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Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2004OED 2nd Ed. on CD-ROM, version 3
I paid US$203 for it, US$17 to have it shipped to Taiwan, about an hour or so of frustration to install it, and it was worth every penny and second spent. Soooooooooo much better than version 1.14, which cost twice as much. I recommend it.  SignatureFranke: EFL teacher & medical editor. > I recommend it. Still no Mac version. No way is _anything_ good enough to make me suffer Windows. SignatureMike Connally Reading, England mike@deadstart.com (Mike Connally) wrote on 30 Dec 2003: >> I recommend it. > > Still no Mac version. No way is _anything_ good enough to > make me suffer Windows. Those of us who have chosen to suffer Windows are privileged to have the pleasure of the OED2CDv3. Those of you who have chosen to enjoy the Mac are also privileged to suffer a deprivation of your own making. I used to be able to afford both the time and money to have both, but Mac priced itself out of the market and then failed to keep up in the software war. Now all Mac exclusivists have the distinct pleasure of facing the computer world without a nose and still complain that Windows stinks. I cannot disagree in principle, but at least I can smell it. SignatureFranke: EFL teacher & medical editor. > mike@deadstart.com (Mike Connally) wrote on 30 Dec 2003: > >> I recommend it. > > Still no Mac version. No way is _anything_ good enough to > > make me suffer Windows. > Those of us who have chosen to suffer Windows are privileged to have > the pleasure of the OED2CDv3. Those of you who have chosen to enjoy the [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Windows stinks. I cannot disagree in principle, but at least I can > smell it. I used to curse Windows 98 a lot, but now that I've upgraded to Windows XP Home Edition I haven't yet found anything to curse about. As for the _OED_ on CD, I look at it as a last resort for those who have tried and failed to find a way to get the online version through one institution or another. (I get it free with my library card at the Los Angeles Public Library.) The CD is frozen the day you buy it. The online version is continually upgraded. Bob Cunningham <exw6sxq@earthlink.net> wrote on 30 Dec 2003: [...] > I used to curse Windows 98 a lot, but now that I've > upgraded to Windows XP Home Edition I haven't yet found > anything to curse about. I've got XP Pro and there is quite a bit to curse about, but compared to Win98SE, it is cloud 5 (ie still a long way to go before cloud 9) instead of the fifth circle of Hell. > As for the _OED_ on CD, I look at it as a last resort for > those who have tried and failed to find a way to get the > online version through one institution or another. (I get > it free with my library card at the Los Angeles Public > Library.) Even if my school were to subscribe, I'd have to use it through my school's on-campus network. I don't belong to the LAPL, but I'll ask my son to get me a membership card and see if I can use it from Taiwan. It appears that I won't be able to get a seat on a flight out of Taiwan for the Chinese New Year break between semesters; the waiting lists are far too long, except for outta sight First-Class seats. > The CD is frozen the day you buy it. The online version > is continually upgraded. Yabbut, it's better than not having it at all. SignatureFranke: EFL teacher & medical editor. > Even if my school were to subscribe, I'd have to use [the on-line > OED] through my school's on-campus network. If your school has a Web proxy accessible from outside the campus network, then you can access OED on-line through the proxy. This is what I do for off-campus access to all of the subscription-only content to which my institution has site licenses. -- Mike Nitabach Michael Nitabach <mnitabach@acedsl.com> wrote on 30 Dec 2003: >> Even if my school were to subscribe, I'd have to use [the on-line >> OED] through my school's on-campus network. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > is what I do for off-campus access to all of the subscription-only > content to which my institution has site licenses. This is Taiwan. We don't have those kinds of proxies anymore. A few years ago it was possible for a few in-the-know computer buffs to access the Web on a direct optical fiber cable between a server in the USA and a proxy at one of the national universities in southern Taiwan, but no longer. My school uses proxies for its WAN, but they are masked to the workstation users. My school also blocks a great many Websites the Ministry of Education feels are morally harmful. Thank Buddha they do not block Google.com. SignatureFranke: EFL teacher & medical editor. [...] > As for the _OED_ on CD, I look at it as a last resort for > those who have tried and failed to find a way to get the [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > The CD is frozen the day you buy it. The online version > is continually upgraded. I'm getting the impression that depressingly few UK residents can gain access to the on-line OED: I'd rather like to know which libraries around the world actually do make it available to their members (whether or not I'm eligible to join one of them). Carmarthenshire Library doesn't. Mike. > [...] > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Carmarthenshire Library doesn't. It's always worth enquiring about the availability of university library facilities to the local community. Oxford Brookes is quite accommodating in this area. SignatureLaura (emulate St. George for email) > I'm getting the impression that depressingly few UK residents can gain > access to the on-line OED: I'd rather like to know which libraries > around the world actually do make it available to their members > (whether or not I'm eligible to join one of them). > > Carmarthenshire Library doesn't. Neither does the New York Public Library, which surprises me, nor the Queens Public Library, which doesn't. (Is that the correct use of "nor"? I've never been comfortable with it.) SignatureSML ess el five six zero at columbia dot edu http://pirate-women.com > Neither does the New York Public Library, which surprises me, nor the > Queens Public Library, which doesn't. Oy! It's the "Queens Borough Public Library"! (Yep, I checked, unlike CUNY, they consider "Queens Borough" to be two words.) And here I thought you were a Native by now. It's sort of weird how a number of public institutions in Queens have that superfluous (based on practices in the other boroughs) "borough" after the "Queens". It's my guess that this started out as some sort of misguided Anglophiliac sort of thing that got out of control. Or maybe the result of the differentiated "Queensborough Plaza" and "Queens Plaza" subway stations (note to Coop: one of those is an El). A lot depends on the timeline, which the nonlazy can construct, or reconstruct, through appropriate research. How long has the 59th Street Bridge been the Queensborough Bridge? Strangely, in Brooklyn, the only real example of a similar silly thing that I'm aware of is "Kingsborough Community College" ("The K on the Bay"), which makes no sense, since "Kings" is the county and not the borough. (The borough being Brooklyn [Illegally Occupied City Since 1898].) I'd assume that Kingsborough is younger than Queensborough as far as community colleges go, at least under those names. Another very real possibility is that people in a position to name things thought that bare "Queens" sounded too ridiculous or undignified. This won't be obvious to the British, I reckon, but it's intuitive for me. > It's sort of weird how a number of public institutions in Queens have that > superfluous (based on practices in the other boroughs) "borough" after the > "Queens". Does Queens differ from the other boroughs in the degree to which sub-borough neighborhood identity is prominent? I ask this because of the U.S. Postal Service's approach: There are ZIP Codes designated for "New York NY", "Brooklyn NY", and so forth, and none for e.g. "Harlem NY" or "Williamsburg NY"; but in Queens, we find ZIP codes designated to e.g. "Astoria NY" and none for "Queens NY". If this is an accurate reflection of the prominence of sub-borough units in contrast to the borough itself, use of "Queens Borough" might be intended to emphasize the unitary nature of the borough over its subdivisibility. (I said "might".) -Aaron J. Dinkin Dr. Whom > > It's sort of weird how a number of public institutions in Queens have that > > superfluous (based on practices in the other boroughs) "borough" after the [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > York NY", "Brooklyn NY", and so forth, and none for e.g. "Harlem NY" or > "Williamsburg NY"; Oy! Williamsburgh! > but in Queens, we find ZIP codes designated to e.g. > "Astoria NY" and none for "Queens NY". Yes, that's the USPS bowing to local traditional practice. Identity for Queens residents is properly with what I'd call the "section" (something larger than what I think would be considered a "neighborhood" in most AmE cities, but in BklynE, at least, "neighborhood" would be the appropriate term). > If this is an accurate reflection of the prominence of sub-borough units > in contrast to the borough itself, use of "Queens Borough" might be > intended to emphasize the unitary nature of the borough over its > subdivisibility. That's preposterous! I think the monosyllabic nature of the name might be more significant. R F filted: >Strangely, in Brooklyn, the only real example of a similar silly thing >that I'm aware of is "Kingsborough Community College" ("The K on the >Bay"), which makes no sense, since "Kings" is the county and not the >borough. (The borough being Brooklyn [Illegally Occupied City Since >1898].) I'd assume that Kingsborough is younger than Queensborough as far >as community colleges go, at least under those names. (Warning. Severe thread-drift imminent.) How many people know that the "King" after whom the county containing Seattle is named was a US Vice President, William Rufus DeVane King?...a few years ago, some misguided souls decided to change the name of a street or park also named for the late VP in honor of slain civil-rights leader [1] Martin Luther King Jr...no signs needed repainting or replacement, and to the best of my knowledge the renaming was carried out in the dead of night with no one the wiser...some who were aware of this project seem to have the impression that the county itself was renamed at the same time....r [1] that's perilously close to an official title...is there anyone who read "slain civil-rights leader" that *didn't* know what name would follow?...I've often felt that youth centers and commemorative parks should be given plaques designating them officially as "Slain Civil-Rights Leader The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Youth Center".... > > Neither does the New York Public Library, which surprises me, nor the > > Queens Public Library, which doesn't. > > Oy! It's the "Queens Borough Public Library"! (Yep, I checked, unlike > CUNY, they consider "Queens Borough" to be two words.) You are correct and I accept my oying. Their library cards say "The Queens Borough Public Library" _and_ "Queens Library" on them, so maybe they're not sure either. > And here I thought you were a Native by now. The state I've lived the longest in is Washington, but the building I've lived the longest in is this very one in Queens. So I don't know. SignatureSML, living here in Queens, eating rice and beans, we're a happy family... ess el five six zero at columbia dot edu http://pirate-women.com > It's sort of weird how a number of public institutions in Queens have that > superfluous (based on practices in the other boroughs) "borough" after the > "Queens". I just thought of one group that perhaps could use that "borough," although I like it better as it is: http://www.queensfordean.com (High heels and padded bras, or crowns and ermine?) SignatureSML ess el five six zero at columbia dot edu http://pirate-women.com > > I'm getting the impression that depressingly few UK residents can gain > > access to the on-line OED: I'd rather like to know which libraries [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Neither does the New York Public Library, which surprises me, nor the > Queens Public Library, which doesn't. NYPL frankly amazes me. Queens I don't know from. > (Is that the correct use of "nor"? I've never been comfortable with it.) Looks good to me. I'm never been comfortable with "or" after "neither"; not too keen on "and nor", either. And, to Laura, yes, thanks; but Trinity College Carmarthen, though helpful, is Mickey-Mouse, and U. of Cheltenham and Gloucester (I'm to move to Chelt, as you know) is new and small so probably hasn't got it. Mike. [..] > And, to Laura, yes, thanks; but Trinity College Carmarthen, though > helpful, is Mickey-Mouse, and U. of Cheltenham and Gloucester (I'm to > move to Chelt, as you know) is new and small so probably hasn't got > it. Don't be so scathing about UniGlos! I'd be surprised if they didn't have the OED on-line but, if that is the case, I should think they could be persuaded to subscribe - if you think it's worth pursuing when you get there, I have contacts who may help, so let me know. They seem quite welcoming to locals: see http://www.glos.ac.uk/lis/content.asp?sid=10. SignatureLaura (emulate St. George for email) > [..] > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > They seem quite welcoming to locals: see > http://www.glos.ac.uk/lis/content.asp?sid=10. You'll know when I'm scathing! I wasn't: I really just meant they were new and small, and therefore guessed they wouldn't yet have built up a collection of expensive minority-interest material. I won't hesitate to call you in aid if need be. Thank you very much for the offer. Mike. >> [..] >> [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > were new and small, and therefore guessed they wouldn't yet have > built up a collection of expensive minority-interest material. I'm a bit surprised to hear the OED described as expensive minority-interest material but it is true that our librarians were a bit surprised when the first request for a subscription came from the Business School. I began my submission with the words: "I'm sure the Humanities department will have asked for this already..." > I won't hesitate to call you in aid if need be. Thank you very much > for the offer. Hm. Close study of the website indicates that I may have been over-enthusiastic about facilities available to external users: it seems to exclude electronic access. You may have to sign up for a course there to get the full range. There are some interesting people teaching in the Business School. SignatureLaura (emulate St. George for email) > > I'm getting the impression that depressingly few UK residents can > > gain access to the on-line OED: I'd rather like to know which [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Neither does the New York Public Library, They list it at http://www.nypl.org/branch/iresources.html but you appear to have to be at the library to access it. > which surprises me, nor the Queens Public Library, which doesn't. Poking around, I see that that San Francisco Public Library does, and they will give a library card to any resident of California, although you appear to have to apply in person (unless you are a homebound San Francisco resident). I may have to make a point of getting one the next time I'm in the City. Poking around, Boston need card to list Chicago no Los Angeles yes Miami need card to list New York from library only Orlando no Phoenix no San Diego yes San Francisco yes San Jose no Seattle yes SignatureEvan Kirshenbaum +------------------------------------ HP Laboratories |Its like grasping the difference 1501 Page Mill Road, 1U, MS 1141 |between what one usually considers Palo Alto, CA 94304 |a 'difficult' problem, and what |*is* a difficult problem. The day kirshenbaum@hpl.hp.com |one understands *why* counting all (650)857-7572 |the molecules in the Universe isn't |difficult...there's the leap. http://www.kirshenbaum.net/ | Tina Marie Holmboe > > > I'm getting the impression that depressingly few UK residents can > > > gain access to the on-line OED: I'd rather like to know which [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > San Jose no > Seattle yes Yo can add Skokie need library card for Internet access Evan Kirshenbaum filted: >Poking around, I see that that San Francisco Public Library does, and >they will give a library card to any resident of California, although [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > San Jose no > Seattle yes Where are you finding this information?...it doesn't surprise me that Phoenix lacks access, but the library system of the city of Scottsdale has struck me as more advanced, and they may have it available...and as the main branches of the Phoenix and Scottsdale Public Libraries are about equidistant from my home, I've got a card at each.... There's also the Glendale Public Library, which I believe offers a card free if you're a resident of the city but charges for "outsiders", the sparse but modern Maricopa County Library System, and a loose confederation of the Tempe, Mesa and others that was once called something like "East Valley Academic Network" or--ahem--EVAN....r > Evan Kirshenbaum filted: > > [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > Where are you finding this information?... Just googling on "X public library". Most libraries have a list of the databases they subscribe to. > it doesn't surprise me that Phoenix lacks access, but the library > system of the city of Scottsdale has struck me as more advanced, and > they may have it available... Unfortunately, no. http://library.ci.scottsdale.az.us/OnlineResearch/DBList.htm > and as the main branches of the Phoenix and Scottsdale Public > Libraries are about equidistant from my home, I've got a card at [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > card free if you're a resident of the city but charges for > "outsiders", Sorry. http://www.glendaleaz.com/Library/ElectronicResources.cfm SignatureEvan Kirshenbaum +------------------------------------ HP Laboratories |ActiveX is pretty harmless anyway. 1501 Page Mill Road, 1U, MS 1141 |It can't affect you unless you Palo Alto, CA 94304 |install Windows, and who would be |foolish enough to do that? kirshenbaum@hpl.hp.com | Peter Moylan (650)857-7572 http://www.kirshenbaum.net/ >Poking around, > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > San Jose no > Seattle yes Adding: Saint Louis County Library system, yes. Library and at home access available for any cardholder. [ . . . ] [about libraries that offer cardholders the use of the online _Oxford English Dictionary_:] > Neither does the New York Public Library, which surprises me, nor the > Queens Public Library, which doesn't. > (Is that the correct use of "nor"? I've never been comfortable with it.) So far as I know, there's nothing wrong with your "neither/nor". In my favorite usage guide, Edward D. Johnson's _The Handbook of Good English_, all of the examples of misuse of "neither/nor" have to do with violation of parallelism. In my humble opinion your parallelism is fine. Your "which doesn't" threw me briefly. At first I tried to associate it with "neither does", and I couldn't get it to make sense. Eventually I realized it referred to "which surprises me", and then it made good sense. If you're ever in Los Angeles, drop into any branch of the Los Angeles Public Library and get a library card. I understand you don't have to be a resident to do that, but you do have to be here to do it. You can then use it to get the _OED_ online. For details, see "Applying for a library card" at http://www.lapl.org/admin/circ.html#Applying . They seem to be implying that you can get a card even if you're a resident of Mexico. The catch is that you have to pick up the card in person at one of the branch libraries in Los Angeles. Maybe a similar arrangement is also true of some of the other libraries Ben Zimmer listed, all of which are probably closer to where you live than is Los Angeles. |
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