Comments on: Terry Pratchett Fights Alzheimers with Infrared Helmet

By: Libraryman

Libraryman — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:46:44 +0000

The point, which Bob seems to have missed, is that what the bellboy seemed to be shouting was “suspender”, hence his embarrassment.
Being American is no excuse for ignorance, unless your name’s George W. of course.

By: Bob Deloyd

Bob Deloyd — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:34:18 +0000

My Mother has Alzheimer’s disease and we don’t need any false hopes or snake oil products. Has anyone done research on this “Head Gear”?

Also: As far as I know, in America we don’t use the titles “Sir” or “Lord” (and let us hope we never do). So I don’t see why this bellboy should be embarrassed paging Sir Spender in a loud voice. But if you are a writer you do need little tidbits like this.
Thanks!
//bob

By: Libraryman

Libraryman — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:33:39 +0000

I assume the poster is American. When the title “Sir” is used you always include the first name – so it should be “Sir Terry” or “Sir Terry Pratchett”, but never “Sir Pratchett”.
An American hotel bellboy once made this mistake with the famous poet Sir Stephen Spender and went through the hotal lobby paging “Sir Spender” in a load voice and looking very embarrassed!