This is a sad sad loss.

How many times has discussion of a tune or song deteriorated into a mess of conjecture and wrong turns and brick walls, and we've known that it would all get sorted out when Malcolm showed up?

I can't help but think of that Gary Larson cartoon of sheep at a cocktail party, with the caption: "Our party's total chaos! No one knows when to eat, where to stand, what to .. Oh, thank God! Here comes a Border collie!" That's how I often felt about discussions awaiting Malcolm's appearance.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends - including us here, regardless of how well we may have known him. Like Spaw, I too thought right away of the empty chairs at the Mudcat table ...

I'd like to think there is a renewed obligation upon all of us who remain to keep Malcolm's commitment to research and accuracy alive, off list and on.

sian