What's In a Username?
The history of names is interesting. People once very simply were named according to what they did, such as John the Crowther, the inept and rascally 17th century crwth player. This worked as long as most people went into the same line of work as their fathers. When record keeping came into being the name of the father was passed along even when the trade wasn't. Jacob's son was elided to Jacobson. A lot of names were descriptive. The Internet has opened a literal Pandora's box of possibilities. Identities are stolen, others are invented to suit whims. Speaking of names, I recall the joke, popular when I was in grade school, about Sam Uglybutt. He went to court to be able to change his name, and the judge asked his reason. "Your Honor," Sam said, if your name was Uglybutt wouldn't you want to change it?" "I see your point," the judge said. "What do you want to change it to?" Sam paused and answered, "Charlie Uglybutt."
posted by John M Crowther @ 7:49 AM
5 Comments:
John, some scientists have compared the human brain to a computer. It is only capable of storing a certain amount of information. As we get older the brain begins to discard that which appears to be no longer useful. It’s rather like the Delete function of your mail-server. At some point you have to push the button or else the machine slows down or stops or even implodes. I am delighted to learn that your brain is still book-marking grade-school jokes for easy access. Old jokes are still the best jokes. I’m still laughing about the reason why the chicken crossed the road.
Me too... and the fact that there is more than one reason! LOL
I stumbled on some old Snagglepuss footage the other day which I'm going to post up on the blog for old times sake. Call it failure to delete or an error in reformatting the old hard drive... whatever... Heavens to Mergatroid... exit staaage left eee-vvven... (((LOL)))
In germany in the early 19th century surnames began to be required. The aristocracy took place names . von und zu Reinsdorf. Those with trades used the trade name Bauer (farmer). The leftovers used months Marz. Roger
The whole concept of an Internet that only really 'exists' in our brains is interesting.. not only can we be our idealized selves to others, but we can remain more or less ageless.
Is it only a matter of time before our chosen user names become part of our given names? - Sharon-Paesley-Swamprose
We would only be kidding ourselves though Sharon... words give us away much more than "appearances" would have us believe! LOL
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