gary,
I posted this on another thread, but I agree with what you just said. These threads always deteriorate and this is why:
The problem with Alice/Spade/Rachel/Consfearacy is, it starts threads, by it's own admission, for "entertainment."
This is the cycle:
1. It starts a thread by cutting and pasting an article. There is rarely any comment on what it thinks about the information, it's just baiting us.
2. Then a few people comment on it and a discussion starts.
3. After a couple of pages of discussion, it comes back into the thread insulting everyone.
4. We all defend ourselves for another 5 pages, interspersed with some of us trying to actually get some information across to it.
5. It ignores all relevant points and after a couple more pages, completely abandons the thread and starts an entirely different cut-and-paste thread.
As I said, it's not here to compare thoughts, debate any issues, learn anything new or share any information. It's bored.