Monday 30 April 2007

Moussa on Vegetarianism (Part 1)

Moussa lays it down like it is, as regards vegetarianism, after a mix-up with hot drinks. All moral bases are covered, and attention is then focussed on the future of vegetarianism.

5 comments:

M said...

I have to say, I prefer 'focused' with one 's'. Otherwise, sound points all.

Jack Gander said...

I prefer a double 's' wherever viable. That is all.

This Moussa fellow knows his stuff.

M said...

He sure does, dude; he sure does.

I agree with you in principle, but I find that the aesthetic of the word on the page trumps all. Aesthetic, incidentally, looks beautiful (though less so when capitalised).

Jack Gander said...

If the principle to which you refer is some notion of anti-Americanised English, you're a little off the mark, to my understanding. I think (and I may be wrong) that 'focused' and 'focussed' are equally valid this side of the Atlantic, and that the spelling was merely never standardised (reason enough in itself to rejoice). Besides, I have nothing against American spelling (indeed, I applaud the yanks for the reasons behind the differences), except when they miss out 'u's for no descernible reason. And so yes, it all comes back to aesthetics - aesthetics and associations. I think ' focussed' looks rather sensual, and it makes me think of venomous snakes (e.g. Vipera berus, or even Vipera pontica). This can only be a good thing.

M said...

That was in no sense my principle, no. The principle was more that double 's's are more in keeping with the natural order of language. I too have no objection to our American cousins' spellings, though I do find them more likely to be maulers of syntax and the like.