In the course of the voyage I couldn't resist asking him all sorts of pertinent questions, accompanied by opinions (to which, as you dear readers know, I'm a bit addicted).

FORBES: Fact & Comment

This is something that's very near and dear to me, and I'm personally passionate about.

NPR: Former V.P. Candidate Edwards: Class and Katrina

Ms. JANE ROSEN: Dear Mr. Sanchez, I'm writing as a parent with one child in medical school and another set to go to law school...

NPR: Cost Of Medical School Rises In Recession

You are a dear, dear friend ... and I'm glad that you went out the way you deserved.

CNN: Beach volleyball duo bid a golden farewell at London Games

She's doing good every day. (Applause.) I'm especially pleased to see my dear friend, Prime Minister Zapatero, and I want him to relay America's greetings to the people of Spain.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks at National Prayer Breakfast

So I decided, I'm going to think about someone who is no longer with me but was very dear to me, and that was my grandmother.

NPR: Scholar Recalls Captivity in Iranian Prison