You're right about the trivia, of course. I just seldom write it. :) Then, again, I don't really read it either.

I don't write for the 'joy of exchanging ideas on issues that matter to us.' I write in order to earn a living, and I suppose I write because I have a lot to say. :)

Unfortunately, I'm not American, although I was a legal immigrant for 11 years. Just didn't find it a good or easy country and left.