Condescension, condescension, condescension. It seems to be the handiest epithet to throw at anyone who makes a joke not immediately accessible to the slowest member of the class. All men are created equal, huh ? Yet this list is devoted to someone who - with varying degrees of success - was concerned in his books to capture the idea of excellence. Never accept phonies, he said. And never be one yourself. The only thing that counts is doing your absolute, uncompromising damnedest in whatever theatre you choose to commit yourself. But it seems to me that what we often get in place of this are expressions of a fuzzy, vaguely mystical-sounding benevolence that's intended, apparently, to enfold all of us in its clammy embrace. Anyone protesting he was `killing himself trying to do everything for the Fat Lady' but still couldn't be bothered to get his hero's name right struck me as funny. In the same way that had, earlier, a world-wide appeal for guidance in modesty. Because someone makes jokes, Brendan, it shouldn't be assumed he isn't serious. Scottie B.