I thought I might say something as it seems my post was the start of all 
this fuss..

As regards the "Dangling Modifier":

There is no grammatical rule that forbids what are called "Dangling 
Modifiers". So called "Dangling Modifiers" are inelegant because they cause 
ambiguity.
In context however, most "Dangling Modifiers" do not cause ambiguity. This 
is particularly true when the impersonal structure "it looks" is used. To 
any English person this generally implies "to me". The implied subject of 
the participle clause and the complement of the preposition "to" are then 
identical and it is obvious to all what/who is meant.
At this point to object to the structure is (IMHO) pure pedantry.

Also, although I was not "offended" by the post(just amused), I can see how 
people could be. For example, I would consider it in pretty poor taste to 
correct someone's Spanish(especially if that was their native language), 
regardless of how "good" mine was. The main point being I know that I would 
*risk* offending the person if I did so in such a manner(especially 
publicly). My native language IS English, just in case anyone was wondering 
:-) (Maybe it's so bad people are...)

As this is an EE list, most people do not worry too much about 
grammar/spelling etc etc, for good reason - it is not necessary for the 
conveyance of the ideas they wish to get across.

I also feel a little sorry for Sarin as his original problem seems to have 
been forgotten with all this discussion. I know it's in the right place now 
but it all developed in his thread.. 


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