse by kicking with the heels, thus analagous to "spurring on". If that is the case, those trying to kick start the Middle East roadmap to peace may soon find out that you can take a horse to water but not make it drink, and may in fact soon be flogging a deceased quadruped!
What does the list think?
Top answer
[/nq] In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).
- [/nq] In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).
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28 Answers
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[nq:1]What does the list think?[/nq]
In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).
In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).
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Thus spake R F:
[nq:2]What does the list think?[/nq]
[nq:1]In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).[/nq]
I don't think MC's law thing should be enacted.
o He formulated it himself.
o He posted his provocative rubbish with
the sole intention of making it sound
viable.
o Thus the claimed law has
[nq:2]What does the list think?[/nq]
[nq:1]In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).[/nq]
I don't think MC's law thing should be enacted.
o He formulated it himself.
o He posted his provocative rubbish with
the sole intention of making it sound
viable.
o Thus the claimed law has
00
[nq:2]What does the list think?[/nq]
[nq:1]In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).[/nq]
Furthermore, I'm not sure that any list has the capacity to think.
By the way, I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that MC's Law is now "MC's Law (C) (R) (TM) All Rights Reserved"
[nq:1]In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).[/nq]
Furthermore, I'm not sure that any list has the capacity to think.
By the way, I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that MC's Law is now "MC's Law (C) (R) (TM) All Rights Reserved"
00
[nq:1]Thus spake R F:[/nq]
[nq:2]In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't think MC's law thing should be enacted. o He formulated it himself. o He posted his provocative rubbish ... above by one particular ****** who thinks he is above everyone else. I say we think no more about it.[/nq]
Seconde
[nq:2]In accordance with MC's Law, I think that this is not a "list" and it shouldn't be referred to as such (NTTWWDS).[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't think MC's law thing should be enacted. o He formulated it himself. o He posted his provocative rubbish ... above by one particular ****** who thinks he is above everyone else. I say we think no more about it.[/nq]
Seconde
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The inimitable jm (Email Removed) (Jonathan Mason) stated one day
[nq:1]An expression frequently heard on TV current affairs programs is "kick start" as in "kick starting the Middle East peace ... but not make it drink, and may in fact soon be flogging a deceased quadruped! What does the list think?[/nq]
Just think of it as "a kick in the pants" and then "a kick start" seems more appropria
[nq:1]An expression frequently heard on TV current affairs programs is "kick start" as in "kick starting the Middle East peace ... but not make it drink, and may in fact soon be flogging a deceased quadruped! What does the list think?[/nq]
Just think of it as "a kick in the pants" and then "a kick start" seems more appropria
00
[nq:1]An expression frequently heard on TV current affairs programs is "kick start" as in "kick starting the Middle East peace ... be an older term referring to kicking on a horse by kicking with the heels, thus analagous to "spurring on".[/nq]
1. Kick start does indeed originate inmotorcycles (which had no battery-driven
starter until the 1950s). There seems to be
no such term in equi
1. Kick start does indeed originate inmotorcycles (which had no battery-driven
starter until the 1950s). There seems to be
no such term in equi
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[nq:2]Thus spake R F: I don't think MC's law thing ... everyone else. I say we think no more about it.[/nq]
[nq:1]Seconded.[/nq]
Thirded.
[nq:1]Seconded.[/nq]
Thirded.
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[nq:2]Seconded.[/nq]
[nq:1]Thirded.[/nq]
I think Simon has precisely the right take on MC's Law. As with all the best laws, we don't need to think about it, we just need to observe it.
[nq:1]Thirded.[/nq]
I think Simon has precisely the right take on MC's Law. As with all the best laws, we don't need to think about it, we just need to observe it.
00
[nq:1]By the way, I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that MC's Law is now "MC's Law (C) (R) (TM) All Rights Reserved"[/nq]
I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that there are doubtless legal penalties for asserting something to be a registered trademark when it has not in fact been so registered.
Evan Kirshenbaum + HP Laboratories >"You can't prove it isn't s
I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that there are doubtless legal penalties for asserting something to be a registered trademark when it has not in fact been so registered.
Evan Kirshenbaum + HP Laboratories >"You can't prove it isn't s
00
[nq:2]By the way, I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that MC's Law is now "MC's Law (C) (R) (TM) All Rights Reserved"[/nq]
[nq:1]I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that there are doubtless legal penalties for asserting something to be a registered trademark when it has not in fact been so registered.[/nq]
I'm sure that is the case but unless Simon rats me out to the feds
[nq:1]I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that there are doubtless legal penalties for asserting something to be a registered trademark when it has not in fact been so registered.[/nq]
I'm sure that is the case but unless Simon rats me out to the feds
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