title: I am getting poor TTS using num2words as input for pico2wave
body: <p>In a Python script, <code>num2words</code> seems to generate unicode text. When this is used as input to <code>pico2wave</code>, a 'u' is prepended to the text. How can <code>num2words</code> generate ascii so <code>pico2wave</code> will work properly? </p>
  
  <p>Printing the output for example:</p>
  
  <pre><code>var1 = 12  
  
  numb = numb2words(var1)  
  
  print(numb)  
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Output: <code>u'twelve'</code>  </p>
  
  <p>When used as input to pico, "uhtwelve" is spoken.</p>