A speck is a small particle; a mote is around a castle. HA HA HA

Everybody make nice.

I guess it depends on your personality, ttr. And the situation. Sometimes people say the stupidest things--and they don't mean them. You can keep a battery of retorts: "Eff you and the horse you rode in on" or "You're really beautiful when you're angry" or "Excuse me, but there's something hanging from your nose." And sometimes it's best to let it go. I find that "Thank you" beguiles the unwary. Sometimes, just a look works wonders. Had a heckler way back and he didn't want to be quiet. I told the audience it was their dime. They told the heckler to shut up. The guy left. Every remark doesn't deserve an answer. I know where you're coming from, I think, and I admire your perspective.