After eight years of anticipation, the waiting is over and it appears we are not alone in the universe.

Scientists wasted no time deciphering the pan-galactic message:

Dr P believes that use of the word 'Ping' may have been a little too ripe for the outer galaxian mail server, and intends to tone down his salutations in future attempts at conversation.

Although he doesn't take their threat of termination seriously, he is at a loss to explain why his home village was yesterday wiped off the face of the earth by a gigantic thunder bolt.

"Maybe I could forward the outer galaxians a few jokes," said Dr P. "There's one about comparing Microsoft to Ford - it's bound to tickle their funny bone."