My dear 1979: I have relatives living in Conception Harbour, Admiral's Beach, Mt. Carmel, St. Catherine's, St. John's and Gander, to name but a few. Most of my folks were born there, including my great-grand parents, grand-parents and father. I have often heard them refer to themselves as Newfies, and they are/were secure enough to shrug it off when some joker precedes this word with "goofy." I don't think Mr. Peterson made a faux pas, unintentional or otherwise. Relax! John Nolan (A Jock!)