Smiley Anders for June 26, 2012

After Jim Firnberg mentioned some overused phrases, I invited readers to submit their least favorite ones.

I figured I’d hear from a lot of folks. And I did.

James A. Culotta says one overused phrase you hear every football season by the announcer occurs after the quarterback is intercepted: “He would like to have that pass back.”

He also mentions “He/she died a premature death,” and comments, “How do they know? Did God say, ‘Excuse me, he was supposed to die NEXT year?’

“Well, that being said, at the end of the day I can say that I have taken those thoughts to the next level.”

T-Bob Taylor, of Panama City, Fla., suggests “needless to say ... ” and its companion phrase “it goes without saying ... ”

Kent Barton says “at the end of the day” his pet peeve is “roll out this and roll out that.”

Donald Blanchard, of Napoleonville, says a least favorite phrase is “at this point in time.”

Roy Johnson adds “kicking the can down the road.”

English teacher Janet Daly is tired of the use of “speaks volumes” by coaches and sportscasters.

Betty Taylor says when she hears the phrase “to make a long story short,” she knows “I am in for a good one.”

And Hal W. Gould suggests, “Any phrase with the word ‘Kardashian’ is SO overused.”

Liquid gold

If Leo Honeycutt hadn’t sent me a photo, I wouldn’t have believed it.

He sent over a picture of a sign at a Shell station at Interstate 10 and Highland Road offering regular gas for “$9.32 a gallon.”

Leo adds, “‘Course, a fill-up DOES come with a set of china. ... ”

Watch it, Heloise!

Terri Karan Willett says, “Please tell Jennie Corbin (the reader seeking a darning egg) I can’t part with my egg.

“However, if she can find one of those hollow plastic Easter eggs she can fill it with sand, tape it shut and darn away!

“If it’s too heavy, use potting soil mixed with perlite (soil conditioner). That should do the trick!

“And, yes, I’m waiting for Heloise to retire so I can champion the cause.

“What else am I going to do with all this information I’ve been brain-warehousing for lo these many years?”

Worthy causes

Richard and Tina Bordelon says Family Helping Family members will be at the grand opening Saturday of Family Health Mart Pharmacy & Gifts to accept donations for the Gaines family, who lost six family members and a friend in a recent traffic accident.

The new business is at 13707 Coursey Blvd., corner of Hickory Ridge and Coursey.

The event is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and jambalaya available at 10 a.m.

There will be door prizes, free gifts and raffles.

Good Samaritans

A 65-year-old lady thanks neighbor Tracy Mascagni for the help after she fell off her daughter’s new bike and injured her hand and wrist:

“Tracy took me to Lake After Hours, and thanks to the great care I got from Dr. Woo and staff there, I’m recovering OK.

“Tracy, I owe you and Paul another free baby-sitting as soon as I’m better.

“Also, special thanks to the young man coming down our street in the white SUV who helped Tracy, and to my wonderful pain management doctor. Dr. Sandra Weitz,

“I should have never gotten on the bike, but once in a while you do get a wild hair!”

Special People Dept.

• C.J. Guillory celebrated his 97th birthday Sunday. (Eric Meyers, fleet manager at Gerry Lane Chevrolet, says, “He was the second person hired at Polk Chevrolet over 50 years ago, behind Gerry. He still works most every day in our fleet and rental department.”)
• JoAnn and Joe Glass celebrate their 65th anniversary Tuesday.
• Eugene and Margie Andre, of Livonia, celebrate 58 years of marriage Tuesday.
• Barbara and Leo Olinde celebrated their 53rd anniversary Wednesday.

Dead reckoning

Dan Burkhalter, the Carencro Curmudgeon, reports on a recent survey called “Funeral Rights” that showed many people admitting to “secret disappointment” with their funeral service.

Dan didn’t say, but I’m assuming this didn’t involve the guest of honor. …

Weighty topic

Tom Toddy (possibly an alias) says, “My neighborhood has little auto traffic and is very safe for walkers, joggers and cyclers to enjoy.

“I noticed a lady riding her bicycle along our street with a tiny trailer in tow.

“In the little trailer was a baby who appeared to be about 6 months old.

“Thinking myself being quite humorous, I held out my thumb in the hitchhiker position.

“To my surprise, she stopped, looked up and down my rather sizeable frame, then showed her quick wit with: ‘Sure, I’ll give you a ride — but be advised that I charge BY THE POUND!’ ”

Write Smiley at [e-mail]. He can also be reached by fax at [phone] or mail at P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.