i have to ask this....

how can I click and drag a midi item, and not have it loop but extend - i tried all the modifier keys, and it always loops - is there something in the preferences? tx

You can determine whether items loop per default in Preferences -> Project -> Defaults. There are two options, "Loop source for imported items" means both, imported and recorded MIDI and audio items. "Loop source for new MIDI items" means MIDI items created by Menu -> Insert -> New MIDI item (and the action "Insert new MIDI item")

awesome - thanks