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Post by Little Jack Horner on May 12, 2022 19:28:48 GMT
Here are a few things from the BBC which you might find of interest. Have a look also at the items at the bottom which may also be of interest. I am not sure how rigorously exact the examples are but at least they may be interesting. I guessed correctly for six of the obscure words. No doubt others on this forum will do better!
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Post by Dave Miller on May 13, 2022 6:53:37 GMT
I knew aglet and ferrule straight off, plus octothorp, but only when reminded.
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Post by Little Jack Horner on May 14, 2022 23:48:26 GMT
“5th May”. “Ten days’ time”. I hope all goes well, Vv.
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Post by Verbivore on May 17, 2022 11:59:35 GMT
“5th May”. “Ten days’ time”. I hope all goes well, Vv. Thank you, LJH. I arrived at my destination about 30 hours ago (16 May AEST), on the full moon – by which the landscape was well lit in its autumnal glory. Tomorrow I'll begin my house-checking rounds, which should keep me out of mischief for a while. Today I chased sheep and bottle-fed two one-week-old lambs (one of whom is nicknamed Lamb Chop). It kept me occupied until this evening when I finally got the internet working. Detox over! Meanwhile, scenes rather different from my previous subtropical paradise. Byron Shire was in the Rainbow Region; Molong is in Big Sky Country – low hills and gently rolling plains surrounded by low horizons. While my temporary digs are far more salubrious than any I'll find to rent, they're not a bad starting point, being plumb in the middle of the region I shall house hunt. I can truly say that I've moved Beyond the Black Stump! (Note: The Black Stump in my photo is that located at Coolah NSW.) Early morning sun, poor lighting for the shot. Approaching the entrance to Brymedura. The house was built about 160 years ago for a son of the Oz-famed W C Wentworth. Attachments:
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Post by Verbivore on May 17, 2022 12:02:38 GMT
The property name at the entrance: Heading down the driveway:
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Post by Verbivore on May 17, 2022 12:05:22 GMT
Getting nearer the hearth: The gardens: 5 acres, including 800+ roses – though not in these pics: the season is over (the owner's an Englishman, natch!):
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Post by Verbivore on May 17, 2022 12:09:48 GMT
The house – front: Another view: The eastern side / breakfast room – mostly glass (under the dormer): I've stayed in bigger dumps.
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Post by Little Jack Horner on May 17, 2022 23:42:05 GMT
Look a good place. I hope you are happy there. You’ll likely miss the sea (or, keeping it linguistic, do you Aussies call it the ocean?).
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Post by Verbivore on May 18, 2022 0:44:46 GMT
Look a good place. I hope you are happy there. You’ll likely miss the sea (or, keeping it linguistic, do you Aussies call it the ocean?). Call that salty pond whatever you like, LJH. I think ocean might be the more common use in Oz, but as I'm no sea-lover (can't and don't wish to swim) I can't say for certain. I'll not miss it. (I never used to take my classic cars to seaside gatherings because of the salt.)
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Post by Verbivore on May 18, 2022 8:19:53 GMT
Twod: Is this a relative of yours? She appears to have promising skills in language. It's a snippet from the local school newsletter I stumbled across while 'researching' my new region.
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Post by Twoddle on May 18, 2022 9:29:28 GMT
Your new home, albeit temporary, looks nearly idyllic, Verbivore. I hope your permanent abode will be equally pleasant.
I wonder what the collective noun for Twaddles is. A "Load", surely?
When the Internet arrived in the UK and I was looking for an ID name or a password for something, I was drawn back to my schooldays when a teacher who was temporarily unable to recall my surname, referred to me as "Twaddle". (Even in those days I was a nonentity.) My classmates were keen to ensure that the name stuck, of course. "Twaddle" had already been taken as an Internet name, so I adapted the spelling. Adapt, adopt, improve, as they say.
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Post by Little Jack Horner on May 25, 2022 12:58:25 GMT
We seem to be lacking anything to talk about. My daughter-in-law has sent me this item which she thought would interest me. I think we have probably read all that needs to be said about this matter but I am linking it for your interest.
lifehacker.com/you-re-wrong-about-less-vs-fewer-1848965273
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Post by Verbivore on May 27, 2022 7:15:19 GMT
Here's a 'rule' we haven't discussed for a long time. It was mentioned in the latest issue of the Australian Style Manual's newsletter.
I before E except after C
This Australian Style Manual example certainly challenges that convention:
… ‘eight weighty neighbours at leisure on an ancient, foreign glacier forfeit science for their conscience’.
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Post by Little Jack Horner on May 30, 2022 23:30:08 GMT
Thank you for that, VV. I think somebody ought to try to create a meaningful sentence where the words alternate following the rule new “E before I except after C” ‼️
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Post by Dave Miller on May 31, 2022 6:49:26 GMT
But, Vv, the “rule” is misquoted and those examples DON’T break the rule!
The rule as I was taught it is: I before E, except after C, whenever the sound is “ee”.
There are still counter examples (for example seize), but the full version is at least a useful rule of thumb.
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