Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Blossom]

The July 2005 edition of the Beijing Tatler has an article on the residence of the British Ambassador to China, Sir Christopher Hum. The article quotes Sir Richard as saying, �The British concepts give artistic dynamics, and the incorporation of Chinese elements adds mysterious profundity. The perfect combination of the two is more often the result of a fleeting inspiration.�

What does this mean?

[asterix]

Sir Richard is a politician, so you should not assume that anything he says means anything at all.
Anyway it appears he is trying to say, The rough ideas that the Brits come up with give a jump start to the forces of art - mixing in Chinese elements adds great insight wrapped in mystery.

When these are successfully combined, it is often because of a quickly passing inspiration.

He's flattering the Chinese and the British. He's also saying how well they work together.

He's Not saying:-
But it's the Americans who are making China rich.
Please note that he mentions Chinese Elements but not specifically #105.

[Blossom]

Thanks. Asreix. That helps me.

But what is #105?

[asterix]

We have a person on this site who calls himself, Element 105.
I am just giving him a nudge, to see if he is awake.

[Blossom]

Oh, a joke. I did not realise.

But can you spare the time to explain the use of # please. I would appreciate it.

What does it mean? How do you say it?

[asterix]

I believe the symbol # is called a platen mark. It is, or was, used by the printing industry.
In Canada, and probably the USA they use it to mean number.
Number 1 can be written: #1. no. 1, or Nr. 1.

[Bob S.]

[Blossom]

So if I saw #105 I would say Number 105?

But if I saw 105# I would say 105 pounds?