I Hate the Oxford Comma: Why You Don't Need the Oxford Comma

May 24, 2017 by Sara Woznicki in Life In Your 20's, life lessons, Young Professionalism, Social Media, Work, Tweets and Mascara, Sara's Column, Leisure

There are very few things that irrationally bother me. Like when people put their drinks next to a coaster and not on it. Or when I have to print a page and there's 1 sentence or less on the last page. And when people argue with me over needing the Oxford comma. Get over it, you don't need it, nor do I want to debate it with you.

Why You Don't Need the Oxford Comma

The first reason why you don't need the Oxford comma is a basic one: AP Style tells you not to use the Oxford comma. The premiere grammar ruling for journalists says we don't need the Oxford comma. The New York Times and other premiere media outlets don't use Oxford commas. It's time to give up the ghost.

Sneak Peek: Tinder Swiping

February 18, 2015 by Cazey Williams in Cazey's Column, Dating, Humor, Life In Your 20's

Recently Sara and I were interviewed about online dating. On camera, I was asked to narrate how I browse Tinder. So tonight, I bring you exclusive insight into what I think as I come across all that Tinder has to offer.

Dennia, 22.Blah intro photo. Her bio is mildly interesting except for the "IG: @Dennia." Like, I am on Tinder, not eHarmony; I am not switching apps to look at the granola cereal you had this morning. Left.

Stacey, 23."I called my professor a misogynist piece of shit while drunk at my school's talent show and that's pretty much all you need to know about me." Missing a comma there, Stacey. But you're edgy. Right.

(It's a match!)

Comma-plaint

February 16, 2015 by Cazey Williams in Cazey's Column, life lessons

Hello, readers.

Did you notice that comma? The one right after hello? I know, it must be a typo.

WELL, IT'S NOT.

I hate to sound preachy (~choir hums~), but somewhere, somehow, society has run amok. I know this isn't a surprise to everyone, but I don't mean morally, politically, fiscally, or religiously. I mean grammatically. We have forgotten how to write.

You see, my attentive pupils, a comma is supposed to separate a greeting and a name. It is, "Hello, Stephanie, how are you?" It is NOT, "Hello Stephanie, how are you?" You (should!!!!!) address your emails, "Hi, Bill," not "Hi Bill."

What's Your Worst Quality?

August 22, 2014 by Sara Woznicki in Life In Your 20's, life lessons, Sara's Column, Social Media, Tweets and Mascara, Work, Young Professionalism

So I haven't gotten this interview question since applying to be a camp counselor in high school, but have long since been practicing an answer to this question anyway. How do you answer "What's your worst quality?" in a way that doesn't totally suck? My answer from high school was a total basic bitch answer of "I am a people person and try to make everyone around me happy, even if that means I'm not happy." Not only does that not really apply to my personality, but it's also like the number one bad answer to that question.

Should I ever be put on the spot for this question, I'm wondering if my inability to get my "who" vs. "that" problem under control is applicable? Is being able to readily name one of my biggest grammatical flaws a strong enough answer to this question? Because in my mind, this just means I am in tune with myself, but also shows that I have great grammar skills to know that it's an issue.

I could even elaborate about how I would CTRL + F my work everyday to double check for any "that" "who" issues. I had a post-it note on my computer to remind myself to do it. And now I can almost always get it right on the first try after being called out on it so often, and learning to mercilessly scour my work for it. So there is even a success story at the end of this proposed answer.

I'm starting to this is the only really good answer possible to the "What's your worst quality?" question because it points out a clear flaw (but not a land mine of an answer), but also highlights what I do to combat my problem, which seems to me like a recipe for a good answer.

Recognition of a minor flaw + how you will/have fixed it = success.