[tschmidlin]

However with the desert dessert issue it's not even like it follows syntactic rules the initial vowel is pronounced the same regardless d-eh-sert d-eh-ssert. at least where I grew up I supose in some places it's pronounced d-ee-ssert. but really it is the second vowel that needs to be modified so there should be an extra e at the end of one of those words. either deserte or desserte. or perhaps we need some accent marks in english (which I don't know how to make on this keyboard)

Interesting.  Around here they are desert (DEH-zurt) and dessert (dih-ZURT).

[morticaixavier]

However with the desert dessert issue it's not even like it follows syntactic rules the initial vowel is pronounced the same regardless d-eh-sert d-eh-ssert. at least where I grew up I supose in some places it's pronounced d-ee-ssert. but really it is the second vowel that needs to be modified so there should be an extra e at the end of one of those words. either deserte or desserte. or perhaps we need some accent marks in english (which I don't know how to make on this keyboard)

Interesting.  Around here they are desert (DEH-zurt) and dessert (dih-ZURT).

The emphasis on the second syllable is the only difference for me so DEH-zurt vs. deh-ZURT.

Is this a proper BFI thread or what? I like TUHR-tuls

[Slowbrew]

My youngest is currently struggling with I'll and isle.  Among others.  5th grade spelling is harder than I remembered.

Paul

[tschmidlin]

Is this a proper BFI thread or what? I like TUHR-tuls

Weird, we pronounce it TUR-duls.

My youngest is currently struggling with I'll and isle.  Among others.  5th grade spelling is harder than I remembered.

Paul

Just for fun throw in aisle too.

Mine are in first grade so we are talking about I, eye, and aye.

[bluefoxicy]

At least it's not fremenation or ferementation or fermenation...

Fermenator!

Jim Kotch!  Come with me if you want to live!

[a10t2]

First thing that came to mind:

[punatic]

I am really fond of the Ka`u Desert.   Not overly ostentatious, but fancy enough for me.

[punatic]

Mine are in first grade so we are talking about I, eye, and aye.

So the opthamologist asks the nymphomaniac, "How came I help you today?"
She responds, "I have an aye problem."

[tschmidlin]

We've got some nice desert terrain here too

[phillamb168]

From Jacque Pépin's More Fast Food My Way, "Bread Flip"

Find a ruby grapefruit somewhere.  This can be hard because nobody likes these things, at all.

Cut the ends off

Cut the skin off.

Slice the skin into julienne-length slices.

Blanch it three times (cold water, bring to boil, boil for 30-60 seconds, drain).

Add 1/2 cup water and 1/3 cup sugar, boil to a syrup just before the ball stage.

Remove the grapefruit skins.

Roll in sugar.

Chill.

Dip the ends in melted chocolate.

Add Grand Mariner (or Triple Sec or whatnot) to the remaining syrup.

Segment the grapefruit.

Garnish with dried cranberries.

Pour the syrup over this.

Garnish with a few of the candied grapefruit skins.

Takes about half an hour but eh it works.

These are called 'orangettes' and you can get them in the grocery stores here. http://smittenkitchen.com/2006/11/candy-girl/

[bluesman]

No desert to be found on the Delmarva peninsula.

[denny]

Nice, Ron!

[tschmidlin]

No desert to be found on the Delmarva peninsula.

Good one Ron.  Perhaps you prefer our rainforests?

[tubercle]

My name is Tubercle and I'm hooked on phonics.

[bo]

I like eating desserts in the desert.