This morning as I was filling my Zippo, I inadvertantly sprayed Zippo fluid on my hand, so the first time I flicked the lighter it lighted the gas on my hand. The flames look very cool, especially so in the semi-darkness. I was kind of torn between the panic of being on fire and thinking hey, neat.
The use of the word "only" has reached ridiculous proportions! The Warehouse ad on TV last night said: "There's only days to go! [til December 23rd]"
When did over a month get changed to only days? It must be terrible for parents of newborns: "Congratulations! Your son has only seconds to live! [until he's 85]" I'm surprised they survive the shock.
When I was down in Dunedin briefly, I found the following course on offer from the community continuing education service: "How to Climb a Well-Branched Tree". For some reason it reminds me strongly of Hans Moleman's class on "How to Eat an Orange". I strongly encouraged my grandmother to take the course, but for some reason she demurred.
This is my 100th entry. Just thought I'd slip that in there. I couldn't think of anything particularly meaningful to say about it.
That's an astute comment on my favourite adjective. And you're so right -- I'm increasingly impressed by how its power of emphasis gets channelled. In India, there's this ubiquitous phrase: "It is like this only"-- used to indicate both the absoluteness of the situation as well as the calm resignation that needs to accompany that recognition. It's still my favourite subcontinent-ism (and one which I still try to use as much as possible), one of the joy-inspiring instances where the richness and thrust of grammar wins out over its correctness.
Posted by: tahnda at November 17, 2004 07:57 AM"It's only forever, it's not long at all"
Congratualtions on the 100 entries mark, it's been great reading what you're up to :)
Now, if I could just get one of my local community educators to teach me how to climb a tree (obviously it's *not* like riding a bike. Why would they hold a course if it's something you can't lose the knack of.). There just isn't enough tree climbing in my life.
I could use that orange-eating instruction too. I always end up with sticky hands.
Posted by: Jenni at November 17, 2004 10:26 AMI get quite a kick out of the whole literal-translation bizzo too :) English must have its hilarious moments when translated as well, it's such a bastardised language to start with!
I avoid oranges for just that reason, Jen - sticky and messy and you're left with inconvenient peel. Bah! to oranges. Bah! I say. In fact, most fruit is horrible for one reason or another. Give me good old vegetables any day.
Posted by: phreq at November 18, 2004 11:01 AMThanks
Posted by: Online Home Loans at November 19, 2005 10:11 PM