Searching the aisles of the hardware store the other day for a tube of "Super Glue," I couldn't find it, so I went up to the customer service desk to ask for help from the young man standing at the cash register. He was on the telephone and, when he saw me coming his direction, he turned his back toward me. I could tell he was making a personal call, but I just waited. The call went on and on ... "So did you like the movie ... really? ... Oh you're kidding! ... What did Susan say? ..." Finally I cleared my throat. He gave a sharp glance in my direction and kept on talking. "That Susan's fresh ... Oh, I know, I hate that ... So, you going to the game Friday? ..."

I was now beginning to be impatient: "Pardon me," I said, "I need to ask one question."

He let out a great sigh and mumbled int…