hi carol c !! thankyou for liking my screen name, actually I cribbed it from alexei sayle years ago !! the fat part does apply to me and the B****rd is a sort of term of affection (I hope) from my workmates. To the matter in hand, my aforementioned workmates are in general friendly and kindhearted. If I was to refuse to have anything to do with those of them who are homophobic or racist in their speech then I would be right out on a limb, None of them think the National Front or their ilk are impressive and generally they speak in a wisecracking and purely descriptive manner. I have overheard conversations which disgusted me in the street and in pubs in regard to Ethnic minorities and gay people. I am pleased to say that I don't have to associate with any rampant homophobes or racists, but I do have to exist in a North of England working class environment which is real life as it applies to myself. The Mudcat does occasionally seem to belong to a bunch of people who only write to each other but, hey, I and anybody else can submiy our opinions etcetc and I for one am glad it exists warts and all. love from fB