ker-nel (kûr"n...l) n. 1. A grain or seed, as of a cereal grass, enclosed in a husk. 2. The inner, usually edible seed of a nut or fruit stone. 3. The most material and central part; the core. 4. a source of further growth and development: a. seed b. nucleus c. spark d. bud e. germ f. embryo. (American Heritage Dictionary)

In the course of pondering and reflecting on my experiences with Vegan issues and concerns, I have acquired a collection of scraps of paper and fragments of computer files -- jottings containing ideas, flashes of insight, memos to myself to explore and develop a theme, a perception, or a dawning of understanding. The clear expectation is the completion of some essay, article or chapter, the polished conclusion of the exploration of some topic. Sometimes writing things down helps to clarify my own thoughts. Sometimes a hastily scribbled note gets a quick trip to the waste basket. And sometimes it gets added to a folder I call "kernels." Given the realities of life, there accumulate more "kernels" than finished products. It occurred to me that sharing these kernels might prove interesting, provocative and possibly productive; consider them "ideas in progress" I offer them here as "food for thought," hoping that some of them will turn out to be appetizing and digestible. I welcome your comments. SMS