'Whom' is so often replaced by 'who' these days that I was beginning to think the pronoun might become obsolete. But, on the front page of the Miami Herald's sports section this morning, I saw my first example of 'whom' ungrammatically replacing 'who'. It was in the reader, or sub-head, to the story about the Dolphins' new acquisition: "With Ryan Tannehill out indefinitely, Miami coach Adam Gase has been reunited with quarterback Jay Cutler, whom agreed to a one-year deal ..."
When my dermatologist told me I could use a cream to treat the “superficial” cancer on my nose, I was delighted. Over the years he had already inflicted stitches on other parts of my face and, for some reason, I was sensitive about the nose.
I started the treatment July 10. The middle of my nose gradually turned red and, about a week ago, crusty. Last night – with only three more nights to go – I developed flu-like symptoms, one of the possible side effects of the cream. Stuffed nose, cough, chills. This morning I had a slight fever. And of course an unsightly nose. Next time I’m going with the knife.
This past weekend CBS Sunday Morning conducted an interview with Dick Cavett that revealed very little. Basically, we learned that the former TV talk show host had a beautiful house on Long Island, rebuilt in the style of the original after that one burned down, and that, at the age of 80, he was planning to sell it.
Fans of the old Dick Cavett Show of course have their own memories. Mine is of watching him in 1980 interview the great travel writer Jan Morris and hearing her talk about Alexander Kinglake and his classic Eothen. I wrote down the names, marveling that I had heard them on a major network’s talk show. Today it seems almost incomprehensible.
My friend David, who spent the beginning of the month in Portugal, told me that, on arriving home, it took him about a week to recover from jet lag.
"But you flew business class, didn't you?" I asked, surprised.
"Only going over," he said. "Coming back I flew toilet class, as my Brazilian friend calls it."
I was at the mall the other night and wandered into Williams-Sonoma. Serving plates with sayings on them sat up on the checkout counter. One read: "Do what you love and people will love you."
Probably true if you cook, I thought. Probably not if you write.