Columns

Here’s my take on the political center, which is a mighty important place to be this year, since a relative handful of independent moderates are going to decide the presidential election.

You’re in the center if:
• You believe in government, under restraints. You think government should be smaller in its size and scope, but it should also be big enough to look out for and respond to citizens’ needs. You realize that government is sometimes part of the problem, but you also know it’s the solution from time to time.

She was friendly, polite and courteous and seemingly in control. But, she kept slowing down the line.

Before we analyze the young local checker, let me give you my take on causing stoppages, or even slowages. I say with no hesitation that I would rather paste my nostrils together with Crazy Glue than to hold up a line.

You know what I mean:

Talk about blasts from the past. It doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about 1964 or earlier, or even later. The prospect of getting together with old friends, classmates from either high school or college — there’s a certain mystique associated with “the reunion” concept.

You and I have been hearing the refrains lately — Class of X,Y or Z Reunion coming up! Reunions are often scheduled during homecoming season at schools. My advice to you is, do it!

An entry in Facebook caught my attention only yesterday. One of the “friends” (members) on the social network listed words that ought to be avoided in academic writing: “interesting,” “basically,” “got,” “firstly, secondly . . .” and “etc.”

But before we parse away, let’s explain the idea of social networks like Facebook, where “friend” has become a verb, as in “I’d like to friend you, my dear.”