There is at least one rabbi in Chicago (and I will leave him nameless) that for years had a congregation on the first floor of his home.  He ceased leading the congregation and closed it years ago, and the rabbi actively attends another shul.  Nevertheless, his house it's still off the tax rolls because it is still listed as an active congregation.

Judaism, the gift that keeps on giving....

"that grows organic, kosher, fair trade coffee."

How do you grow non-kosher coffee???

"You are being rabbinical without a license."

Plenty of Rabbis with smicha seem to practice without a license.  That's how they classified chicken as meat.  Just because a Rabbi said it doesn't make it true or right, and just because Tamar doesn't have smicha doesn't mean she's wrong.

...why are they not allowed to lead any part of an orthodox service.  Because they're too holy to lead a service?  I think not. 

Why doesn't the orthodox community ordain female rabbis?  Rabbis are a late day invention to Judaism.  Rabbis don't even have any part of the service that is reserved for them halachically.  So why can't women be rabbis?  Because they're too holy, of course.

I would take a bet that I've been to waaayy more classes than you have, Naftali.  But I didn't leave my thinking kippa at home when I went.  I attended class and thought about the material for myself instead of taking what was being fed to me as the be all and end all.

Izzy: 

You know waaayy to much for something I want to know nothing about...

"It just seemed like something the Jewish community should know about."

I can't imagine why.

"You then take some matzah, scoop the charoses back on the matzah and you're back in business."

Well, maybe you're back in business.  I'm just nautious watching you.

"Would I be correct in saying that intermarriage is the greatest taboo in Judaism (especially in America) today."

Probably not.  With intermarriage rates being somewhere near 50%, I don't think it qualifies as a taboo anymore.  It's just a really big problem.

"The Swiss banks should be the target"

The Swiss banks and insurance companies had to cough it up a few years ago.  I seem to remember that Spitzer was involved in that.

if I am ever lucky enough to find my beshert, I plan on proposing without a ring also.  If she won't say yes without being bribed, I don't want her.  The price would only go up after the wedding.  Love is love, and rings are rings.  Rings aren't a substitute for love, and my parents were married for 42 years without my mom ever getting an engagement ring, or diamonds of any kind from my father..

Izzy, I wish you and your beshert only happiness in the future.  It's such a shame that there is so much stress related to such a happy event.  Do the best you can and don't worry too much about the perfect wedding.  Focus on the marriage.