Thanks to all of you for your thoughtful responses. This is a 'blanket' reply. I've received an *overwhelming* number of responses (well over 250, mostly in private email), and unfortunately can't reply individually. The input has been most enlightening and thought-provoking. I want to express a special thank you to the many who returned quite scholarly and lengthy replies with references, citations, etc. I most certainly appreciate their time and effort in doing so. PLEASE send me *no more personal email* on this subject!! If you want to continue posting to the various lists, and it's OK with the various List-Masters, fine; but I've been absolutely swamped. In closing, one final note - As I learned in an Anthropology class a few millenia ago (but chose *not* to state in my original message): There is one vast gene pool in the world; we are all various combinations thereof. From a strictly scientific perspective, there is only one race - the HUMAN RACE!!! Peace and blessings to all, Jon