In today's retail environment, competition comes from every conceivable retail format. To succeed, we have to operate more efficiently and compete more effectively against players at all levels of the retail demographic. There is no question that this is a bold and exciting move, and one I believe will have a positive impact on competitive retailing for American consumers in the longer term.

The contrast between the 1970's and today is very marked.

It's against the law to go out on Sunday from the end of June until Labor Day. It forces the fishermen to spend some time with their families.

All the problems of the world - child labor, corruption - are symptoms of a spiritual disease: lack of compassion.

As a nation we are dedicated to keeping physically fit - and parking as close to the stadium as possible.

Most of us wait until we're in trouble, and then we pray like the dickens. Wonder what would happen if, some morning, we'd wake up and say, "Anything I can do for You today, Lord?"

Most people - and particularly people whose lives have nothing to do with books at all - are intrigued by the idea that somebody wants to listen to them and get it right.