Allan, Thanks for responding to the list on my last posting. Ain't free speech great? The offending word in Bob's quote to me was the word "nonsense", which changes the context dramatically. That's what got up my nose. All American boaters should honour and protect their own while it lasts, as times are fast changing. Certainly don't have a pot shot at them, and particularly don't denigrate success - honour it while it lasts. As far as the Mother in Law and dog comment was concerned - chill out. Only Americans use in parenthesis (grin), (smile) & LOL etc to overcome a lack of offending new found sensitivities. Suppose that's why Billy Crystal is playing to Australian audiences these days. Peter Sheppard