dihydrogen monoxide. In a message dated 7/7/2009 10:47:23 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Jlsperanza writes: this kills the odious ambiguity of skating on the pond. --- It also re-establishes credibility to our resident Russian native speaking philosophe: OKSHEWSKYS (juniors): Can we go to the water? K. O. (patronising them in a philosophical tone). Yes, but do not get wet. Can we skate on the dihydrogen monoxide? It's understood that you can only skate (unless you are Christ) if it's in its solid state, so the ambiguity is resolved in the use of the main verb. Can we walk on water, Dad? i. No, you are not Christ. (+> Your mother is not a virgin) ii. You'll get wet. Can we _walk_ on dihydrogen monoxide? Is the Pope Catholic? Cheers, JL Speranza Buenos Aires, Argentina **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585089x1201462806/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jul yExcfooterNO62) ------------------------------------------------------------------ To change your Lit-Ideas settings (subscribe/unsub, vacation on/off, digest on/off), visit www.andreas.com/faq-lit-ideas.html