Strange,isn't it? Some art photogrphers pay almost as much attention
to the fuzzy out-of-focus portions of their photographs as they do the clear central parts of their images. I won't attempt to explain it in detail as any really interested photographers can find more than I know elsewhere on the Internet. Seems that after you set your
camera lens on a given distance in front of the camera - that will be the part of the subject which looks clear and distinct. The other parts of the picture, closer and farther away, (usually) will be
unclear and look like various irregular blobs. A high quality lens
(read "expensive"?) should create nice round blobs that blend into the background without distractions (pleasant bokeh). A bad lens on the other hand, may produce blobs that resemble triangles, little
donuts and other odd shapes (bad bokeh). Sort of a wierd concept but
it really happens. You might like to check it out. TT

Seems to me one of the more interesting endeavors on the planet is
the effort to preserve the gorilla species. If you are not familiar with "KOKO" the female gorilla that communicates with humans through
standard American sign language, you will be fascinated by this very
unusual project. Try http://www.koko.org and be surprised at the
extent of her vocabulary. This is probably the most advanced case of
inter-species communication ever accomplished. Hope you enjoy it.
TT

Roberts confirmation reminded me of another cross-examination:
"Cross Examining A Coroner"
A defending attorney was cross examining a coroner. The attorney asks, "Before you signed the death certificate had you taken the man's pulse? The coroner says, "No." The attorney then asks, "Did you listen for a heart beat?" "No." So when you signed the death certificate you had not taken any steps to make sure the man was dead, had you?" The coroner, now tired of the brow beating says, Well, let me put it his way. The man's brain was sitting in a jar
on my desk, but for all I know he could be out there practicing
law somewhere." (From Anon. via email from a friend. ) TT