Hullo, I was recently doing a web search on something Brust, and ran across some poker references. Following the trail, I ended up at this mailing list. So - I think I'll hang around for a while, listen, and maybe participate a bit. I'm looking for a good time - but who isn't? About 4-5 years ago, I was playing IRC poker on a table with a Brust on it. I asked that person if he were THE Steven Brust - he said, no, he was his son. We chatted for a moment or two about when the next Vlad book was due. Now that I see that Steve does indeed play poker, I'm inclined to believe this was not someone faking me out... Anyways - that's my intro - for good or ill... Oh - I believe in personal responsibility - If someone puts *SPOILER* in a header, then novice reader should not open the contents if they don't want it spoiled. Show some self-control... Regards, -Scott Scott Burrington Getronics - Business Solutions & Consulting 22425 East Appleway Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Tel: 509-927-5734 Fax: 509-927-5613 scott.burrington at getronics.com