> Except, Matt, that I don't really have time for the hammer, > the thongs & the 8 inch nails, are you really serious in your plea > for urbane, intelligent conversation ? Doesn't your heart sink when > you open yet another earnest disquisition on the Australian Post > Structuralist view of Cosmic Blandness ? I must admit mine only > really quickens when I open one of Dr Kosusko's little packages > & recognise the glint of the stiletto or hear the distant plonk when > one of my own pebbles reaches the bottom of the well. Art & > the lively consideration of art stops being serious the moment > respectful solemnity appears on the scene. > > Scottie B. > scottie, i think you have misunderstood me. my plea was not for "urbane" conversation, but for intelligent conversation. and yes, i think discussions about this or that literary theory as regards salinger are like yanking dorothy out of technicolor oz and back into grainy kansas. but i don't think low-level sarcasm and childish name-calling are a better alternative. believe me, i was raised catholic and know full well how respectful solemnity can kill a serious passion. i didn't intend to call for solemnity, just maturity. appreciating the pardon, matt