re: let's talk about cutting boards

Last time I made a cutting board was in High School, a flat piece of Oak. 

You have your work cut out for this one, and it's going to be heavy. The bowl sounds interesting.

What about using miters on the corners for that perimeter, you will get the long grain to long grain (if I am understanding correctly). Then for the bowl part, would it not be better to use a router and have a flat bottom. I have always had a difficult time turning end grain. As for the thickness, if you don't go past the center point it should be fine. That's my thoughts.