Derb, pronouncing your name right is a challenge! Or, better, a puzzle. Do we do it Britishly — “Derb” to rhyme with “Carb”? Or do we do it Americanly? “Derb” to rhyme with “Curb”? And what about the “shire”? “Sure,” “shuh,” or like the place in The Lord of the Rings?

You could have a little fun when people ask how to pronounce your name.

Them: Mr. Derbyshire, how do you pronounce your name?

You: “John.”

P.S. Years ago, I had a friend named Laura, who was getting married. (Later in life — second marriage.) People would say, “Are you going to change your name?” She’d say, “Yes — to Barbara.” (She did indeed change her last name.)

P.P.S. John, I must say you confuse me a little. I know you pronounce your name Britishly. But when you say “Radio Derb,” I believe you say the “Derb” Americanly. I would say “Darb.” Help a brother out.