Kind of surprised no one mentioned tau, which I've heard is the most feature-rich Mac outliner.

Stephen Zeoli wrote:

I have really appreciated all the great suggestions. I've learned of some new,
interesting applications.

BTW, though I'm getting a 2007 model, it is coming with
the Leopard OS... I made sure of that.

Because this is a new start for me, I really do
hope to limit my CRIMPing, and keep the number of programs I'm working with to a
reasonable group. So, upon further review and based upon the recommendations here, I
think the leading contenders are as follows:

Composition:
Scrivener
Organization: OmniOutliner
Notetaking: Circus Ponies Notebook
And,
because it is cool: Curio

I will also get Opal, to support our friend David and
because I'm an old fan of ACTA.

Thanks again for all the wonderful feedback... keep
them coming if you have any more suggestions.

Steve Z.