All:
Recalling the recent thread on the transatlantic language, by chance, I
received a little story on another list which fits the subject.

__________

A good looking man walked into an agent's office in Hollywood and said "I
want to be a movie star." Tall, handsome and with experience on Broadway, he
had the right credentials.
The agent asked, "What's your name?"
The guy said, "My name is Penis van Lesbian."
The agent said, "Sir, I hate to tell you, but in order to get into Hollywood
, you are going to have to change your name."
"I will NOT change my name! The van Lesbian name is centuries old, I will
not disrespect my grandfather by changing my name. Not ever."
The agent said, "Sir, I have worked in
Hollywood
 for years... you will NEVER
go far in Hollywood
 with a name like Penis van Lesbian! I'm telling you, you will HAVE TO
change your name or I will not be able  to  represent you."
"So be it! I guess we will not do business together" the guy said and  he
left the agent's office.
FIVE YEARS LATER.... The agent opens an envelope sent to his office. Inside
the envelope is a letter and a check for $50,000. The agent is awe-struck,
who would possibly send him $50,000? He reads the letter enclosed...
"Dear Sir, Five years ago, I came into your office wanting to become  an
actor in Hollywood  , you told me I needed to change my name.
Determined to make it with my God-given birth name, I refused. You  told  me
I would never make it in Hollywood  with a name like Penis van Lesbian.
After I left your office, I thought about what you said. I decided you were
right. I had to change my name. I had too much pride to return to your
office, so I signed with another agent. I would never have made it without
changing my name, so the enclosed check is  a token of my appreciation.
Thank you for your advice.
Sincerely,
Dick van Dyke

__________

David W Wood 

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20:14