Ebbie: yep, I know (a priori)...I was just prolonging the joke . The other side of that dust jacket is "The History of Greece" by J.B Bury...but it sure did get attention lying on my desk in the Philosophy dept.!


Little Hawk, there has been "... interesting experimentation being done in paranormal stuff by the scientific community," for many years....I know that! You don't think I read about it?

    Trouble is, they keep getting 'mixed results'....just enough statistical anomalies to keep them puzzling. The experiments that are designed by those who wish too hard for success seem to give better results than those designed by those with exceptionally rigid standards and careful double-blind tests.

    I'm sure someone like Wolfgang is more up on the details of recent successes and failures than a casual observer like me, but I scan for worthwhile news. I'd LOVE to find that certain esoteric abilities are possible.....if just ONE person could be found who can control and repeat paranormal abilities with indisputable accuracy, I'd be tickled pink!
But the 'news' is like the 100MPG carburetor ..."those who have a vested interest in this secret are hiding the truth from us!!"

   We have such logically conflicting 'explanations' that it's hard to even express....there are people who 'speak to departed ancestors' while at the same time, these ancestors are claimed by others to be 'coming back' and starting a new life. Definitions change, goal posts are moved, disclaimers are issued and standards are lowered. The need to believe in some form of "hereafter" or "reincarnation" is so strong for many that ANY apocryphal evidence or explanation will do.......and I can truly see why. It is comforting and calming and gives hope to those who suffer losses and/or don't feel fulfilled in THIS life....etc.

    ......*sigh*....I don't know what to say, except that if I 'go' before you do, and find myself 'aware' in some 'realm', I'll be sure to swoop down and buy you a virtual beer and write mea culpa in glowing letters on your bathroom mirror....and you know I'm an honorable man, if a stubborn one.