Mpfffff... OK. Sorry for misunderstanding.

But, and as one who has lived within a _completely_ different culture
than my home (and enjoyed every bit of it until it got a bit too hot),
I find that broadening culture is an attitude from within rather than a
muscle that needs exercise. If all work is honorable, and all honestly
held beliefs demand respect, and every human has value until proven
otherwise, grasping at artificial measures is unnecessary.

When I am driving (I do, a lot as part of the job), the same 20 or so
CDs get the job done. And that they range from Emmylou Harris to
Vivaldi's Gloria to The Chieftains is no one's business but my own...
not in a selfish sense, please do not misunderstand that statement. But
in the sense that they are stimulating, demand attention (so I stay
awake) and are a 'good noise'. I put no intellectual stock in music,
much as work, all music is honorable. That I do not understand some
segments of it is as likely my failing, not necessarily a failing of
the music. That I generally prefer Mozart to Led Zeppelin has nothing
to do with education, achievement, or anything else other than what I
like and what I prefer. I am no masochist. When it comes to food,
drink, music and culture, I will try about anything once. But if I
dislike the experience, I feel no intellectual need to try it again. I
am long past the stage where I have anything to prove and pretty much
at the stage where my professional and personal reputation is made,
there being no need to make any statements, sound trumpets or put
pointers to prove anything to a stranger. That they judge by my actions
and by the results I cause, no more, is enough. There are perhaps four
people (my family) on this earth who have any actual power whatsoever
over my life and my happiness. Friends, acquaintances and colleagues
are wonderful, important, and to be cherished and/or respected
depending on where they fall in that range. But they have no real power
over me or how I choose to live. You might think about this before you
put yourself in a maze where your turnings and progress are measured by
'rules' and perceived 'protections' of your intellectual powers. If
they are so insubstantial as they need that sort of thing, NOTHING
imposed will preserve them.

Following the advice of another on how to enjoy your life is a fool's
game. Putting limits on how you live your life and make such minute
decisions as the choice of 'good noise' is terribly sad. I truly hope
that I am understanding what you said as poorly as the first time, but
if my understanding is at all accurate, it certainly explains a great
deal.

Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA