Good morning to you, Tom.

>Good morning Jim;
>
>How goes the day?

Good so far - getting up the nerve for my biannual haircut :-)

>These are a few thoughts on this subject and as you can see they are not aimed at you! :) I have done a cc to Omar.
>
>With the number of participants and UT members residing in the United States, is it any wonder someone in another country will point a finger at us? The “Twit Filter” is the ultimate equalizer!

Indeed. Rather than getting into these mean threads, I find the "Thread Filter" to also be extremely useful when the SNR deteriorates to the point of uselessness.

>Remember only a small percentage of what is written is understood – perhaps 6 -13% depending upon which study you wish to take into account. Before you (third person singular) criticize another person be sure of your facts. If you have questions attempt to obtain clarification. Making up your mind because of misunderstanding only results in an emotional experience in which no one wins.

I am probably somewhat guilty of the above. Hence the filter usage. Rather than add to the confusion, I'll bow out. This medium is horrible for expressing one's true feelings. Nothing like an angry snarl and a fist in the face to let people know how you really feel :-)

>Since we are an international community we should take an extra step to attempt to understand others.

And I try as I hope others do. I think several people just were having a bad day and collided in the thread in question. Unfortunate.