Some folks have commented on my recent absence from the Mudcat - thank you, kind sirs (of either sex).

And no (sadly) I'm not on holiday (what b***** suggested that??) - it's just that things are particularly frantic both at work and outside - and although few things are more enjoyable than Mudcat, others are more pressing, and others more important!

I'm particularly disappointed at having stirred things up (I gather) I was not around to enjoy the fray . . (I'd been looking forward to this). Actually, it seems that setting out to start a (rational and reasoned, of course!) argument on Mudcat is a good way of guaranteeing a crisis at work or elswhere which will deny me the oportunity to participate. C'est la vie!

Talking of the fray, strange as it may seem, I wasn't seeking to abuse any individual. Then again, I'm quite capable of feeling "I despise and deplore your views, and find them totally inconsistent with your being a person of any worth or with whom I'd wish to have any discourse - yet I do recognise your personal worth, and am happy to talk with you". But life is full of contradictions!

Always end a paragraph with a cliche. Except this one? I'll be back.

Sincere good wishes to all,

George