[wilf leek]

I have to spend a couple of weeks with my head down at work, and I come back here to find this.

Bill - have you never heard of literary merit, poetic license, or journalistic exaggeration?

I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of Hal's stories. And that is what they are - stories. With little embellishments along the way. That is what makes good writing, is this an unknown skill in the USA? And there was I thinking you had authors of merit in your own right. Maybe I should stick to the bard, and throw away my books by US authors.

If you think that your personal PC comments (and I am soooo tired of them, self righteousness is extremely limited in it's appeal) actually caused the man to hang up his hat here on CC, then you ascribe altogether too much importance to your scribbles. It is very likely that Hal is just moving on to another phase in his life, and my best wishes to him.

Hal - whatever you do, if you are even watching any more, this place is the lesser for your moving on. May the Great Stroker bellow and please you whatever you do.

Oh - BTW, if any more of the foul-mouthed-forum brethren are watching and laughing - try doing it to our faces, up front and personal. You may find it more difficult that way. S******ing amongst yourselves is juvenile.