InstantForum.NET v4.1.4Micro Mart Forumhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/forums@micromart.co.ukWed, 03 Dec 2008 06:06:09 GMT20http://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxIndeed. In the original text (in the column a couple of weeks ago), I said "some Americans" pronounced it "rowter", as in such a big country there are wild differences in the language.Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:19:16 GMTJasonhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxThat was fast, Jason! I just saw that commercial for the first time yesterday and was very surprised by the pronunciation. But with proper names, you never know. What's that Saint Something name I've heard that is nothing like you'd expect when said aloud? Heard it a few times on TV but memory fails me.<br><br>BTW, I say 'rooter' like a long 'U' as in computer. And all my family and American friends do as well. You have to remember, in the U.S., like most places, there are regional pronunciations, so your experience depends on where the American you've met is from, or which TV show you've watched. :P<br><br>There are as many Americans who say 'wahhter' as those who pronounce it 'wuhter' as in 'put' er (water) Go figure. :)<br><br>edit - as usual, had to fix many typos. I swear my keyboard's possessed! ;)Mon, 10 Mar 2008 08:13:07 GMTSilverhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxYou're on the ball, OP. I've covered this in the column out on Thursday. I've also provided a video link (in the column) to an American Asus employee who makes it perfectly clear that we've all been wrong all these years and that the advert is correct. :)Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:40:56 GMTJasonhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxAh, but the problem is, we will soon then have loads of people saying Ah-chop seussy please:)Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:47:21 GMToldpharthttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxIt's Chinglish OP, so I suppose the Taiwanese have the right to mangle Anglish as much as the yanquis :DMon, 10 Mar 2008 00:35:41 GMTricedghttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxWhat about a new one, people.</P><P>Whist watching TV tonight, an ad appeared from that company we all love to hate, in which they were flogging an Asus computer.</P><P>Now, being of good sturdy anglo speaking stock, I pronounce it A - suss.</P><P>The body on tv said ah-seuss (roughly).</P><P>Comments?Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:29:23 GMToldpharthttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxAs is their right. They are free to adapt the language as they choose. But we're not Americans.<br><br>I'm not all that fussed, either. It was meant as a light-hearted aside in an otherwise tech-heavy column. :)Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:58:25 GMTJasonhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxNo offense to any Americans, but I kinda blame them...<br>They say "rowt", not "root"Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:52:18 GMTMartenReedhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxHi Jason<br><br>I'm not saying someone pronouncing Rowter for a communications switch is using the correct pronunciation, what I'm saying is the reason for the mispronunciation, rests with in UK English.<br><br>And I'm not personally fussed about the mispronunciation only the apportionment of blame for the origins of that pronunciation.Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:49:15 GMTmalc_wrighthttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxAs has been said, Malc, it's the derivation that matters -- which word came first is irrelevant. There is no other sensible way of looking at it.Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:28:43 GMTJasonhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxOne could also argue that being pedantic can go too far :PSun, 09 Mar 2008 21:13:58 GMTFreakShow!http://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxYou have to look at the derivation of these words when taking such things into consideration.<br>I mean, you don't hear people going "p-newmatik" for a pneumatic drill, do you?<br><br>Also, what it does is a factor. As you know, and like it's been said, it re-routes data, or in layman's terms, gives it another path. And another word for path is route ("root"), ergo, one could rightly argue it's a "rooter" :)Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:02:47 GMTMartenReedhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxOkay Jason,<br><br>We have the usual English problem of the same word pronounced differently depending on the usage Router pronounced Rowter for a slot cutting machine and Router pronounced Rooter for a computer data switching device.<br><br>Let's think which tool came first and which pronunciation has been in longer usage?<br><br>So I don't blame any outside influences for people within the British Isles using the older accepted pronunciation, nor do I find that pronunciation grating. <br><br>Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:56:24 GMTmalc_wrighthttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxIncompetence as the main guarantor of liberty...not sure if I'm worried by that.</P><P>:)Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:11:08 GMTJamesWhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxLet's face it Jason, for those who are paranoid enought THE AUTHORITIES can achieve anything.</P><P>Whenver this sort of discussion turns up, it always strikes me that this same Government which is apparently unable to safely retain the personal details of half of the population without them getting lost in the post, held on laptops that get left on trains, set up a simple database on time and for less than a multi-billion £ budget overspend etc. etc. is also held to be so leakproof that they are able to arrange these feats of technological brilliance without us ever knowing about it.</P><P>Usually by the same posters as well.Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:08:13 GMTBJMhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxBut how would the authorities know who was sending it? It would appear they have no access to ISPs' records, as whenever they want to prosecute someone they have to get a court order to get hold of the name behind the IP address.Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:11:31 GMTJasonhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxThe original post about the 2 hour mail is down to who sends it...If your known to the "authorities" as an upstanding,citizen etc there's no problem ,if your a bit flaky (and thats a lot more than you would believe!)then there may be a delay..2 minutes usually.Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:04:11 GMTtrikehttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspx'scuze me, chaps, can I hold the coatz(s) ? ;)Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:17:14 GMToldpharthttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxIndeed, there is a verb "to rout" (pronounced "rowt"), and so there is a machine called a "router" ("rowter"), but the derivation is not the same as "to route", from which we get our networking equipment. I trust your apology will come in short order, Malc. ;)Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:09:45 GMTJasonhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxAn engineeringor woodworking router "routs" - i.e. cuts a slot.</P><P>An IT router "roots" - i.e. selects the correct route / root for the package to take.</P><P>I personally don't care how anyone in a foreign country mispronounces it, like Jason i shall continue to pronounce the word correctly and upbraid anyone caught using the word(s) incorrectly.Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:49:38 GMTBJMhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxI pronounce it "route-er" as it re-routes networks :)Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:48:23 GMTMartenReedhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxAccepted. Thanks. :)Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:58:35 GMTSilverhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspx[quote][b]Silver (29/02/2008)[/b][hr]I'll add I hate generalizations about [b]any[/b] nationality as much as my own, and ask that we keep in mind thoughtless, unsubstantiated comments perpetuate problems.[/quote]</P><P>Ooops.</P><P>My comment was intended to be humourous, apologies if I have caused any offence.Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:55:58 GMTMathusalahhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxHi Jason<br><br>Router pronounced 'Rowter', well there's an engineering machine called a router, which was always pronounced as a 'Rowter' by my Father who was in engineering.<br><br>So a computer peripheral spelt router might easily be pronounced 'Rowter', with out any American influence.<br><br>Then again the word 'Row' can mean an argument or the act of propelling a boat using oars, but that same three letter word is pronounced differently depending on usage.<br><br>Is it any wonder some of us get confused with how to pronounce an old word that's been given a new meaning, blaming it on Americanisms could cause a ruction which might lead to a rout, so be sure to pick your exit route.Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:17:20 GMTmalc_wrighthttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxWell, it is not just an English problem, the French are really pi$$ed off because of the Anglicisation of the French language, with phrases like "Le carpark", or "Le weekend".<br>On the other hand, the French for parking space is "une place de stationnement".<br>No surprise that "quelle suprise" has no meaning in French, or that the English subtitles on some French films have rendered me helpless with laughter.<br><br>edit: that includes "la vie en rose", even though Marion Cotillard was superb.<br><br><br>On top of that, just because you are paranoid doesn't mean that they are not out to get you.<br><br>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:29:42 GMTwyliecoyoteukhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxWhat on earth has that got to do with anything?Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:59:09 GMTJasonhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspx[quote][b]Silver (29/02/2008)[/b][hr]I'll add I hate generalizations about [b]any[/b] nationality as much as my own, and ask that we keep in mind thoughtless, unsubstantiated comments perpetuate problems.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>[/quote]<P>I am sure the young prince is thinking just the same on his way back from Afganistan.Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:48:56 GMTMitchhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspx[quote][b]Silver (29/02/2008)[/b][hr]Americanised<BR>[/quote]</P><P>Surely you mean AmericaniZed? </P><P>What nonsense.<BR>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:47:04 GMTMitchhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspx[quote][b]MartenReed (29/02/2008)[/b][hr]So basically, the world will end up like in Ninteen Eighty-Four, and Jason will be Big Brother? :P[/quote]<P>For some reason I just had a vision of Jason on Big Brother telling a sobbing Jade Goody that the housemates have no food budget this week as she failed the weekly task of overclocking a P4 to 9Ghz. :D<P> <P>Edit for spellingFri, 29 Feb 2008 14:16:58 GMTDerekMorthttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxSo basically, the world will end up like in Ninteen Eighty-Four, and Jason will be Big Brother? :PFri, 29 Feb 2008 13:58:06 GMTMartenReedhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxThe email thing is more than a myth than anything really, it's usually suspected accounts that are targetted and certain words (not so obvious) that flag up a warning, get given a priority and then either later read by computer or in priority cases sent straight to somebody to check over. Bearing in mind that terrorists aren't generally as naive as many suspect and will use encryption and codes to cover such things. Message posting on newsgroups, newspapers etc is also a common method as is the good old dead letter drop.</P><P>As to the British obsession with camera's etc, this is a throwback to the days of the IRA's mainland campaign and the NI conflict as a whole. Police stations, military camps and certain homes were surrounded by CCTV in order to look for suspicious activity. London, Belfast and other cities also began to increase surveillance in order to counter this terrorist threat. Given that street crime and other terrorist activity is now on the increase the current surveillance is not to spy on the average citizen but to protect them. My local paper now prints the faces of CCTV captured litter louts and trouble makers post the weekend drinking madness, asking people to identify them for prosecution. </P><P>Stereotyping of a nation will always happen, we've now moved from picturing a frenchman as wearing a beret, striped jumper, string of oinions and a moustache while riding a bike, to someone who is arrogant, carries a picket sign and constantly strikes about anything while waving immigrants through to British shores. </P><P>As for the language thing, as already stated, English is constantly evolving and adopting new words and phrases, or changing the meaning of words in use. The language thing in MS products though is more to do with keyboard layout than spelling though I think.Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:03:21 GMTDerekMorthttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxIndeed it is. :)Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:16:16 GMTJasonhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxExactly. :) Just a quick peek at the origins of many 'English' words in everyday use reveals the vast number of other countries these words are sourced from. They've been changed more than once by the time they reached America. <br><br>In my mind, that's a big part of the beauty of the language. :)Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:13:45 GMTSilverhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspx[quote]I'll add I hate generalizations about any nationality as much as my own, and ask that we keep in mind thoughtless, unsubstantiated comments perpetuate problems.[/quote]<br><br>I agree wholeheartedly. I've held back from commenting until now through fear of starting another argument. With regards the English language, it's not "owned" by the UK and any country that adopts it as its national language is quite at liberty to change it as it decides. We in the UK twist it and change it continually, so why shouldn't every other native speaker be able to do the same?Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:52:10 GMTJasonhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxAmericans can all safely be described as paranoid only in the same way that all Britons can be described as castle dwellers.<P>I don't want to generalise, but I wonder how many Americans think everyone from Britain is some sort of lovechild of Simon Cowell and Keira Knightley. These are the perils of generalisation.</P><P>In fact, it's easy to find evidence that the UK is more paranoid - we have CCTV coverage in nearly all urban areas and in most towns, for example, and very little statutory protection. We have far more coverage than any other country. Emails are the least of it. The day may also come when we will have to show our compulsory ID 'papers' on demand. We have the most complete DNA database of citizens too. </P><P>It was interesting to read in the mag this week that ISPs are claiming a warrant is required before they can decrypt personal data packets (as a reason for not being held responsible for acting against data piracy). Similar laws presumably apply to personal emails.Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:05:51 GMTJamesWhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxHate to hijack but.....<br><br>I'm American and I'm not paranoid, but I do resent the comments I sometimes see on these (otherwise) friendly threads. How in the world can anyone make statements about 'most Americans' without knowing most Americans?<br><br>I lived there most of my life and [b]I[/b] don't know 'most Americans' but any American I have ever known does not think our language is 'American', only that there are Americanised spellings of English words, mostly dropping 'U's and changing 'Z's to 'S's. Hardly criminal. <br><br>I'll add I hate generalizations about [b]any[/b] nationality as much as my own, and ask that we keep in mind thoughtless, unsubstantiated comments perpetuate problems.<br><br>Thanks<br>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:34:26 GMTSilverhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspx[quote]<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=smalltxt vAlign=top>Ah yes, but naturally the Government spooks had already monitored and logged the original post and were waiting for you to do exactly that. As soon as you sent them, they were instantly traced and allowed through without hinderence to throw all of us off the scent. <P>And of course they'll allow this one through as well to attempt to further hide what they are up to.</P><P>(I only live about 1 mile from GCHQ, so if I get a knock on my door at 3 a.m. and disappear from the Forum indefinitely it will be all your fault)</P><P>Or will they just set up a dedicated spook who's sole task is to make random and irrelevant postings to cover up my disappearence.</P><P>Oh God, my brain hurts - I think I'll just go and take the blue pill <FONT size=1><BR><BR></FONT><STRONG></STRONG><P> Bob<BR></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><P>[/quote]</P><P>:w00t::P Bob</P><P>Little did you know that I am a secret government spook spying on you all, woa ha ha ha (clears his throat) I should really get back to work!!Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:05:50 GMTcolumbo77http://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspx[quote][b]mitchlambertuk (28/02/2008)[/b][hr] perhaps someone can tell me what 'English US' is in MS Windows, Office etc? [/quote]</P><P>Most Americans think that they language they speak is "American", so MS puts "US" after "English" so that there is something recognizable for them to click on. (They probably read it as "us" rather than a short form of "USA")Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:06:54 GMTMathusalahhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspx[quote][b]steve2306 (28/02/2008)[/b][hr]anyway my point is if the Americanism of the word router bothers you so why would you refer to your mother as mom???[/quote]</P><P>Talking of which, perhaps someone can tell me what 'English US' is in MS Windows, Office etc? Next time MM talk to MS, perhaps you can remind them there is no such thing as 'English US', just <STRONG><U>the English language</U> </STRONG>that they have butchered into slang!!!<STRONG> </STRONG>Gits. :angry:Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:54:09 GMTMitchhttp://forum.micromart.co.uk/Topic268825-61-1.aspxI must admit I haven't tried it recently and when I did do it, it was a long time ago with the heading "Blair Bush Assassination attempt" and it did honestly take 2 hours for it to drop in my inbox.</P><P>Perhaps as you say, volume and traffic has increased so much that it is totally unworkable now. Or maybe even that this sequence/myth? has been done that many times, that they have given up looking at them. Perhaps one of you could be a bit more controversial in the email and attach a word document to tempt them too - and try it again? </P><P>Mind you, I'm not doing it, because if they come round and wake up my pregnant wife, the government can do nothing as painful as my wife would do to me! (A flat nuts situation will ensue!)Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:46:36 GMTMitch