This is a curious coincidence. I had just, seconds ago, sent an e-mail to an old FT friend who no longer participates, saying that, in toto, (even given the nonsense of this past weekend) FT has given me far more than I have contributed.

Here I sit, after five years participation, with more miles and points than I could ever have imagined in my former life, with an unbelievably fabulous group of friends from all around the world and a host of joyous memories and experiences. From time-to-time I replay my "memory tape" of the beautiful, tuxedoed cousin, Jailer, casually flipping an entire tray of drinks out of a waitress's hand without missing a beat in his monologue. James Bond couldn't have exhibited more aplomb--even after numerous retakes.

Life is good indeed and friends like you, Jailer, make it all the better.

Thanks for the list of books. I have never boarded a plane without at least two books in hand--just in case.

"The Source" has always been one of my very favorites. I have also equally enjoyed, "Hawaii" (which I originally read in somewhere around 1960) and "Alaska", both of which are equally powerful.

OBTW, I will disagree on this small point. It isn't all about travel, it is also about great FT friends from all around the world.