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There is a big difference between humor and the totally personal chit-chat that some indulge in. Almost all of us enjoy the momentary vacations from the serious and often miserable problems that accompany PD. That is what the offerings of humor, poetry, or words of wisdom are to me and, I am sure, to the rest of us too. In addition to exchanging information about how to manage PD and about medications, we also are here to support one another and offer a sympathetic ear, advice and prayers when our fellow list members are troubled. Sometimes these troubles can involve beloved family members of the four footed variety as well as our human family and friends. Family pets are among the best stress-busters and morale boosters around. If we have PD we are stressed. If we are a care giver for someone with PD we are also stressed. We get crabby, our tolerance level diminishes, and often we forget that the personal exchanges we enjoy indulging in are going to a great many people around the world, and that they may be increasing the level of stress too much for some to bear with tolerance when it is habitually repeated. My solution is to automatically filter out messages from those whose postings are sometimes a source of irritation. Stress is reduced and nobody's feelings are hurt. I put them in a folder where, when I have time, I can winnow out any helpful information before deleting the rest. Martha Rohrer (CG for Neal, 78/13) [log in to unmask]