Firstly to some travel matters. In the new Qantas in-flight safety video, a gentleman demonstrating how to fasten a seatbelt, has the belt fastened around one leg only, notes Sandie Bizys of Annandale. "Would this be to comfortably reach the drinks trolley? Or perhaps it was simply a short leg flight? Merry and Safe Christmas."
"Just back from a trip to Colombia, reports Jade Novakovic of Rose Bay. "Thought you might be interested in the following instruction. Colombia's National Parks ask people to refrain from 'acting unruly or getting dead drunk'. I assume that a little drunk is okay?"
A few years ago Clive Williams of Lavender Bay was in Tibet and learned that, because of the high altitude, water boiled at something like 80 degrees. "I asked a couple of medical members of our group if a surgical implement was boiled in order to sterilise it, would it in fact be sterilised. They couldn't be sure but I'm sure there's somebody among C8 experts who can resolve this."
"So, with Chrissy behind us, C8 can resume the ongoing business of correcting others. Further to 'So' (C8 ABC), it has become a disease everywhere, even on quiz shows, general conversation etc. For example – Q: What sort of work do you do? A: So, I work in a shop. No need for the 'so' but it's there. Also, 'yeah' apparently can conclude any sentence leaving the listener to assume the rest. 'I saw this person the other day driving erratically and, yeah.' Anyone else noticed this?" Peter Keogh of Vincentia.
So Fran of Beecroft, academics and scientists started this nonsense, says Garrett Naumann of Cammeray. "They are the culprits and non-academics wanted to get in on the learned act. I now do likewise so people think I am an academic. So try it and let C8 know if it works."
Thought I'd missed this thread, but using "so" to begin most statements has been irritating me for a couple of years, adds Bev Bayer of Kingston ACT. "The average young person's usage is understandable if not forgivable, but academics, businessmen and journalists really should do better."
Finally Rosemary O'Brien, of Georges Hall writes: "Clearly, Chris Roberts (C8 nasal) is female. Males of a certain age embrace man-spread, and socks 'n' sandals with horrid long shorts; how many would bother with nasal-hair pruning?"
Twitter: @Column8SMH