In a message dated 11/15/2003 11:50:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Would Mrs. Ralph be surprised to learn that you are a pillar of the preservation community She wouldn't be surprised to learn I was a pillar of salt. Or a termite mound, for that matter. and considered a sage, largely because of your sensitivity and tact? She would be surprised at the use of those last 4 words in conjunction with my name, yes. Surely these virtures are self-evident to her. Shirley, you jest. I'd be glad to tell her. If you would be so kind. Preferably before my funeral, when it might still do me some good. Ah but I think you underestimate Feng Shui...if not hemroids. Feng Shui has introduced millions of folks to the idea that design might be a system of orgainizing elements, rather than the "talent" and "inspiration" of the feel good folks on HGTV. Sure its bull shit, but its systemitized bull shit. Cow pies lined up in neat rows are not chocolate truffles. God knows I agree about the beneficial effect on design of good organization, and vice versa, but I don't see that there's much difference between pulling a design out of one's supposedly-talented ass, and attributing it to one's advanced studies of the ancient art (hitherto unknown to Western architecture in the course of 3000 years) of Feng Shui. A load of shit is a load of shit. Ralph