I wish I had had In ESL podcast there is a dialog about unscrupulous partner, in which there is a sentence: "I wish I had had the benefit of hindsight to say "no". (On the question about doing business together). I`m not sure I understand the grammar of double "had". The construction that looks like "I wish I had something" is very common and emphasize that one wants to have something but he doesn't. But in this case where is the second "had" has come from? Could you please give some explanations.

Why woud British get offended by this gesture? I`ve been reading some hints how to learn English faster and came across this hint: "Much communication comes through body language and gesture. These can be different between cultures and countries. For example, the two-fingered "V" for victory symbol is fine palms-out. If you make it with you palm facing toward you, you'll offend a British person. It means…well, you ask a British person and find out for yourself!" First of all I would like to clarify what does "palms-off" in this context mean? And, of course, it would be very interesting to read comments from British people on the gesture.

Lifejacket under your seat I reckon most of you have been on a plane. And while seated you can observe writing on a previous seat, it reads "Lifejacket under your seat". I`m confused if there should be "is" after a "lifejacket"? What`s the grammar behind this phrase?

It`s the end of the world (as we know it)

I reckon most of you have heard this excelent song by REM. I really like the music and the delivery, but when it comes to lyrics I`m little confused. He sings about so many things and the most setences are incomplete, so it`s hard to understand what he tries to say. Also, I think, there are many cultural references related to US culture, thereby they often are hard to comprehend.

 

It would be nice if you could give some of your thoughts about this song and about meaning of some cultural references. 

 

 

Aint nobody My questension has to do with a demotivator pic. It says: Mondays? Aint nobody got time for that. The meaning of the phrase is pretty hazy to me, could you explain what it means? The link to the original pic: http://d1gw9heb115bf7.cloudfront.net/30302060801/images/pic-day/11.05.2013.jpg

Must right left I`ve come across strange road sign it read: Right lane MUST Right left I`m completely confused, what on earth could it mean? here is the link http://d1gw9heb115bf7.cloudfront.net/30302060801/images/pic-day/09.05.2013.jpg

to shadow here is the quotation: "Shadow English CDs. Listen to a few sentences then repeat what you heard. Focus on the rhythm and intonation. " What do they mean by using the verb "to shadow?". I have a guess that it should be somehow related to what is said in the next sentence (i.e. repeating in my head), but just want to know it for sure.

About flirt

What do you think is it acceptable to flirt with another person when you are married? I mean not only here on italki but in casual life, with your collegue or acquaintance?

prison vs jail The question is simple: what`s the difference? Examples would be nice also.