[jyl]

Correct use of the English language is under siege. I see deteriorating spelling and grammar even in Wall Street reports which are supposedly written by highly-educated people and supposedly go out to highly-valued clients. The most common problem is hononyms, for example when companies need to "reign in their spending" because "the upturn in revenues is not eminent".

If it makes us feel better, correct use of the French language also appears to be under seige. A young French girl (14 y/o) I know writes all her emails in the most atrocious shorthand, what they call "SMS French".

I suppose there's nothing to do but retreat to a remote cabin in Montana, shotgun in hand, and wait for the end. But let it be an engraved over-under fowling piece.