minor nitpicking (again) - Restorer magazine

[Chris in WNC]

Let's take another couple licks at a poor dead horse:

How hard is it to use correct terminology?

The latest Restorer magazine has a Convertible Sedan incorrectly referred to as
an "A-400" instead of a "400-A".

It also referred to Dean's A-495 as an "AR" instead of an "early 28".

I can forgive the average goober for getting it wrong, but our national magazine should be held to a higher standard.

j.m.h.o.......

[MikeK]

Volunteer your services as a proofreader. I'm just happy there is a national magazine- make that two!

[Logan]

I'm going to go ahead and say that its because more people will know it as an A400 rather than a 400-A, same with AR. You could say early 28, but itll get more peoples attention if they say "AR". But like Mike said, if youre going to complain about it then volunteer next year to be the editor, and take on the hundred of hours of work per year, and make sure you make every single person happy when you do it. Because if you dont, someone will tear apart your hard work on an open forum on the internet.

[DougVieyra]

- PERFECTION is an affront to God. - Plato

- "Nit-picking" is the second cousin to the heckler. - Ogden Nash

- A good public speaker adjusts his 'tone' to the audience. - Benjamin Franklin

- "You can please all the people some of the time - You can please some of the people all of the time - BUT you can not please ALL of the people ALL of the time." - Abraham Lincoln
__________________________________________________ _

- "'A rose by any other name is still a rose" - Anonymous

- "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." - William Shakespeare (from 'Romeo & Juliet')

- "A Rose is a Rose, by any other name". - Robert Burns

- "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - Wm. Shakespeare

- "A Rose By Any Other Name" - in a song by Ronnie Milsap.

- ""A rose is a rose is a rose" - in a poem by Gertrude Stein

_______________________________

I say 'tomatoe' - you say 'tomato' . . . . . I say Potatoe - you say 'Potato'. - Fred Astair

Any one have any confusion with where 'The Big Apple' is ? - "NYC" (New York City) ? ; "Frisco" , - 'San Francisco" ? ' The Windy City' (Chicago) ? We are not talking 'Bean Town' (Boston) here, or 'Moscow' (Idaho).

I am sure some miss the quiz, but most will recognize the qulloquil names. Just like 'Model A' does not clearly identify the model as being Ford. My Duesenberg, for instance is a 'Model A'; and I know of about six other marques that have a 'Model A' designation. In fact, the FORD marque has TWO ! But we let it all 'slide' , because we get the intent in context.

[Mike V. Florida]

You are right there should be a higher level in a magazine the people depend on for information.

If an on line class (and the number of on line schools and classes are growing) said the Declaration of Independence was signed on June 4th 1776 we should shut up and volunteer to be the editor of the test book the next time? I think not.

[mot]

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Joop
don't even think of changing it ... LOL
tom

[700rpm]

Some nit-pickers could also take issue with your lack of proper capitalization, subject, and articles.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Some nit-pickers could also take issue with your lack of proper capitalization, subject, and articles.

Bawhaha, That's a good one.

[todd3131]

My question is who decided that the proper term is 400 A instead of a A 400? Until I came to this forum I had never heard it called that. Who are these decision makers and what makes them the authority as to what it is called?
Todd

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

- PERFECTION is an affront to God. - Plato

- "Nit-picking" is the second cousin to the heckler. - Ogden Nash

- A good public speaker adjusts his 'tone' to the audience. - Benjamin Franklin

- "You can please all the people some of the time - You can please some of the people all of the time - BUT you can not please ALL of the people ALL of the time." - Abraham Lincoln

This kind of sums it up as I see it ! I also think the complainers should volunteer their services. Wayne

[Fred]

Originally Posted by todd3131

My question is who decided that the proper term is 400 A instead of a A 400? Until I came to this forum I had never heard it called that. Who are these decision makers and what makes them the authority as to what it is called?
Todd

Ford Motor Co.

[Bill S]

Some people get great joy in finding someones error no matter how small. Makes them feel that have some degree of intelligence. These people are never happy with anything.

[Joop]

Todd follow the link below for body numbers assigned by Ford

http://www.mafca.com/downloads/Techn...dy_Numbers.pdf

A400 is a nickname

[Chris in WNC]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Some nit-pickers could also take issue with your lack of proper capitalization, subject, and articles.

You are quite correct to hammer me on my carelessness.
I think my wife must have put you up to that-
she has tried for years to correct my sloppy email format.
I have edited my original posting and hope it looks much better now.

However, two wrongs do not make a right- the Restorer should still strive to get things correct. If the editor wants me to proofread, I'm available.......

[Chris in WNC]

Originally Posted by Bill S

Some people get great joy in finding someones error no matter how small. Makes them feel that have some degree of intelligence. These people are never happy with anything.

Bill S., I find no joy in the need to point out errors when they are so basic and easily avoidable, but when certain hot buttons get pushed I have to speak up.

Does it make me feel intelligent? Not particularly. Just attentive to detail.

Ask anyone who knows me, I am one of the happiest and most optimistic people around.........

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Chris in WNC

You are quite correct to hammer me on my carelessness.
I think my wife must have put you up to that-
she has tried for years to correct my sloppy email format.

Two wrongs do not make a right- the Restorer should still strive to get things correct.
If the editor wants me to proofread, I'm available.......

I was just funnin' you, Chris. I hope you took it that way.

[mshmodela]

There, there,

[Roger V]

Chris is correct. The national magazine should be held to a higher standard as it is a reference to those wanting/needing to know what is correct. To my knowledge the editor is paid and not a volunteer so MAFCA doesn't just accept anybody. Chris is not referring to people who volunteer a post here on fordbarn or other forums. Joop is right that the A-400 is akin to a nickname which started a long time ago. I usually refer to my convertible sedan as a 400-A but casually, A-400 doesn't bother me.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Well, sum call them Model As & sum call them A Models, whuts the BIG deal?
Bill W.

[kingbee]

Chris, if you're so attentive to detal, you should be aware the editor has had serious health problems the last several months. GROW UP and contribute something worthwhile to the forum, while keeping your self-grandising criticism to yourself.

You hit my hot button, so I had to speak up.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Well, sum call them Model As & sum call them A Models, whuts the BIG deal?
Bill W.

I was thinking the same thing

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by kingbee

Chris, if you're so attentive to detal, you should be aware the editor has had serious health problems the last several months. GROW UP and contribute something worthwhile to the forum, while keeping your self-grandising criticism to yourself.

You hit my hot button, so I had to speak up.

Amen, for sure ! I totally agree with you as do many others !
Wayne

[Tom Wesenberg]

Can't be cabin fever.........it's not winter yet!

But I am starting to miss the longer days already.

[Fred K-OR]

Must be hot outside. Have to stay inside and sit by the computer and type comments on Ford Barn.

[todd3131]

The nit picking is what gives Model A restorer a bad rap in the larger collector car world.
My personal love is a model a but I restore many other brands and I never ever have a Buick, Chevy, early v8 guy to name a few, come up and pick through a car like some model a guys. I am a proponent for accurate restorations as much as the next guy, but unless I am purchasing a car I never pick someones car apart or his nomenclature.

So if you want to call it a 400A or A400 or a convertible sedan it is all good.

[willobs]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Join MARC never a mistake, or mabee I am not smart enough to notice, or enjoy any A material!

[Pickupman]

Originally Posted by kingbee

Chris, if you're so attentive to detal, you should be aware the editor has had serious health problems the last several months. GROW UP and contribute something worthwhile to the forum, while keeping your self-grandising criticism to yourself.

You hit my hot button, so I had to speak up.

You need to get your facts correct. The editor of the Restorer Magazine has not had any health problems the last several months that I'm aware of.

[fiddlybits]

Originally Posted by kingbee

Chris, if you're so attentive to detal, you should be aware the editor has had serious health problems the last several months. GROW UP and contribute something worthwhile to the forum, while keeping your self-grandising criticism to yourself.

You hit my hot button, so I had to speak up.

Ummm.. isn't "The Restorer" MAFCA?

The "Model A News" is MARC and has the editor with health issues.

Anyway.... 400A or A400 or a convertible sedan? Give me a flippin break. They are all Model A Fords...or is it Ford Model A's... or Model A's...or A's .. or ... hey, they are all just kewl old CARS.

I feel sorry for those that get their undies in a bunch over things that small for they are going to miss out on a lot of fun in life.

I don't belong to the 'left coast' group so I haven't seen the mag, but I'll bet overall it was an issue that was fun to read. Too bad the whole issue was destroyed for Chris by such a trivial item. (sarcasm-just another free service I provide)


"Blessed are the Flexible, For they shall never be bent out of shape. - dlm"

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by fiddlybits

Ummm.. isn't "The Restorer" MAFCA?

The "Model A News" is MARC and has the editor with health issues.

Anyway.... 400A or A400 or a convertible sedan? Give me a flippin break. They are all Model A Fords...or is it Ford Model A's... or Model A's...or A's .. or ... hey, they are all just kewl old CARS.

I feel sorry for those that get their undies in a bunch over things that small for they are going to miss out on a lot of fun in life.

I don't belong to the 'left coast' group so I haven't seen the mag, but I'll bet overall it was an issue that was fun to read. Too bad the whole issue was destroyed for Chris by such a trivial item. (sarcasm-just another free service I provide)


"Blessed are the Flexible, For they shall never be bent out of shape. - dlm"

damn it get it right,, its depends not undies GEEEZ

[Fred]

Originally Posted by todd3131

The nit picking is what gives Model A restorer a bad rap in the larger collector car world.
My personal love is a model a but I restore many other brands and I never ever have a Buick, Chevy, early v8 guy to name a few, come up and pick through a car like some model a guys. I am a proponent for accurate restorations as much as the next guy, but unless I am purchasing a car I never pick someones car apart or his nomenclature.

So if you want to call it a 400A or A400 or a convertible sedan it is all good.

In your first post, You asked a Question ?/ I answered it !!

[fiddlybits]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

damn it get it right,, its depends not undies GEEEZ

Sorry....forgot my audience.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by fiddlybits

Sorry....forgot my audience.

you should have received your free complimentary box at 100 posts when you become a SENIOR member...
i am in charge of sending them out:::

[fiddlybits]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

you should have received your free complimentary box at 100 posts when you become a SENIOR member...
i am in charge of sending them out:::

But I'm not a senior........and... I suffer the Peter Pan syndrome to boot. (I won't grow up)

[todd3131]

Originally Posted by CarlG

I was thinking the same thing

Originally Posted by Fred

In your first post, You asked a Question ?/ I answered it !!

The second post has nothing to do with your response or the question that I posed to it, just a observation of the nitpicking as a whole.

[H. L. Chauvin]

FWIW: One Senior Attitude.

I really don't think Chris meant to personally harm anyone, nor did anyone who commented on his post; appears what is written can always be corrected without a problem; however, over the past several years I have developed an attitude that I never had before which goes something like this:

For example, yesterday it was announced that according to the latest census information gathered .............. 33% of people in the United States, (legal or illegal), are either on welfare ........ or food stamps ........... or both.

Lately, when I see "working" Americans such as those trying to put a vintage vehicle magazine together which is full of detailed archaic terminology, I feel like giving them all a big hug & humbly praising them for refusing to join our newly "created" generation of "idle" welfare American Bums doing drugs, always getting into trouble, & squandering away life's contributions that we all share in helping others on forums like this one.

Just one senior American's new 2014 attitude.

[Dick M]

I read Ford Barn posts to learn more about Model As. This thread is "much ado about nothing".

[Marshall V. Daut]

To answer one of the original questions posted throughout this thread, the term "A400" or "A-400" (depending upon the typesetter) originated in the late 1950's with Ed Rossig and the guy he took over for in the "A-400 Group". It was an informal special interest "club" for Convertible Sedan (Ford nomenclature: 400-A) owners. The body style number (400) was also the designation at the time for the 400 socially elite "Who's Who" in Boston (or Massachusetts?) society. "Mr. A-400" Ed Rossig was from the Boston area and thought that because the Convertible Sedan body style represented the ultimate high class body available in passenger cars by that time (Town Cars were gone), the number of the social group should be somehow transplanted to the Model A elite club. Why the "A" was transposed to the beginning instead of left at the end of the 400-A designation is something I don't recall. Ed did explain the reason in an early club newsletter, which has been re-printed in the "Restorer" over the years on occasion. The A-400 or 400-A club is still alive and well with an excellent newsletter, so it may be one of, if not THE, oldest special interest clubs within the MAFCA organization going back to 1957 or so.
I doubt that anyone will be able to stamp out the now accepted "A-400" colloquial designation for the Convertible Sedan in our lifetime. It falls more trippingly from the tongue than "400-A" and is FAR easier to say than "Convertible Sedan", which many people mistakenly try to correct the speaker by asking: "Don't you mean 'Phaeton'?"
Marshall

[todd3131]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

To answer one of the original questions posted throughout this thread, the term "A400" or "A-400" (depending upon the typesetter) originated in the late 1950's with Ed Rossig and the guy he took over for in the "A-400 Group". It was an informal special interest "club" for Convertible Sedan (Ford nomenclature: 400-A) owners. The body style number (400) was also the designation at the time for the 400 socially elite "Who's Who" in Boston (or Massachusetts?) society. "Mr. A-400" Ed Rossig was from the Boston area and thought that because the Convertible Sedan body style represented the ultimate high class body available in passenger cars by that time (Town Cars were gone), the number of the social group should be somehow transplanted to the Model A elite club. Why the "A" was transposed to the beginning instead of left at the end of the 400-A designation is something I don't recall. Ed did explain the reason in an early club newsletter, which has been re-printed in the "Restorer" over the years on occasion. The A-400 or 400-A club is still alive and well with an excellent newsletter, so it may be one of, if not THE, oldest special interest clubs within the MAFCA organization going back to 1957 or so.
I doubt that anyone will be able to stamp out the now accepted "A-400" colloquial designation for the Convertible Sedan in our lifetime. It falls more trippingly from the tongue than "400-A" and is FAR easier to say than "Convertible Sedan", which many people mistakenly try to correct the speaker by asking: "Don't you mean 'Phaeton'?"
Marshall

Thank you that is an excellent explanation.
Todd

[zzlegend]

SO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,H ow's everyone doing? Beautiful day isn't it?

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Dick M

I read Ford Barn posts to learn more about Model As. This thread is "much ado about nothing".

X two !
That is unless you take umbrage at being called an 'average goober', and about 'beating poor dead horse'. What the heck is an 'average goober' anyway ? And , while at it, what's 'average' ? Maybe like an average goober / poster here ? And comparing the Restorer to a 'poor dead horse'. It that's how a person truly feels about the magazine ..why even bother with a beating ? The post begs for controversy ..and is getting it..facts/civility be damned. But, IMO, the disrespectful /rude posts towards another member...average goober or not...are not allowed and Cob will probably /hopefully be 'knocking' on your door !

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Z,

Yes it is ............. I was just thinking of asking for a few opinions on buying whitewall tires.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Hi Z,

Yes it is ............. I was just thinking of asking for a few opinions on buying whitewall tires.

dont buy them there ugly

[Tom Wesenberg]

My turn to nitpick, or is it nit pick? Or maybe it's knit pick?
Mitch, "there" should be "they're".

It's raining outside, so I can't do my yard work.

[fiddlybits]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

dont buy them there ugly

yes, they are (in most cases)....

and they should be correctly named "anti-blackwall" tires.

(just whackin the beehive.....)

[msmaron]

Originally Posted by kingbee

Chris, if you're so attentive to detal, you should be aware the editor has had serious health problems the last several months. GROW UP and contribute something worthwhile to the forum, while keeping your self-grandising criticism to yourself.

You hit my hot button, so I had to speak up.

We are talking about the RESTORER!!! NOT the Model A News..Walt....oops

[fiddlybits]

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Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

My turn to nitpick, or is it nit pick? Or maybe it's knit pick?
Mitch, "there" should be "they're".

It's raining outside, so I can't do my yard work.

You would be the nit-picker

but you would be picking nits.


Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

My turn to nitpick, or is it nit pick? Or maybe it's knit pick?
Mitch, "there" should be "they're".

It's raining outside, so I can't do my yard work.

How about their

[RockHillWill]

Hello Chris, it's nice to see you again. I think it's great to see when real men with both brains and balls use them both at the same time. It is my opinion (only mine) that this country is headed south because so many are willing to let things 'slide' and not get engaged with what's going on. I'm proud of you!

[Kahuna]

I have a Model "C" engine

[zzlegend]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Hi Z,

Yes it is ............. I was just thinking of asking for a few opinions on buying whitewall tires.

Although I don't own any, I do like whitewalls on certain cars. Glad to see there is still some humor and school teachers out there correcting the grammar. Now,,,,,,,what about Babbitt and shims???????????????
OH,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,never mind,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,i think that has been discussed. No rain here in Calif. Just plenty of sun.

[Bob/Kansas City]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Hi Z,

Yes it is ............. I was just thinking of asking for a few opinions on buying whitewall tires.

Geez...and why not mention 600 weight oil for the trans.....

[peters180a/170b]

400-A is the correct way .. A-400 does not bother me and i joke about it A LOT... If you want really to be incorrect then say A-400 and i'll sound and look stupid when asked : That's a Deluxe Phaeton ,180A? and i'll say,, its a A-180. My past Standard Roadster now would be B-40 and not 40-B .At least the JUDGING STANDARDS has it correctly as 400-A. And please leave the tops up....I do joke about that too.... thank you forever4 for the correction,, i am selling a fully restored Mid 1931 Deluxe Coupe [45-B] for a close friend of mine and trying to work a deal for a 1930 standard roadster[40-B] at the same time for my 1935 Chevy.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by zzlegend

SO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,H ow's everyone doing? Beautiful day isn't it?

Yes it is-about 75 outside right now-no rain (rare for Portland)

[zzlegend]

Sounds like a perfect day Fred. And I see you like black walls and whitewalls. I like your avatar.

[H. L. Chauvin]

True Story On A Lesson for Always Using Perfect & Correct Ford Vocabulary:

After getting my Model A in 1958, an 85 year old or so gentleman riding his horse got off of his horse, looked at my car, & told me he really like my "T-Mol-A".

I asked him why did he call it a "T-Mol-A".

He replied that he never had an automobile; however, he had always been corrected by others because of his not knowing the difference between a Model T & a Model A; hence, when he called it a "T-Mol-A" nobody made fun of him.

Pour soul ............... The "meek" will "always" inherit the Earth.

[DougVieyra]

- "'A rose by any other name is still a rose" - Anonymous

- "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." - William Shakespeare (from 'Romeo & Juliet')

- "A Rose is a Rose, by any other name". - Robert Burns

- "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - Wm. Shakespeare

- "A Rose By Any Other Name" - in a song by Ronnie Milsap.

- ""A rose is a rose is a rose" - in a poem by Gertrude Stein

_______________________________

I say 'tomatoe' - you say 'tomato' . . . . . I say Potatoe - you say 'Potato'. - Fred Astair

Any one have any confusion with where 'The Big Apple' is ? - "NYC" (New York City) ? ; "Frisco" , - 'San Francisco" ? ' The Windy City' (Chicago) ? We are not talking 'Bean Town' (Boston) here, or 'Moscow' (Idaho).

I am sure some will miss some questions on the quiz, but most will recognize the qulloquil names. Just like 'Model A' does not clearly identify the model as being Ford. My Duesenberg, for instance is a 'Model A'; and I know of about six other marques that have a 'Model A' designation. In fact, the FORD marque has TWO ! But we let it all 'slide' , because we get the intent in context.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by zzlegend

Sounds like a perfect day Fred. And I see you like black walls and whitewalls. I like your avatar.

Thanks ZZlegen. After I took that picture (avatar), I put whitewalls on the 29 std coupe. Yes I am all messed up putting whitewalls on Std 29 coupe, what ever number it is, but who cares-I don't. We won third place with it in the Forest Grove Concours d' Elegance a few weeks ago.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

-...I am sure some miss the quiz, but most will recognize the qulloquil names. Just like 'Model A' does not clearly identify the model as being Ford. My Duesenberg, for instance is a 'Model A'; and I know of about six other marques that have a 'Model A' designation. In fact, the FORD marque has TWO ! But we let it all 'slide' , because we get the intent in context.

A guy in our club has a Model A -- 1927 Hupmobile

[zzlegend]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Thanks ZZlegen. Yes I am all messed up putting whitewalls on Std 29 coupe, what ever number it is, but who cares-I don't.

LOL,,,,,,,,I to don't go by numbers. Its either a coupe, a sedan, a roadster, a pickup etc. Life is to short to worry about numbers and spelling. Have a good day in Oregon.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Thanks ZZlegen. After I took that picture (avatar), I put whitewalls on the 29 std coupe. Yes I am all messed up putting whitewalls on Std 29 coupe, what ever number it is, but who cares-I don't. We won third place with it in the Forest Grove Concours d' Elegance a few weeks ago.

good going fred

[TDO]

I'll just stay out of this, if it wasn't for spell check I'd be in big trouble.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by TDO

I'll just stay out of this, if it wasn't for spell check I'd be in big trouble.

Dog heer,
I hope nobody notices Ol' Bill's BAD SPELIN'--I done been tryin' like heck to teech him right! Chief always sed, "Call me anything, as long as you call me fur SUPPER"!
Bill W.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I'm like ZZLEGEND, I also call them by body style and not numbers.

"I say 'tomatoe' - you say 'tomato' . . . . . I say Potatoe - you say 'Potato'. - Fred Astair"

Let's call the whole thing off...........

[Chris in WNC]

Originally Posted by kingbee

Chris, if you're so attentive to detal, you should be aware the editor has had serious health problems the last several months. GROW UP and contribute something worthwhile to the forum, while keeping your self-grandising criticism to yourself.

You hit my hot button, so I had to speak up.

1) Didn't realize the magazine was a one-person operation.

2) I refuse to grow up.

3) I don't consider an expectation of accuracy to be either unreasonable or "self-grandising". (is that a real word?)

4) Nobody is required to read my postings or agree with them.......

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Chris in WNC

1) Didn't realize the magazine was a one-person operation.

2) I refuse to grow up.

3) I don't consider an expectation of accuracy to be either unreasonable or "self-grandising". (is that a real word?)

4) Nobody is required to read my postings or agree with them.......

You forgot to add Number 5, The Model A News had the ill editor not the Restorer. But I'm just nit picking.

(Nitpicking is the act of removing nits (the eggs of lice, generally head lice) from the host's hair.

[H. L. Chauvin]

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FWIW:

Sincere thanks Chris for the very lively Model A discussion topic which appeared to generate lots of interest & humor in a short period.

Seriously hope everybody stayed happy.

My wife always tells me about how we are so lucky to have a Model A Forum with a majority of male discussions as opposed to the women dominated Dog Forum she visits.

She says women don't give up during a discussion until they actually see blood dripping from those who disagree.

For years she always told me that I never understand what happens when women confront to discuss matters with other women.

She always tells me it gets so brutal, like "Its just a Women Thing". LOL

[John Duden]

yep