Ahhhggg, Gervase, Looks like it is ME who has some explaining to do AND apologizing… I'm pretty inexperienced at this stuff - this has been my first foray in internet chat. I happened upon this place (mudcat) due to another passing trivial interest just recently - then I saw this thread too, read it and said to myself what's there to lose... I have something to contribute (in the talking can be good therapy mood). But with very mixed feelings about it as well. So it went. Then I saw your post. I mulled over it. I hit the "number" link. I was astonished and wasn't sure what to make of it. I was pretty certain I'd been had ("I" not "we" – paranoia). I went back and forth between the lyrics and post and back and forth some more. At some point, I saw the note at the bottom of the lyrics - which seemed to say "go away, you're a bad joke and I don't want people like you around". I though who, why would anyone do such a thing? So I started reading your posts to various threads dating way back to glean some insight. And I said, Jesus, this guy is a major intellect, has all kinds of interests and knowledge. A professional writer to boot. He has got his shit together big time. And a wit like a stiletto. Plus there were your negative references to non-members... I concluded, this is a very smart prick, who's got this axe to grind – a major chip and all that. Must go around runnin' numbers on people all the time. A totally intolerant character. A big part of me said DO NOT tangle with this guy. You are way out classed. But I'm getting singled out. Do I just fold, or craft some kind of response? The rest is history. A humiliating misunderstanding on my part to say the least. I was delighted (an relieved) at your reply, even as it became apparent that I'd just made a total ass out of myself. I'd expected an absolutely scathing indictment. I'd braced myself for it and had already decided, whatever he says - and it ain't going to be nice, just let it be. Let him reveal what he is. Now I'm in the unexpected position of finding I agree with you on so many levels and points that I can't believe this happened. That was a super cool response - and way better than I deserved. I think this is why so may wars rage on this planet, bad communication, jumping to false conclusions... I'll be way more careful in the future. Thanks and all the best to you my friend, Pedro

*If I hear a good one, I'll let ya know…