One Sunday, my daughter and I were in her kitchen when Jennie suddenly looked serious and said, “I want to know something.” I felt myself tensing for a moment wondering what dark secret she wanted me to divulge.
I nodded for her to proceed and was quite surprised when she said, “I just need to know: do you have all those quotes in your head?” I laughed and assured her that I didn’t have all of them in my head, but I did have many of them stored there.
Life is just full of mysteries, isn’t it? I’ve been contemplating why British pop singers sing with an American accent (I’ve been listening to Coldplay). I think I’ve heard an explanation for this, but I’ve forgotten the answer.
The things that confound me usually have to do with people, not cosmic mysteries. Why are window envelopes so popular? Who is responsible for the brilliant American Express ad with Kate Winslett and how can I let them know I adore it? Why do people on Twitter think the rest of us want to know what songs they’re listening to? And can anyone explain Billy Mays to me?
My sister Margaret once sent me an e-mail which said, “I bought a sprayer for my kitchen sink today, and here are the English comments on the package of the Aerator-Shower: To obtain one or both performances, it is sufficient to move upwards or downwards the exterior part of the aerator-shower. ATTENTION: in case jet should be imperfect or irregular, clean the special wire gauze filter.”
The mystery here, it seems to me, is why would someone do business with English speaking customers and not bother to have their copy checked by a native speaker? Isn’t communicating with your customers a basic requirement of business?
Just heard from Linda Gannon that she created her first video on YouTube for her Rhinestone Gypsy Handbags. What a delightful way to tell a story.
I Googled “why do english singers sing with an american accent” and found quite a spirited discussion! Too much to summarize here, but worth checking out. I’ve always been mystified by that too.
I often see interesting (or confusing) wording on Chinese or Thai menus. Possible business opportunity to proofread the English text for them?
I will hop over to Google and check that out. And I never thought about menus as an opportunity, but I have suggested that Websites in places where English isn’t their first language could be an opportunity for traveling self-bossers. (I’m not saying that as clearly as I’d like, but it’s too early in the morning to figure it out.)
Just wanted to let you know that this morning, I’ve been listening to the I Am Sam soundtrack. 🙂 Also ordered Grindhopping after reading about it in Winning Ways.
Dixie
I’ve never heard that soundtrack, but I just checked it out on Amazon and think I should. I also love the soundtrack from Across the Universe.