Pete,

They were much of an age with me, which would have them born in the late forties. So maybe their fathers ...

They surely didn't support Rangers. But then neither did I -- I had a lingering sentimental affection for Queens Park, but the team had already drifted into history by then so Glasgow football was totally polarised between Rangers and Celtic.

Thanks for pulling me up on the Black and Tans -- teach me to be sloppy. Now I have to work out how to change that in the full version of THE DEAR GREEN PLACE.

Larry --

I'd agree on the irrelevance of blond or brunette, gay or straight. Just something that's puzzled me for years as to the truth or otherwise of the matter. It seemed to matter to the kids though, judging by the way they jumped on me over it.

Somehow, it suddenly struck me last night, in my cups, that someone on Mudcat might know.

As it is, I've already learned something.

Thanks both.

Robin