The many questions-not-worth-their-own-thread question thread XVII

[aimeeandbeatles]

Why does grass smell when its cut? Is there something inside that leaks out?

 

[NickyJ]

Sometimes I use a little squiggly ~ (I always forget what its called) for "approximately." For example, I said, ".... a documentary ~1985." Is this a proper usage? I dont want to confuse people.

Not that your question really asked about it, but "~" is referred to as "tilde."

 

[Dachs]

The tilde is acceptable for shorthand use to indicate 'circa' (approximately).

 

[W|M]

It's also used to denote a specific sound in certain languages (such as Portuguese).

 

[Dachs]

Well, yes, but that's not what she was asking about.

 

[Traitorfish]

Why does grass smell when its cut? Is there something inside that leaks out?

Yeah, it's chlorophyll. The chemical structure is similar to haemoglobin, the substance which gives the smell and taste of blood it its characteristic metallic edge, and because humans have evolved to be quite sensitive to the smell of blood, the sensitivity carries over to chlorophyll.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

that makes sense.

Another question: When you are quoting something and you make a new paragraph, why do you put another quotation-mark at the beginning of the new paragraph?

 

[NickyJ]

When you are quoting something and you make a new paragraph, why do you put another quotation-mark at the beginning of the new paragraph?

I'm not exactly sure myself, but I'm going to guess that it's just to make sure that people know that the new paragraph is still part of a quote, and not something you wrote on your own.

 

[Atticus]

Yeah, it's a good reminder. There are other such conventions in written language too, and basically whatever makes reading easier is justified.

 

[AL_DA_GREAT]

Will Belgium exist in 10 years? Hoe are things going there?

 

[GenMarshall]

Is it normal to see one's self confidence improve after seeing good grades from classes? (I know it's a silly question, but I've been struggling with low self confidence since I list my job a year ago)

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Is it normal to see one's self confidence improve after seeing good grades from classes? (I know it's a silly question, but I've been struggling with low self confidence since I list my job a year ago)

Yes .

 

[really]

What 10 skills that can be learnt with a reasonable amount of work will impress women the most?

Thinking of learning magic tricks and getting a motorcycle driver's license (I want to do both for other reasons).

Public speaking.

General DIY, car maintenance skills.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Has there ever been a case of a place being named "New [Location]" and the old [Location] doesn't exist anymore?

 

[Ajidica]

I assume so, but none come to mind.

 

[cardgame]

New and Old Dachang.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

If the president of the U.S. gets a mental illness (thats bad enough to put him in a hospital), does the vice-president take over? Permanently or until the mental illness is controlled?

 

[ParadigmShifter]

RedRalph is the expert in Presidential temporary insanity hypotheticals.

 

[W|M]

The Vice-President should take over until the President is in the condition to make independent and carefully thought out decisions, although Reagan's VP didn't take over when he had Alzheimer's.

 

[rugbyLEAGUEfan]

If the president of the U.S. gets a mental illness (thats bad enough to put him in a hospital), does the vice-president take over? Permanently or until the mental illness is controlled?

Well I can think of the odd case where apparently he's just continued on