Dear Helmut, I grew up in Florida, so I think I know what this is about. Down in Key West ( the southernmost point in the U.S. ) the people call themselves Conchs. It's kind of a joke down there; they are always threatening to secede from the U.S. but I think it's just a joke. Don't worry - there won't be a new state starting up down there! Sue in Denver ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: the conch-state in Southern Florida Author: Conchologists of America List <[log in to unmask]> at INET Date: 5/15/98 12:10 PM Helmut Nisters A-6020 Innsbruck / Austria e-mail: www.helix@@ibk.netwing.at Dear shell friends Todays evening I watched the local news on TV of Tyrol. They reported about about Sir Peter (I don't remember exactly as I didn't registered on video his full name - maybe Anderson) who visited Innsbruck. He maybe will create a new state in South Florida, the conch-state. Did you hear anything about this? I will need informations very urgent. As in the local news was mentioned the state will bei created in the most southern point of Florida and they hope to be recognized by other states and the UNO or somewhat else. In the report there was also a error of the reporter, as he designated a Strombus gigas with the German term "Muschel" (mussel or bivalve) and not as "Schnecke" (gastropoda). Please let me hear as soon as possible from these news. Is there anything true or it's a gag, to report about a state, which doesn't exist or will exist in future. thank you best for informations. yours sincerly Helmut