You may have noticed that I start many-a-sentence with "But" or "And." It's just conversational writing, so, as I see it, a lot of the rules can be bent. That said, I still can't ignore dangling prepositions. And I'm a stickler for using who/whom and I/me where appropriate.

Casual writing is a valid form of communication. So just do whatever you want.

I agree with Jennifer. When you write as you speak, it makes whatever you have written so much easier to read. Also, just a tad more enjoyable.
I have worked in libraries all my working life (yeah, I'm old, I'm 30) and whilst in a public library, I was usually based in the children's or youth section. Novels based at teenagers were so much more enjoyable when they were written in this fashion.
I say if you like writing this way, then go ahead. I'll keep on reading your blog!

Canada isn't all about the "super-coldness." Where I live in Canada is a lot like Hokkaido, weather wise (I think). We do have our freaky cold days occasionally, but it is rather rare. For example, it's actually going to be above freezing for most of this week (except the next couple of days). Plus, we probably have maybe about 5cm of snow at the moment. I think you'd be able to survive just fine in the more Southern regions of Canada Kiyo. Come on over. Perhaps we can have beers in my igloo. I'm kidding about the igloo.

I was taught in elementary and junior high school how to begin sentences with "And, ..." and "But, ..." and in high school was taught that it was the incorrect way to begin a sentence. I suppose it's really just a matter of formality... you don't use "But, ..." when you're writing an essay, but, hey, everyday speech, who cares, everyone uses "And" and "But". And "you know". And "a lot". All the stuff you're "not supposed to use".

I go with the consensus on this "And-" and "But-" question. One of the beautiful things about English is its flow and ear sense. I'll even go out on a limb, here, and say that phrases and individual words are o.k. as sentences, provided they fit well with the context and don't *sound* like illiterate writing. Honestly.

MNW

Coordinating conjunctions, such as "but", link two elements of a sentence. In formal written English, it's odd to have "but" stand alone, coordinating with nothing. However, to convey an informal, conversational tone, blog-writing employs the tactics of dialog writing, using punctuation to indicate pauses and inflection. Think of your writing as poetry!

I agree absolutely with MN-W remark on "flow and ear sense". Even a superb writer like Winston Churchill, broke the rules of grammar when he thought it made a sentence sound funny. In making fun of one of the rules he said, "Ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put."

Thanks, folks! I appreciate every piece of advice you have given me. :)

TheRich, too bad I cannot drink much. I'm such a boring guy. ;) If I were to have a chance to visit Canada, please make an igloo for me.

hi i am at a house that is very very cold. I am wearing an igloo wit air conditioning in it and is sweating like heck. I am scared of taking off my jacket becuz i will then freeze. What do I do? I am now experiencing what fat people feel like very single day. It is starting to annoy me. This is my question: Should I do or don't take off the hundred pound igloo that is surrounding me? Please help I might die. Please. This is very serious. I think i hab Leukemia. I am experiencing high growth in my everyday activities. This is severe. Do you hab any any suggestiong of medications for me or even a phyciatrist that will understand my situation. Thank you. That is all.

-Carla Now is weighing 300 lbs.