One of the big benefits of learning a new language is that I have this ability to phase it out on command. In the age of cell phone conversations outnumbering face to face conversations, it is a relief to tune out that high-heeled woman chatting at the grocery store on her cell about which item she should bring home. In bank lines, I can be right in front of the guy with the that Bluetooth thingy strapped to his head and continue merrily singing You Are My Sunshine without being interrupted. It’s harder to tune out English. One time, in the States, I was standing in line at the Post Office and this woman was going on and on about how she got in and out of the shower and what trouble she was having navigating the tall sides of the tub. Should we ALL be subjected to this?

When I see people talking on their cell phones in a restaurant, I get sad. We’re loosing touch with eye contact, and voice and vibe contact. It takes so long to book that lunch date, why spend time chatting away with someone who’s not there? It’s hard enough to talk and connect when we are in front of each other let alone when an electronic devise is stuck to your ear.

Is it really that hard to make an executive decision on pasta?