Hi, Linda, What you say is true enough but don't forget, the pedestal only starts to rock when the efigy supported by it starts to rot. We elevate the individual in our minds but, unfortunately, we have no way of ensuring that the person we elevate can stand the height and exposure. Those you would destroy - first make famous. Regards

Howdy, We seem to have digressed a bit from Dan Brown's "Da Vince Code" - LOL! Regarding so-called "royalty" can I offer a slightly different pose? What if the royal doesn't want to be royal? These people were born into a bloodline (knew I could get this back on the Leonardo track - heh...heh...). They didn't ask for it. Sure, the instant wealth would make life so much more convenient and comfortable. Having servants might be a bit of a blast for a while too. But think of the "opportunity cost." Would any of you like to be reported upon, hounded, paparazzid (is that a word?), followed, spied upon, be the subject of gossip columns, criticised for your every move? Hmm. The second you decide to pick your nose or scratch your bum some gold-digger photographer and his/her publicity-seeking editor splatters it across the front page of some sleazy newspaper or magazine. Which kind of gives credence to Linda's comment - if the masses weren't interested then it wouldn't be a story. We live in a weird world. Gary

Hi Linda, ========================================================= Ironically -- they think as they do because *we* (the general public) accept and endorse it. America doesn't have a king/queen because Americans decided not to. ============================================================ Yes, that's the way of it. We also do the same think with professional athletes and movie stars. You'd think they'd made themselves! Personally, while I have the highest respect for royalty and other high profil people for what they have to do and go through, I wouldn't stand in line to see them. Also, I've met and gotten to know many actors, actresses, high profile politicians and others over the years, and can tell you THEY don't particularly enjoy the lack of privacy that comes with the job. And most of them are pretty normal people when you get to know them. God bless, Dave

Hi Art, ====================================================== Those you would destroy - first make famous. ======================================================== Now that's a sound statement! Over the years, people have accused me of limiting my children by not getting them into organized sports where they might have the opportunity of becoming a superstar athlete (and getting rich). My reason for not putting them into organized sports or encouraging them to pursue careers in acting, singing or dancing (which they could well do) is because of the terrible toll these areas take on the vast majority of the people who DO become stars. If they really wanted to pursue a career in these areas, I would be there encouraging them all the way, as I believe they should do what they want to do in life and be allowed to make their own mistakes; however, I refuse to push them into careers that could destroy them. As it is, my children are very popular, comfortable on stage, very competitive and strong in sports (which they enjoy for fun, not for becoming "stars") and well rounded without feeling the need for stardom. Hopefully they will never face the unfortunate cage of fame and fortune. God bless, Dave

Howdy backatcha, Gary! :) ======================================================= We seem to have digressed a bit from Dan Brown's "Da Vince Code" - LOL! ========================================================= Yes, but we're having fun!! I think perhaps it is a natural progression from something that is rather dull (The Da Vinci Code) to something far more interesting (Saving the world! - lol!) ======================================================== What if the royal doesn't want to be royal? These people were born into a bloodline (knew I could get this back on the Leonardo track - heh...heh...). They didn't ask for it. ========================================================== Very true - and one of the things I've found from getting to know a few famous people over the years is that while they enjoy the recognition, most of them would likely willingly trade it for some privacy. Maybe Dan Brown will discover this, too... God bless, Dave