The Anecdote Bin

MR. STRICTLY ANONYMOUS ("Because I don't want to get murdered," he explains), writes from Callahan, Texas, to speak his mind on a subject that's troubling us somewhat, too. Last year, he begins, when the Grapevine was crusading (his word) against vulgarity in talks at meetings, a new member asked an older member of his group: "Haven't you often felt like getting up and leaving when Old Foulmouth starts speaking? Honestly, now." Replied the older member: "Well--ah--yes. One time because of vulgarity and the other 85 times because of the smoke. We don't have too much of a problem with speakers; what we need is better ventilation."