...in this book review that was published on the weekend. I didn't know that Bill Robertson is into birds. I wonder what percentage of writers are birders?
That last sentence opens a huge can of worms (good for certain birds, I suppose). What's a birder? Someone who actively seeks out birds to watch? Someone who keeps a list of birds? Someone who likes birds enough to own a pair of binoculars mainly for watching birds? Someone who simply enjoys seeing birds?
And then there's the difficulty of defining a writer, but I won't even attempt to outline some of the difficulties there.
This seems to provide an excellent example of Wittgenstein's claim that the meaning of language derives from its usage (or something like that).
12 comments:
Bill should know WHOSE backyard. I'd tell him, if I were you. But to answer your question: 12.
Ha! Since you're somewhat of an expert on pigeons, I'll take your word for it!
Oh, and the post should read "I didn't know until recently that..."
I've been known to have a bird on occasion. Does that count?
Ha! Indeed, that counts! I'd go a long way to see such a bird!
That last sentence opens a huge can of worms (good for certain birds, I suppose). What's a birder? Someone who actively seeks out birds to watch? Someone who keeps a list of birds? Someone who likes birds enough to own a pair of binoculars mainly for watching birds? Someone who simply enjoys seeing birds?
And then there's the difficulty of defining a writer, but I won't even attempt to outline some of the difficulties there.
This seems to provide an excellent example of Wittgenstein's claim that the meaning of language derives from its usage (or something like that).
I count pigeons as half a bird (the bottom half) each, so make it 6.
Good point, Pete! A huge can, indeed! Now I have no idea what a birder is. But since I can answer yes to all of the above, I'd say I am one. :)
Oh Gerry, I think deep down you love pigeons.
Deep down I could live with. On my balcony, no thanks.
Ha! Wish you'd send a few my way. I love pigeons. But they don't love our yard. But then we don't have a balcony.
What you don't have is a row of dumpsters just out back.
You're not suggesting pigeons are dumpster divers, are you?
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