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Archiver > GEN-MEDIEVAL > 2001-10 > 1002402220


From: "D. Spencer Hines" <>
Subject: Re: Ancestors
Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 22:03:40 +0100
References: <w1Iv7.150757$w7.22427114@news02.optonline.net>, <_bIv7.59$t3.3849@eagle.america.net>, <6TJv7.154960$w7.22627729@news02.optonline.net>


" -- No [sic] I do not back away from the term "indirect ancestor." -- "

Flash Gordon ---- 6 October 2001
-----------------------------------------

Hilarious!

Furiously treading water, Flash locks his feet in concrete and pulls the
net down over his head.

The terminology "Indirect Ancestor" is an absurdity.

"Collateral Ancestor", although it may superficially appear to be a
better choice, based only on a casual examination ---- is no better.

Say what you mean and mean what you say. As others have wisely pointed
out, the English language is well-designed to permit that ---- and need
not be used as a blunt-edged instrument.

However, it WILL be used as a blunt-edged instrument ---- by the
clueless ---- the willfully ignorant ---- and the poguenoscenti.

Flash has picked up their standard and waves it furiously and frenziedly
over the battlements of his self-constructed Maginot Castle. He blindly
champions the cause of Genericspeak and Generic Ignorance ---- Writ
Large ---- in other words, _Linguobabble_.

Flash has indeed been hoist with his own petard ---- *several* of his
own petards.

That's why we need to upgrade the Genealogical and Historical Standards
here ---- and that means improving the Cognoscenti/Poguenoscenti Ratio
.

'Nuff Said.

Verbum Sapienti.

Deus Vult.

"Some circumstantial evidence is very strong, as when you find a trout
in the milk." ---- Henry David Thoreau [1817-1862] -- Journal -- 11 Nov
1854 --[1906]

All replies to the newsgroup please. Thank you kindly. All original
material contained herein is copyright and property of the author. It
may be quoted only in discussions on this forum and with an attribution
to the author, unless permission is otherwise expressly given, in
writing.
------------

D. Spencer Hines

Lux et Veritas et Libertas

Vires et Honor.


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