My friends: Please bear with me. This starts hard but ends soft. 1. I didn't write the Tribune article, and mentioned my opinion only. I hardly have to defend my memories and preferences of a bygone time, to anyone! I am not a representative of SLAS, or any other astro club, and can not, and will not, debate the issue on their behalf. For that reason I also cannot accept personal criticism due to past relationships between the parties and any published press articles. I do feel that Director Jarvis' latest reply seemed more defensive and accusatory than that expected from someone desiring to build concensus. I deeply regret his assumption that I am in a position to negotiate or otherwise get involved other than expressing a personal opinion, as many others have done, right here in this very forum. Some have agreed with me, on many issues, but are they ever challenged or attacked? Not very often. I'm not going to be the goat anymore. 2. Daniel, I have had a sick wife, my own health problems, and a work schedule that isn't a tidy 9-to-5, for the past 6 years and have personal priorities other than star-parties of late. I might ask you, where were you in 1972, 75, 78? I have done much public service in astronomy in this area, was a founding member of the first Hansen-planetarium-era club in this community. (and did quite a bit of hard work on the past, and current SPOC facility, too). If most of the recent members were not here when I was most active, that's not my fault either, and I again owe no apologies. I gave an explanation, but even that is not required. I've given far more to Utah astronomy than most club members over the years. There are many who have given more, to be sure, but my conscience is clear. I had hoped to bring some of the better club aspects from the past, to the present; I see now that is quite impossible. 3. I'm starting class next week and my posts will just about end completely; I am not unsubscribing but many digests will get deleted unread due to lack of time for many months. I do want to retain the resource however, if Cynthia will permit me to stay subscribed. I'm sure there will be much rejoicing. I will not question the status quo anymore. I belong to the past, the present is yours. This past winter I had an incredible experience that boosted me through my "mid-life crisis" and opened my eyes to many new things. I will no longer fight unimportant fights, my goals have changed dramatically, my health is excellent again, and for the first time in a long time, I am happy! Some of you have shared in those experiences, off list and personally with me. I thank you wholeheartedly and will see you again, and often, you know who you are. But part of the change for me means walking away from many "fights", the list lately has..."shifted columns on my spreadsheet of life", shall we say. Good bye, my friends and acquaintances. Those who wish are always welcome to contact me. My road leads elsewhere for now. Onward and upward! C. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail