Tom: one thing you'll find at the Mudcat, everyone always feels free to comment, whether you want them to or not. It is full of erudite, witty, opinionated, wonderful people who most all love to express themselves, including moi.

It is one a.m. in the Rocky Mtn West, my carpal tunnel is trying to crash in pain, ad I am too tired to write much right now, but if you will refresh the threads back a few month, say back to February or so, you will find threads which have postings addressing some of what you bring up.

For more specific, perhaps faster searching, when you go to the search forum function, choose one of the old-time regulars, such as Big Mick, Sandy Paton, Alison in Oz, or others, put one of those names in as the User, then watch what comes up & enjoy the read. A couple of my favourites include the Xenophobia thread and the Music Therapy one. I am sure several more will come to mind as soon as I hit enter message:-)For some fun, go to the last few postings in the current Mudcat tavern Round 9 thread. You'll see also never take ourselves too seriously. It's all about balance, ya know?

Welcome aboard...it's a helluva ride.

katlaughing