I never thought I'd say this, but the recent outrageous posts and ad hominem attacks by certain posters here have seriously and adversely impacted the Marriott board. Forget the issue, I mean posts the essence of which is: "Look how smart (or clever) I am, and how stupid you are." I have seen this on other boards but almost never here. The posters who persist in this behavior are depriving the rest of us of a forum which has almost always been characterized by civil discourse and exchange of questions, concerns, and ideas. It is embarassing and depressing. It is particularly embarassing now that Chris has joined us.