It is somehow reassuring to discover that the word "travel" is derived from "travail," denoting the pains of childbirth."

"Things on the whole are much faster in America; people don't 'stand for election', they 'run for office.'"

"In childbirth, as in other human endeavors, fashions start with the rich, are then adopted by the aspirant middle class with an assist from the ever-watchful media, and may or may not eventually filter down to the poor."

"Gracious dying is a huge, macabre and expensive joke on the American public."

"O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? Where, indeed? Many a badly stung survivor, faced with the aftermath of some relative's funeral, has ruefully conceded that the victory has been won hands down by the funeral establishment . . ."