BEYOND THE IVORY TOWER

Don't Call Me Thomas

How can I give a C to someone who is close enough to me to use my first name?

By THOMAS H. BENTON

"Hello, Thomas. Did you find everything you wanted?" Silence, five seconds.

"Thomas?"

I don't blame the cashier, of course. It's not her fault if some marketing director dictates that calling customers by their first name is somehow good for...

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