Whether or not we use the word recession is just a question of semantics.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman, in an interview with an Italian newspaper, on America's economic woes. Last week the Commerce Department reported that the economy grew at an annual rate of only 0.2 percent in the second quarter.

What to send your homesick student.

Microsoft's MSN e-commerce page, offering a microbrew kit as the first item among its suggested back-to-school care packages. MSN removed the kit, along with a book of suggested beer-drinking games, after the American Medical Association complained about MSN's "extremely misguided" promotion of underage drinking.

I almost died. I don't complain about too many things.

San Francisco Giants first baseman Andres Galarraga, recalling his battle with cancer, on sharing the position with another player, J.T. Snow.

It's another blow to our image.

Seattle radio talk-show host Kirby Wilbur, in USA Today, after Seattle drivers taunted a suicidal woman and encouraged her to jump from a bridge. She did jump, and is in serious condition at a local hospital. Other recent problems for Seattle include the WTO riots in 1999, Mardi Gras rioting this year, and Boeing's move from the city this spring.

The erstwhile pop provocateur should be shooting for another Thriller, not filler.

L.A. Times music critic Richard Cromelin, on Michael Jackson's long-awaited return to the pop airwaves with the single, "You Rock My World."

That's like asking, 'Are you disappointed the IRS isn't auditing you?'

Anaheim Angels manager Mike Scioscia, after Orange County Register columnist Randy Youngman asked if he was disappointed that his team wouldn't face Boston Red Sox hurler Pedro Martinez.