Saw a review in New Scientist - the point of the argument being that we (that is humans - distinctions will be made later) sing for the same reason birds do. Here I am, look at me, I'm the best, no-one else will do. This place is mine, this bird is mine, keep out of my way, or it's you I will do. And the reason I can't do that as well as Shambles or McGrath is the same one that makes it unnecessary for me to use a pair of plastic bags full of jello under my T-shirt. Most creativeness - composing, singing, learning the guitar, etc. it pointed out, occurs between 18 and 28 or thereabouts. And, unless women knew enough to recognise a good tune when they heard one, it would all be wasted, so we get the gift as well. Our brains, and all our creative gifts are our peacocks tails, and all of us get to have them.

Penny