Hey! I don't think this thread is presenting a contest, popularity or otherwise. I thought we were talking about someone who typifies the spirit that is the Cat.

We all (well, mostly all) love the Cat- it is a brilliant site filled with information, warmth, humor, personalities, commiseration, a place to share joys and to halve sorrows, a book to open and catch up with dozens of people. What this thread is about is recognizing some people who to us best represent that spirit.

Masato would be an excellent choice. Take him, add a Wolfgang, an acerbic Clinton, a bighearted big Irishman, a softhearted bluesman extraordinaire, a squirt of good will from an ordinary joe, a dash of mischief from der Spiegel, a stir of clarity from a Ronald not from McDonald's -- hey, I've got to stop or I'll be detailing the whole recipe! Anyway, mix us all together and there we have the essence of the Mudcat Cafe.

Long live the Cat.