After hearing the exchange, I guess I'll backpedal a bit (must be one
   of my favorite pastimes, I do it so often.) Listserve's are wonderful
   primary research tools. Wanna know something about cleaning silver? I
   seem to remember a thread that went on for weeks on that subject
   here.  However, there is some sort of stricture about *starting*
   your research on the list.  Nobody seems to do real well when they
   ask: So, what do you all know about cucumber symbolism in quattrocento
   painting?  In general, it seems best to use this resource for
   expanding and deepening your research, and finding new angles.

   When I think about interests of mine, I have to say that the Web has
   also been a useful tool for discographies, health issues, museum/art
   issues as well.  I don't know why I was so negative in my last
   posting, must be the snow.

   Eric Siegel
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