Fractal and philosophical visionaries: I have once again survived the Christmas holiday. I have yet to survive the New Year holiday, but compared to Christmas, New Year's Day is a minor event. The next FOTD will appear tomor- row, December 28, as originally scheduled. More good news is that my philosophical tendencies are waxing very strong, and in the upcoming discussions I will likely have much to say about everything from the nature of fractals to the meaning of life. Despite opinions to the contrary, I feel that life does have deep meaning. I must thank David Lowenstein for the letter that brought about this burst of energy. His claim a few days ago that I am a Nihilist who should kill myself really got me to thinking deep philosophical thoughts, and the Asian disaster came at just the right time to gave me the impetus I needed to put them into writing. So I'll see you in 24 hours with the next FOTD. Until then, take care, and if you are not subscribed to the philofractal list, be sure to subscribe soon. Jim M.