Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Geographical longings – right down to the grass roots. I find myself longing for geographical anchoring of late – not so much for myself (I know where I am) but the people I deal with. I'm getting slightly fed up, for instance, with having to call an 800 number in Nebraska to check on the services offered at a shop half a mile from me, because the shop doesn't publish a local phone number.