Geographical literacy

[Scott]

Sheryll Townsend wrote:
"I think most Americans say "KWa'bek". I started trying to teach
myself French recently, and I was amazed to find out how words were
actually supposed to sound :*) Then I tried ordering a kwa-son(t),
and the counter person just stared at me until I blushed and asked
for a "kresont" (croissant)."

--I've tried to order a kwa-son(t) too, and also gotten very funny 
looks. I'll admit to saying KWa'bek, especially when I'm not 
conciously thinking about pronunciation. If I am I'd try to say KAY-
bek.
 
B, Kentucky native, where we have
Layfette (La FAY et)
Versailles (Ver SAILS)
Cairo, IL (CAY roe)
Venna, IL (Vie ANN a)

I have a friend and we were talking about Versailles (the French 
Chateau of Louis XIV) and she said "Oh Ver-Sally's!" "No that's 
wrong." But I couldn't help laugh.

All this Geographical trivia is terrible amusing. I could bore 
everyone with my endless vat of North Carolina history trivia but I 
have the feeling you, and I, would rather be spared....

Scott