Andy's Post at Toy Soldier Chat (1 Viewer)

[bricoleur]

Well, since I live in Belgium, I "master" four languages: Dutch as my mother tongue, French as second language, English and German. Well, my French needs a little more exercising, and I hope my English isn't that bad, and my German needs some brushing up, especially writing (German could be a pain in the a***, sometimes...).


As Louis said, speaking several languages and more specifically thinking in another one has a lot of advantages. I'm not that good, but I regularly think in English. I just don't know, but I think I master English better than French. It's a television-thing, I guess...

As you see it's not so exceptional in Belgium to find "four languagers". And this is even not particular for Belgium: the Swiss people also learn French, German, Italian and Raeto-Romanisch, the original language in that region. Besides, the Swiss bankers speak the language of the big money... you see there as much Ferrari's, Lamborghini's and Porsches in the streets as bikes in China.
Eddy

 

[jazzeum]

While Bill Moore has started a new thread, most, if not all, of the members whose complaints triggered the review continue to exchange frivolous wordplay and not discuss toy soldiers.

They never addressed the issues raised in Steven's post nor mine, which was more a supplement to Steven's, but blithely said in their ignorance "I want this forum to run", with a lot of me toos. Until they address those, I don't see why it deserves our support and participation.

 

[Combat]

They never addressed the issues raised in Steven's post nor mine, which was more a supplement to Steven's, but blithely said in their ignorance "I want this forum to run", with a lot of me toos. Until they address those, I don't see why it deserves our support and participation.

I agree that there are a lot problems over there and many probably will not be solved. But it might be better not to put all our eggs in one basket here - nice as it is.

 

[jazzeum]

I'm not sure what that means. Do you mean what happens if this place goes away? That seems rather unlikely. Even so, that place would seem to be a poor replacement.

 

[Shannon Reuss]

We have no plans to "go away." Actually cost of maintaining a forum is quite reasonable, and not the big deal it is made out to be elsewhere.

As to the language thing I of course speak English and know enough Spanish to get along in Buenos Aires (provided Ana Donzino is at my elbow to bail me out when I get into conversation over my head ). I can sing the alphabet in German thanks to my German grandparents but I can't imagine that would come in very handy in Germany and since my mother tutored French in college I can very sweely ask you to "shut the mouth please" in French. Another useless language trick in my arsenal.

Speaking of Ana she knows quite a few languages herself. Those of you who speak more than one language fluently have my utmost admiration. What a useful skill.
Regards,

 

[Combat]

We have no plans to "go away." Actually cost of maintaining a forum is quite reasonable, and not the big deal it is made out to be elsewhere.

Shannon-
I thought you might be taking the millions that you have made in the toy soldier business and moving someplace warmer - like North Dakota. Then we could have a Brad/Axis Sally reunion on Toy Soldier Chat that would crash the boards.

 

[sceic2]

Not to make fun of North Dakota:roll eyes:, but, as a part of my job I have to investigate and analyize population demographics. Did you know that North Dakota's population peaked in the 1890's and that if Shannon and her family moved there, they would call it a "mass migration."

 

[Peter Reuss]

Not to make fun of North Dakota:roll eyes:, but, as a part of my job I have to investigate and analyize population demographics. Did you know that North Dakota's population peaked in the 1890's and that if Shannon and her family moved there, they would call it a "mass migration."

When I was in seminary, my boss on the maintenance crew (a native North Dakotan living in Minneapolis) received a letter inviting him to move back to North Dakota. It was signed by ... the governor of the state of North Dakota ... and his mother! Apparently they had some program where you could invite people back - and have the governor be a part of the request. I found that a bit odd.

Actually, Shannon's brother lives in Grand Forks, so her family is doing their best to populate the state!

Pete