Let me get this straight......

1. They are independent of each other. And, placing a bid through ebay has a high probability of being redundant, and costs you the element of surprise.
2. You can place a manual snipe, but again there’s a high probability of the manual snipe being redundant. AS doesn’t guarantee 100% of its snipes are placed, but the percentage is almost 100%.
3. Click on “Modify Account” and “My Snipes”. Roll down to the “InstaMail” setting, and turn it off.
http://www.auctionsniper.com/faqbasics.aspx#basics15

quote:

I still have to pay the fees, right?

Right.

Uhhhhh, let me see now. What you're saying is that I do NOT bid on eBay for the item I want AT ALL????? Just enter the item number on Snipes is sufficient??? I read all the information, but after years of bidding on eBay it still sounds odd not to place that maximum bid amount ON eBay itself.

quote:

Uhhhhh, let me see now. What you're saying is that I do NOT bid on eBay for the item I want AT ALL????? Just enter the item number on Snipes is sufficient??? I read all the information, but after years of bidding on eBay it still sounds odd not to place that maximum bid amount ON eBay itself.

Welcome! You are correct. You set the bid on AS--remember to place the absolute maximum that you are willing to pay, with an excellent chance that you will get it for less--and then you walk away. Do NOTHING on eBay.

Good luck!

P.S. One exclamation/question mark is probably sufficient per sentence, don't you think?

The following might be helpful, if you haven't already seen it:
http://www.auctionsniper.com/products.aspx



Happy sniping

"one question mark"

Oh, pshaw...... They add EMPHASIS! I write like I talk. Makes for more interesting reading. Or are you one of those UK people hung up on protocol? Hee-hee-hee.....

quote:

Or are you one of those UK people hung up on protocol?

Dictionary definition of:
Protocol
1. Etiquette of formal occasions: the rules or conventions of correct behavior on official or ceremonial occasions

2. Code of conduct: the rules of correct or appropriate behavior of a group, organization, or profession


3. International relations international agreement: a formal agreement between states or nations


4. Record or draft of agreement: a written record or preliminary draft of a treaty or other agreement


5. Computer rules for networking computers: a set of technical rules for the transmission and receipt of information between computers

The others are in common usage now, particular number 5.

What you probably really meant was either:

Semantics
1. Study of meaning in language: the study of how meaning in language is created by the use and interrelationships of words, phrases, and sentences

or possibly:
Grammar

1. Rules for language: the system of rules by which words are formed and put together to make sentences


2. Particular set of language rules: the rules for speaking or writing a particular language, or an analysis of the rules of a particular aspect of language


Source of definitions


As you may now have gathered, we "UK people" are very, very "hung up" (as in hang the washing up?) about the abuse of our poor mother tongue!

Oh yes, Chatter is one in a million - a US citizen who believes in English Grammar.

Paul

(Not quite the tongue in cheek smiley I wanted)

Rick will give you a swift introduction to British humour if you ask him nicely!

Well.....Alrighty then. Since I'm SUCH an imbecile, I'll just go crawl back into my Neanderthal cave and chip at a few stone tools.

OH! But, I almost forgot: Tool making is a MAN'S job, so I guess I'll chew on some animal skins to soften the hide for winter cloak for the master of the cave. After all, he must HUNT! Me cook. Him HUNT with longggg spear. Longggg spear makes hunter feel more manly. Why men always want something longer or bigger? Could be symbol. What think you?

Just keep sniping!

Your bound to end up with a nice fur coat cheap!

(A lot cheaper than being nibbled at if you had played it the eBay proxy way)

Welcome to the forum! At least you took the abuse in good spirits!

You will find that we are all pretty rude to each other. Usually its Brits v Aussies v Americans (in no particular order) However the rude Australians have `taken themselves off of late and its now UK v USA, which is a lot quieter!

Paul

quote:

You will find that we are all pretty rude to each other

Well, THAT'S not very nice! Here I am, a newbie and I'm already being told that rivalry, back-stabbing, and name calling are the norm?
Woe is me! I need trusted guidance and nurturing to get me through the complicated process of Sniping. (sigh...)

I tried Sniping 2 items this afternoon and each time I was outbid by a stupid "proxy bid." In fact, one of the auction winners won within 4 seconds of the end of the auction. Could he/she have been a fellow sniper? I'm shocked!!! (Yeah...sure...)

But I should have seen this coming.... I mean, a name like Auction Sniper should have been a clue as to the behavior of the participants.

So, ah, who got that Roman coin I was after? Hmmmmmm??? (You dirty rat!)

Nancy

quote:

complicated process of Sniping

It is not a complicated process in the sense of making a bid!

Basically, once I have decided that I am placing a bid, I simply click on the "Snipe it Now" link on my browser's link bar and enter an amount. (If you want to know how to set this up, just ask, as there is a vast font of knowledge amongst the regulars)

The difficult bit is the strategy!

First learn to be an expert in "Double talk" A lot of sellers indulge in this because they are general dealers nd pretend they "know nothing"
Watch what is not covered in the description and ask questions about the side not shown in the photo! This kind of "sparse description" always lowers the price, so if you run across a well described item from a known and respected seller, expect to pay top dollar.

You will probably say "I know this!"

I have just chosen this as an example of the sort of thought processes I go through when placing a snipe.

Other factors that influence my bid:
Country only auctions - always lowers value - I buy lots of "Australia Only" items - small marketplace=bargains. Thats why a good feedback record helps - I simply ask them to look at my feedback and in 99% of the cases they say "OK, you can bid"

Small/no feedback sellers - some bargains to be had if you tread carefully. You can normally sense they are first time private sellers. I generally send a probing email - their response soon tells you if they are genuine.

Wrongly categorised items - quite frequent from first time ebayers. Not so much mispelling I find, as wrong categorisation. A lot of cameras don't have badges, so they list it under the name of the lens!

Study past "completed auctions" A spreadsheet record is very useful - I do this for items I am serious about collecting.

Different countries place different values on things. German collectors prize Accord Radios highly. UK Collectors don't. The reverse happens with Hacker radios. I have bought B & O equipment largely abroad, because it fetches silly prices in the UK.

All the above will give you a guide as to where to aim. Sniping has two main advantages, your proxy bid does not get "nibbled up" and you don't get involved in a bidding war.

I think the main lesson is to study the marketplace more carefully. If you were outbid look at the reasons - many participants? Keen collector? (look at his feedback) I know now who will buy certain cameras at silly prices and if they bid beforehand, I don't!

Lots more people are sniping now, so there is always the element of the unknown. However as an informed sniper you should win most of what you bid on - look for around 80% success.

If you collect coins, then that market place is well documented and I am afraid this will work to your detriment on prices. It is the less well known markets where bargains abound!

Paul

Ooooo.... How nice! Serious advice. I do thank you, sir! The real test will come up for me tomorrow (later today, that is. Haven't gotten to bed yet.) I have 2 or 3 more items "ready." I hope I win at least ONE of them.

Paul, so if you aren't wandering, where do you live, if I may ask?

Nancy

I live in West Wales.

For my sins, I work for a couple of days a week for a company that rents holiday cottages. Consequently, I have been adding pages that give some sort of idea of the countryside and coast around here.

I will shortly be adding one for the nearest town to us, Newcastle Emlyn, but these other pages should give you a flavour of the area.

A brilliant place to live and I never hanker after the city life, but earning a living in a country area is always more difficult!

Aberaeron - Georgian Town

St Davids - The UKs smallest city

Cenarth Falls - small village near us


All the above are my photos, the next one was taken by the Office Manager Alison and will interest you if you are a bird watcher.

Grassholme Island

Plenty more pages of photos, but probably better under the general board

We used to have people posting pictures of where they lived and I thought it made the whole board a lot more interesting.

Paul

My new pad (as of Friday) - it's on the South Downs in Sussex:


R2

Region, that is absolutely beautiful! I love the landscaping..so peaceful and serene!

WOW! The photos make it look like a charming place to live. I've always been interested in ancient history and places and things dating earlier than 1776 (US Independence Day. WHICH IS TODAY, JULY 4th as a matter of fact!)

Interestingly, there is an old Welsh community not that very far from me in Wisconsin, USA. It was a coal mining area about 175 years ago or more and looks EXACTLY like many of the pictures. Mostly now, it's an artist's community with all the old Welsh buildiings still standing as historical buildings. Some artist's have their studies in them, a large Welsh restaurant is in another, and a small area is a restored Welsh "museum" of sorts, complete with people in period costumes to lead tours. It's a wonderful place to visit. Mineral Point is the name of the town. I live in Waukesha. That's an old Native American name that means something about the natural springs we have here.

In my area, any thing built prior to 1900 is considered "old." We Americans don't have a very long history. I visited southeast England a few years ago. My brother was sent to Windsor to work with the General Electic group there. He's an engineer. You could see Windsor castle from his windows. So we did all the "touristy" things, but never went as far west as Wales. I found myself getting very fond of the little reminders: "Mind the gap." "Mind the step." "Look right." I've heard that American's frequently forget the latter and end up returning home with injuries!

I don't know that I would ever get to see Wales. I have a weird bone disorder that has caused me 60 fractures since 1992. Currently, I'm sitting here without the top half of my left femur (thigh bone). The top half died and fell off into the surgeon's hands. I'm scheduled for replacement with a titanium prosthesis in exactly 10 days! I'm not looking forward to it. One of these days the doctors are going to kill me!

Well, must mind the Snipes! Talk to you later!

Nancy

quote:

Or are you one of those UK people hung up on protocol?

He’s a Yank. You can usually tell a Brit – they say something humorous.

quote:

However as an informed sniper you should win most of what you bid on - look for around 80% success.

Counterpoint – there’s also the argument that if you are winning that many auctions, you’re spending/bidding too much.

quote:

US Independence Day. WHICH IS TODAY, JULY 4th as a matter of fact!)

In keeping with the spirit of things, I guess I’ll spend most of today trying to overthrow the government.

quote:

In keeping with the spirit of things, I guess I’ll spend most of today trying to overthrow the government

Lol Rick, watch out what you say, they may be knocking at your door!

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
I have a weird bone disorder that has caused me 60 fractures since 1992. Currently, I'm sitting here without the top half of my left femur (thigh bone). The top half died and fell off into the surgeon's hands.

Ouch! Sounds painful, Nancy.

In the scheme of things, the pain isn't the main problem. As far as fractures go. after being dragged onto a gurney then dragged againonto an X-ray table where they expect me to do acrobatics for a good "picture," then BACK on the gurney, and FINALLY returned to bed, the pain is just momentary during those transfers. Once I'm settled and positioned correctly, it really isn't there. So I brace myself and keep thinking: "Momentary pain. Momentary pain..." and I get through it. I'm discovering how tough I really am!!!

What really annoys me is my lack of independence! July 14th I'm getting a new hip. I've been started on a new medication for bone growth. This time I'm going to insist that they cement the prosthesis in instead of using screws, which invariably becomce weakened because my bone doean't heal around them. Metal fatigue due to non-healing bone around screws has broken a long stainless steel plate, AND a steel rod! My new one will be made of titanium. I hate to think of the cost!!! It has to be made specifically for me. $$$$$$$ I'm only 57 and the other day I got real excited over the prospects of finding a newer model WALKER!!! I sound like I'm 97 some times!!

My big goal after this is finished: to walk around the block without the walker or severe discomfort. WHAT A JOY!

Oh my goodness! You poor lady! I hope everything goes better for you this time.

Nancy,

Reading your description of how life is for you at the moment shames me. I "niggle" at the small things in life having forgotten the biggest gift is good health.

I simply don't think I would have your fortitude to bear all those operations.

I think the way you are dealing with this crisis is an inspiration to the rest of us.

If buying on eBay distracts you and you want advice on any matter, just ask. Rick, R2, Shirl, Chatter, Lexie, Mike from Yorkshire have a wealth of practical experience that they are only too pleased to share.

Wishing you all the best, as you face the next "round" of operations.


Paul

Uhhhhh.......define "niggle" please?

Everybody has things they must cope with. And NO ONE gets through life without problems. NO ONE lives a charmed life. Just look at all the celebreties: divorce after divorce, drug and alcohol problems, trouble with the law, etc. etc. etc. They may LOOK better than us average folks, but they still have their share of difficulties to deal with.

My "Mum" is currently really depressed because she may have a brain tumor. She'll be going for more definitive tests in a few weeks. She asked me, "How do you cope?"

My answer is that sometimes I DON'T! That's when I over do it on eBay or eat compulsively. But what really helps to curb those reactions are connections. By connections, I mean having several people to call and just open up with all my "woe is me" problems.

If you feel you have a heavy burden, then SHARE it with others. It will NEVER be as heavy to them as it is to you, and it will lighten your load. Not to mention understanding friends will many times look at your problem from a slightly different angle and then tell you why it isn't so bad after all.

We are all connected. The web of life needs all its "strings." If one breaks, it effects the entire web. So you learn ways of re-tying your string. It's important to maintain your connectedness. People, nature, the cosmos are all connected. Humans are social animals, just like all the great apes, whales, elephants, and others. Ya' CAN'T make it totally on your own!

But you all knew that already, didn't you?

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
drug and alcohol problems

No problems as it’s fairly easy to get both, although the former comes with home delivery, drive thru service, free samplers and 24/7, which are not typically provided with the later.



Nancy,

Does your ID break down as cane-artist or can-ear-tist?

This is my third attempt at replying. I don't know what the problems is.

Cane Artist

New on the medical front: Surgery has been postponed because they found some weird protein in my blood: Monoclonal gammopathy. So now I proceed with more tests. It can lead to multiple myeloma. Look it up on Google. Not a very pleasant bit of reading. I almost have several symptoms, I just didn't know what they were.

Nancy,

Sounds like your doctor’s children’s college education will soon be paid for. Hell, after this is all over, you might be able to get a medical degree.

Rick,

I must be really dense. I can't figure out what you were referring to regarding alcohol and drug problems. Did I say that some where? I couldn't find it.

As for my doctor, I have SEVERAL! And now I will be seeing another one: hematologist which usually goes with oncology = "hem-onc."

My leg has already cost the insurance company $500,000. I may actually get up to the $1,000,000 cap per year after this is all over. If that happens, we're cooked.

If indeed I've progressed to multiple myeloma, the bills will be paid for by my life insurance. MM is terminal. It accounts for all my fractures, my carpal tunnel in my right hand, complete lack of deep motor reflexes in my "good" leg, my "paresthesias" like my burning feet and a host of other idiotic problems.

The "best" is yet to come......(all sarcasm intended.)

Nancy,

Not much I can say in response to that.

With buying on eBay, at least my opinion is at least as good as the next person, in that it is exactly that, an opinion.

Now I fear that the medical profession is equally prone to giving "opinions" and sometimes they are totally wrong. Having lost a dear friend through total mis-diagnosis I no longer view their opinions with quite the respect I once held them in.
i.e they could be wrong in your case!

Secondly, I have several friends that were given a "death sentence" who are now completely clear. We went out to dinner with one such on Friday, five years ago, they gave him a couple of months to live. He now lives in Cyprus and I have never seen him look so healthy!

He has also been given the "all clear" and swears it is all down to an anti-cancer complementary medicine called "Essiac" Whether this is fact or fiction I cannot tell, but he obviously believes in it and I sometimes think that if Aborigines can curl up and die when they think a spell has been cast on them, why can't the converse be equally true?

I think life is this giant lottery and I can only hope that luck is with you. You certainly are displaying a lot more courage in the face of dreadful adversity than I would.

All I, and others here, can wish you, is the "best of luck" in battling the odds you face.

Paul

Well, needless to say I'm in a bit of a denial period now. I have to see the hematologist yet to find out exactly where he thinks I am. AND, of course I'm going to get a second opinion. In fact, if it indeed needs chemotherapy, I'd rather go to the MD that treated my husband for lymphoma 13 years ago. That doctor was initially going to be a psychiatrist but something changed his mind so he went into oncology instead. The point being, he takes as long as it takes to allow his patients to ask questions, make sure they all have the facts straight, and generally "listens." That's a trait most MDs don't know the meaning of. Not to mention, he's highly qualified in his field.

I'm trying not to let my mind go crazy about this. I tend to be a rather "open" person, in case you haven't already noticed, so if I start to ramble, just tell me to shut up. I won't be offended.

Now I just sit and wait to hear from the hospital when all my appointments are arranged. I know they will be wanting to do a bone marrrow biopsy and more definitive bone scans and blood tests.

OH! A good article is on Google. Do a search on Google for "monoclonal gammopathy." The third one down, from "eMedicine" has all the details. There's a link to multiple myopathy which is quite instructive too.

Say, if I have a photo in one of my files, how do I transfer it onto one of these messages. I don't know how to find the URL for a picture that I have stuck some where on my computer. Do I have to make it a "document" first, or something?

OHHHHHHHHHH! Forgot to add: Made a great Snipe last night. I've been getting really fond of caftans over the last few years because they are so much more comfortable. Check out item 230004032847. Very cool. Looks like something out of "Lawrence of Arabia."

Nancy

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
Say, if I have a photo in one of my files, how do I transfer it onto one of these messages. I don't know how to find the URL for a picture that I have stuck some where on my computer. Do I have to make it a "document" first, or something?

Nancy,

You can’t have a photo appear directly from your computer. You have to load it onto some service, like Photobucket. Such a service will supply you with a URL. If you have a picture that you find on some site, you can right click on the picture, then click on “Properties”, then copy the URL from “Address”.



To get something like the following . . .

. . . you would post the following (no spaces allowed):

[img]http://www.auctionsniper.com/images/snipelogo.gif[/img]

"Ohhhhhhhhh..........I see," said the blind man. (Corny; I know.) I get it. The properties thing I knew about, but when I clicked on that on my computer, it didn't say much and now I see why. Just wanted to show you all this fantastic peacock cane I made for a lady. I will have to work on this.

Nance Cane Artist



"Is God willing to prevent evil but not able?
Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?"
Epicurus

I've always found that quote interesting. Drives the bible thumpers crazy.

Nance
Just to add to Rick's explanation, there is also www.flickr.com which I tend to use.
I had a look at Photobucket a couple of years ago but found that it seemed only to be in use in the middle of the night (we are GMT here of course!)
The upshot of it is that for us to see an image it must be somewhere visible to us - in the public domain, as we say.
Our best wishes to you - if you want to chat to us, chat away!

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
Uhhhhh.......define "niggle" please?

Something that is mildly irritating, like mosquitoes, haemorrhoids or tailgaters.

quote:

Just look at all the celebrities: divorce after divorce, drug and alcohol problems, trouble with the law, etc. etc. etc.

I try not to - it only encourages them.

quote:

They may LOOK better than us average folks,

Not to me, they do not - I regard most of them as a lesser species.

quote:

but they still have their share of difficulties to deal with.

And generally fail miserably....

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
Say, if I have a photo in one of my files, how do I transfer it onto one of these messages. I don't know how to find the URL for a picture that I have stuck some where on my computer. Do I have to make it a "document" first, or something?

Here's a way to post photos on the web without registering:-


R2

LOL! Mwah-ha-haaaaa....Chat I shall! In fact, sooner or later you're bound to tell me to shut up! Actually, I'm not busy with any other chat boards right now, so YOU lucky people get to hear all the gory details! Aren't you glad? LOL!

So what you're saying, is that it's better if my photos are in the public domain physically closer to you? I mean, the Internet is the Internet, no matter where you are, right?

I'll work on this. Will have to humbly ask #2 son who is in school working with computer networking how to go about this. I understand what you're saying though.

More notes to reply to I see. Then I'll tell you my schedule for this miserable week.

Nancy

"Mind the gap."

[COLOR:PURPLE][FONT SIZE=4] Well, I'm trying out some of this UBB code. It'll be interesting if it turns out the way I want it.

OK! So.......instead of a hip replacement surgery on Friday, I get to go in for a bone marrow biopsy on Thursday instead. I insisted on being put "out" because my BONE biopsies (different thing) have been absolutely excruciating. The surgeons who have worked on my bones all say the bone is rock hard and marble-like. Sometimes they even break off drill bits just trying to make the holes for screws.

On the other hand, the quality of the bone is rather fragile as well. Weird stuff, to say the least.

Oh, yeah, almost forgot to add that I have to collect my pee for 24 hours the day before. I hate doing that! Then there will be more blood work, of course. It's amazing how the MDs can ALWAYS find some test that needs more blood.

After that, I play the "waiting game." Won't meet with the hematologist until the following week to find out any results.[/purple]

Keep your fingers crossed. Maybe SOME form of magical thinking will help. After all, religions are loaded with magical thinking and people believe that too.

That absolutely amazes me. I'm a Unitarian Universalist and we tend to be more rational than many (not all!) followers of other religions. The laws of physics dictate that certain "claims" made in the bible are in fact impossible.

Oh. Now I better tell MYSELF to shut up! Sometimes I just can't resist a good old fashion theological debate. And I don't really know where you all are on the issue.

Here's a question for you:
Is it possible to prove the existence of a god? And how would you go about doing that?

"Mind the mouth, Nancy!"

quote:

Is it possible to prove the existence of a god? And how would you go about doing that?

We are not a philosophical bunch here!

I think if you want to start a wider debate Nancy on the meaning of Liff (as Douglas Adams put it) your in the wrong



thread!

Start a new topic in the general one!


A word of warning. We have all cultures and nations here. Heated political debate is barely possible because our poiliticians (thank goodness!) are largely unknown outside the UK.

However debates on religious beliefs (or lack of them) can rouse passions that are probably best avoided. If you want a good theological debate, choose a knowledgeable person to have a quiet chat with - open debates, I find, bring in strident advocates of their own belief systems who insist that they are absolutely right!

I wish I could be so certain!

Paul

Paul,

I know you're right. I have this somewhat naive idea that a CALM, POLITE conversation on religion is possible. I was hoping those in the UK would be a little more reserved in their reactions toward one another.

In the US, whenever a "believer" runs out of things to say, bible verses are quoted ad nauseam. I was just wondering if that would be different here.

But, again, you're right. This really doesn't belong on this thread so I will end any further philosophical discussion now. BEFORE I get into trouble, this time! LOL! Thanks for the tip.

Nancy

OFF TOPIC DISCLAIMER



“Church ain't out till the fat lady sings.” - Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations

Don't ya just love that cartoon? I used it because I'm not exactly a skinnie-Minnie and my last name starts with Thor. My husband's name is of Norwegian/Viking/Danish heritage, so if that doesn't make me a Valkuryie (sp?), then I don't know what does!

Hark! I am on to Valhalla!!! Move aside, peasant, lest I strike you with a bolt of lightning! (giggling...)

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
My leg has already cost the insurance company $500,000. I may actually get up to the $1,000,000 cap per year after this is all over. If that happens, we're cooked.

Nancy,

The good news: it is definitely in your doctors’ best financial interests to keep you alive.
The bad news: it is definitely NOT in your doctors’ best financial interests to cure you.

Sure wish there was a better incentive program for doctors.



If my understanding of history is correct, there is, or was, a fair amount of bad blood between Vikings and Brits.

quote:

a fair amount of bad blood between Vikings and Brits

Your right about that one Rick, our countryside is littered with towns with damn Danish names!

Some Examples

They ruled half the country at one time - The Danelaw

However the good news was that they eventually became English!

Their (note that odd word!) language lives on!

"the mixed language of the Danelaw caused the incorporation of many Norse words into the English language, including the word law itself, as well as the third person plural pronouns they, them and their."

Paul

Well, hey, the Vikings weren't exactly friends with ANYONE, were they? Fortunately, our part of the family tree has been "watered down" so much only the name exists.

I'm half Hungarian, one-quarter each, Dutch and German. My husband also has Italian, English ,German, French,and Danish blood in him. Typical American ancestors.

My boys are regular "mongrels." Not sure about that spelling. I mean like a couple of "mixed" but unknown breeds of dogs.

My maiden name is De Blaey, or the Americanized version of De Blaaij. At least I can trace my ancentors back to 1600's Holland. What did I find? LOL...I'm descended from a long line of peasant farmers. No royalty or even a coat-of-arms. And that's the Dutch side. My Hungarian side was even worse. POOR peasant farmers subsisting on a diet of onions, garlic, cabbage, and an occasional chicken! But OH, did they have the paprika! LOL!

What about you?

FOLLOWING ALICE DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

quote:

Originally posted by Camera:
However the good news was that they eventually became English!

I thought the Vikings became Normans, then William came over and helped the Brits with their English, then the Brits, with the help of us Yanks, returned the favor on D-Day.

I may have left out one or two minor details.

WELLLLLLLLLLL!!!! What I want to know is why we are aren't speaking French! William being Norman, and all. Right?

Chaucer spoke "Middle English," right? So what did EARLY English sound like? Any examples?

venison versus deer/Bambi; mutton versus sheep; beef versus cow; French fries (I already know) versus deep fried sliced potatoes; poultry versus dead bird; bacon/ham/pork versus pig; escargot versus snails; Grey Poupon versus mustard; veal versus calf; pastries versus scones; sex versus whatever they do in England.

LOL!

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
WELLLLLLLLLLL!!!! What I want to know is why we are aren't speaking French! William being Norman, and all. Right?

Bonjour Nancy
Quite a significant proportion of the English language is French-derived. There we go - language.

We also commonly use phrases like bonne mot, plus ca change, RSVP (repondez, s'il vous plait), mot juste, en route and many others.

By recompense, they have pinched Parking, Camping, Weekend.

A bientot

OooooOOOOOOoohhhh! <---- That's "Nancy" language. Thanks! (Cap letters indicate rise in pitch of voice and signifies fascination with your answer. LOL!)

quote:

Originally posted by Smart:
Rick's examples are interesting too. Do you notice how the words for the animals themselves (reared by the English peasants) are indigenous, whereas the words for their meats (eaten by the Norman conquerers) are of French origin (eg. boeuf, porc, mouton).

No, I did not notice that. Probably because I never took a French course in school.

Actually, I just supposed there were common Latin roots to both words.

You deserve another, "OoooOOOOOooooohhh!!!"


Today I go to hospital (notice how I left out "the" hospital.) to provide my latest doctors with a sample of my bone marrow. They promised they will put me "out." It's a rather painful procedure. I'll try to get back later.

Nancy

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
They promised they will put me "out."

Nancy,

Was it as good for you as it was for your doctor??????????????????????

Rickkkkkkk!!!!! Very funny!

Actually, for something that was supposed to be done under heavy sedation, I wasn't very sedated. I talked through the whole procedure like a chatterbox. I guess the point of what is termed "conscious sedation" is that you're not supposed to be able to remember the pain.

What a crock! I remember every bit of it! It really hurt when he got the needle into the bone and sucked up the marrow. Owwwwwww!!!!!!!

But just like that, it was over and I don't even have a sore area at the puncture site.

Now I have to tryand enjoy the weekend knowing that next week I will be getting a phone call with some results. I asked the nurses to call me with any thing prior to the appointment with the doctor on Thursday.

That way I can get over either my hysteria or elation and be able to ask meaningful questions when I see him. I know that if it's bad news, and I first heard it in his office, I'd never be able to absorb the facts. My mind would be racing. Does that make sense? My sentences are awkward at times. Never paid attention in school to all those rules regarding grammer.

Oh, dear. That was a mistake. I can ALREADY hear the Brits thinking: "Yanks never spoke English properly in the first place."

Well, tough! Pfthzzzzzzzz......! (Just joking of course.)

It's hard not telling my parents that I'm going through this. But I need to be sure of the diagnosis before I tell them. We're a very close family and bad news will be especially hard on them.

But......that's life! Bad things happen to good people all the time for absolutely no reason. We are bound by the laws of physics and if some gene is switched on and makes cells go haywire, it's no one's fault, or punishment from God or any thing else.

S--- happens!

Nance

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
Oh, dear. That was a mistake. I can ALREADY hear the Brits thinking: "Yanks never spoke English properly in the first place."

Nance

I don't think that, Nance. I, and many other Brits, just regard it as another different dialect.

Out schools ceased to teach English spellong or grammar about 20-30 years ago, so many of this generation cannot read or write it properly, if they have no sort of national pride to do anything about this, which many do not.

That aside, even in our tiny crowded group of islands, there are many different accents and dialects, some unintelligible to others.
As I migrated from the West Country to Yorkshire 30 years age, there are still some things that have to be explained to me, and others that locals cannot explain!

Good luck with the results.....

[Q]Out schools ceased to teach English spellong or grammar[/Q]

YES! I noticed that I has misspelled "grammar" the minute I sent that last post.

What do you mean your schools have ceased to teach English spellong? That's as ridiculous as making Ebonics a standard form of English that should be taught in American school too!

It's interesting how languages evolve. I love the sound of Middle English, but the meaning of many of the words elude me.

Which brings me back to my question: What did "Early English" sound like? Or did they just grunt at each other during the week and then listen to Latin on Sundays? No wonder the cathedrals of Europe have gargoyles and grotesques. Maybe the people back then actually looked like that! LOL!

Thanks for the support. I appreciate it.

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:

quote:

Out schools ceased to teach English spellong or grammar

YES! I noticed that I has misspelled "grammar" the minute I sent that last post.

I have a warped sense of humour, Nance.

quote:

What do you mean your schools have ceased to teach English spellong? That's as ridiculous as making Ebonics a standard form of English that should be taught in American school too!

I had to google for Ebonics - didn't know that was what it was called!
I agree - it is ridiculous. Occasionally, the gubmint ostensibly wake up and bleat about having to do something about it, but it has not happened, yet. Employers despair about prospective employees being illiterate, through no fault of their own. However, when these folks get past teenage years and their hormones are sorted , one would think that they would get off their a***s and do something about it!

quote:

It's interesting how languages evolve. I love the sound of Middle English, but the meaning of many of the words elude me.

Which brings me back to my question: What did "Early English" sound like? Or did they just grunt at each other during the week and then listen to Latin on Sundays? No wonder the cathedrals of Europe have gargoyles and grotesques. Maybe the people back then actually looked like that! LOL!

Thanks for the support. I appreciate it.

There are still a few gargoyles alive and well!
Some of the old illuminated texts are probably Middle English, but I find the actual letters difficult to read. Some of the old accounts in my clock books from. say, 1400 forward, have strange words in them. "viij shillings to take up the peys and the plummys" Eight shillings to wind up the weights!

the old accounts in my clock books from. say, 1400 forward, have strange words in them. "viij shillings to take up the peys and the plummys" Eight shillings to wind up the weights!
---------------------------------------------
I think I could have figured that one out. Just looking at it, "plummys" immediately struck me as similar to "plumb" or "plumb bob" which of course, is a weight on the end of a line.

And, I looked at "viij," which looks Dutch and thought perhaps it was pronounced "vay". That rhymes with eigh-t. And then "to take up," well, that's obvious. Maybe there was no word for "wind" back then.

But I did get the general idea of the sentence! Not bad for a Yank, don't you think?

Got any more? Do you collect clocks? I collect Roman coins and arifacts that I can afford, and all kinds of other things.

Made a call to the Bone Marrow and Transplant Clinic where I had my biopsy done. Got an answering machine. Why does that not surprise me? They'll probably call in about another 5 hours like last time. As I write, it is almost 11:30 AM. (biting fingernails)

Shipwreck

quote:

Originally posted by Mike from West Yorkshire:
Quite a significant proportion of the English language is French-derived.

Not only did the Battle of Hastings help the (Old) Englanders develop a richer language, but it probably helped in cutting down on the monarchal inbreeding. Seems like I studied that in school.


American/British:
Rubber / Condom
Eraser / Rubber

Plural: rubbers - soft, low cut, rubber overshoes to protect good leather shoes from rain & snow.

So what are they called in the UK?

(Are we getting goofy, or what?) LOL!

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
(Are we getting goofy, or what?)

"Getting"?

quote:

Plural: rubbers - soft, low cut, rubber overshoes to protect good leather shoes from rain & snow.

So what are they called in the UK?

Overshoes!

Paul

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
Plural: rubbers - soft, low cut, rubber overshoes to protect good leather shoes from rain & snow.

So what are they called in the UK?

(Are we getting goofy, or what?) LOL!

(1) Galoshes, Nancy. Like this
(2) What, probably.

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
the old accounts in my clock books from. say, 1400 forward, have strange words in them. "viij shillings to take up the peys and the plummys" Eight shillings to wind up the weights!
---------------------------------------------
I think I could have figured that one out. Just looking at it, "plummys" immediately struck me as similar to "plumb" or "plumb bob" which of course, is a weight on the end of a line.

I am sure that is where the word came from - I often wonder if they spoke these words as well, just the same?

quote:

And, I looked at "viij," which looks Dutch and thought perhaps it was pronounced "vay". That rhymes with eigh-t.

Although "ij" is a Dutch thing, and is pronounced like a "y" or "i" - as in Rijn (Rhine, the river that ends up in the North Sea), the viij is actually a Roman 8 - VIII. I think the "j" was just a flourish.

quote:

And then "to take up," well, that's obvious. Maybe there was no word for "wind" back then.

But I did get the general idea of the sentence! Not bad for a Yank, don't you think?

Agreed, Nancy!

quote:

Got any more? Do you collect clocks? I collect Roman coins and arifacts that I can afford, and all kinds of other things.

I collect clocks, but don't really have a collection! What is he saying? OK - I have been interested in making and restoring clocks for about 40+ years now, but all the clocks in the house have to actually work and be useful; if not, or I tire of them, they are sold.
The oldest one we have dates from ca 1720:

It is still doing the same job, and just as well, as it did when new nearly three centuries ago. This is the last time I had to service it:


As a contrast, here is one I made about 10 years ago:

quote:

Made a call to the Bone Marrow and Transplant Clinic where I had my biopsy done. Got an answering machine. Why does that not surprise me? They'll probably call in about another 5 hours like last time. As I write, it is almost 11:30 AM. (biting fingernails)

Shipwreck

We are waiting! Good luck!

quote:

Galoshes, Nancy. Like this

I had heard the term Mike, but never had registered what it meant.

Interesting.

I have inherited two old (19th century) clocks, but after many years they became unreliable and I stopped winding them up.

The trouble is that there are no competant clock repairers in the area that I know of. A lost art? I just heard horror stories of "bodging" & overcharging. In the end I found a chap on the far side of the country (Leicester) who advertised old clocks on eBay and seemed to have a good reputation.

However, four months down the line, one is still not ready!

Paul

Paul

LOL! Good point, old chap! Good point. Most astute!

Nancy

quote:

Originally posted by Mike from West Yorkshire:

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
Plural: rubbers - soft, low cut, rubber overshoes to protect good leather shoes from rain & snow.

So what are they called in the UK?

(Are we getting goofy, or what?) LOL!

(1) Galoshes, Nancy. Like this
(2) What, probably.

Ohhhh.... I always thought the work "galoshes" was Eastern European. My Hungarian grandmother used to say things like (think with a thick accent, now):
"Achhhhh.....Don't you go out vitout pootink on babushka and galoshes. You catch cold! And vhere is jacket? Should know better!"

Although "ij" is a Dutch thing, and is pronounced like a "y" or "i" - as in Rijn (Rhine, the river that ends up in the North Sea), the viij is actually a Roman 8 - VIII. I think the "j" was just a flourish.
---------------------------------------------
How about that? I learned something new today! Cool.

I have an old mantle clock bought in Germany in 1965. Stopped working and it costs a small fortune to get it repaired now. Too bad you live "over there." LOL!

We are waiting! Good luck!

Good news: No cancer cells in bone marrow, although that was an unofficial announcement from the neurologist and not the oncologist.

Bad news: Neuro thinks I need back surgery to relieve pinching of my sciatic nerve. If I don't have that, he says, rehab after I get my new hip will be compromised.

How many surgeries, do you suppose, a person can go through???? Geez, I'll be laid up for MONTHS! Not to mention Oncology will want to monitor my "monoclonal gammopathy."

My dentist asked me today if I went any where for vacation this year. HA! My answer is my standard: I go to hospitals.

When other people take out vacation photos, I take out a book of my X-rays! LOL!

Hey, how do I include some of those in these posts?

Nancy

quote:

Originally posted by Camera:

quote:

Galoshes, Nancy. Like this

I had heard the term Mike, but never had registered what it meant.

Interesting.

I have inherited two old (19th century) clocks, but after many years they became unreliable and I stopped winding them up.

Paul
Most clocks of this age only need a service - dismantle, clean, reassemble and oil. Depending on what sort they are, a days' work.
Newer (20th c) clocks usually wear more - many of those in the 1970s on are totally knackered after 10 years!

quote:

The trouble is that there are no competant clock repairers in the area that I know of. A lost art? I just heard horror stories of "bodging" & overcharging.

Sadly, true. There are probably only a few dozen "real" clockmakers iin the UK. I exclude myself as I have never repaired clocks professionally. Messrs Bodgit and Scarper often belong to august bodies like the NAWCC and BHI, so there is no guarantee at all that membership will get you a proper job. In the 1700s, anyone who did not belong to the Clockmakers' Company would get no work at all, and if they did not do a proper job, their feet would not touch the ground!

quote:

In the end I found a chap on the far side of the country (Leicester) who advertised old clocks on eBay and seemed to have a good reputation.

However, four months down the line, one is still not ready!

Hmmm.....what sort of clocks are they, and what is the reason for the delay? If the word "parts" is mentioned, grab the clocks and run.
You could have dropped them off here - about the same distance? I could probably have sorted them in a few weeks.

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
Although "ij" is a Dutch thing, and is pronounced like a "y" or "i" - as in Rijn (Rhine, the river that ends up in the North Sea), the viij is actually a Roman 8 - VIII. I think the "j" was just a flourish.
---------------------------------------------
How about that? I learned something new today! Cool.

I have an old mantle clock bought in Germany in 1965. Stopped working and it costs a small fortune to get it repaired now. Too bad you live "over there." LOL!

Nancy
Most newer clocks like this wear quite a lot. There are many more clock repairers in the USA, though. They do have a habit of swapping movements, though, which I object to. However, if a clock needs $500 labour spending on it, and a movement is $200, I suppose that this has to be so.
It is probably either a Kieninger, Urgos or Hermle.
It may be worth registering on here to get an idea if there are any forum members near you who can help.
Mark Butterworth is the expert on these sorts of clocks. It's mantel by the way, as in "mantelpiece". A mantle you either set light to or chuck it over your shoulder.
All my mantles you set light to (I have a small collection of pressure lanterns and stoves).

Good that your results have arrived, even though there is a bit more work to do, the uncertainty has gone.
I have had two knackered discs for about 30 years now, but the good news is that as you get older the discs get harder, and give less trouble by touching bits of spinal cord (I call it my wiring loom).
Two Tramadols every day for life mean that I can crawl under cars and lift heavy radios with no pain.

Interesting you should mention Tramadol. I've tried them and they do not seem to do a thing for me. My sister-in-law, on the other hand, absolutely swears by them. She says they work on muscle pain, not bone pain.

Would you believe, as a former nurse, I've never bothered to look them up? The more syndroms, fractures, or illnesses I get (and maybe the OLDER I get), the less interested I am in all the details of what I take. Shame on me. I know.

quote:

Originally posted by Mike from West Yorkshire:
Occasionally, the gubmint ostensibly wake up and bleat about having to do something about it, but it has not happened, yet. Employers despair about prospective employees being illiterate, through no fault of their own.

I always suspected you of favoring bigger government.

quote:

Originally posted by caneartist:
Interesting you should mention Tramadol. I've tried them and they do not seem to do a thing for me. My sister-in-law, on the other hand, absolutely swears by them. She says they work on muscle pain, not bone pain.

Would you believe, as a former nurse, I've never bothered to look them up? The more syndroms, fractures, or illnesses I get (and maybe the OLDER I get), the less interested I am in all the details of what I take. Shame on me. I know.

Hmmm - dunno. On the packet it says that they prevent the pain messages getting to the brain, or something.

quote:

Originally posted by Rick:

quote:

Originally posted by Mike from West Yorkshire:
Occasionally, the gubmint ostensibly wake up and bleat about having to do something about it, but it has not happened, yet. Employers despair about prospective employees being illiterate, through no fault of their own.

I always suspected you of favoring bigger government.

I would just like one that actually did what it promised in its manifesto, Rick.
I fear it will never happen, though. Now they tell us that they have no idea where so-called asylum seekers are that have escaped from prison in their native lands, and have committed murder, rape and the like. They are just free to wander around our country, and no-one knows who they are or how many there are in total.

quote:

Originally posted by Mike from West Yorkshire:
Now they tell us that they have no idea where so-called asylum seekers are that have escaped from prison in their native lands, and have committed murder, rape and the like.

Always thought it was a mistake when England gave asylum to the Loyalist after the American Revolution, especially considering that Benedict Arnold was unlikely to qualify for New York unemployment benefits.



“Asylum” is an interesting word. Seeking asylum is considered good, whereas being committed into an asylum is considered bad. In the first situation the individual thinks other people are crazy, and in the second situation other people think the individual is crazy. Please – no medication jokes.

“Asylum” is an interesting word. Seeking asylum is considered good, whereas being committed into an asylum is considered bad. In the first situation the individual thinks other people are crazy, and in the second situation other people think the individual is crazy. Please – no medication jokes.
----------------------------------------------
LOL! Ohhhhhhh, the urge to mention something about Thorazine or Lithium is just killing me!!!! But I won't ask you a thing about your medications. After all, everybody is something at some point in their lives. Just because you've been forgetting your Haldol lately...................OOPS!!!

Sorry.

But I agree, asylum IS an intesting word. I've been locked up now for 9 years!

Nancy the nut case

quote:

Originally posted by Rick:

“Asylum” is an interesting word. Seeking asylum is considered good, whereas being committed into an asylum is considered bad. In the first situation the individual thinks other people are crazy, and in the second situation other people think the individual is crazy. Please – no medication jokes.

It may solve some problems if they combined the two!