bandolin: a shaggydog story is one similar to the one I told/wrote... a long and incredibly rambling tale (my father taught me, the more rambling the better) which leads up to a single simple, groan-worthy, and generally pun-laden punchline. And I'm sorry to say, I know EXACTLY which tale it is that pakled is referring to... my father told me many MANY tales over the years. (now banning himself from the thread, as per bandolin's instructions...*) jonthecelt *well, for now, anyway... at least until another one crops up in his head!!!