>>Apparently, warm beer causes a phobia for decimal points, so
>>    
>>
> > instead of writing .001uF, the Brits like to write 1nF.
>
>I probably should have also mentioned that this decimal point phobia forces
>them to write 5k6 when they mean 5.6k.
>  
>

There is a valid reason for the above. As components got smaller it 
became more and more difficult to read the printed values, therefore 
writing 5K6  was easier to read than 5.6K as the decimal could easily be 
lost. The same applied to diagrams, is that a decimal point, a pencil 
mark, a bad photocopy 'blob' or a speck of fly shit?

>I think it may be related to the 'Z' phobia that, sadly, causes them spell
>initialize with an S, but I haven't seen any studies to validate this.
>  
>

Errr...... the English language belongs to the English/British so 
whichever way they spell a word *has* to be the correct spelling as it 
is *their* language! The American version of English was 'bastardised' 
in the 1700's (at around the time of their independence IIRC) when it 
was decided to simplify spelling to make it easier for the large number 
of semi-literate or totally illiterate people flooding into the country 
(a bad move in my opinion).

As far as a 'Z' phobia is concerned I believe the phobia lies squarely 
on the left side of the 'pond'. It seems to be a case of 'if you don't 
know how to spell a word correctly just stick a ZED in there somewhere!'

If you are not happy with the spelling of 'correct' English I suggest 
you invent your own language and get it accepted by your political leaders.


-- 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.6.3 - Release Date: 3/7/05

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist