Tyrades! Do You Overuse the Word "Interesting"?

“May you live in interesting times.” - a saying often misattributed as an ancient Chinese curse.

Years ago, when I was in middle management, my subordinates and I were entitled to two 10-minute breaks daily. Because of a chronic manpower shortage, I could not -- in good conscience -- avail myself of all those breaks.

In fact, in one particular span of several months, I could count my actual “breathers” on the fingers of one hand.

I brought the matter to the attention of my boss, who was truly a prince of a fellow. (And by “prince,” I mean if he were still around, he would try to “pay like it’s...