In the first place, an outsider would be best qualified for investigation and also his/her

findings would be better trusted in wide circles.

I'm not a Calvinist myself in the least, never would be; but I can see where this man would be a good choice for the job.

I'm 100% for it too.

But won't make any real $ bets since that might upset His Holiness!

BTW, as a kid and younger adult, when I knew I'd done something awful, I'd say "How will I ever explain THAT one to the Pope?"

I didn't worry too much about my parents and God, all of whom I felt were nearby and known entities. But the Pope was in Rome, and that was a long way off. So I couldn't be too sure about his reaction, no matter how nice people might say he was. Obviously I was never granted an audience!

A Personal Request - involving my stewardship of time

Most of my energy in warm weather goes toward outdoor activities insomuch as I remain able. Winter since retirement has been devoted more to catching up on indoor duties let slide during outdoor weather. However, my online time has increased out of all reasonable proportion, a fact brought home rather sharply this morning when I realized there was not a clean pair of socks to be found anywhere.

So I've decided to at least try cutting way back on the internet time w/o missing out on too much. I'll try to check this group and my other (single) favorite group everyday and let it go at that. Since many members post in GD and elsewhere, and I certainly like to support your efforts with at least a rec, I'm going to invite everyone via this post to consider sending me DU mail when and if you write OPs elsewhere that you'd like me to see. We need a 'follow' function to make that automatic but until and unless that comes to pass, I'll just ask you to let me know individually when and if. Not naming any names, but there are certain people I do really want to keep up with. No reason to send me a tip if something's xposted here from another location, of course. Thanks.

Great OP, thanks.

I have no earthly idea what comfort today's youth draw from their music because I'm an old fart who doesn't see any redeeming value in it. But that's not for me to decide, is it? My memory might not be quite what it was, but I'll never forget how fiercely the generation prior to my own savaged what we loved by and large. That opposition was not only misplaced but obviously useless. I suspect today's situation is the same. So for once I'm trying to mind my own business a little. I can't resist saying, however, that I pity anyone who never does learn to love the music we did and still do, because it's such an enriching part of life.
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Since I don't want to intrude with a separate and possibly misplaced thread of my own to make a certain announcement and request, I'll tack it on here where it's sure to be noticed if you don't mind.

Most of my energy in warm weather goes toward outdoor activities insomuch as I remain able. Winter since retirement has been devoted more to catching up on indoor duties let slide during outdoor weather. However, my online time has increased out of all reasonable proportion, a fact brought home rather sharply this morning when I realized there was not a clean pair of socks to be found anywhere.

So I've decided to at least try cutting way back on the internet time w/o missing out on too much. I'll try to check the BOG and my other (single) favorite group everyday and let it go at that. Since many BOG members post in GD and elsewhere, and I certainly like to support your efforts with at least a rec, I'm going to ask everyone via this post to send me DU mail when and if you write OPs elsewhere that you'd like me to see. We need a 'follow' function to make that automatic but until and unless that comes to pass, I'll just ask you to let me know individually when and if. Not naming any names, but there are certain people I do really want to keep up with. No reason to send me a tip if something's xposted in the BOG, of course. Thanks.

You're more interested in insulting your opponents than defending your position. Very telling.

I've already wasted more than enough time with you. Too bad you're incapable of learning anything outside YOUR preconceived notions. It leaves you unfit to lecture others.

So if someone adamantly opposes you, it's okay to call them that vilest of names, a conservative?

THAT in itself sounds like GOP Rovian technique. Shame on you! I see no reason to accept your opinion on anything if you're capable of such uncouth tactics.

Anything I can understand, other people should be able to understand also. I don't set the bar

too high. Perhaps you're selling the others short.

The fact remains, however, that the technique you espouse is tragically flawed.

Declaring something to be of a higher order does not necessarily make it so.

That's magical thinking. If you want to look down on us intellectually for understanding that, go right ahead. It's a hard fall from that high horse.

Not until they learn something of value FIRST. If there's time for trash later, fine.

If that's what's taught in grad school today, it doesn't necessarily validate it anyway.