Words and phrases that make me cringe

1) Off Line - This one is usually used in a meeting at work, "maybe we should discuss this off-line." When exactly did every meeting go "on-line" and why are certain undefined subjects reserved for "off-line" discussion? I understand if a discussion strays off topic or gets too detailed for a specific audience, but can't we just talk about it later?

2) Reorientate - I know, it's actually a word, but I can't stand it. Why must we "reorientate" when we can simply "reorient?" The redundancy kills me.

3) Natural Medicine - There is nothing "natural" about medicine. That's the whole point, we take a treatment to fix a natural problem. We use reason, logic and experience to fix mother nature. Get over it.

4) Western Medicine - Do you have something against the other hemispheres? You know, Asians are perfectly capable of producing quality science (and frequently do).

5) Gourmet - This word seems like it should be reserved for something special, but if it can be used to describe a frozen dinner then I don't want anything to do with it.

6) Fascist - This is just a confusing term. I've read the entire wiki and I still have no concrete idea what the word means. I've heard it used to describe everything from totalitarian governments to a controlling spouse and even a suspect scientific finding... as in, "this experiment is so fascist." I have no idea what that means.

7) Instintaneously - This word instantly reminds me of "reorientate."

8) Their, there, they're - Just get it straight.

9) "I don't like dark beer" - The same could be said of, "I only like dark beers." I never really know how to respond to statements like this, because it's usually said out of some level if ignorance about my favorite beverage. So, consider this a teaching moment. The color of a beer has nothing to do with how thick, heavy or strong a beer is, and it doesn't even indicate how it will taste. If you don't believe me, then try a schwarzbier.

10) "If you don't vote then you forfeit your right to complain" - I think voting is fine, but complaining is just as American as voting. Besides, I have yet to find a single candidate or initiative that I feel 100% comfortable placing my support behind. Frankly, if you're not complaining, then I don't think you should be voting.

That's it for today.