This is Edward Lipinski calling from Ferrets NorthWest FNW on Mercer Island, Wa. I wish to issue a "last call" for comments on the conditions attributable to the words and knowledge of Ms. Elizabeth Cantu. Any body else feel the need to make comments, in writing, and especially it would be advantagous to me if Ms. Elizabeth Cantu could be more precise and elaborative in her findings here at the time she, her husband Scott and her ferret, visited FNW and thereafter wrote about. I would very much appreciate details in this public forum, please. On another subject of the jowly, bulldog-faced ferrets, referred to as demigigas or demi gigas (should it be one word or two words and in either case, why?) If one will refer to a dictionary, the word "gigas" is defined as, A polyploid PLANT having a thicker stem, taller growth, darker thicker leaves, and larger flowers and seeds than a corresponding diploid. and, the word "demi," which is strictly a prefix, as I previously showed is defined as, one that partly belongs to a specified type or class, as DEMIgod. Thus one should conclude that the prefix "demi" cannot stand alone, since by definition it is a prefix; hence as it appears, we have, of necessity, the single word "demigigas." Now I believe, as I've shown above, that this is an illiterate word with respect to describing a ferret. Mr. Doug McKay (as per Zen) may be credited for originating this word, for what does it mean? To you and to me could it mean simply a "some kind of a plant," as a demigod is "some kind of a god?" Pray tell, what's it got to do with ferrets? What else could it mean? I should like to encourage input. Does it not seem to you that we are being absurd and somewhat ignorant in using such terms that seem to be totally irrelevant in describing a somewhat murkily defined "kind" of ferret? Which of you really knows whereof thou speakest, huh? I should hesitate to speak with the authority some have taken unto themselves in telling others what this ill-defined term means, much less as to how it should be spelled, conjucated and applied. One may take into consideration that such erudition is based on the words, "erudire," to instruct and and "rudis," meaning rude and ignorant. And one last parting shot: Mr. Janke, I believe it was, expressed concern that ECE is being referred to as a virus, and which is yet, to my knowledge and to his, absolutely false. Lately, a veterniarian, unidentified as yet, referred to it as a "corona" or a "crown-like virus, which he has isolated and identified. Absolutely amazing indeed, in spite of the fact that it's not yet proven to be a virus, does this vet now blatantly ascribe a physical shape, a "crown" shape, to the virus particle itself? Makes you wonder, doesn't it? Recall the days? If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it ain't a communist. Joe Macarthy, et al. Edward Lipinski Ferrets NorthWest FNW Mundus vult decipi. [L.] The world wishes to be deceived. [Moderator's note: Guess you're taking that motto to heart and doing some deceiving? ECE certainly does seem to be of viral origin... BIG] [Posted in FML issue 2651]