Sorry, Poirot,

I got too carried away with singing Abba and 'Shelter' and 'Let there be peace on earth' and Cole Porter and The Carpenters and so much else that I didn't get around to cajoling any women to think about contributing to OLO. Sing Australia really gets the endorphins going, every place I've been.

But I'll keep trying.

:)

Cossomby,

I hear you - and I agree that often threads are boring, predictable and repetitious. Most of us are acquainted with other poster's predilections and either support or react accordingly.
I like your idea of challenging oneself to argue in favour of an opposing view...(like me arguing in support of the Iraq War or supporting Newt Gingrich for the Republican nomination [twitch, twitch]).

Graham,

I did note on the feminist issue in the comment sections of blogs and on twitter that there was a high degree of male participation, not putting the boot the boot in, but as supportive commentary.

bonmot,

Ashamed as I am to admit it, my French is rather limited (Do you give lessons?)....but I think I got your drift : )

Poirot/Cossomby, remaining wedded to a view after considering alternatives is not a sign of inflexibility necessarily. Remaining wedded to that view when alternatives have been examined and dismissed simply because they are not congruent with one's own view is most ertainly an indication of a lack of reasoning ability.

I nearly always argue all sides of any debate as best I can, then do my best to support whichever side is clearly most supportable. I nearly always endeavour to bolster whatever side that is with confirmatory evidence if I can find it.

Let's not forget that the scientific method consists of "observe, hypothesise, test" as a mimimal requirement. It does not consist of "desire, choose, rationalise", despite the preference of some.

Dear Anti,

I believe in aspirations.
If you were to lead by example,
perhaps the "crows chorus," that you perceive
could become excellent warblers under your
tutelage.

Poirot non amie;

translation herewith:

They are the ones who are beautiful. I was wrong! Oh! how I would like to be like them. Alas! I don't have a horn. I would need one or two to enhance my drooping features. Perhaps it will come and I won't be ashamed anymore, I'll be able to find them all again. But it's not growing!

: )

Dear Poirot,

I just found the English translation of bonmot's French
quote. He beat me to giving it to you.

Dear bonmot,

Brilliant!