>Hi Mike.
>
>>It's always possible to be civil. What does it accomplish to be insulting?
>
>Agreed. The problem is that acting like an ass gets you press coverage. Also, whoever makes the other person back down first wins. Let's not try to govern the country (state, city, or any other level), let's just make sure I beat you into submission so I win. Partisanship makes me sick.
>
>Unfortunately, politicians are just reflecting what's happening in society in general. I bet this has happened to everyone: someone starts to cut you off, you honk your horn as a warning ("hey, I'm here"), and you get the finger in response.
>
>I almost never get into debates online because many people feel that you can say anything you want, be as insulting at you want, because you're just typing onto a computer screen. OTOH, I've rarely had a debate with someone in person, even when we had diametrically opposing views and ended agreeing to disagree, that descended to anything near the depths of incivility (is that a word {g}) I see online (including here) every day.
>

Well, it should be said that you are nicer than the average bear ;-)

I don't get into traffic disputes any more. Too many crazies out there. If someone cuts me off outrageously I might give the horn a tap, just to say I noticed it, but that's as far as it goes. Some things are important and some things aren't.

Speaking of the things that are, I get a weekly email from (blanking on the name) and see Nick has become quite the speed skater. Cool! It seems like just yesterday that he was born. It does go by fast, doesn't it? Emily's college acceptances are coming in and in seven months she will be off.

Did you notice yourself in the UT conference photo yesterday? At least I think it was you. The main photo was of Ceil and Christof at a DevCon in 2003 or 2004. She looked so happy. I was pretty sure that was you, partly obscured, behind them in a room that had mostly emptied out.