As a person who loves to research, I thought I'd share some basic research tips with the group.  Who wouldn't want to know the first step of mapping a brain for surgery?  When should we stop and how much should we include in our searches?

Is it true we are only seven people away from our answers?  Some will insist we are six resources away, I think seven is more realistic because our first question may not be the right one...

One day an extended family member wondered what caused the flame to burn at a local landfill.  I said I'd look into it.  

I have a thick folder. Did you know that landfills have their own network newsletters?  Did you know there was a science behind the huge equipment?  I found all kinds of information with a little basic research.  The flame is methane.  

I called a landfill supervisor and asked, "What is the difference between a landfill and a dump?"  

His answer, "My daughter's room is a dump."  

When I was ready to report back to the family member who asked the question about the flame, he didn't remember asking and didn't appreciate my efforts.  

By the way, you will know you've done enough research when you start looking around for volunteers who will let you try some brain surgery.