Allright, here I am. Two reasons. One, Stilly River Sage expressed concern as to whether I might or might not post here soon...and the first thing I learned as a cadet at Starfleet Academy was this: Always be attentive to women!

Second reason. I really must ask you people to stop bombarding me with pleadings emails, snail mail, facebook messages, hurled notes tied to bricks, and other such frantic missives. I am not going to promise that I will post the 40,000th post on this thread.

Why would I make such a promise? And if I did make it, how could I guarantee to keep it? It's quite apparent to me that there are a few individuals here...at least 2 or 3 of them...who are hellbent on posting the 40,000th post on this thread to prove to themselves...against all evidence to the contrary...that they have a life...and that their presence here is of considerable importance. They are already jockeying amongst themselves like men aiming to make off with the same lovely damsel, intent on snaring the 40,000th post and snatching it out from under the very noses of their comrades.

It's droll. I used to watch Klingons engage in such puerile competitions, only those usually ended in blood and severing of numerous body parts.

Why would I devote any of my own time to competing with these sorry little people? What would it gain me? Nothing.

So don't bet on me appearing here with the 40,000th post. Not too likely. Not unless you like betting against really long odds...and you feel lucky. ;-)

- William Shatner