In a message dated 12/4/03 1:04:51 PM, kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET writes:

<< It
just sounds like a difference in contruction to me.  A solid steel beam
is "beefier" than a steel I beam.  Does that mean it is better? >>

How right you are, Ken.  I guess it has something to do with the Deutche
Methode which has seen some recent mention on this List.  It all starts with the
metallurgist and the engineer who has enough sense to consult him.  For
example, I have homely and skimpy German wrenches which will continue to outperform
the fat and shiny junk from the Pacific Rim long after the junk has been
returned to a blast furnace.  Look at that simple piece of swaged tubing that VW
calls a lug wrench.  It looks like a piece of shit, but even it works
surprisingly well.

You're right not to let appearances fool you.  After all, some people even
think I'm an asshole.

George