To be independent and "one's own man" is great, an achievement for any and all who are able to pull it off. It is a rare accomplishment, as proven by those followers and sheep that populate the globe, trying desperately to look and act like everyone else around them. The road to independence is made easier, however, when it is understood that independence is not defined by solitude but by the old cliche that indicates "our friends make make us who we are." In many ways, our friends and associates really do define who we are, but only as far as they are selectively appointed. Only a fool goes out of his way to make friends of everyone they see, and happily none of them has managed their way into My various circles. What follows is a sample of those who are vital and of highest regard amongst those with whom I would associate.