I like chocolate, vanilla and cookies and cream ice cream.

Now, how stupid does that look? Reading that sentence gives me a headache just trying to figure out what it means--and I wrote it.

:lol:

so, given that I'm not an academic, not in newspapers, and not in Australia, South Africa, or whatever . . .

put the damn comma in!

Glad to see I'm not alone, here.

I overcomma

Help me here - what is a serial comma? This is a comma to me ","
I wonder if you are talking about what I call an apostrophe " ' "?

It is acceptable here to use an apostrophe when using plurals of acronyms, where the meaning could otherwise me misunderstood - especially the case in capital fonts for example those used by supermarkets. So while it is incorrect for a greengrocer to write "Pear's on Sale," it is acceptable for Tesco to advertise "ALL DVD'S & CD'S 50% OFF!"

Sorry if we're talking at cross purposes.

no, a serial (or series) comma is what separates a word from a conjunction in a series. Like: apples, oranges, and pears.

don't get me started on the fucking apostrophes, okay?

Do you need the one before the "and"? I thought that was optional. Just asking.

KILL HIM! OFF WITH HIS HEAD.

In other words, did you read any of the posts? ;)

yes. you need the one before the "and"!

whoever gave you the idea it was optional?

I was always taught you don't need the comma with and. I was taught that at school and again in level 3 Eng Lang.

wrong. wrong, wrong, and wrong! But it's okay--you don't count.

:p

I'm looking for Merkin rules.

There are as many arguments for the Oxford/Serial comma as there are against it. Anyone who writes (even on the web) should be aware of the issues and act accordingly.

and anyway -- that was yesterday. I've got a whole new set of irritants today.

Yup, that's correct for Brits. The "and" provides the pause all by itself. We're smart enough not to need the extra hint ;)

Today I am irritated at medical establishments who leave you hanging around for hours between diffeent parts of appointments. 5 fucking hours for a mammogram for a cancer patient who is on the worst day of her chemo cycle and just needs to sleep.

I was taught that was optional, but cautioned to be consistent throughout any document (read homework).