GENIUS FORUMS

Kevin Solway wrote:I reckon Elizabeth and Shardrol would defend anyone if they were attacked for travelling.

To Shardrol, David Quinn wrote:But before I do this, I just want to let you know that I wasn't including you in the "woman" grouping. I do respect your considered approach to things and I have no problem with your responses in this thread. I apologize for giving you this misleading impression.

If the Woman terminology even causes confusion between David and Kevin, the Woman terminology is bound to cause at least as much confusion amongst people who use dictionary English. This is yet more evidence that the convoluted Woman terminology is pro-confusion, therefore anti-enlightenment.

Elizabeth wrote:If the Woman terminology even causes confusion between David and Kevin, the Woman terminology is bound to cause at least as much confusion amongst people who use dictionary English. This is yet more evidence that the convoluted Woman terminology is pro-confusion, therefore anti-enlightenment.

Yes, that's right. The fact that the majority of people have no capacity for philosophy proves that philosophy is anti-enlightenment and the majority of people are enlightened.

If two top notch mathematicians do not reach the same conclusion to the same math problem, it is rather likely that somebody did the math wrong.

PS: I agree that if Kevin embraced this trip with the kind of enthusiasm David earlier alluded to, he is being utterly dishonest about his motivations--namely, that he wanted to overcome an his emotionalism about Americans--and that this is indeed a salient point if Kevin is at all interested in wisdom on the matter.

After having stated he would elaborate on the benefits to wisdom of this trip, he later says something on the order of he'll write about it if/when he's in the mood?

Well, there you go.

Elizabeth Isabelle wrote:If two top notch mathematicians do not reach the same conclusion to the same math problem, it is rather likely that somebody did the math wrong.

Philosophy is not at all like maths. Philosophy is spiritually ALIVE.

You are obviously confused.

David Quinn wrote:I've made it plain that it wasn't the trip itself that I have issue with, but the manner with which it was organized.

The way it was organized was very simple. Elizabeth wanted me over there for a number of what I consider to be practical reasons, and was prepared to pay for most of the airfare. End of story.

So far as I can tell my trip didn't inflame anyone's emotions or egos.

Kevin wrote:

DQ: Does it worry you, Kevin, that it is primarily women who are rushing to your defense? What is it that you are giving them?

KS: I reckon Elizabeth and Shardrol would defend anyone if they were attacked for travelling.

It is precisely this sort of remark which I find deeply worrying. To my mind, it reflects a growing trend in which the brilliant incisiveness of the sage is slowly being washed away by bland worldliness and feminine passivity. I fear that you have been grazing with cows for so long now that you are slowly becoming one yourself.

When you initially hooked up with that cow ten years ago, I thought little of it. It was just a temporary holiday, I assumed. I thought it would be good for you to have a break and explore another side of your personality. No problem. Even when you spent year after year grazing in that particular pasture, it didn't concern me too much. I did think the holiday overly-excessive, and I didn't understand why you weren't crawling up the walls in sheer boredom in that cow environment, but I let it go all the same.

But then, after four years of that particular pasture, you moved to Tasmania and started doing cow-like things like buying a home, buying health-insurance, pottering around the yard, playing golf, seemingly content in a cow-like town. Okay, I reflected, so the cow in him is larger than I thought. That's okay, a large part of me is cow-like too, so I can relate. None of us are perfect. At least his mind still seems fairly pure, I consoled myself. The growing cow in him doesn't seem to be affecting his views in any way.

Fastforward to now and the situation, alas, is a lot more grim. The quality and quantity of your writing has markedly declined over the last several years. When you do bother to write, the writing is usually only perfunctory at best. Sometimes it is even poorly worded and incoherent. It is only when you are strongly challenged or inspired that some of the old magic comes back.

As far as I know, you haven't initiated any philosophic projects for a long while now. You don't seem to do anything at all apart from potter around the yard and create worldly websites. I even had to battle against reluctance and inertia when trying to get you involved in the Reasoning Show project. The overriding impression one receives from all this is a growing lack of interest in philosophic and spiritual matters.

When it comes to a holiday in America, it's all enthusiasm and boyish excitement. When it comes to promoting wisdom, which is supposed to be central to your life's work, the feet are noticeably dragging.

But even here, I was prepared to forgive and forget. You're getting old, you are bored with truth, bored with thinking and writing about issues which used to consume you when you were young. I understand that. It is part of the ageing process. It is something we all have to deal with. You have left an important body of work as a legacy. In many ways, you have earned your right to retire. It is not a situation that I like to watch happening, but it is understandable.

But what's worrying me at the moment is that the cow is beginning to infect your thinking. The sharp, brilliant incisiveness seems to be fading away and the bland mooings of a cow are slowly taking their place. I've been noticing it for awhile, long before your trip, but even so, those comments you made in America about American women were quite startling in their blandness and lack of depth. Oprah Winfery could easily have uttered them. The profound, Weininger-like insightfulness is suddenly a million miles away. And then coming back, starting a thread with holiday photos and talking about feeling the pain of Americans, unwilling to think about karmic consequences, seemingly unwilling to think of anything at all other than you had a nice trip - I'm sorry, Kevin, but this is mooing, pure and simple.

You're mooing and you don't seem to realize that you are mooing. It is like watching someone gifted slowly sliding into Alzheimer's.

I didn't really want to raise all this in public, but the nature of this thread and the way it evolved has demanded it. All I want is for you to get your old spark back and put an end to this seemingly passive slide into unconsciousness.

-

David Quinn wrote:Kevin wrote:

DQ: Does it worry you, Kevin, that it is primarily women who are rushing to your defense? What is it that you are giving them?

KS: I reckon Elizabeth and Shardrol would defend anyone if they were attacked for travelling.

It is precisely this sort of remark which I find deeply worrying. To my mind, it reflects a growing trend in which the brilliant incisiveness of the sage is slowly being washed away

Your point had no substance because it wasn't the real issue.

It seems that the issue is not really my US trip, or the way it was organized, but it is more the general animal-like direction you perceive my life as taking.

cow-like things like buying a home

One basically has a choice between renting, buying a home, or living with one's parents.

You are living at your parent's place, and Dan is renting, paid for by the government.

Since I'm not currently getting government assistance it would be too expensive for me to rent.

So, buying a home is not necessarily cow-like.

Also, your health-care is paid for by the government, whereas mine isn't, which is why I struggle to pay for health insurance.

playing golf

To me, playing golf is not all that different to walking around a paddock. No big deal.

seemingly content in a cow-like town.

If I was so content I don't think I would be so ready to go travelling overseas for three months.

Fastforward to now and the situation, alas, is a lot more grim. The quality and quantity of your writing has markedly declined over the last several years.

I will agree with you about the quantity of my writing, but in my view the quality is unchanged.

I do find myself expressing myself more and more briefly, which is my want.

those comments you made in America about American women were quite startling in their blandness and lack of depth.

Are these the ones you said you didn't understand?

There's nothing profound or hidden to be said about American women that I know of. I think you are wishing for something that isn't there.

You are inferring too much from just a few words.

unwilling to think about karmic consequences, seemingly unwilling to think of anything at all other than you had a nice trip

All this is just a guess on your part.

All I want is for you to get your old spark back and put an end to this seemingly passive slide into unconsciousness.

I think it is most likely that all these things you are suggesting about my life are the things that you are concerned about in your own - which is commendable. But there's certainly a degree of truth to it. If I'm not careful I will be wasting my years.

Kevin,

DQ: It is precisely this sort of remark which I find deeply worrying. To my mind, it reflects a growing trend in which the brilliant incisiveness of the sage is slowly being washed away

KS: Your point had no substance because it wasn't the real issue.

It seems that the issue is not really my US trip, or the way it was organized, but it is more the general animal-like direction you perceive my life as taking.

I see the two as connected. The trip, or certain elements of it, are like flowers emerging out of this long-term trend.

DQ: cow-like things like buying a home

KS: One basically has a choice between renting, buying a home, or living with one's parents.

You are living at your parent's place, and Dan is renting, paid for by the government.

Buying a home requires a lot of time and effort. Renting is a breeze that requires little or no thought at all. I also think that being a home-owner generates a certain possessive mindset which doesn't exist for the renter.

But I suppose, taken on its own, buying a home doesn't seem so significant, just as tripping off to the US isn't very significant. It's only when you put all these things together and observe them in the light of a growing trend that they gain significance.

I think it is most likely that all these things you are suggesting about my life are the things that you are concerned about in your own - which is commendable.

Of course. That goes without saying. I think all of us can raise our game.

But there's certainly a degree of truth to it. If I'm not careful I will be wasting my years.

Ok, I'm content with that. Sorry to drag you through the mill like that, but sometimes these things need to be said.

-

A few points need to be made here for the sake of accuracy:

Kevin said:

You are living at your parent's place, and Dan is renting, paid for by the government.

The government does not "pay" rent, it subsidisesit. That difference is non-trivial.

Since I'm not currently getting government assistance it would be too expensive for me to rent.

This is your choice. The government did, of course, subsidise the cost of your house by $7000. At the time I thought the purchase of the property was a really smart deal. I still think so. Brilliant investment if you ask me. Now worth x6 that value?

So, buying a home is not necessarily cow-like.

I agree with that. But I guess it depends how homey you get thereafter.

Also, your health-care is paid for by the government, whereas mine isn't, which is why I struggle to pay for health insurance.

You chose to take out private health cover. Heath care is free in this country and you know it. Inadequate, maybe, but free.

To me, playing golf is not all that different to walking around a paddock. No big deal.

That would explain why you joined a club and entered pennant competitions. They may have been a walk around the whatever too, but they send a message. I used to think singing at karaoke was just a walk in my park, but, in the end you can justify anything that way. Though, I reckon I'm a way better singer than you are a golfer - meet you at the clubhouse on karaoke night.

I do find myself expressing myself more and more briefly, which is my want.

I'm with Kevin on this one. There is no natural obligation for any of us to post here at all. Frequency of posting is not a legitimate criticism of anyone. I'd post here more but I have to sacrifice other endeavors each time I do. What one gives to this forum is simply what one gives.

There's nothing profound or hidden to be said about American women that I know of. I think you are wishing for something that isn't there. You are inferring too much from just a few words.

Then how can your inisghts into American culture be all that interesting?

I believe, deep down, Kevin, you're afraid to have Poison printed.

Dan Rowden wrote:

Kevin wrote:You are living at your parent's place, and Dan is renting, paid for by the government.

The government does not "pay" rent, it subsidisesit.

So where does the rest of your share of the rent money come from? The government perhaps?

Also, your health-care is paid for by the government, whereas mine isn't, which is why I struggle to pay for health insurance.

You chose to take out private health cover. Heath care is free in this country and you know it. Inadequate, maybe, but free.

It's certainly not free here in Tasmania. If you go to the dentist for a small filling it will cost you about $200 out of your own pocket unless you're on a government pension of some sort. A root canal will cost more than a thousand dollars.

And if you have any kind of illness that isn't life-threatening - like one of my neighbours who had a problem with his shoulder - then you will be waiting years for treatment. When he finally managed to have the operation done it was unsuccessful because the operation was delayed too long. So he lost mobility of his arm.

So much for free health care.

Then how can your insights into American culture be all that interesting?

Only I can be the judge of that, since only I know what they are.

As a rule, the best way to understand people is to live with them.

Let's say you wanted to understand the Hare Krishnas. I guarantee you that you will have a better understanding of them after living with them for three months than relying solely on other forms of information.

I believe, deep down, Kevin, you're afraid to have Poison printed.

It's already available for free on the net, and people can print it out on their printers if they want.

Also, the last I heard Joel Thornton is going ahead with the printing in book form.

Why do you think I'm afraid to have it printed?

Here's a thought experiment... Try picturing Jesus posing in front of the pyramids, while his disciples painted a picture of him, after the giving the Sermon on the Mount. Or try picturing Siddhartha Gautama playing a round of polo after spending all day spreading the Dharma. Pretty ridiculous right? Even though these actions don't make the wisdom of their teachings any less timeless and true, the possibility to let their names and images represent that same wisdom is ruined. I think the goal of any sage is to allow anything about themselves to be a direct representation of wisdom. I understand this is an extremely difficult, if not impossible thing to accomplish in our current circumstances but some things are much more easily avoided than others. For instance I have a job, health insurance, a car, and I'm now looking to purchase a house, I'll be the first to admit all these things represent spiritual weakness, I would be a liar if I said they didn't. But in a society as devoid of spirituality as the one I live in, it's almost impossible to avoid some of the cow like tasks I involve myself with on a near daily basis. It doesn't sit well with me, and my hope is that it never does. How could I not feel like a cow when I'm sitting in rush-hour traffic with the rest of the herd on our way to get milked? Contentment with these things is my biggest concern, for this is when we should begin to worry and take a long look at ourselves to see what direction we are headed in.

Don't worry, I wont ask anyone to picture a spiritual teacher, wise man, or sage singing karaoke.

Kevin wrote, re Poison:

Why do you think I'm afraid to have it printed?

Because you don't believe the contents as fully as when you wrote it?

Because then you may need to do the work of promoting it, like, at the least, field questions via email about it?

Because then you will have a more visible (in the world) role (of sage) to uphold?

Because then you may need to grapple with the dynamic of possibly being a success, financially or otherwise?

Aside, I think it's funny when you state on your website, "Poison for the Heart is probably the greatest book ever written." I think the egoism and assumption-making, the apparent flight from reason right up front, is funny.

Carl wrote:Aside, I think it's funny when you state on your website, "Poison for the Heart is probably the greatest book ever written." I think the egoism and assumption-making, the apparent flight from reason right up front, is funny.

I think almost everyone reacts in the same way to that particular blurb of Kevin's. A reality where Kevin had no idea how ridiculous most people would find his appraisal of his own book, is pretty funny. But arguably not as funny as a reality where he anticipated the reactions as they generally have occurred.

Nick Treklis wrote:Even though these actions don't make the wisdom of their teachings any less timeless and true, the possibility to let their names and images represent that same wisdom is ruined.

Because someone wiser than the masses does not look exactly like the unwise masses expect, his reputation is ruined?

The goal is to teach wisdom as it truly is, not just pander to the expectations of the herd.

Nick Treklis wrote:I think the goal of any sage is to allow anything about themselves to be a direct representation of wisdom.

As do I - but what if playing a round of golf every now and then, and getting some enjoyment out of life, is part of the wisdom equation? Wouldn't it then be beneficial to the masses to know that it is important to have some enjoyment in life in order to maintain a wise state?

Let's contrast David and Kevin for a moment. Kevin gets some enjoyment out of life, and maintains a calm demeanor while getting to the root of the true issue. David shuns enjoyment and has an emotional meltdown over the possibility that someone else might be enjoying himself to the point that he can't even articulate what the problem really is, or that people are using a term he does not like, and is not consistent about whether he can stand up with the truth or if he tries to weasel out of his mistakes. Which one do you think is wiser? If you believe that the result Kevin has achieved is wiser, then that points to the wisdom of enjoying life when it is appropriate to do so. Now the next step is understanding when it is appropriate to enjoy life, and Kevin can not teach that (nor be truthful) if he is hiding the enjoyment that he does get.

Here is a facet that I understand better now:

Kevin teaches that a 100% wise individual does not get any pleasure out of life because the 100% wise person never gets caught up in the illusion. That is a fine theory if you also accept that it is theoretically possible that no one can ever be 100% wise every moment of their lives. It is also fine if you recognize it as a theory rather than a proven fact, and that Kevin teaches that one must be true to where one truly is on the path. If you are at a point where you still need some pleasure, then that is what you need. What is not fine is that David got the idea that he was 100% wise, so he must be rid of all emotions - which put him in denial of where he truly is, and took him off the path to true wisdom. Kevin is not in denial of what emotions he has, so those are few, mild, and do not interfere with his thinking. It's kind of like moving the lid to the side of a simmering pot. David is more like trying to hold the lid on the pot, and sooner or later, and from time to time, he blows his lid.

Nick Treklis wrote:For instance I have a job, health insurance, a car, and I'm now looking to purchase a house, I'll be the first to admit all these things represent spiritual weakness,

Practicality is not a sign of spiritual weakness. Selling your soul for bodily pleasures is a spiritual weakness - but there is a difference between these things. If your health insurance, car, and house were all paid for by a job that demanded that you lie, cheat, or otherwise cause spiritual degradation - then these things would be signs of your weakness. If the Universe rewards you for doing a noble job, this is not weakness.

Nick Treklis wrote:it's almost impossible to avoid some of the cow like tasks I involve myself with on a near daily basis. It doesn't sit well with me, and my hope is that it never does.

You hope to remain unsettled? (sarcasm)

Elizabeth Isabelle wrote:Because someone wiser than the masses does not look exactly like the unwise masses expect, his reputation is ruined?

The goal is to teach wisdom as it truly is, not just pander to the expectations of the herd.

Actually it's the opposite, a truly wise man has no reputation among the masses. If the masses were to look at what I did after I died I want them to say I did "nothing".

Elizabeth Isabelle wrote:As do I - but what if playing a round of golf every now and then, and getting some enjoyment out of life, is part of the wisdom equation? Wouldn't it then be beneficial to the masses to know that it is important to have some enjoyment in life in order to maintain a wise state?

If you decide to go and have fun, then you are necessarily leaving the "wise state". I guess if you need a break in order to keep making progress it's a good idea to take some time off from your "wise state", but the wiser you are, the less frequent and lengthy this holidays last. A wisdom equation, one can only dream...

Elizabeth Isabelle wrote:Practicality is not a sign of spiritual weakness. Selling your soul for bodily pleasures is a spiritual weakness - but there is a difference between these things. If your health insurance, car, and house were all paid for by a job that demanded that you lie, cheat, or otherwise cause spiritual degradation - then these things would be signs of your weakness. If the Universe rewards you for doing a noble job, this is not weakness.

Being weighed down by worldly attachments or "being practical" as you have called it is definitely a sign of spiritual weakness. It means there are times when I'm putting my worldly concerns before my spiritual ones. If I were spiritually flawless then every ounce of my time and energy would be dedicated to spreading wisdom and nothing else.

For example, because I'm single and only have myself to support I am able to buy a house on a modest income. If I placed wisdom above all other concerns then I might spend my money on publishing Poison for the Heart, Wisdom of the Infinite, or Woman an Exposition for the Advanced Mind. Instead I have placed my worldly concerns above my spiritual ones for the time being. This isn't to say that in the future, after I have established for myself a reliable place of residence, I wouldn't like to use my money to make those books more available to the public by getting them published.

Elizabeth Isabelle wrote:You hope to remain unsettled? (sarcasm)

Absolutely.

Nick Treklis wrote: I think the goal of any sage is to allow anything about themselves to be a direct representation of wisdom.

Wow, that seems almost completely backward to me. The last thing I would want is people looking up to me as some sort of symbol, thinking I was enlightened or a guru or something. If that happened, I'd start doing all sorts of foolish things. (Fortunately, I am in no danger there.)

You can only go on your own. You can not follow someone else. You must find your own way.

Of course you can learn from other people, but nothing should be accepted uncritically. There is always the possibility of error, from anyone. Anyone could have a blind spot. Being wise can not be a cult of personality. Leading or following such a cult is not wisdom.


Tao

Carl G wrote:

Kevin wrote:Why do you think I'm afraid to have it printed?

Because you don't believe the contents as fully as when you wrote it?

I still believe every word of it, even though I wrote it some twenty years ago.

Because then you may need to do the work of promoting it, like, at the least, field questions via email about it?

No problem.

Because then you will have a more visible (in the world) role (of sage) to uphold?

I'll do what I can.

Because then you may need to grapple with the dynamic of possibly being a success, financially or otherwise?

I reckon I could cope with that.

Aside, I think it's funny when you state on your website, "Poison for the Heart is probably the greatest book ever written." I think the egoism and assumption-making, the apparent flight from reason right up front, is funny.

And I still think it may be the greatest book every written. I think it has more truth in it, per page, and clearly written, than any other book I can think of.

Nick Treklis wrote:try picturing Siddhartha Gautama playing a round of polo after spending all day spreading the Dharma. Pretty ridiculous right?

You know, you're right. I hereby give up golf.

Serious.

Actually, I've been thinking about giving up golf for a long time now. While it is reasonable exercise, the biggest problem I have with the game is that when you're playing in a competition you are locked-in to playing a full round otherwise it spoils the game for the other players. I myself have often had enough golf after several holes, or I want to go wandering off in some direction other than where the hole goes.

There are also tee-off times which are often not convenient for my mindset.

And as sports go, golf is quite time-consuming.

There is a problem with "public image" though. Most people expect a sage to sitting all day cross-legged with a long beard and a robe.

Reality is different.

If the sage bows to the needs of his followers he ceases to be a real sage, even though all of his followers are certain of his sageness.

Shardrol,

Sorry, I know you don't consider them asses, I agreed with this:

It's surprising to me that some people here are criticizing Kevin's trip & the posting of his photos from the position that this violates known parameters for the behavior of a sage.

How can there be any limits or constraints on the behavior of a sage? How can anyone claim to understand all the results (internal, external, present, future) of a particular action of a particular sage?

If the enlightened mind is unfettered, then it is unfettered. There is no reason why a Buddha could not eat a ham sandwich, play the trumpet, juggle tennis balls, live on the streets or shop at K-Mart. The fact that some people here have such strenuous objections to Kevin's trip just demonstrates their own narrow-mindedness & poverty of imagination.

Dan,

Well, that's to be expected, isn't it? Your disregard for Kevin's philosophical outlook is noted, and also to be expected. What you and others fail to understand, for reasons that are human, all too human, is that the criticisms of Kevin stem from a deep and abiding respect for him and the importance of his life and work. Now, admittedly this may seem like the most back-handed compliment in the history of bank-handed compliments, but there you have it.

No, no, I ,meant that several of the people here are being asses about his having taken the trip, which can be very useful and plus I agree with Shardrol as quoted above.
I don't know that I have greater disregard for Kevin's philosophy more than yours or David's. You're a strange bunch, certainly neurotic and conflicted; you all have manhood issues, but at the same time I thoroughly enjoy and respect all those who are serious about truth, about discussing the deepest philosophical concepts their heads can hold, and I have gotten a lot of deepened understanding due to the stimulus of participating on this forum. I love you all and would be happy to meet any of you.

One problem I have with Kevin is that he's a dead ringer for my father, and I don't mean the picture. I mean his manner of speaking. That doesn't mean I don't like my father - he was one of the most interesting people I've ever known, and in many ways a tremendous parent. But - he was also slightly mentally ill of a paranoid, self-aggrandizing type, so it doesn't sit too well.

Kevin,

I recall you mentioning a possible website redesign.

What's the possibility?

Steven Coyle wrote:I recall you mentioning a possible website redesign.

What's the possibility?

Yes, the website definitely needs a fresh look. What did you have in mind? Drop me an email.

Yeah, right on.

Will do.

Kevin Solway wrote:

Dan Rowden wrote:

Kevin wrote:You are living at your parent's place, and Dan is renting, paid for by the government.

The government does not "pay" rent, it subsidisesit.

So where does the rest of your share of the rent money come from? The government perhaps?

Good point. I think I deserve a couple of hours emulating the albino from the The Da Vinci Code for that one.

Also, your health-care is paid for by the government, whereas mine isn't, which is why I struggle to pay for health insurance.

You chose to take out private health cover. Heath care is free in this country and you know it. Inadequate, maybe, but free.

It's certainly not free here in Tasmania. If you go to the dentist for a small filling it will cost you about $200 out of your own pocket unless you're on a government pension of some sort. A root canal will cost more than a thousand dollars.

What, in the public system? Really? Sandra got her teeth scraped and cleaned recently in a private clinic for half that. I know the public dental system has gone to crap but that's ridiculous. Plus, I wasn't talking about dentistry.

And if you have any kind of illness that isn't life-threatening - like one of my neighbours who had a problem with his shoulder - then you will be waiting years for treatment. When he finally managed to have the operation done it was unsuccessful because the operation was delayed too long. So he lost mobility of his arm.

So much for free health care.

You sound like a middle class liberal voter. I know the system causes delays for electic treatments, but I wonder why this is an issue for a sage.

Then how can your insights into American culture be all that interesting?

Only I can be the judge of that, since only I know what they are.

As a rule, the best way to understand people is to live with them.

I think this is totally made up.

Let's say you wanted to understand the Hare Krishnas. I guarantee you that you will have a better understanding of them after living with them for three months than relying solely on other forms of information.

The Kevin I know thinks he understands them just by eating at their restaurants and reading their literature. Are you now saying you don't understand them at all? And what's to understand anyway? Give me a single example of something you now understand about Americans that you didn't before this trip.

I believe, deep down, Kevin, you're afraid to have Poison printed.

It's already available for free on the net, and people can print it out on their printers if they want.

Also, the last I heard Joel Thornton is going ahead with the printing in book form.

That's excellent.

Why do you think I'm afraid to have it printed?

It's a feeling based on the times you've been in a position to do so and have chosen other options. Despite the opinion expressed by you about the book (that Carl mentioned) I sometimes wonder if you really see its importance. I personally believe the book should have its own promotional domain instead of being a link stuck in the middle of dozens of other links to stuff of considerably less importance.