"My children are in the service"

[sagehen]

>Ooooops! Watch it what you say about us old farts. When I hear
>"developments in the language," I usually jump for joy rather than
>"shudder." (I save most of my shuddering for the political scene.)
>
>dInIs

I don't defend my shudders.  They *are* involuntary.  Of course I know the
language belongs to all of us, and many of its developments are a delight
even  to an old fart like me.  But there are lots of casualties along the
way, valuable distinctions that get lost, references that are forgotten
that one must be forgiven for mourning.
A. Murie