Plasman wrote:For instance, in the US, you guys refer to Element 13 as "a-LUM-in-um", emphasis on the second syllable. But we in Australia (and I suspect in the UK too) pronounce it "a-lum-IN-yum". I believe it's spelled differently between countries too.
Well that's because aluminum was already named, but some stereotypical tuffy british guys with monocles and bowler hats didn't like the name. They thought it should end in -ium just like titanium and other metals in that group. So they changed it in all the official documents.
In the grand scheme of things little matters like this matter little. So long as everyone can communicate, it's OK by me. Some things bug me, but some things will always bug me, so who cares? I just hate miscommunication.
Time for a song!
How, in every visible way, you shine
As if the stars in your wake align
Almost impossible to malign
But just below where you shine, you burn
Although I know it, I never learn
Just goes to show that I can't discern
Aluminum to me
Aluminium to some
You can shine like silver all you want
But you're just Aluminum
Illuminating just what you want to show
You'd never rust, but I'd never know
You can't be trusted, I can't let go
Every time you're here, I forget
When you leave, you leave only regret
Every time you're here, I forget
Everything
You're so lightweight, how can you survive?
Recycling moments from others' lives
You're not as precious as you contrive
Aluminum to me
Aluminium to some
You can shine like silver all you want
But you're just Aluminum.
...
Any excuse for Barenaked Ladies is a good excuse!