"When its string is plucked, we can count, calculate, and generally sound clever. ... Acetylcholine also affects mood. Too loud a tone from this string, and the individual may feel depressed; too soft, and the person may veer towards euphoria or mania" -- The Music of Brain, the Chemistry of the Lute, by M.D. Robert Pies

A few days ago, one of the labs in my building at work was moving out, and had a general invitation to come in and take 'stuff' they had marked as trash. One of the treats which I got, probably the best treat, was a collection of works called 'Creative Nonfiction volume 13: The Brain'. It's a collection of nonfiction works of many kinds all of which focus in some way on the function or structure of the brain. Some narratives, some analogies to explain things, etc. It's a really great find.

Although Dell built and tested my system the day I ordered it, they haven't done anything with it since. All it needs is to be boxed and shipped.

• sigh*