Zwaan being my last name and Dutch for Swan and people calling me Johnnie instead of John (I'm 1.87 cm :-) and is really the name my parents gave me, Johnnie that is) made me decide to pick the nick Swannie. Also I'm crazy about Swans. I think they are the most beautiful (water)birds/creatures there are. Although I hated that name when I was young.. they called me Ugly Duckling and all that, but that duckling turned out ot be a gorgeous swan haughty Hehehe, just kidding! Nowadays I make my kids proud of that last name, cos in fact it is a great last name. Being proud of it makes the difference.. they are not being teased with it. So, that's my short story... nice thread! Johnnie...