Re strong women singers, I have to add a name to Eric's list (in the 2:57 a.m. post) that may be new to some of you: Muireann nic Amhlaoibh (pronouned MURinn/MWIRinn nick OWL-leave).

She's got a beautiful resonant sound, the perfect antidote to all the ills we've been discussing, and she's also a fine flute player (performs with the group Danu as well as solo gigging). She's been making quite a name for herself here in Ireland - probably abroad too - and certainly belongs in the ranks of Dolores, Mary, and the rest of the good guys. If anyone's interested, her website is www.muireann.ie - give her a listen.

Richard, all that technical stuff isn't "theory", most of it is physical fact!