>No, I am not completely fluent in French, just speak some. I had two classes in it recently so that I could meet and speak to my 250 or more cousins (mes cousins) in France in May of 2005 at a Champenois Reunion in Nantes, france, where we were guests of honor. See http://www.champenois.com

Good luck with your manager. By the way if you can't beat them join them. Is'nt there a way to get more friendly with the guy? A soft spot you could exploit as much as possible <g>