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Finding Fossils of Those Monsters of Mythology

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Budikka666

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May 10, 2007, 9:53:44 PM5/10/07
to
Again Afarensis at www.scienceblogs.com has another item of interest:
http://tinyurl.com/2hhj5w
He discusses a book by Adrienne Mayor:
http://hometown.aol.com/afmayor/
"Mayor's book starts with griffins - which Mayor argues are not cut
from the same mold as other mythological creatures in Greek Mythology
(Minotaurs, Pegasus and the Sphinx, for example). Griffins, according
to Mayor, were not the offspring of the gods (Pegasus being a good
example, in one myth Pegasus sprung from Medusa after her head was cut
off by Perseus) nor were they associated with the exploits of gods or
heroes. Rather, they were considered generic animals that really
existed...Mayor uses a combination of legend and archaeology to trace
the griffin to the Scythians...As Mayor puts it:
'In the wind scoured dunes, alluvial basins, and red sediments
along the caravan trails, prehistoric remains are continually revealed
by the very same forces of erosion that bring the gold down from the
mountains. The desert is extremely arid with little vegetation, so
it's possible to spot fossils on the ground. The shapes of the skulls
and skeletons are quite obvious, even to amateurs, and the surrounding
rock is soft and crumbly, making it easy to uncover partially embedded
bones. And the white bones stand out against the red matrix.'
"The most frequently occurring fossils in this area, is that of
Protoceratops..."

Budikka

johac

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May 11, 2007, 1:36:12 AM5/11/07
to
In article <1178848424.7...@w5g2000hsg.googlegroups.com>,
Budikka666 <budi...@netscape.net> wrote:

Good articles. I always wondered what the ancients would think if they
came across a fossil. I wonder how many other 'mythical' beasts might be
traced back to fossil finds?
>
> Budikka
--
John #1782

"We should always be disposed to believe that which appears to us to be
white is really black, if the hierarchy of the church so decides."

- Saint Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Founder of the Jesuit Order.

JTEM

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May 11, 2007, 2:10:28 AM5/11/07
to
johac <jhachm...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Good articles. I always wondered what the ancients would think
> if they came across a fossil.

Well they most certainly did come across fossils. There's no way
they couldn't. However, most would have been pieces... maybe a
whole bone... as a fully articulated skeleton would have been as
rare then as today.

> I wonder how many other 'mythical' beasts might be
> traced back to fossil finds?

Quite a few, I'm sure, but we'll never know exactly which ones. The
human mind does come with an imagination, and the ancients
lived in a world fille with magic.

Keep in mind: Quite a few of the ancient (and not so ancient)
depictions & descriptions of not-so-mythological animals are
a bit stylized... to say the least.

Here's a medieval elephant (love the fangs!):

http://bestiary.ca/beastimage/img139.jpg

I bet you never knew crocodiles had snakes growing out of
their sides:

http://www.uni-mannheim.de/mateo/desbillons/esop/seite377.html

But it's important to avoid the fundy mindset where everything
HAS TO be based on SOMETHING. humans can not only look
at something real and see (and describe) something else, but
they can make up things entirely.

Of course, and then there's the fact that mind altering drugs
aren't a new invention...


Michael Gray

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May 11, 2007, 6:26:54 AM5/11/07
to
On 10 May 2007 23:10:28 -0700, JTEM <jte...@gmail.com> wrote:
- Refer: <1178863827.9...@y80g2000hsf.googlegroups.com>

>johac <jhachm...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
>> Good articles. I always wondered what the ancients would think
>> if they came across a fossil.
>
>Well they most certainly did come across fossils. There's no way

Chalk, for instance.

>they couldn't. However, most would have been pieces... maybe a
>whole bone... as a fully articulated skeleton would have been as
>rare then as today.
>
>> I wonder how many other 'mythical' beasts might be
>> traced back to fossil finds?
>
>Quite a few, I'm sure, but we'll never know exactly which ones. The
>human mind does come with an imagination, and the ancients
>lived in a world fille with magic.
>
>Keep in mind: Quite a few of the ancient (and not so ancient)
>depictions & descriptions of not-so-mythological animals are
>a bit stylized... to say the least.
>
>Here's a medieval elephant (love the fangs!):
>
>http://bestiary.ca/beastimage/img139.jpg
>
>I bet you never knew crocodiles had snakes growing out of
>their sides:
>
>http://www.uni-mannheim.de/mateo/desbillons/esop/seite377.html
>
>But it's important to avoid the fundy mindset where everything
>HAS TO be based on SOMETHING. humans can not only look
>at something real and see (and describe) something else, but
>they can make up things entirely.
>
>Of course, and then there's the fact that mind altering drugs
>aren't a new invention...
>
>
>

--

Pangur Ban

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May 11, 2007, 10:38:38 AM5/11/07
to
johac explicated :

The First Fossil Hunters: Paleontology in Greek and Roman Times.
(Paperback)

--
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam.


Pangur Ban

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May 11, 2007, 10:46:00 AM5/11/07
to
johac proclaimed:

Hit the send button on that first reply too soon. Sorry.

The First Fossil Hunters: Paleontology in Greek and Roman Times.
(Paperback)

http://www.amazon.com/First-Fossil-Hunters-Paleontology-Times/dp/0691089779/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product/104-2314074-8410315

Fossil Legends of the First Americans (Hardcover)
http://www.amazon.com/Fossil-Legends-First-Americans-Adrienne/dp/0691113459/sr=1-1/qid=1169856670?ie=UTF8&s=books

I remember watching a documentary based on these - fun.

Pang - who has seen this many, many times
http://www.he.net/~altonweb/history/piasabird/

johac

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May 11, 2007, 7:42:51 PM5/11/07
to
In article <mn.5a0e7d759...@att.net>,
Pangur Ban <Whistl...@att.net> wrote:

Thanks! I'll add these to my 'to buy' list.

>
> I remember watching a documentary based on these - fun.

Now that you mention it, I dimly remember seeing something like that
myself, although I can't recall many details.


>
> Pang - who has seen this many, many times
> http://www.he.net/~altonweb/history/piasabird/

I remember reading about that.

My hypothesis is it's Native American teenager graffiti. Darn kids!

Pangur Ban

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May 11, 2007, 10:18:16 PM5/11/07
to
johac explicated :

LOL

I saw it the first time many years ago - before any restoration. If NA
teens did it all those years ago, I'd love to know just which mushrooms
they'd been eating - or weed they had been smoking!!

Pang

--
Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito.


Kelsey Bjarnason

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May 11, 2007, 11:45:02 PM5/11/07
to
[snips]

On Thu, 10 May 2007 22:36:12 -0700, johac wrote:

> In article <1178848424.7...@w5g2000hsg.googlegroups.com>,


> Good articles. I always wondered what the ancients would think if they
> came across a fossil. I wonder how many other 'mythical' beasts might be
> traced back to fossil finds?

<creationist mode=on>

That can't be right. The Greeks couldn't possibly have found the fossils,
because the earth wasn't even created yet.

<creationist mode=off, snickering=on>


--
Never fold with an inside straight line like that. -- Marty Leipzig

Al Klein

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May 11, 2007, 11:45:29 PM5/11/07
to
On Fri, 11 May 2007 19:56:54 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

>On 10 May 2007 23:10:28 -0700, JTEM <jte...@gmail.com> wrote:
> - Refer: <1178863827.9...@y80g2000hsf.googlegroups.com>
>>johac <jhachm...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>
>>> Good articles. I always wondered what the ancients would think
>>> if they came across a fossil.
>>
>>Well they most certainly did come across fossils. There's no way
>
>Chalk, for instance.

And, since the White Cliffs of Dover were a good source of nodular
flint ...

Michael Gray

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May 12, 2007, 12:49:16 AM5/12/07
to
On Fri, 11 May 2007 23:45:29 -0400, Al Klein <ruk...@pern.invalid>
wrote:
- Refer: <r1ea43lg2dbm8hi91...@4ax.com>

"There'll be nodule flints over the White Cliffs of Dover..."

Nah, doesn't quite work.
No wonder it never became a neolithic chart topper.
I think I'll go take a knap.

--

johac

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May 12, 2007, 2:51:07 AM5/12/07
to
In article <8kpfh4-...@spanky.localhost.net>,
Kelsey Bjarnason <kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote:

> [snips]
>
> On Thu, 10 May 2007 22:36:12 -0700, johac wrote:
>
> > In article <1178848424.7...@w5g2000hsg.googlegroups.com>,
> > Good articles. I always wondered what the ancients would think if they
> > came across a fossil. I wonder how many other 'mythical' beasts might be
> > traced back to fossil finds?
>
> <creationist mode=on>
>
> That can't be right. The Greeks couldn't possibly have found the fossils,
> because the earth wasn't even created yet.
>
> <creationist mode=off, snickering=on>

<fundy mode on>

But of course those 'fossils' were planted there by Satan to deceive us!

<fundy mode off>

johac

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May 12, 2007, 2:58:51 AM5/12/07
to
In article <mn.5cc27d756...@att.net>,
Pangur Ban <Whistl...@att.net> wrote:

True. I wonder what the first European explorers thought. It must have
creeped them out. In the article you posted one of them was a priest. I
can just picture him frantically waving his cross and throwing holy
water at the painting while shouting "Begone Satan".

Too bad I didn't get to see it when I was living in the St. Louis area.
>
> Pang

Michael Gray

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May 12, 2007, 6:12:38 AM5/12/07
to
On Fri, 11 May 2007 23:58:51 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-C710D...@news.giganews.com>

It is only because of Catlick priests that we know as much as we do
about the south & central American Native writing systems.
Being essentially scholars at heart, one or two of them felt compelled
to transcribe as much as they could of the writing system, while the
writers were still alive.

Perhaps they felt guilty for slaughtering them in the name of their
stupid god?

>Too bad I didn't get to see it when I was living in the St. Louis area.

Sounds like a great start to a blues song, man!

>> Pang

--

Pangur Ban

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May 12, 2007, 8:55:58 AM5/12/07
to
johac responded :

I thought of that. It wouldn't have been much of a drive.

Did you go to Cahokia Mounds? Neat - but I do prefer Chaco.

Pang

Don Martin

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May 12, 2007, 11:44:17 AM5/12/07
to
On Sat, 12 May 2007 14:19:16 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

>On Fri, 11 May 2007 23:45:29 -0400, Al Klein <ruk...@pern.invalid>
>wrote:
> - Refer: <r1ea43lg2dbm8hi91...@4ax.com>
>>On Fri, 11 May 2007 19:56:54 +0930, Michael Gray
>><mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
>>
>>>On 10 May 2007 23:10:28 -0700, JTEM <jte...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> - Refer: <1178863827.9...@y80g2000hsf.googlegroups.com>
>>>>johac <jhachm...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Good articles. I always wondered what the ancients would think
>>>>> if they came across a fossil.
>>>>
>>>>Well they most certainly did come across fossils. There's no way
>>>
>>>Chalk, for instance.
>>
>>And, since the White Cliffs of Dover were a good source of nodular
>>flint ...
>
>"There'll be nodule flints over the White Cliffs of Dover..."
>
>Nah, doesn't quite work.
>No wonder it never became a neolithic chart topper.
>I think I'll go take a knap.

Flake off, then.

Through a jaundiced eye darkly--rheum with a view.
The Squeeky Wheel
http://home.comcast.net/~drdonmartin/

Michael Gray

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May 12, 2007, 10:57:28 AM5/12/07
to
On Sat, 12 May 2007 10:44:17 -0500, Don Martin
<drdon...@comcast.net> wrote:
- Refer: <v5ob43dif98rto46t...@4ax.com>

>On Sat, 12 May 2007 14:19:16 +0930, Michael Gray
><mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
>
>>On Fri, 11 May 2007 23:45:29 -0400, Al Klein <ruk...@pern.invalid>
>>wrote:
>> - Refer: <r1ea43lg2dbm8hi91...@4ax.com>
>>>On Fri, 11 May 2007 19:56:54 +0930, Michael Gray
>>><mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>>On 10 May 2007 23:10:28 -0700, JTEM <jte...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> - Refer: <1178863827.9...@y80g2000hsf.googlegroups.com>
>>>>>johac <jhachm...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Good articles. I always wondered what the ancients would think
>>>>>> if they came across a fossil.
>>>>>
>>>>>Well they most certainly did come across fossils. There's no way
>>>>
>>>>Chalk, for instance.
>>>
>>>And, since the White Cliffs of Dover were a good source of nodular
>>>flint ...
>>
>>"There'll be nodule flints over the White Cliffs of Dover..."
>>
>>Nah, doesn't quite work.
>>No wonder it never became a neolithic chart topper.
>>I think I'll go take a knap.
>
>Flake off, then.

You've made your point!

--

johac

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May 12, 2007, 7:33:23 PM5/12/07
to
In article <mn.619f7d75b...@att.net>,
Pangur Ban <Whistl...@att.net> wrote:

I did go to Cahokia. I think it's cool. The American Stonehenge. I've
never been to Chaco, but that's on my list of places I'd like to see
some day.

johac

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May 12, 2007, 7:53:29 PM5/12/07
to
In article <9i4b431du9gpvgj4v...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

I suppose that in order to convert them they needed to know their
language and learn something about their mythology. Although their
motives were not the best, we do owe them for preserving some of these
languages.

Of course, in many places in Central and South America many of the old
languages are still spoken, and many of their religious ceremonies,
although they may have a Catholic veneer, are variations on the old
pagan rituals. Some of the old gods were even incorporated into the
Catlick pantheon of saints. For example, "The Virgin of Guadalupe" the
patron saint of Mexico is believed to be an alter ego of an Aztec
goddess, Tonantzin.

http://www.csicop.org/sb/2002-06/guadalupe.html


>
> Perhaps they felt guilty for slaughtering them in the name of their
> stupid god?

Most thought that they were 'saving their souls' by slaughtering them,
but a few, to their credit, protested to the Spanish government about
the treatment of the natives. They were for the most part ignored.


>
> >Too bad I didn't get to see it when I was living in the St. Louis area.
>
> Sounds like a great start to a blues song, man!

"I got those St Louis Piasa Bird blues...."

> --

Al Klein

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May 12, 2007, 9:34:07 PM5/12/07
to
On Sat, 12 May 2007 14:19:16 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:


>"There'll be nodule flints over the White Cliffs of Dover..."

>Nah, doesn't quite work.
>No wonder it never became a neolithic chart topper.
>I think I'll go take a knap.

Don't take any iron pyrites.

Michael Gray

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May 13, 2007, 3:11:06 AM5/13/07
to
On Sat, 12 May 2007 21:34:07 -0400, Al Klein <ruk...@pern.invalid>
wrote:
- Refer: <omqc435pl5b2tpkcn...@4ax.com>

Arr! Them Iron Pirates be plenty tough, me bucco! Arrr!

--

Harry F. Leopold

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May 13, 2007, 8:21:07 PM5/13/07
to
On Sat, 12 May 2007 00:01:16 -0500, Michael Gray wrote
(in article <6nha435b6nmkkkdl8...@4ax.com>):

Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic *chert*
topper"?
--
Harry F. Leopold
aa #2076
AA/Vet #4
The Prints of Darkness
(remove gene to email)

łTelling teens to forget sex always reminds me of the story of King Canute
ordering the tide not to come in. And about as effective.ł-johac

Michael Gray

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May 13, 2007, 11:06:26 PM5/13/07
to
On Sun, 13 May 2007 19:21:07 -0500, Harry F. Leopold
<hleo...@coxyx.net> wrote:
- Refer: <0001HW.C26D15A3...@news.central.cox.net>

>On Sat, 12 May 2007 00:01:16 -0500, Michael Gray wrote
>(in article <6nha435b6nmkkkdl8...@4ax.com>):
>
>> On Fri, 11 May 2007 23:45:29 -0400, Al Klein <ruk...@pern.invalid>
>> wrote:
>> - Refer: <r1ea43lg2dbm8hi91...@4ax.com>
>>> On Fri, 11 May 2007 19:56:54 +0930, Michael Gray
>>> <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 10 May 2007 23:10:28 -0700, JTEM <jte...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> - Refer: <1178863827.9...@y80g2000hsf.googlegroups.com>
>>>>> johac <jhachm...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Good articles. I always wondered what the ancients would think
>>>>>> if they came across a fossil.
>>>>>
>>>>> Well they most certainly did come across fossils. There's no way
>>>>
>>>> Chalk, for instance.
>>>
>>> And, since the White Cliffs of Dover were a good source of nodular
>>> flint ...
>>
>> "There'll be nodule flints over the White Cliffs of Dover..."
>>
>> Nah, doesn't quite work.
>> No wonder it never became a neolithic chart topper.
>> I think I'll go take a knap.
>
>Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic *chert*
>topper"?

You are a chip off the old block, son!

--

Harry F. Leopold

unread,
May 14, 2007, 8:03:08 AM5/14/07
to
On Sun, 13 May 2007 22:18:26 -0500, Michael Gray wrote
(in article <sgkf43lintctp5vpq...@4ax.com>):

Of quartz I am.


--
Harry F. Leopold
aa #2076
AA/Vet #4
The Prints of Darkness
(remove gene to email)

Liaison between:

EAC-Evil Atheist Conspiracy
CEA-Conspiracy of Evil Atheists
ACE-Atheist Conspiracy of Evil.
AEC-Atheist Evil Conspiracy
CAE-Conspiracy of Atheists of Evil
ECA-Evil Conspiracy of Atheists

and

DAC-Dangerous Amish Conspiracy

Michael Gray

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May 14, 2007, 3:54:25 PM5/14/07
to
On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold
<hleo...@coxyx.net> wrote:
- Refer: <0001HW.C26DBA2C...@news.central.cox.net>

Piezo off!

--

Kelsey Bjarnason

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May 14, 2007, 7:35:52 PM5/14/07
to
[snips]

On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:

>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic *chert*
>>> topper"?
>>
>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
>
> Of quartz I am.

Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.

--
"I brake for animals; I floor it for Fundies!"

Doc Smartass

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May 14, 2007, 11:56:40 PM5/14/07
to
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote in
news:1fed431kl0t1ejjd1...@4ax.com:

Awwww, schist.

--
Doc Smartass, BAAWA Knight of Heckling
aa # 1939

Help Prevent Projectile Stupidity
Duct-Tape a Fundie's Mouth Shut Today!

Doc Smartass

unread,
May 15, 2007, 12:00:00 AM5/15/07
to
Kelsey Bjarnason <kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote in
news:ob8nh4-...@spanky.localhost.net:

> [snips]
>
> On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:
>
>>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic
>>>> *chert* topper"?
>>>
>>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
>>
>> Of quartz I am.
>
> Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.

A dolomite make 'em stop. I don't think they'll settle for loess.

johac

unread,
May 15, 2007, 12:59:40 AM5/15/07
to
In article <Xns9930EA0CB1E...@216.77.188.18>,
Doc Smartass <gek...@astroskivviesboymail.com> wrote:

> Kelsey Bjarnason <kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote in
> news:ob8nh4-...@spanky.localhost.net:
>
> > [snips]
> >
> > On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:
> >
> >>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic
> >>>> *chert* topper"?
> >>>
> >>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
> >>
> >> Of quartz I am.
> >
> > Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.
>
> A dolomite make 'em stop. I don't think they'll settle for loess.

I shale not answer that.

DanielSan

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May 15, 2007, 1:02:31 AM5/15/07
to
johac wrote:
> In article <Xns9930EA0CB1E...@216.77.188.18>,
> Doc Smartass <gek...@astroskivviesboymail.com> wrote:
>
>> Kelsey Bjarnason <kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote in
>> news:ob8nh4-...@spanky.localhost.net:
>>
>>> [snips]
>>>
>>> On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:
>>>
>>>>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic
>>>>>> *chert* topper"?
>>>>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
>>>> Of quartz I am.
>>> Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.
>> A dolomite make 'em stop. I don't think they'll settle for loess.
>
> I shale not answer that.

My sediments exactly.

Michelle Malkin

unread,
May 15, 2007, 3:23:33 AM5/15/07
to
"johac" <jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:jhachmann-0041B...@news.giganews.com...

> In article <Xns9930EA0CB1E...@216.77.188.18>,
> Doc Smartass <gek...@astroskivviesboymail.com> wrote:
>
>> Kelsey Bjarnason <kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote in
>> news:ob8nh4-...@spanky.localhost.net:
>>
>> > [snips]
>> >
>> > On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:
>> >
>> >>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic
>> >>>> *chert* topper"?
>> >>>
>> >>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
>> >>
>> >> Of quartz I am.
>> >
>> > Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.
>>
>> A dolomite make 'em stop. I don't think they'll settle for loess.
>
> I shale not answer that.

You're all slated for pun ishment. And, don't take
my threat for granite!

--
^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^
Michelle Malkin (Mickey) aa list#1
BAAWA Knight & Bible Thumper Thumper
^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^
When fascism comes to America, it will be
wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross -
Sinclair Lewis


Michael Gray

unread,
May 15, 2007, 5:02:00 AM5/15/07
to
On Mon, 14 May 2007 16:35:52 -0700, Kelsey Bjarnason
<kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote:
- Refer: <ob8nh4-...@spanky.localhost.net>

>[snips]
>
>On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:
>
>>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic *chert*
>>>> topper"?
>>>
>>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
>>
>> Of quartz I am.
>
>Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.

Get stoned, and forget about it, man.

--

Michael Gray

unread,
May 15, 2007, 5:01:09 AM5/15/07
to
On Tue, 15 May 2007 03:56:40 GMT, Doc Smartass
<gek...@astroskivviesboymail.com> wrote:
- Refer: <Xns9930E97F870E...@216.77.188.18>

>Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote in
>news:1fed431kl0t1ejjd1...@4ax.com:
>
>> On Sat, 12 May 2007 21:34:07 -0400, Al Klein <ruk...@pern.invalid>
>> wrote:
>> - Refer: <omqc435pl5b2tpkcn...@4ax.com>
>>>On Sat, 12 May 2007 14:19:16 +0930, Michael Gray
>>><mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>"There'll be nodule flints over the White Cliffs of Dover..."
>>>
>>>>Nah, doesn't quite work.
>>>>No wonder it never became a neolithic chart topper.
>>>>I think I'll go take a knap.
>>>
>>>Don't take any iron pyrites.
>>
>> Arr! Them Iron Pirates be plenty tough, me bucco! Arrr!
>
>Awwww, schist.

That's not very gneiss!

--

Michael Gray

unread,
May 15, 2007, 5:03:41 AM5/15/07
to
On Tue, 15 May 2007 04:00:00 GMT, Doc Smartass
<gek...@astroskivviesboymail.com> wrote:
- Refer: <Xns9930EA0CB1E...@216.77.188.18>

>Kelsey Bjarnason <kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote in
>news:ob8nh4-...@spanky.localhost.net:
>
>> [snips]
>>
>> On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:
>>
>>>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic
>>>>> *chert* topper"?
>>>>
>>>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
>>>
>>> Of quartz I am.
>>
>> Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.
>
>A dolomite make 'em stop. I don't think they'll settle for loess.

Be my Lava.

--

Michael Gray

unread,
May 15, 2007, 5:05:19 AM5/15/07
to
On Mon, 14 May 2007 21:59:40 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-0041B...@news.giganews.com>

>In article <Xns9930EA0CB1E...@216.77.188.18>,
> Doc Smartass <gek...@astroskivviesboymail.com> wrote:
>
>> Kelsey Bjarnason <kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote in
>> news:ob8nh4-...@spanky.localhost.net:
>>
>> > [snips]
>> >
>> > On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:
>> >
>> >>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic
>> >>>> *chert* topper"?
>> >>>
>> >>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
>> >>
>> >> Of quartz I am.
>> >
>> > Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.
>>
>> A dolomite make 'em stop. I don't think they'll settle for loess.
>
>I shale not answer that.

Opal-ease!

--

Michael Gray

unread,
May 15, 2007, 5:07:24 AM5/15/07
to
On Mon, 14 May 2007 22:02:31 -0700, DanielSan
<daniel...@comcast.net> wrote:
- Refer: <O_2dnZzjn7VOo9Tb...@comcast.com>

As predicted by the Gypsum fotune teller.

--

johac

unread,
May 15, 2007, 7:47:39 PM5/15/07
to
In article <2uti43lrq684056cu...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Later, I have to go see my Aunt Thracite.
>
> --

johac

unread,
May 15, 2007, 7:50:14 PM5/15/07
to
In article <1qWdndQEHMJ3wtTb...@comcast.com>,
"Michelle Malkin" <hypa...@comcast.net> wrote:

> "johac" <jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:jhachmann-0041B...@news.giganews.com...
> > In article <Xns9930EA0CB1E...@216.77.188.18>,
> > Doc Smartass <gek...@astroskivviesboymail.com> wrote:
> >
> >> Kelsey Bjarnason <kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote in
> >> news:ob8nh4-...@spanky.localhost.net:
> >>
> >> > [snips]
> >> >
> >> > On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:
> >> >
> >> >>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic
> >> >>>> *chert* topper"?
> >> >>>
> >> >>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
> >> >>
> >> >> Of quartz I am.
> >> >
> >> > Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.
> >>
> >> A dolomite make 'em stop. I don't think they'll settle for loess.
> >
> > I shale not answer that.
>
> You're all slated for pun ishment. And, don't take
> my threat for granite!

I'll be chondrite.

johac

unread,
May 15, 2007, 7:51:28 PM5/15/07
to
In article <O_2dnZzjn7VOo9Tb...@comcast.com>,
DanielSan <daniel...@comcast.net> wrote:

I'll have to use a little more Tact-tonite.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 15, 2007, 9:32:34 PM5/15/07
to
On Tue, 15 May 2007 16:47:39 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-90865...@news.giganews.com>

>In article <2uti43lrq684056cu...@4ax.com>,
> Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
>
>> On Mon, 14 May 2007 21:59:40 -0700, johac
>> <jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> - Refer: <jhachmann-0041B...@news.giganews.com>
>> >In article <Xns9930EA0CB1E...@216.77.188.18>,
>> > Doc Smartass <gek...@astroskivviesboymail.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >> Kelsey Bjarnason <kbjar...@gmail.com> wrote in
>> >> news:ob8nh4-...@spanky.localhost.net:
>> >>
>> >> > [snips]
>> >> >
>> >> > On Mon, 14 May 2007 07:03:08 -0500, Harry F. Leopold wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >>>> Shouldn't that have been: No wonder it never became a Neolithic
>> >> >>>> *chert* topper"?
>> >> >>>
>> >> >>> You are a chip off the old block, son!
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Of quartz I am.
>> >> >
>> >> > Another of these horrid pun threads? We're in deep schist.
>> >>
>> >> A dolomite make 'em stop. I don't think they'll settle for loess.
>> >
>> >I shale not answer that.
>>
>> Opal-ease!
>
>Later, I have to go see my Aunt Thracite.

You've lost your marbles!

--

johac

unread,
May 16, 2007, 1:39:01 AM5/16/07
to
In article <vonk435l0a1hhgif2...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

OK no more bad puns. Olivine you alone.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 16, 2007, 4:05:03 AM5/16/07
to
On Tue, 15 May 2007 22:39:01 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-04B83...@news.giganews.com>

We'll start another thread with a clean slate, eh?

--

Dubh Ghall

unread,
May 16, 2007, 5:25:19 AM5/16/07
to
On Wed, 16 May 2007 11:02:34 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:


You all sound stoned.

--
The spelling Like any opinion stated here
is purely my own

#162 BAAWA Knight.


Dubh Ghall

unread,
May 16, 2007, 5:26:48 AM5/16/07
to
On Wed, 16 May 2007 17:35:03 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Chalk one up for Michael.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 16, 2007, 6:06:07 AM5/16/07
to
On Wed, 16 May 2007 09:26:48 GMT, Dubh Ghall <pu...@pooks.hill.fey>
wrote:
- Refer: <jmjl439m2n2cks28q...@4ax.com>

It only seams that way.

--

Michael Gray

unread,
May 16, 2007, 6:06:40 AM5/16/07
to
On Wed, 16 May 2007 09:25:19 GMT, Dubh Ghall <pu...@pooks.hill.fey>
wrote:
- Refer: <qkjl4314r91jeaq6c...@4ax.com>

We are in a similar vein.

--

johac

unread,
May 16, 2007, 5:59:04 PM5/16/07
to
In article <0tll43l2l13pupegg...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Ore something like it.

johac

unread,
May 16, 2007, 5:59:43 PM5/16/07
to
In article <roel43l8iammma95q...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Of quartz.

Dubh Ghall

unread,
May 16, 2007, 6:55:09 PM5/16/07
to
On Wed, 16 May 2007 19:36:07 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

I can dig that

Dubh Ghall

unread,
May 16, 2007, 6:57:17 PM5/16/07
to
On Wed, 16 May 2007 19:36:40 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

A jocular one it would seem.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 16, 2007, 8:54:42 PM5/16/07
to
On Wed, 16 May 2007 22:55:09 GMT, Dubh Ghall <pu...@pooks.hill.fey>
wrote:
- Refer: <c33n43hs4ihd99a3e...@4ax.com>

That joke is Mine!

--

Michael Gray

unread,
May 16, 2007, 8:55:40 PM5/16/07
to
On Wed, 16 May 2007 14:59:04 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-7A734...@news.giganews.com>

The bad puns are really mountin'

--

Michael Gray

unread,
May 16, 2007, 8:56:32 PM5/16/07
to
On Wed, 16 May 2007 22:57:17 GMT, Dubh Ghall <pu...@pooks.hill.fey>
wrote:
- Refer: <163n43d0tkhapqp45...@4ax.com>

Do you remember the MAD magazines from the 50's:
"Humor in a Jugular Vein"

--

Dubh Ghall

unread,
May 17, 2007, 5:48:18 AM5/17/07
to
On Thu, 17 May 2007 10:26:32 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

I do, I do.

I used to love their Before and After, adverts, so surreal, yet so
close to real adverts of the time.

Dubh Ghall

unread,
May 17, 2007, 7:47:43 AM5/17/07
to
On Thu, 17 May 2007 10:24:42 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Au.

johac

unread,
May 17, 2007, 6:51:09 PM5/17/07
to
In article <pv9n435gsjo27rr3s...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Maybe they're just molehills.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 17, 2007, 11:40:23 PM5/17/07
to
On Thu, 17 May 2007 15:51:09 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-D25D3...@news.giganews.com>

Gee! Oh logic...

--

Michael Gray

unread,
May 17, 2007, 11:42:19 PM5/17/07
to
On Thu, 17 May 2007 11:47:43 GMT, Dubh Ghall <pu...@pooks.hill.fey>
wrote:
- Refer: <dbgo43tfam2n4cpo9...@4ax.com>

U Ar Si Li !

--

johac

unread,
May 18, 2007, 12:47:57 AM5/18/07
to
In article <q08q431th9dv3hraf...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

My sediments exactly.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 18, 2007, 1:53:52 AM5/18/07
to
On Thu, 17 May 2007 21:47:57 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-C4B6B...@news.giganews.com>

I see that you have crystallized your thoughts on the matter.

--

Dubh Ghall

unread,
May 18, 2007, 11:27:04 AM5/18/07
to
On Fri, 18 May 2007 13:12:19 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:


The bill for the new key board will be in the post. (:-)

johac

unread,
May 18, 2007, 6:43:14 PM5/18/07
to
In article <9qfq439s1unf36ovg...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Geode whizz! You may be right.
> --

Michael Gray

unread,
May 18, 2007, 8:17:15 PM5/18/07
to
On Fri, 18 May 2007 15:43:14 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-B3B96...@news.giganews.com>

Take your pick, or take mine.

--

Dubh Ghall

unread,
May 18, 2007, 10:00:04 PM5/18/07
to
On Sat, 19 May 2007 09:47:15 +0930, Michael Gray
<mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

How to confuse a xtian miner: Stand three shovels in a row, and tell
him to take his pick.

johac

unread,
May 19, 2007, 2:58:00 AM5/19/07
to
In article <rims43pkmv4qsdd60...@4ax.com>,
Dubh Ghall <pu...@pooks.hill.fey> wrote:

LOL!

johac

unread,
May 19, 2007, 2:59:24 AM5/19/07
to
In article <rfgs43dv5icc7qndf...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Careful or you'll get the shaft.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 19, 2007, 3:09:10 AM5/19/07
to
On Sat, 19 May 2007 02:00:04 GMT, Dubh Ghall <pu...@pooks.hill.fey>
wrote:
- Refer: <rims43pkmv4qsdd60...@4ax.com>

Boom boom!
Dyne-o-mite!

--

Michael Gray

unread,
May 19, 2007, 4:18:25 AM5/19/07
to
On Fri, 18 May 2007 23:59:24 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-63633...@news.giganews.com>

A bit like a straw-man: an Isaac Hayes man.
(Can ya dig it?)

--

johac

unread,
May 19, 2007, 7:17:57 PM5/19/07
to
In article <ojct43hkfh0so6fvo...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Hayes I believe did the score for the movie "Shaft" but where does the
straw-man come in?


>
> --

Michael Gray

unread,
May 19, 2007, 8:28:09 PM5/19/07
to
On Sat, 19 May 2007 16:17:57 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-0C216...@news.giganews.com>

>In article <ojct43hkfh0so6fvo...@4ax.com>,
> Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
>
>> On Fri, 18 May 2007 23:59:24 -0700, johac
>> <jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> - Refer: <jhachmann-63633...@news.giganews.com>

:

>> >Careful or you'll get the shaft.
>>
>> A bit like a straw-man: an Isaac Hayes man.
>> (Can ya dig it?)
>
>Hayes I believe did the score for the movie "Shaft"

One point to our lovely contestant!

>but where does the
>straw-man come in?

Hayes - Hays - Hay - Straw.
Can ya dig it?

That's one point away, I'm sorry, leaving you with no score.
Our clear winner for the evening is the sponsor, ACME brand Puns.

--

johac

unread,
May 20, 2007, 12:49:20 AM5/20/07
to
In article <pb5v435sp2imrb57n...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

> On Sat, 19 May 2007 16:17:57 -0700, johac
> <jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> - Refer: <jhachmann-0C216...@news.giganews.com>
> >In article <ojct43hkfh0so6fvo...@4ax.com>,
> > Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
> >
> >> On Fri, 18 May 2007 23:59:24 -0700, johac
> >> <jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> >> - Refer: <jhachmann-63633...@news.giganews.com>
>
> :
>
> >> >Careful or you'll get the shaft.
> >>
> >> A bit like a straw-man: an Isaac Hayes man.
> >> (Can ya dig it?)
> >
> >Hayes I believe did the score for the movie "Shaft"
>
> One point to our lovely contestant!
>
> >but where does the
> >straw-man come in?
>
> Hayes - Hays - Hay - Straw.
> Can ya dig it?
>
> That's one point away, I'm sorry, leaving you with no score.
> Our clear winner for the evening is the sponsor, ACME brand Puns.
>

After my lousy puns, I deserved that.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 20, 2007, 2:44:42 AM5/20/07
to
On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:49:20 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-747AD...@news.giganews.com>

>In article <pb5v435sp2imrb57n...@4ax.com>,
> Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 19 May 2007 16:17:57 -0700, johac
>> <jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> - Refer: <jhachmann-0C216...@news.giganews.com>
>> >In article <ojct43hkfh0so6fvo...@4ax.com>,
>> > Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >> On Fri, 18 May 2007 23:59:24 -0700, johac
>> >> <jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> >> - Refer: <jhachmann-63633...@news.giganews.com>
>>
>> :
>>
>> >> >Careful or you'll get the shaft.
>> >>
>> >> A bit like a straw-man: an Isaac Hayes man.
>> >> (Can ya dig it?)
>> >
>> >Hayes I believe did the score for the movie "Shaft"
>>
>> One point to our lovely contestant!
>>
>> >but where does the
>> >straw-man come in?
>>
>> Hayes - Hays - Hay - Straw.
>> Can ya dig it?
>>
>> That's one point away, I'm sorry, leaving you with no score.
>> Our clear winner for the evening is the sponsor, ACME brand Puns.
>>
>After my lousy puns, I deserved that.

I have some empathy for Robyn Williams when he was "doing" coke.
Only he will "get" the reference, I expect.
Don't feel the need to laugh out of feigned embarrassment at not
getting the joke please. ;)
(Even I don't get it)

--

johac

unread,
May 20, 2007, 7:01:37 PM5/20/07
to
In article <0erv43t0jobkb8q7u...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Maybe that's the problem. I need to get 'high' on something.
>
> --

Michael Gray

unread,
May 20, 2007, 9:11:47 PM5/20/07
to
On Sun, 20 May 2007 16:01:37 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-1C722...@news.giganews.com>

Just don't do "Jesus", OK?
It's nasty stuff.

--

johac

unread,
May 21, 2007, 12:19:54 AM5/21/07
to
In article <kds1531u26gmjkqi3...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Ah yes. Jesus weed. Sure to drive you crazy.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 21, 2007, 4:42:58 AM5/21/07
to
On Sun, 20 May 2007 21:19:54 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-4F3A2...@news.giganews.com>

We have witnessed countless cautionary tales here for it to be mere
co-incidence.

The mind-drugs that are derivatives of the base Abrahamic formula are
proven deadly poisons, and any right-thinking civilization would ban
them outright, under severe penalties for trafficking.

--

johac

unread,
May 21, 2007, 6:50:50 PM5/21/07
to
In article <knm253toqft18egsb...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

I haven't seen the statistics, but I'm sure that more people have died
from overdoses of religion than from any recreational drug.
>
> --

Michael Gray

unread,
May 21, 2007, 9:29:11 PM5/21/07
to
On Mon, 21 May 2007 15:50:50 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-F56E3...@news.giganews.com>

I'll get the EAC Department of Fake Statistics onto it right away.
They say that they get 101% of their jobs completed on schedule.

--

johac

unread,
May 22, 2007, 12:45:35 AM5/22/07
to
In article <fph453tk7suu9jfec...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

That was only 75% on schedule, but, on the other hand, half of the time
they finished ahead of schedule.

Michael Gray

unread,
May 22, 2007, 1:06:53 AM5/22/07
to
On Mon, 21 May 2007 21:45:35 -0700, johac
<jhac...@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <jhachmann-BC5BB...@news.giganews.com>

When were *you* transferred to that department?
How come no-one informs me of staff displacements any more?
And that's another thing: Where did I put my cup of tea?
I had it just a second ago, and now it's not there.

Oh, there it is. In the 'fridge.

--

johac

unread,
May 22, 2007, 6:37:22 PM5/22/07
to
In article <ieu453lcba2p7ivkc...@4ax.com>,
Michael Gray <mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

Don't ask me. My job is so secret, even I don't know what I'm doing.

> And that's another thing: Where did I put my cup of tea?
> I had it just a second ago, and now it's not there.

The gremlins stole it.


>
>
>
> Oh, there it is. In the 'fridge.


Those are Eskimo gremlins.

stoney

unread,
May 27, 2007, 4:35:28 PM5/27/07
to
On Sat, 19 May 2007 02:00:04 GMT, Dubh Ghall <pu...@pooks.hill.fey> wrote
in alt.atheism

>On Sat, 19 May 2007 09:47:15 +0930, Michael Gray
><mike...@newsguy.com> wrote:

[]

>>>> >My sediments exactly.
>>>>
>>>> I see that you have crystallized your thoughts on the matter.
>>>>
>>>
>>>Geode whizz! You may be right.
>>
>>Take your pick, or take mine.
>
>How to confuse a xtian miner: Stand three shovels in a row, and tell
>him to take his pick.

Exactly! :D


--
Atheist n A person to be pitied in that he is
unable to believe things for which there is
no evidence, and who has thus deprived himself of
a convenient means of feeling superior to others.

—Chaz Bufe, The American Heretic’s Dictionary

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