BTW, I do understand the "innocent" nature of Blitter's post...I simply wish to draw attention to how cultural assumptions (both good and bad) consciously/unconsciously shape the texture of the language we use...even mine. this is a ineffable fact of human language. So, no need to flame me with accusations of being overly P.C. Instead, I'm only trying to be a sort of linguistic "Socrates," asking passers-by to question the basis of the language they use. (He politely refuses the stiff drink the crowd offers him.)