You say ‘potater’

I found a website for a Harvard survey on American dialects. The dialect maps are pretty interesting—though you’ll note it isn’t a completely random sample, since the respondents are mostly self-selected as far as I can tell. The topic du jour of dialect—what to call a sweetened, carbonated beverage—also seems one of the most regionally distinct. My parents say “soft drink,” as did I, growing up; of late, I say “soda.” (Link from pealco.net.)

I also found No. 76 kind of funny, only because I’d never heard the phrase “kitty-corner” until a few years ago, when I was in Vancouver, looking for a place to exchange currency. I was directed to a place “kitty-corner” from somewhere else. I thought, “Wait. Huh?!” But of course, I nodded blithely and went on my way. Yes, I found it. Eventually.

W&G notes. The Screen Actors Guild Award nominations were announced the other day. Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally were nominated again — yay! — and are the defending champs, if you will, in their respective categories. The SAG Awards will be broadcast Sunday, March 9. Speaking of Will & Grace, there’s a super-sized, Must-See TV line-up tonight with 40-minute episodes, so W&G takes the screen at 9:20 p.m., as Dan Futterman continues his guest-star run. From the episode description: “Jack and Will continue their gay makeover on Karen’s cousin and reminisce about Will’s 1986 ‘outing.'” I’m thinking, flashback! Can’t wait.

In further news, this season’s parade of guest stars also includes Demi Moore and Minnie Driver (in a couple of February episodes), and Madonna (set for May). And the W&G foursome will appear on Larry King Live tomorrow night, January 31.