a group of people that have perfected the art of being a
>successful band, then stepping off stage and still getting to be
>normal.

still getting to be normal.

...For certain, extremely specific and non-indicative-of-the-universe-at-large definitions of normal.

Nit having been picked (jokingly), I hit post too quickly, because I wanted to briefly gush about how this whole experiment is working out. Gryph, you've so far absolutely nailed the sweet spot on where to start and end these things. I cannot (despite having to, by definition) wait to see how this whole thing pans out. I have a pretty good idea, but unlike certain authors I could name, you have a habit of throwing curveballs - and that's a very good thing! Sincerely looking forward to more.