Github "last commit" naming confusion.

[VladYvhuce]

I'm unsure if this is a regional difference of some sort, or just something a bit wonky with how whatever it is that determines how the naming shows up on the "last commit" tab in the Github info box on top of the forums. If it were a Wednesday and the last update had been on that week's Monday, what shows up is "Last Monday". This is the part where I wonder if it's a regionalism difference. In most of the USA, that would be inaccurate. This is because "last Monday" means "the Monday from last week". This is stuff we were taught in school. It's how everyone here uses "last (day of the week)". The way it's used in "last commit" is in fact the only place I've seen it used in this alternate context. I'm not trying to be critical. Just asking for clarification, in case it is a regionalism thing.

 

[fronobulax]

I disagree with your premise. "Last Monday" is the closest Monday to today going backwards. If today is Monday then "last Monday" is exactly a 7 days ago.

Since this is the internet I could just say "You are wrong" and leave it there

I don't know where the value of "last commit" comes from but I suspect someone at GitHub coded it and KoLmafia.us only displays it. So if there is a cultural difference it would be between you and someone writing code for GitHub.

As a clarification, today is Saturday February 8. I say "last Monday" is Monday February 3. I believe you are saying that since February 8 and February 3 are in the same week (since a week started on Sunday February 2) "last Monday" would be January 26. If that is a correct understanding then you are the first person I have ever encountered who would define "last Monday" that way. I live a sheltered life? But I have found people who use "last week" in a way that is confusing to me. Sometimes "last week" seems to mean "at least seven days ago" and sometimes it means "before the most recent Sunday". If it really matters there is usually continued clarification with reference to specific calendar dates. Perhaps I have encountered people with your definition and not realized it?

The cause is probably cultural. It might be region but it also might be generational or even occupational. People whose primary means of "telling time" was formed using an analog clock face talk about time differently, in my experience, compared to people used to digital displays of time. People who have to do calculations with time (accountants, programmers, etc.) are much more concerned with precise definitions - When does a day start and end? When does a week start and end? How does an employer honor a contract that says "four weeks of vacation" for employees who normally work four (ten hour) days per "week" or work less than forty hours "per week"? when pay is computed at an hourly rate? - than people who just "live" with time.

 

[Crowther]

I've known people for whom on Tuesday "Last Monday" is eight days ago and on Friday "Last Monday" is four days ago. And in between, who knows? On top of that "Last Weekend" could be anything at all. I refuse to use the terms and always ask followup questions when others use it.

Speaking of accountants and time, ever try explaining your per diem when you crossed the international date line at night?

 

[VladYvhuce]

I disagree with your premise. "Last Monday" is the closest Monday to today going backwards. If today is Monday then "last Monday" is exactly a 7 days ago.

Since this is the internet I could just say "You are wrong" and leave it there

I don't know where the value of "last commit" comes from but I suspect someone at GitHub coded it and KoLmafia.us only displays it. So if there is a cultural difference it would be between you and someone writing code for GitHub.

As a clarification, today is Saturday February 8. I say "last Monday" is Monday February 3. I believe you are saying that since February 8 and February 3 are in the same week (since a week started on Sunday February 2) "last Monday" would be January 26. If that is a correct understanding then you are the first person I have ever encountered who would define "last Monday" that way. I live a sheltered life? But I have found people who use "last week" in a way that is confusing to me. Sometimes "last week" seems to mean "at least seven days ago" and sometimes it means "before the most recent Sunday". If it really matters there is usually continued clarification with reference to specific calendar dates. Perhaps I have encountered people with your definition and not realized it?

The cause is probably cultural. It might be region but it also might be generational or even occupational. People whose primary means of "telling time" was formed using an analog clock face talk about time differently, in my experience, compared to people used to digital displays of time. People who have to do calculations with time (accountants, programmers, etc.) are much more concerned with precise definitions - When does a day start and end? When does a week start and end? How does an employer honor a contract that says "four weeks of vacation" for employees who normally work four (ten hour) days per "week" or work less than forty hours "per week"? when pay is computed at an hourly rate? - than people who just "live" with time.

Yes, most of the people I speak with would say that from February 8, "last Monday" was January 26. Today is Monday, February 10. Saturday the 8th is not "last Saturday" to us. "Last Saturday" is the 1st to us. We just use the day name for past days that haven't yet reached "last" status. If I were talking to someone, about something that happened on the 8th, for example, I wouldn't say "last Saturday, (whatever)". I'd say "Saturday (whatever)" in past tense. If I said "last Saturday (whatever)", the people I was talking to would think I meant Saturday, February 1. Again, I figure it's probably regional. And just trying to seek clarification rather than any sort of change.