When I was a kid, I was told the T was silent, but I believe it is accepted now by most. I don't use it.

I don't pronounce the T. It would sound precious, and I'm not.

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talk so that the people you are talking to understand you. simple as that. we are not in england and dont eat tea and crumpets either.

I never eat tea. However, I agree with Ray completely. Talk so people understand you.

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Not sure what you guys are talking about as I only read the previous 3 posts, but I'm gonna butt in anyways.

I'm not good at speaking French, but I know a lot of French words having took six years of it in high school, and going on the exchange program for three weeks in Normandy and Paris. While there, the opportunities to speak were numerous, but somehow they found it necessary to point out that "it's not French." to quote one young gentleman. This type of reaction when attempting to speak another language is a bit off putting for me; if you understand what I'm saying, then it shouldn't matter exactly how I'm speaking.

I did, however speak well enough to manage an impromptu purchase of 14 roses on the streets of Paris, eat a meal al fresco by myself to the chagrin of my teacher at a cafe, order many beers, and have an awesome experience there.

I think Ray and I were talking about communicating with people who speak the same language. I know many big words, but I'm not going to use them with people who won't understand what I'm saying, for example, students. I do, though, make the mistake of thinking that colleagues know what I know, and that's not always the case.

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Ah, I was wondering if the pollution made it to acidic. I remember eating snow, but not sure how it tasted. Maybe someone from The Lounge can do a TR on this for me?

I've never noticed one way or the other. I'm from a town were we pretty much remove all "t" sounds, and I even say "often." I do pronounce the o as "awe" and not "off", so that's probably where the t steps in. People from my area don't have a lot of variety in vowel vocalization, and o is either pronounced as "awe" or "uh". Yes, I've been picked on for saying "roof" as "rough", though those two words are spoken quite differently.

My buddy loves picking on the way I say "woman" and "women." He say's it's "woo-MAN" and "woo-MEN". For me, it's "wu-min" and "wi-mun." I have no idea why he can't hear the difference.

There's these great spot in Hollywood* that has a selection of 20 different teas, all scooped into a little bag and slowly steeped in a ceramic tea cup.

*(great meaning "hollywood great," which means it's currently an utter ****hole, but it was a great place at one time)

Congratulations, you are the first person who ever went to France thinking they'd respect your lack of fluency in their language.

The reference wasn't completely lost mrb. I got it.

The point wasn't that I felt disrespected, but more to the effect that they made it difficult to hold a conversation with them because of all the corrections. The only ones that seemed to be willing to have a fruitful conversation were those that wanted to sell me stuff. They happily allowed me to butcher their language in order to get paid.

The French's reputation does proceed them.

I had much more important things to worry about when I was 17, like the 11 female students that were also on the school trip.

I always enjoyed ordering a beer when I was seventeen.

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Best vacation ever as far as I can remember.

I improved your post Mr. T.

My Bold

Sound advice. And in 95% of circumstances it is the civil thing to do. There are very important exceptions - for example, when around certain people or dense crowds or in certain situations you should never talk in an understanding way. Just mumble or talk gibberish and move on or remain silent and/or let others do the yakking. And have your hand on your gun. That's what Ray Zee would also advise.

Haven't had many vacations lately. My favorite ones have involved taking others to places I've been before and showing what I've seen to them. I did rent a house on Cape Cod last summer and had the kids, grandkids, cousins, and brother and sister-in-law visit. That was nice. Had a few days in California with a dear friend after a conference. Enjoyed those days immensely because I had the chance to show things to someone who rarely had the chance to travel. Even a few nights out in New Orleans last month at another conference felt like a vacation.

Right now, I have about 450 hours of vacation time accumulated. I really do need more time off.

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Zeno,

I don't have a gun. Which is a good thing.

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Nice, I love the Cape.

My granddaughter's friend also spent a few days with us, and she wants to go again next summer.

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bob you are also the only person i know of that had to spend six years in high school.
it is amazing you were able to learn french.

john your having something that goes bang can save your life. but you havent needed one in 64 years so certainly dont need one now. but thats between you and me.

john you may at times have to eat your words my friend and amoung them may be a T so you do in fact eat your tea. suck that one down.

Ray, I often have to eat my words. I'm learning still.

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in around 1968 i ended up in a bar on a rainy night on cape cod. there was a ring around the pool table of quarters. i snuck in and everyone was playing for ten or twenty a game. i managed to keep the table for about 30 games. it was a nice score for that place.

Merci.