In a message dated 6/1/01 8:37:16 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:

<<
 I very much apologize if I have offended you.  The joke, which it obviously
 was not, was a pun on the word "basin", which can be mis-pronounced as
 "bison".  In no way did I intend to denigrate or belittle any race, color
 or creed in my futile attempt at humor.

 Again, please accept my apologies.

 Sincerely,

 James

 James Alpigini, Ph.D., C.Eng, MIEE
 Assistant Professor of Systems Engineering
 Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies
 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355-1443
 Phone: 610-648-3357; e-mail: [log in to unmask]; fax 610-889-1334

  >>
 Hey - we didn't need all this... I'm British, and that's how we say basin.
old chap. I'm not offended, I'm amused. I guess irony doesn't transmit.

Charles
San Diego, CA