“I can’t tell you how much I used t’love to neck.” Is that how you use neck in a sentence?

Yes, but Lucinda, darling. Even if all you’re saying is true, and a parent, a U.S. Citizen, whose child we’ve agreed is a citizen, needs to have some communication with her child’s teacher, it would certainly be in the interest of the student if both parent and teacher strove toward a more bilingual way to communicate about a subject so complex as a child’s education. There are many nuances in Spanish. But English? Ah! You studied it un poco when you were studying for your citizenship exam, but mostly it escapes you now. It’s like saying, “Shalom, I’ve studied the TRUE scripture, and that gives me the right to run you over.” I say, facial language is our last, best hope. We better learn to read that one a little better. Especially if we ever find ourselves in a place where we can’t speak the language. But as a vocal performance major, I was required to take a little Itallian and a little German, and you just pick up French in the operatic repertoire, over time. I’m always amazed at how quickly they come back when I’m confronted by a language different than my own. I remember one night, pre-9-11, at the Atlanta airport. Hot, August night. When I was approached by a man who just needed help, but could only speak Czeck. Eventually, through a few second laguages we had in common…and a good deal of facial language and gesture, we communicated. I was able to understand and direct him toward the help he needed. Somehow we communicated. He desperately needed to make a phone call, and his cell phone was dead. So, once I understood, I took him inside to a ticket desk and asked, in English, if they’d help this gentleman make a phone call. And that was that. I went back outside. His ride arrived before mine. He waved good-bye. He was harmless. What alarms me, post 9-11, is the way so many seem to be pretending that, because they can’t speak Somali, they can’t really interpret suffering for what it is when we see it right before our very eyes. Innocent suffering. And I don’t understand my own individual, let alone my nation’s lack of response. The global lack of response. What’s up with that? I am grateful for all who can respond, who’ve accumulated the means, and do take action. Me? I’ll stay hear and safeguard the American Heritage Dictionary while I defend the U.S. Constitution. ‘Kay?

Am I the only one on the planet who thinks “Drill, Baby! Drill!” was about as obnoxiously sexist as the good ol’ boys have ever been?

Maureen, From one hinter-lander to another…well put.

Dear Liz, As always, you bring me what I want to see. Thank you so much. Of course, I saw all the clips of the clip on all the news shows that felt like Palin handled the interview well. (sigh) I think Palin’s experience as an on-air sportscaster will be the most valuable thing she brings to poor ol’ John. And I don’t think Obama will throw a woman like Senator Clinton out of his closest circle of advisors. He hasn’t so far. She’ll be spending plenty of time in the oval office if I don’t miss my guess. Now, I’ve GOT to start to start reading your COLUMN, ‘cause I love what you bring to the table.

I’m with you Eliza. I hope Obama will find someplace in his cabinet for Kucinich and his passion for peace.

Yes! This is what Henry and I do. We give our time. He’s the local Obama mascot. We put on his Change We Can Believe in raincoat and trot all over town!

I named my thighs years ago. “Flopsy” and “Mopsy.” Just trying to make friends with my flaws.

Hey! Good to find you all still here having such fun.

Just last month I had the most fabulous time in the Phoenix airport on my way to San Diego. Flying stand-by before the US Open, I was there for seven hours, moving from gate to gate, and every time I sat down, somebody struck up a conversation. All different, all fascinating. I felt like the Belle of Phoenix! It was really swell. I’ve been doing bill-able hours lately, but thought I’d drop by tonight. Good to find you here, Mugsy!