In a message dated 9/14/99 5:26:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time, colin@cpink.demon.co.uk writes: << I agree with you. The character is being self-deprecatory. I suspect the people who don't like it don't get the humour in it. It's a very funny story and intended to be that way. -- Colin >> NOW I have to reread it. I never saw anything other than incidental humor in it. I appreciate John Mortiz's post, and I'll try to keep that in mind when I reread. Jim