Dear MTed,

I knew where you were going with your post previously -- I just felt the need to 'creep the thread' -- It's amazing how that wee soap box under my desk keeps tickling my toes; so, every once in a while I just *have* to step up on it...And I agree with you about present day venues.

May I offer my humble opinion on why things are in the present day state of affairs -- familiarity breeds contempt. Think about it -- pick out 20 people on your main street and ask them who their city councilmen or councilwomen are (or their equivalent). I bet you'd get some blank stares on that one. Ask the same 20 people to name their favorite movie/music/sports stars, and I bet you wouldn't be able to shut them up!

These 'stars' and/or 'celebrities' are in our faces every day. Thus, most people come to the opinion that whatever these 'stars' do must be fairly easy, since there are (apparently) so many of them doing it.

Oh dear, I seemed to have stepped on my wee box again. Sorry. I'll step down and let you talk amongst yourselves.

-- Áine