I am hoping that everyone has a grand time at Jonifest and I wish that I could be there. I need that kind of sustenance in my life right now. As far as the Israeli-Arab conflict goes, I have no new comments or any that I wish to state anyway though I will say that a lot of Colin's comments do make a lot of sense. I was reading with interest the mention of Joan Armatrading. I am not familiar with her at all except for knowing her name but have never heard her tunes, Laura Nyro's either. Haven't heard any mention of Melissa Manchester. She has an entirely different style from Joni and Rickie Lee but has written some very fine tunes. Forget "Don't Cry Out Loud" which I loathed and Melissa herself did not care for. On some of her obscure albums, she has written some outstanding tunes. I have all of her albums and the girl of paisley who has turned into an elegant songstress has held me tight many times. The hit records are not any kind of indication of what kind of talent that she is. Check her out if you have not. I hope everyone is well. Mack
