Kat, My name is Wayne, but I was given the name "Col. Hogan" back in the early days of Prodigy bb's, because I argued against fascism in a way that was considered humorous. I refuse to take it (philosophically) seriously. It stuck, and many of my friends still refer to me by that nickname. I'll take some time to read in the Writing Techniques Workshop in upcoming days. Having read the work of those who've posted, it's occurred to me that I could post an introductory chapter of the novel I'm currently writing. Mike, I used Campbell-Pacific nuclear tes gages at times, though most of the gages I used were Troxlers. Most of my career, though, I've been an inside guy. I test the soil that the field guys bring in. Thanks, both of you, for the welcome. Regards, Col. Hogan