Dear Friends:

It is with all sincerity we begin with those words, "Dear Friends", for we feel a deep gratitude for all who have read and written these articles over these past months, and especially for those who have returned to read again. We have recieved many kind and encouraging letters, and one of our most important projects now is to compile them in to some readable form. But such an effort is not required with our thanks, which is complete, and fully given to one and all.

But, we are weary, and more importantly have neglected far too many things for too long, and now must attend to simple matters which affect all of us, namely living on this planet. Not an easy matter, at times, although the gravity is helpful.

So, no new Journal this week, and Meshach looks at us from a darkened corner with a look that could scare a crow. Not to worry, old hat-head. We planned.

We suggest to one and all, that if thoughtful reading with a good sense of humor is what you seek, then wait no longer and go see the latest issue of THE PAINE NEWS, one of the finest journalistic efforts on the web today. Don't worry that their titles don't crawl around on the top of the page like night-crawlers, or that their images aren't bigger than a Mack truck hauling a double-load. It's content that counts, and Cudworth and the gang are at it again with rapier wit and their tongues so firmly in their cheek that it's a wonder they can drink all that coffee.

Go to THE PAINE NEWS

We also remind you that all previous issues remain online and are remarkably well-preserved. Turns out things don't rot or rust in cyberspace.

A suggested reading list from the files would have to start with: To Her Beloved Ireland, from Kelley Rouse, a beautifully photographed and wonderfully personal account of her trip to Ireland with her little Irish mum. It's a pleasure to read, again and again.

Jo Campbell has given us so much, that it is hard to decide what is our favorite. But this piece, The Iowa Experience, is a good reminder in the political squabbling and crapola of the pre-election year, that at the heart of it all are voters, and at the heart of the voters is gold. Renew your faith.

The elder Paparella has given us much, as well. So much that we still owe him literally thousands of twenty-dollar bills he has slipped us over the years. Since he will never see them again, we might as well take a look at some of his files. My personal favorite is Mushrooms, not fish, although he has never cooked a fish you couldn't love. We recommend: Looks Like Mushroom Love. It will make you hungry, we guarantee that.

As for our own meanderings, we are most amused by one that had to do with men, women and computing. If you are a male computer-geek, you need to be aware of this. If you are a female of any description, think of this as an instruction manual. If you are something else, then God bless you, life is not easy for any of us. See: Your Fondest Dream Comes True.

Our best regards to Tom Paine, if you see him, and to Gene Cudworth, if you don't. See you next week.