Gee, is that your entire gripe list? I realize those are real important shortcomings, but is that all there is? I trust you, the master of invective, to have more than that to say on the subject. BTW, the passing of stems is now addressed in the draft standard, so I expect there will be little to fear on that subject. And there is lots of conversation on the topic of call by name, so I expect we may see some progress in that area too. Dave Dave Gomberg, role model for those who don't ask much in their fantasy lives. GOMBERG@UCSFVM Internet node UCSFVM.UCSF.EDU fax-> (415)731-7797