User Comments - RJ

Posted on: Going on a Picnic

Fremantle who? I must say I had to look that one up. Interesting term for a breeze. btw- does it ever snow in Oz? Im guessing not. Xmas to me is hot chocolate or some good wine, a fireplace, and "Jack Frost". Or er uh, "fremantle frostbite" maybe?

Posted on: Discussing a Thesis Topic with an Advisor

In the US undergraduate degrees sometimes work as John says, allowing one to graduate with honors having written a short thesis. A master's degree usually requires a thesis but many programs have an extra coursework option. Comprehensive exams are usually required in both cases. The PhD of course requires a dissertation (a large thesis). In my case I wrote a Masters thesis because it allowed me to finish quicker. (I am the kind of guy that will sleep in the lab to get finished). Others are more suited to the extra coursework option since finding time to be in the lab is a problem. (Of course if its not a science degree there is no lab.)

Henning- I dont believe that post doc work in the US requires a paper but at this stage most people will publish their work anyway.

Posted on: Peter Bomer and his Soulfire Radio

Interesting show. You can listen at

http://soulfire.cn/

Posted on: Which Subway Exit

ah, I see. she did say 3rd didnt she. I have not noticed that before either.

Posted on: Which Subway Exit

the rules of yi1 are described here:

http://chinesepod.com/lessons/tone-change-rule-yi-%E4%B8%80

yi1 in this case is second tone because it comes before hui4 which is 4th tone. The tones are still written yi1hui4 but pronounced yi2hui4 by the rule. The 儿 represents the northern Chinese accent which simply provides an alternative way of pronouncing yihui as yihuir. The 儿 is neutral tone so in the end you have yi1hui4er pronounced as yi2hui4er. Was that the question? Does this make sense Bob?

Posted on: A Magazine Subscription

Peter,

it does seem to be working now. In the past it got stuck at the "loading" phase and I tried several browsers on more than one occasion just to make sure it wasn't a "PICNIC" (problem in chair, not in computer) issue. Thanks for "fixing" it. You're a good man Peter.

Posted on: A Magazine Subscription

Hi Peter,

I have to say that you have done a wonderful job of straightening out many issues. You seemed to actually read (and understand) the comments, your answers were clear and to the point, and you got results. I remember thinking jeez, all we needed was someone who could communicate with the tech team. That is why I was disappointed when you blew this guy off and seemed to lose your ability to understand when dealing with Phil. It must be the water in that office. Please dont drink from the water cooler. You were doing great. :-)

Posted on: A Magazine Subscription

Peter

this IS actually broken. Jiangongfeng specifically said it didnt work on the supplemental vocab. This implies that he can see it on the key vocab so he must have what he needs to see skritter. Why dont you try it instead of assuming the customer is wrong. Writing practice button in supplemental vocab on this lesson results in only the "loading" banner and it never finishes loading. The character list is empty.

Posted on: World Cup Talk

yea, go cockraoaches,......wait, is that a real team?

Posted on: Fun at the Beach

well, I do read the NY times. My bad.

here is a sample question from the ESL/EFL test showing that "left" is the correct answer as opposed to "forgot" my keys in the door.

http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic12067.html#i_left_my_keys_vs_i_forgot_my_keys

ESL/EFL Test #136 "How to make exclamations", answer 2

How stupid can I get! I left my keys in the door overnight.

Correct answer: (d) left

Your answer was: incorrect:

How stupid can I get! I forgot my keys in the door overnight.

_________________________

Why can't i use forgot here?.........