This thread has become so interesting. When I put my two cents in at the beginning, I thought some funny posts would appear and we'd all get a chuckle and that would be that but I've really learned a lot here! (why am I surprised?)!

As far as the gender debate goes, when I'm writing, even in formal stuff, I now use "s/he" as an alternative to "he/she" or "they." It looks a little odd, I know, but it's the best I have found so far...

Heard a lady on the subway just the other day say, I swear to God--"The doctor told her she was obeast." What planet am I on?! lolol