Gerald,

Though some might say it's lost some of it's appeal, but as it's still sincerely felt, I'll say the usual "always a pleasure, never a chore."

I may well fulfil some big-brother role, but you will always be more drunk than I since I do not normally drink. Alcohol is NOT my poison of choice.

And why should your girlfriend fear me? I'm so loveable and cuddly and gentle, nobody should stand in fear of little old me.

Incidentally, your "zed" in "realization" is another example of the evolution of English by the British, and the stagnation of the English of Americans.

During an episode of Inspector Morse, a TV homicide detective with a snobbish, intellectual attitude in Oxford's rarified community. In this episode, Morse discovers a note and surmises it was written by the sole American suspect in the case because of the zed in a word, where Morse claims the "s" is correct and "proper English".

He was incorrect. The "s" is a relatively new convention used almost exclusively by the British and her former, less revolting colonies. The zed is equally correct but its history is much older - going back at least as far as the Mayflower pilgrims - than the "s." So in a sense, you were right, and wrong.

"Just thought you'd like to know."