Onward, you're A#1 in my book, too! And thanks for putting things into your usual well-balanced perspective. I'm finding I feel better right now if I stay away from the aggravat-o-genic areas, too. I'm working hard at finding little oases of peace and tranquility where I can right now, and that's not generally in politics. (Here or elsewhere.) Your comments about our friend Torog hit home with me, too. I have similar deep affection and respect for Torog and yet we are different ideologically. There's something beautiful and peaceful and lovely about having differences yet still maintaining kind-spiritedness, and I wish more of our fellow board members could do the same. Heck, I wish most of the world's religions could, too.

Big Cal, I'm thrilled you'll be around a while longer. This place wouldn't be the same without you. You never fail to entertain, inform or charm me in some fashion.

I was recently told by one of the more distasteful members in another area that I tend to blow e-sunshine up people's behinds too much. This came from a woman-hating, not-very-bright, clearly deeply unhappy loser--someone who has had precious little acquaintance with women of any sort, particularly affectionate ones. At any rate, he gave me about two seconds of pause before I realized he was the one with the problem, not me. So let me simply say that I send much love and many kind regards to everyone here on the Texas board. I'm proud to count you guys among my friends.