We live in a strange country.

Here's your proof: The National Post of Canada is reporting that in the American South, some of those who seek to conceal their racism have replaced the notorious "N-word" with "Canadian".

This at the same time that we have a man whose father is African who may be the next president. I suppose we may never end the scourge of racism, but if you hear the term "Canadian" when there aren't any around, don't say I didn't warn you. I suggest you point out this usage and ask if that's what the speaker intended.

CDs listened to today:

• Juraj Filas: Sonata For Trombone And Piano (At the end of the century)
• Ludwig van Beethoven: The Piano Trios, disk 1