Pluralization of the Lower Half

When I refer to pluralization in this context, I am not referring to postmodern universalism or epistemological philosophy (though they make me sound smarter than I am). Rather, I am referring to the bizarre tendency in the English language to refer to clothing worn from the waist down in the plural form. Let me demonstrate:

-Pants
-Shorts
-Trousers
-Trunks
-Socks (ok, so that one is obvious)

Sure, there are exceptions such as dress, skirt and underwear, but doesn't that seem odd to you? And what's with the reference to pairs? A PAIR of pants? Some might argue that the two pant legs make up the pair, but that doesn't account for the rest of the article of clothing. And a PAIR of shorts even further proves this point, as short legs make up the least amount of the piece!

In the end, you may read this and go, "Yeah! Wow, isn't that strange!", but in all likelihood you will read this and go, "Yeah! Wow, isn't HE strange!".

Both, in fact, would be true.

"Wimbledon" (2004) - Richard Loncaine

While not a big fan of sports movies, I decided to go see "Wimbledon" with my wife this past weekend. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw. Don't get me wrong, this will not win any awards, but Loncaine manages to help viewer get inside the head of professional level athletes- specifically, tennis players.

The only distraction, in my opinion, was a rushed romance between the main character, a British has-been tennis star (Paul Bettany) and a fiery American fast rising star (Kirsten Dunst). While the romance needed to be present, the speed at which a casual pre-game shag becomes a powerful romance is just too much, even for Hollywood.

However, if you can get past this, you will find a fascinating look into the world of professional tennis, with all its warts and wonders. Perhaps not necessarily worth the full theatre ticket price, it is worth a matinee or new release DVD rental.

Not great, but not bad.