Welcome to Nuts'R'Us, demented!

Can I pass on a simple truism that I have nevertheless found useful in many different scenarios? "The only stupid question is the one left unasked." If you stick around here and ask questions, or ask questions anywhere else in your life, my guess is you'll end up more knowledgable than average if you're not already.

AHD is a good source, in its online version, for all kinds of answers as to how our language has ended up in the state it's in now - whether you think that state is good, bad, or not a relevant description. What we know beyond doubt is that language is a product of change in society so itself is in a constant state of change... 'enjoy the ride, and ask lots of questions' would be my candid advice :)

http://www.bartleby.com/61/30/H0163000.html