User Comments - go_manly

Posted on: What's up?

Actually, I think that is one we will need to concede to the Yanks.

From the Online Etymological Dictionary:

"aluminum

1812, coined by English chemist Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829), from L. alumen "alum". Davy originally called it alumium (1808), then amended this to aluminum, which remains the U.S. word, but British editors in 1812 further amended it to aluminium, the modern preferred British form, to better harmonize with other element names (sodium, potassium, etc.)."

So, I'm afraid aluminum came first. Much as I hate to make this concession.

But, at least the choice of word here is arbitrary - there is no obvious reason for choosing one version over the other. And again, much as I hate to admit it, the same goes for maths/math.

But 'gas' for 'petrol' or 'fuel' ?

And, while I have a bee in my bonnet, why can't they pronounce the 'h' in 'herb' ? This is English, not French. And the capital of Queensland is not Brisbayne. And its centre, metre (the unit of measurement), flavour, colour.

Posted on: What's up?

Mate, your logic is impeccable. Why do American's talk of filling a car with 'gas' ? The answer - because they do. Regardless of how 'ridiculous' that term is. (At least until the day filling up the car involves getting a cow to fart in your tank.)

Posted on: Instant Noodles

Well, I can accept it. I'm not sure if that's what you mean by 'feel'. Perhaps I could just chant it until my brain feels numb - wu suo wei wu suo wei wu suo wei wu suo wei wu suo wei, .........................................

Posted on: Daddy Changes a Diaper

I might be wrong, but I think the only level you are automatically following is the level which is stated in your profile. You will need to add the other groups.

Posted on: Instant Noodles

Hi changye,

Even though I posted the information above, I only 'kind of' understand it. Are you able to explain how your simple definition of 'to' can be inferred from this formal definition?

Posted on: An Introduction!

"The Shanghai lessons aren't taking away from anything else."

Well, actually they are. Instead of 3 Elementary/Intermediate lessons each week, we will only be getting 2.

Posted on: An Introduction!

Are these Shanghainese lessons the special Newbie feature that Jenny promised that we would get in December, or is that yet to come?

Posted on: An Introduction!

But the moment I added that comment, they became one again.

Posted on: An Introduction!

Now links to all 3 Shanghainese universes are showing on the Conversations page, but they all lead here.

Posted on: An Introduction!

The next Shanghainese Lesson is to come out on Friday. Does that mean we will not be getting one of our regular lessons this week?