A few words of introduction... I live in Africa, having spent ten years away from my home country of Canada. I find that the one thing I miss more then most others is the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion in subjects that are dear to me including primarily those of a philosophical nature. My hope is that this Forum may provide such a venue for this discussion, however the challenge for me is that writing does not, for me, have the same satisfaction as a good face to face discussion over an equally good fresh coffee. I hope I can get over that, develop my writing and still enjoy a coffee on the side. I look forward to the possibility. Thanks, Thom.