Because I don’t have comments on this site, readers are forced to communicate with me by either accosting me on the street and being promptly ignored, climbing on my fire escape and attempting to interrupt my frequent chai-and-meditation sessions, or sending me e-mail. Here is part of a fun exchange I had this evening with one reader, a former “regular” commenter and now an avid e-mailer, in response to this afternoon’s poll.

From: xxxxx
To: Jodi
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 10:34 PM
Subject: Re: You’re so pretty!
I floss, use an electric toothbrush and then use Listerine…it takes me 20 minutes a night to do all the stuff. But, I think I may be compulsive!
To: xxxxx
From: Jodi
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 10:40 PM
Subject: Re: You’re so pretty!
xxxxx, that does sound a little compulsive and excessive. But it is better than being repulsive and abcessive.

And with this, dear readers, would-be commenters, and brave e-mailers, I bid you a fond Good Night. Remember to brush and floss your teeth. Or put them in a glass and soak them. Just heed this witty ‘n’ wise sticker that used to grace the mirror in my sister’s bathroom: IGNORE YOUR TEETH AND THEY’LL GO AWAY.